Precious Gift and Normal Shoes
As I was unpacking some Christmas decorations this weekend, I pulled out a small Ziploc baggie labeled: To Chandler from Jamie, December 2018. Inside was a delicate, ivory-colored glass nativity set. After Chandler’s accident, a friend of a friend – yes, someone who didn’t even know us – made this beautiful nativity set and gave it to Chandler. He didn’t see it then, but I have to believe he sees it now. This will have a treasured place each year as we set up our Christmas decorations — a reminder that in the worst of circumstances, God moved on the hearts of people we didn’t even know to show up for us.
Good news from my foot doctor today. The bone has healed well and in good position from the bunion repair. Still a good bit of swelling, but he said that’s normal and will gradually improve. He asked how the plantar fasciitis is doing, and I unfortunately had to report that so far the plantar fasciitis procedure (platelet-rich plasma-PRP) has not yielded any substantial relief from the heel pain. Thankfully, he said not to worry, that it could take a full three months before I start feeling any significant effects from the PRP.
As far as activities, I can now ride a stationary bike and do weight-bearing exercises on my feet. No lunges or squats. No hiking, running, or high impact exercise yet, but I can begin walking. Yoga in three weeks! His adamant orders – if it hurts, don’t do it. I go back in six weeks when I’m hoping he will release me to all regular activity.
So really the most important outcome of today’s doctor visit is -- I can wear normal shoes!!! Well, not all normal shoes. No sandals (including my Birkenstocks which look hideously festive with cheesy Christmas socks), no heels, and no flats. No prolonged walking barefoot yet. That’s a tough one for a girl from the Texas boondocks. Shoes are so optional for me. I’ve attended Charli’s back-to-school night barefoot (forgot to put them in the car), gone shopping at Lowe’s barefoot, and had to drop Charli and Chase off for our excursion to Knott’s Berry Farm and go buy myself some shoes when I discovered upon arrival that, once again, I’d forgotten to throw on a pair before leaving our house about 45 minutes from the amusement park.
You can take the girl out of the country, but…
Today’s Chandler-ness:
8-9-98 – Jesus and God don’t get diarrhea.
