May 18, 2011

The Daisy Trail


It feels like forever since I've posted something new. These days, I do several things a bit slower than I used to, thanks to my unexpected side trip to the hospital a month ago. It's temporary. I'm working my way back to normal bit-by-bit. But nothing prepared me for the horror I would feel while doing something that used to be a breeze: walking a mile.

My doctor told me I should take it easy and never go fast enough to begin breathing heavily. No problem. I've walked that trail a hundred times. For a few days I went out, did my walk, and was proud of myself for making it up the little hill and back down again. OK, so it's really just a slight incline. It took longer than it used to and I had to keep slowing down because I became winded easily (thanks a lot, blood clots), but I did it. Then I realized just how slow I was going. Turtle slow. Worse than old lady slow. Toddler just learning to walk slow.

There I was, enjoying the beautiful day, saying hello to those going the opposite direction, when it happened. I was passed by two small women who were at least in their 70s. They had their cute little outfits on, complete with matching caps, and there I was in my baggy jeans (because I've lost weight) and giant straw hat (hey, it was sunny and I'm very fair). I had just been smoked by Miss Daisy and her friend on the walking trail. Fine. It was a sad moment. I stopped to mourn and catch my breath.

So on I trudged, trying to convince myself that they were superhuman and I'm really not that slow. The reality is that I am right now. That's OK. If I keep doing what I'm supposed to, someday I'll be back to normal or better, and when I am, I'll leave them in the dust as I pass and be proud of how much I've progressed.

17 comments:

  1. @Christy...I have had a terrible two months, won't go into details but I have had a lot medical problems that I have been dealing with a other things too. You made me laugh tonight and I really needed a good laugh, thank you so much.

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  2. @Amanda, I'm so sorry you're having medical problems. I hope everything will be OK soon. I'm really happy I could make you laugh tonight! :-)

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  3. I'm glad you're recovering. Those old ladies were probably on steroids. I wouldn't worry about them.

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  4. @TL Jeffcoat, LOL! I think you're right.

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  5. @Amanda: Well, that just sucks! (said with a smirk and a smile) I hope things get better soon.

    @Christy: I'm gonna smoke Miss Daisy and her buddy. Just for you. :-)

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  6. @Christy & Steven, I want a picture of that...LMAO!

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  7. Glad you're at least better enough to go for a stroll! And think of all the, er, scenic details Miss D. and her friend missed as they blew by.

    That reminded me of my trip in a narrowboat on an English canal. We knew we weren't going fast, but the day the guy on the towpath in the electric wheelchair left us in the dust, well...

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  8. @Susan: LMAO! Some of those wheelchairs are pretty fancy. Turbo, mag wheels, overdrive...;-p

    @Amanda: The picture would probably be a mugshot! "Man Smokes Elderly Pair in Park; Details at 11"

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  9. @Susan, I took my camera one day so I could take photos along the way. I thought if I was walking that slowly and having to pause for breaths, I may as well make good use of it. :-) Love the image of the guy in the electric wheelchair passing y'all! LOL!

    @Steven, "Two Elderly Women Left Spinning on Trail; Details at 11" ;-)

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  10. @Christy I loved this... "Turtle slow. Worse than old lady slow. Toddler just learning to walk slow." LOL! And I can just picture the two ladies passing you. You'll get there! Keep up the good work! :-)

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  11. @Betty Lou: Nice to see you, girl! Too funny – the "Turtle slow..." thing was the part I kept reading over and over again last night. Cracked me up!

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  12. @Christy glad you're mending! :-) This was a funny post! I'm with @Betty Lou and @Steven. I love the wording of the "Turtle slow..." part. That made me laugh. I also like you stopping to mourn and catch your breath.

    I had something happen to me with my health a few years ago and I was kind of like you (not exactly the same, but similar). It takes time to get back to normal. Don't rush it. Do what your doctor tells you to do and you'll get there.

    I'm just glad you've got someone like @Steven in your life. It really makes a difference to have a supportive and loving partner. The man I was with when I went through my stuff left me, so I was on my own and it was hard. But I did it, and now I'm happier than I've ever been in my life!

    Hang in there and keep up the slow but good progress! :-)

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  13. @Michelle, glad you liked the post, and believe me, I'm doing exactly what the doctors tell me. When I think I want to do more, Steven reminds me I need to check with my doctor first. He and my mom have been wonderful and very supportive. I appreciate them both more than I can ever express.

    I'm sorry to hear about your past health issues and that you had to go through it alone. Isn't it great how life works out though? Now you're happy and engaged! :-)

    I'm going to keep my slow and steady pace. Even if it means being passed up by little old ladies.

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  14. So are you on countdown till @Steven visits?

    Are you feeling better?

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  15. @Terry, yes! That was to answer both questions. ;-)

    I am counting down the days to Steven's visit. Not much longer! And I'm feeling much, much better. I'm still not 100%, but I'll get there eventually.

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