Learning to Walk in the Dark

Have you ever gone for a midnight hike? You know, you are out there with your flashlight so you can see your way and then, at some point you decide to turn off that beam of light and allow yourself to be surrounded by the deep darkness. It's not an evil, scary foreboding darkness....but that blanket of night that surrounds you so completely that you can't even see your hand in front of your face.

This is the image that has come to mind this week as I've literally taken the next steps on this unexpected journey in an unfamiliar land. As I leave the quiet and pain-free interlude of the last several weeks and start weight-bearing on my affected leg, it feels as if I am in that darkness, where I can't even see where my next step is to go. I don't know if I am walking into a miracle or a disability!

Today is the 7th day of weight-bearing  and I'm literally learning to walk again (still on crutches) after 3 months of keeping that foot off the floor. Learning to walk in the dark...

I'm only allowed to put 30 pounds of pressure there when I step down (which is hardly anything it turns out!), but I must tell you how good it feels to have both feet on the ground...

I was told to expect some level of discomfort or pain after the first two or three days...at the very least muscle, ligament and tendon pain from lack of use...and at the most, all that plus the bone pain of osteonecrosis if there hasn't been any healing. The good news at this early stage is that I have had NO pain whatsoever! Whether this will continue or not, no one knows, but it is an encouraging beginning for which John and I are very thankful.

We are thankful for the water exercise classes which have helped me prepare my leg for walking. I've been able to get back my range of motion and stop the muscle atrophy. My leg feels as if it's in the best shape it could be at this point!

We are thankful for YOU...for your prayers for healing and hope, which mean so much to us on this journey!

And we are thankful for the presence of our loving God in each moment (dark or light!) on this path. Whatever lies ahead, we feel ready to face it...whether I am walking into a miracle or a disability, we know that we don't walk alone.

Blessings,
Joanna