A PRIVILEGE AND A PLEASURE

 

          Almost a year ago, one of my BFFs fell and ruptured a blood vessel in her spine. The result following surgery was paralysis from the waist down. This was, and is, a woman who has always exercised, attended hot yoga classes, and walked more in one day than I normally walked in a week.  Physically, this woman was very impressive, and I could not have, in my wildest imagination, ever conceived of her inability to use her legs.

Following surgery, the doctors told her it could take up to eighteen months for her to regain the use of her lower body. She spent three weeks in the hospital and a month in rehab learning how to live in a totally different manner than what she had been accustomed to. During that period of time, she was fairly upbeat and positive about what her future held.

          Once home, my friend took the time to grieve, as any one of us would have done. I remain impressed her grieving lasted such a short time before she made the life-affirming decision to begin physical therapy, perform exercises given to her on a daily basis, and begin going to the Lynnwood pool for workouts in the water.

          My friend’s husband and son rallied around which was no surprise. They supported her, and still do, however possible. And, her friends of which I’m one, they all turned to as well. There were many different roles available to those of us who wanted to assist in some way. Some stayed in touch, providing mental affirmations, others assist in the pool, and still others (like me) go to her home and help her with the prescribed exercises.

          I cannot begin to tell you, or anyone for that matter, how rewarding it is to see my friend’s progress over the months I’ve made the weekly visit. Unable to move her left leg at all, she’s now able to raise and lower it, performing some exercises without my assistance. Just yesterday, I held her left foot and calf while she did the kick-back. I held, but did not move. My friend moved it on her own. My heart sings each time I see her progress to a new level.

          A goal was set, I don’t remember just when, that come May 2024, we would dance. We’re now just a month and a half from that goal, but I know without a single doubt that it will be achieved. True, we may not jump around like crazy women, but standing together and shaking our booties will suffice.

          That achieved goal will be followed by a new one. I don’t yet know what it will be because my friend and I will have to discuss. It may be as simple as her walking slowly up and down her stairs and the elimination of the chair lift. Or, it may be a more difficult one that requires us to walk along Edmonds waterfront in the sunshine. Or, it could be this BFF joining me and a mutual BFF on a trek to some place sunny and warm in 2025.

          Regardless of whatever goals we do set, I feel privileged and blessed to have stood by my BFF during her difficult time. It has also been a huge pleasure to see her work hard and improve during these months. With a smile on her face and determination in every movement, she’s done, and is, doing it. My admiration for this BFF is immeasurable.

I also know, without a single doubt, that eventually, this BFF will pull into my driveway behind the wheel of her own car, climb out, walk up and envelope me in one of her enthusiastic hugs. This would be the very best achieved goal of all, one I know is within my BFF’s power to realize.