Another year has passed, and while my mobility is still an issue and restricts many activities on Saturday, I met an old acquaintance whom I’d not seen for a couple of years. An acquaintance who loved to dance and hike and was waiting to retire to Portugal. She was in a wheelchair. Her foot was clamped in what I can only describe as a cage attached to her foot with metal spikes driven into her foot. I cringed as I tried to imagine the pain, discomfort and frustration she must be feeling. I was reminded that my situation could be far worse and I should be thankful. I am lucky. I can still drive, walk and dance with rests. She wore her discomfort with a smile and a shrug… and hope. Hope that one day she would recover.
The pre-tourist season is already in full swing, and I’ve resigned myself to the fact that you can’t live in a beautiful area and not share.
Piglet in Portugal 
I have very bad knees, and my exercise bike helps me a lot. Somehow, I seem to forget this and slack off when I should be pedaling regularly on the road to nowhere. Anyway, I’m back on the bike. Best of luck with your mobility and also to that of your friend’s. That contraption sounds terrible!
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You remind me, Laurie. My static bike sits in the lounge gathering dust. I do pedal from time to time but I can’t do more than about 200 revolutions before something else starts to hurt LoL
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This is a solid reminder that we are all doing our best with what we’re given at any given time and none of it is a competition. That being said, finding gratitude in small things and doing what we can to maintain (if not improve) with a positive attitude goes a long way. Enjoy your beautiful home and have a great rest of your week!
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There’s always someone worse off, Carole. This doesn’t minimalize your own experience. I can’t imagine where I’ll be if and when I have to give up my power walking. Your garden work is important because it keeps you mobile, and kudos to you for persevering with that, despite your mobility difficulties.
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Whatever it is she’s been battling the problem, some sort of rare infection, for 5 years (not sepsis). Her English is limited
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That does indeed seem very sad.
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And yes it’s always easy to look around and find reasons to be grateful. And work hard to maintain what mobility we have…heavy sigh.
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Try not to feel sad for the things we have lost but look forward to explore new opportunities as they present.
That is hard. Hubby said to me only today, you don’t walk any more. No, I don’t. Haha I walk miles in the garden each day and it is nautures gym :)
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But actually getting out and walking, not in the garden, is good for hips and knees and mental health. Even with a full garden day I still head off down the trail or road with the dog. Stretches me into a standing position and makes me appreciate my day. Bernie
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Hi Bernie, yep, I understand and if I could get into the countryside on the various tracks etc I would be more inclined. I used to belong to a walking group and it was such fun to trek into the Portuguese countryside. Sadly, 2500-3000 steps are my limit in one go so my walks are now around the streets, and I don’t feel inspired. There is one walk I can do near our house but it is a little too far. But you are right. Maybe I should aim to try it again
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Sounds like what she was in is a external fixator for a fracture
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