The full speed hit came out of nowhere. As I lay on the ground that morning, one week ago, I slowly began to crawl along the frigid
snowy surface, hoping to pull myself up to get inside. ... (The
cavalry would not arrive.).. My Mr. Wiggles had entered my airspace
at a phenomenal speed, from behind, throwing me onto the ground, most
unceremoniously. Had my muscles 'squeaked'? Had my leg moved in two different directions?... He kept on going, his
innocent little face wondering why his compatriots -Mall Cop and the
girls-were fussing so, over the body that lay there in a heap.
A few good laughs helped as I pulled myself up and limped slowly into the house with a gaggle
of pups all over me. (The groans of an older member of the human race
were new to them). Should we lick her, jump on her or just bark
until help arrives? My ally in this current medical dilemma, weeks
before this day, had been the incredible voice of Kelly Clarkson. It had to have been. How
else could I be crawling then standing, after what had just happened? Her music
had prepared me for today's high speed 'bump' on an old lady by a
sweet young thing. ...(Of course, a lifetime of 'musical production numbers' had helped prepare me for this latest medical encore event, too)
Several weeks earlier, my husband had bought me Ms. Clarkson's
Chapter One- Greatest Hits DVD. . While on a business trip, my love
of over 40 years bought it, knowing I would love it. He was
quite familiar with many of her songs: Stronger, Catch my Breath
and People Like Us,
to name a few. (I am addicted to her music) ...I have
played it almost daily - in its entirety - because it enthralls me,
excites me and simply makes me happy as I dance. ... (I love music) I
move at every opportunity, as I carry on my inside and outside
duties. (I must stay strong if good health is to follow. ..(I have
never stopped being that 13 year old who fell in love with square
dancing, in gym class long, long ago)
With the knowledge of the health benefits of raw apple cider
vinegar, with maple syrup added to mask its pungent taste and
water, I began drinking the magic potion soon after I fell that
morning. (I had to stay strong, especially, today. It was doggie daycare time.) Maple syrup has its own health benefits, too ,- an unbeatable combination. ... This simple drink would begin the healing process from within, almost
immediately. My 'musical life' of the last few weeks had also readied
my body for the event that played out early that freezing cold morning. The
upending of an old lady, who simply loves music and loves to dance, was
now a test to the recovery process. (Had I broken any bones?)
...Though my foot/ankle and knee began their ritualistic swelling and bruising, my
concern rested with the possibility of a broken bone, somewhere, deep
inside. With a diagnosis of osteoporosis many years ago and other falls, here and there,
I was suspiciously certain a bone might be fractured. How could it
not be? I was an old lady who exercised at home with wood, dogs,
music and a cat, not in the gym. This latest fall was it. I had entered the big leagues. ... A visit to
my doctor - 6 days later - would finally restore my faith in my body. I had not broken a bone! Using my leg as a visual aid, the doctor explained that I had broken a blood vessel when I slammed the hard surface. ... Yes, I had slammed icy ground!. ...Ouch! What a relief! I was so happy to hear the news.!! I hadn't broken a precious bone, just a blood vessel. ...I could now relax. Everything my middle son had recommended in the early days
following the accident: ten minutes of cold, to reduce swelling, to
the 10 minutes of heat, to promote healing/ each hour, had been correct. (He has a health degree and is my go to guy on health matters) ... The doctor had agreed with this on/off strategy. What a
team effort. I had been saved to walk and dance, again.
Strength is our biggest ally, as we age. Retaining it is a must
and a critical daily reminder of our state of health. As women, we must
remind ourselves that acting our age or acting like ladies is not always in our best interests. Holding or opening that heavy door for the gentleman behind you is a
smart thing. Lifting wood, heavy boxes or several bags of groceries is also a way to
maintain and restore muscle mass/ligaments and bones. Do not rely upon medication. .. It does not always work!... An active healthy lifestyle always does!
I learned a valuable lesson, that morning, as I crawled, wincing,
moaning and 'caterwauling' on the snow covered icy ground. Be certain
the 'puppies' you supervise do not have another plan in mind that
includes you, without your permission!. Keep yourself strong because
you never know. Strength can determine outcome... Being pretty does
not help in recovery. Being strong and active does. The swelling and discolouration will
vanish, one day, because the steps taken, beforehand, prepared you
for that painful medical event. Listening to music is a healthy first step, in building
strength and agility, because it can lead to other energetic
pursuits.. Falls are nothing to joke about. They can lead to deadly
consequences, anytime, anywhere! ... My dear sweet Mr. Wiggles is now on my 'watch
list'! ...
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