Mid-Week

 I've had to ask for help.  Finally the day arrived to see the DPT.  I was so, so, so nervous.  Came out feeling much better.  I'm blue from my hand to elbow.  But given the choice of tape colors I decided to go bold.  It's not only a reminder to me to be careful, but also a signal to others, as well as helping diminish the pain.

I cancelled the appointment with the hand surgeon. Not awful thrilled about having a steroid shot.  The ibuprofen approach didn't really work.  This way, the physical therapy is a non-invasive way to finally heal my wrist and help it from recurring, which probably would have happened with the hand dr. I've had to wait so long to get in to see either of them, I honestly thought it would be healed by now.  But after 3 months with really no improvement, I'm ready to be done with the pain.

One of the things he said was to avoid exacerbating the situation:  no piano or organ for a month.  No twisting doorknobs.  Specifically no ironing.  And if there's something I know is going to hurt - just don't do it.  Which really has been my approach anyway for the last few weeks. I've had to ask to help with jar/bottle opening, turning doorknobs, lifting pretty much anything.  Don't think I'll be able to get help with my curling iron but I'm willing to persevere where my aging, thin, fragile hair is concerned. 

I've also had to send out a plea to the other three organists for church.  One was right on it, taking a week without hesitation.  May has 5 weeks and somehow or other the default has been for me to take two of the Sundays in a five Sunday month.  I guess this time they'll have to figure it out because I'm not playing. 

Physical therapy twice a week for the next 4-6 weeks depending.  Sigh. I was absolutely not going to be one of those old people whose main occupation is going to the doctor.  I'm determined to conquer this.  The worst part for me was the fact that this happened because I was doing a service for someone (I always, always try my best)  and they made it a miserable experience.  Didn't say please or thank you.  

Last week was our granddaughter's graduation from BYU.  So pleased for her. It was nice to be invited and nice see them all.  Even though they live only across the valley we rarely get to see that family.  Ice cream for dinner was just fine by me. (The convocation was l-o-n-g and started at 5 (we had to leave about three to get there in time), it was nearly nine p.m. when we arrived home.) 

Our newest little daphne bushes are blooming.  I've taken a few pictures, but it's too hard to see how pretty they are.  I'm so pleased they've survived the winter and seem to be content in the place they're in.  I understand that's pretty much key where the daphne bush is concerned.  Our newest little crabapple tree is beginning to bloom also.  I'm just loving all the spring beauty - even managed to find a barely blooming lilac bush to stick my nose in.

This morning's walk took us past a couple horse pastures.  I stopped and called to the first set of two.  They both came close to the fence and we fed them grass pulled near the sidewalk - the tall grass that's beyond their reach from behind the fence.  The one refused to take the grass from my hands but pounced on it when I dropped it at his feet.

The second couple of horses seemed like they were just waiting for company.  The minute I called good morning to them they were by the fence.  The dark one was so greedy he actually pulled the grass from the white one's mouth, stole it right out!  We left them munching.  I so love our morning walks.

So it's going to be interesting the next little while.  No piano, no crochet, no stitching, no lifting.  Lots of exercises.  Lots of driving over to the physical therapy. And hopefully much less pain. I'm a bit weary of  hurting. 

Yesterday we managed a session up at the temple.  It's been awhile since we've been to this one, even though it's so close.  Ran into - let me think - six people that we know.  One I haven't seen since I was released from the Stake YW presidency before we left for CA, so that's been like 39 years.  I'm surprised she recognized me, but after our little chat I realized I was impolite and didn't remind her of my name. She was wearing a name badge, but I remembered her name even before I saw it.

I'm grateful for people who are kind.  Who treat me like I matter.  I try to be kind.  I'm working on not being grumpy.  I know everyone has their own road they're traveling.