Today makes 8 weeks since I underwent total knee replacement. Today also was the first time I walked down to the ATB pond by myself since surgery. John was mowing the yard on the tractor and I know he kept a close eye on me. Holly came down with me and this was also the first time she and I have been outdoors together without any other dogs around. She turns 6 months old in two days. Today was a personal and physical victory for me. It was also a victorious day for Miss Holly!
Winter in Maine seemed to go on endlessly this year. Long after the calendar said it was over we still had a lot of ice in the pond and a couple of feet of snow. As for me, pre-surgery I could hardly walk across the kitchen floor let alone go out and play with the dogs. And post-surgery I haven't been able to walk outdoors on uneven ground unassisted and required first the walker, and then the use of the cane.
Before Julie brought Holly Beth home to stay with her during my TKR surgery and early recovery, she had discovered the ATB pond which still had ice. Holly being so curious and who loves to investigate new things jumped onto a piece of ice. I didn't know any of this was going on but I did hear John begin to yell for her and shortly after that she came running around the corner ninety miles an hour and soaking ringing wet! Into the house she came and I dried her off quickly. I called out to John and asked what had happened. Evidently as quickly as Holly jumped onto the ice, she jumped off of it into the frigid pond water. She tried to climb back up onto the ice to no avail so turned and headed for shore then beat feet for the house.
Ever since then Holly would run around the pond with the other dogs but never actually went in. While she was at Julies I felt hopeful because she enjoyed the small kiddie pool there with Bullet and Sassy. When Holly came home to visit over the next month she still would run down to the pond here but not go in. I really was concerned the earlier episode had shaped her behavior in a negative way. Since our interest is piqued in regards to seeing how Holly might do in a test for a Natural Ability title with North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) her ability to swim takes on a bit of importance. My ability to walk however also takes on a bit of importance to regarding our own hopes, desires, and dreams for the future. (That just reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 which says " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.)
The future. Lately my plans for the future have been focused on improving the bend in my knee, being able to walk without an limp, getting through the day with the least amount of pain medication possible, and becoming independent again in my day to day living. I have missed interacting with my ATB crew here. There's only a few dogs who have been able to be around me because some of them are just way too rambunctious and unpredictable to take a risk of getting jumped on. My interaction with them has been minimal. Physically I'm really doing better every single day and becoming more active. Pushing through my physical therapy exercises and going to rehab a few times a week. Our life here has pretty much been dictated by my knee. Today that all changed.
I asked John what would be the easiest way for me to get down to the pond the other day. When he was out mowing the yard today I decided it was time to head down back. Just like that, I grabbed my cane, slipped my shoes on, called Holly to my side, opened the door and down the steps I went. I headed to the kennel and took my time visiting with each of my beloved canine crew. Oh that I could open all the doors for each one to come run with me! Not yet, but someday in the future.
The cane was used more for a navigational tool as I moved through the tall grass on the uneven ground. Holly was psyched to have me down there and I was psyched just to think I was even doing this! I knew John was keeping an eye on me as he continued to mow. I sat on the picnic table, closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun on my face and heart the splashing of Holly running from side to side. What happened next is pretty much captured in the above video so I won't belabor the fact that Holly obviously was also living her life in the moment.
I walked around the pond once, slowly and carefully. John yelled to me be careful I don't fall in! I like to think he was happy to see me making my way from one side to the other. Holly was feeling more and more confident herself. I looked for a stick to throw and could only find an old pine cone for her. I was surprised when she went out over her head and retrieved it to my hand!! By the end of my second trek around the pond John had joined me and we watched in amazement as Holly went from uncertain to confident regarding the water. And I went from being uncertain to confident regarding my new knee.
A day of progress, of personal victories, and a sense of understanding shared. A day that was needed. A day which I'll never forget. A day to reflect.
Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up on wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 30:31 (And maybe dogs will swim and not be afraid.)
As always take care and God bless. John, Ann, and All Things Brittany
