Four years post injury and I’m starting to walk on my feet. Not literally but figuratively. I’ve been on two community outings with friends these past few weeks.
First, what is a trip to Schuler’s bookstore to meet a couple of friends and former colleagues, Melody and LaVange for coffee. Melody stopped at Sojourners beforehand for a crash course on how to drain my catheter leg bag. Toward the end of our bookstore visit, we went into the men’s room to drain it while a patron kindly stood guard outside the door.
This past Saturday, I saw a movie at a theater for the first time in four years. I met Melody’s sister, Amy, and saw “A Man Called Otto”.
The female staff at Sojo’s think I have a harem of women on standby. One even called me a “player.”
Community outings may not seem like a big deal, but for me these are significant steps in becoming more independent. My care requires 24 hour assistance and various things can go wrong that would require intervention. My ileostomy bag may need to be emptied of gas or could leak. The catheter bag may need to be emptied. It’s like being a Boy Scout in always needing to be prepared. Only I need to coach others on doing things for me.
My next foray may be going to church for the first time in years and reconnect with the community I grew up with. Father Joshua visits me every month or so to chat and give me communion. Our church is very fortunate to have him. I’ll have one of my cousins be my go to person. I’ll give you a progress note when this happens.
Leave a Reply