Strictly on my pins

They took away the cane...it's just me and my feet.  I'm excited, man. 22 days ago I was completely paralyzed on the left side...I needed a nurse to help me roll over...I had a catheter in me...I couldn't get out of bed and couldn't conceive of anything being like it was.  I was helpless, angry, frustrated, and scared about my future. All I could think of was, I'm glad my dad is dead, because it would break his heart to see me like this.

Then I was able to wiggle my toes, and the world changed.

I knew that if I could do that, then pathways could be re-opened, with some luck and a lot of hard work. So that's what I did. Worked my ass off. Relearned to use my leg, lifting my leg when I was alone and in bed. Finding that with supreme effort I could bend my knee. Was able to wiggle my thumb sometimes, then all the time. Couldn;'t turn my hand over - then I could.  Fell in the crapper.  THAT was fun.

Transferred to rehab. Spent 3 1/2 hours a day in therapy.  I could walk around a rail, holding on with both hands. Couldn't lift my arm halfway up. Strengthened my shoulder.  Got my range of motion back. Worked on fine muscle control.  Flipped cards.  First time. flipped a straight!  Second time too! Thought it was a miracle until I realized it was a pinochle deck...

Started writing. Shuffling. Two-hand typing (mixed results). So many things.So many things you can do with a strong shoulder.  Couldn't put my shirt on.  Couldn't put my socks on.  Then I could, Fuckin miracle.

And it looks like the next phase is about to begin. Home care, which means I'm gonna be housebound. Then I won't.

Still can't drive. But then I'll be able to.  Watch me.