November 19th of this year, I was going through a normal day when I fell down the stairs at home and broke my right wrist. And according to my surgeon, a very nasty break! So, I have been healing since then and still typing with my left hand. Ouch!
Whenever I have been presented a set of negative circumstances, it may take me a while, but I eventually learn something and this time is no different. Through this event, I learned what it's like to be dependent on others (mostly my husband) to do the most basic of daily hygiene tasks (some humiliating), and of hurting so bad you feel like screaming and occasionally I did. I felt the frustration of not being able to do what I wanted when I wanted to do it, of not getting to go to Christmas parties or to the salon because I hurt too bad. I also learned how much my husband and family loves me! That put up with me!
Today I am only a couple weeks away from being able to do the dishes again, or wipe off a counter top. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I am somewhat of a clean freak and to see dirty dishes in the kitchen sink when I can't do anything about it has driven me nutty! Today I had a breakthrough. I hung up my own clothes! The sheer weight of placing a garment on a hanger was impossible 1 week ago. I had at least a dozen sets of garments on the floor of my closet! I did it this morning! Yeah! I also used my right hand to wash my face! Oh how good that felt. Another positive from this accident is that I can do so much more with my left hand than ever before....I may even try to become ambidextrous! I am still working on holding a spoon or fork with my right hand, and a host of other things, but just being able to see light at the end of the tunnel is so encouraging I feel like dancing a jig!
The next time I see someone in a wheelchair, or in a sling, or without all their limbs, I will be able to relate just a little bit better. I am very blessed in that my injury is healing and I had a great surgeon who did a wonderful job on placing plates and screws where they needed to be so I can return to a normal life. Many people are not so fortunate. Thank you God for this lesson.
