A Little More Freedom at 6 weeks Post-op

It has been over a month since I wrote an update (I do plan to go back and fill in a few details, especially for other Hip-Chicks to understand how recovery progresses - I'll just have to fix the date of the post to keep things chronological) and it seems really hard to know where to start. The simplest thing I can say to summarize where I'm at with both recovery and grieving is, life is getting back to normal. I have been driving now for about a week and a half, and am really enjoying that freedom. Though I have to be careful getting in and out of the car, driving feels rather normal and does not give me any pain. I have some soreness in my back side when I first sit down - just feels like it's bruised, but other than that my right leg, the one with the new hip, is now strong enough to "put the petal to the metal" as my dad used to say (he was a truck driver - not a typical truck driver though - picture a tall, rather thin guy with glasses, pretty clean cut who didn't smoke or drink). I've driven to church, the park, physical therapy, library, rec center, and the mall (I think Saturday's trip to the mall was my first time driving on the highway as well as without the girls in tow - true freedom). When I do get out with both girls I still need someone (usually it's my sister) to carry my 11 month old up and down the steps; once we are at the car, I can easily get them in and out as long as I can put my youngest right into her stroller.

I've also finally started going a few places without my cane. I don't feel strong enough to completely give it up yet, but ever since Sunday evening I've been leaving it at home when I've gone out for short trips. I usually use the stroller for support and when necessary, I've walked without support being careful to go slow enough not to limp. At home, I actually end up using my cane more because I am more likely to get stiff from sitting too long which makes it difficult to walk on my own. My oldest daughter loves to help me with my hip exercises, of course she ends up skipping and jumping all over while I march in place, but it gets her involved and gives me something to smile about while I work hard to get my hip in better shape.

We all of course still have moments when we really miss my mom, but we are doing okay and coping with this loss. We know that it is a long process to grieve the loss of someone so close and in some ways we are still grieving the loss of my dad. I try to take one day at a time and want to be intentional to enjoy the summer days we have left. Getting out of the house, when the weather cooperates, helps us create fun memories and keep a positive attitude, especially when it would be otherwise easy to have a pity party at home. Tomorrow - The Ohio State Fair! We are all looking forward to a fun day, especially my daughter who can't wait to ride "the horses that go up and down."