The Art of Walking

It all began with that itchy, hard cast, then I moved to this summery boot (I lovingly call it ten pounder), and as of yesterday I became the proud walker of this sleek, little brace. It's true my days of all night reading, t.v. marathons, and plopping down in exhaustion are coming to an end, and I can't contain my excitement.
I must say however, I am grateful to my crutches for giving me bulging arm muscles, (Can't you see them?) a fabulous handicap sticker, ( it has propelled me to coolest teacher of the school status) and the opportunity to ride in a hip and stylish grocery racer ( those neon, orange flags really whip down the aisles.) Mainly, crutches have made me grateful for not needing them now.
Last week at my doctor's appointment, I was extremely disappointed with my failure to remember how to walk, and then with the pain involved. ( I had a little separation anxiety from my crutches.) My doctor therefore prescribed a couple more days of crutches and putting pressure on my foot. Monday, I began my first day of walking by myself. It was pretty amazing, Yesterday, I went in expecting to get out of the boot in another week or two. However, my doctor had me walk without the boot. ( I was scared out of my wits. ) Then he asked me if I still had my brace. (This brace and I go way back.) When I replied, "Yes." He told me I could wear it. Stunned, I actually started to clap and cheer. The patients in the other rooms could think what they wanted, I could not contain emotion to news like that. Then he gave me more good news, no brace to sleep in. I can not tell you how much happiness this caused my heart. You see the first three weeks in my cast I spent reading until 4 am, then the last two weeks in my boot I have spent ripping open seven Velcro tighteners every couple of hours to let my leg breathe and then strapping them back up and repeating. Last night, heaven.
Today I began my limpy, doo wop walking. I realize with no muscles in my leg, it is a bit dreadful to do and a bit dreadful to watch. ( I think people are afraid I'm going to tip over. ) However, it is me walking by myself, and I know that with each step my walking ability is increasing. (Speed walkers of the world watch out.)