"In My Opinion . . ."
May 12, 2002
I chose to commune with nature today as my Mother's Day present to myself. Rather than go to the usual Sunday service and fidget uncomfortably for an hour and a half in a pain-inducing wooden seat, I walked for three or so miles with my husband. We meandered along the path from the waterfront through the rail yards and back again, basking in sunlight and warmth. Spring has finally enveloped Seattle, and today was a perfect opportunity to enjoy it.
I still marvel at my ability to walk like a normal human being. This may sound silly to most people, but the ability to walk amazes me. I have envied others for decades as they ambled around, oblivious of their talent. My artificial knees put me back into normal life. Now I understand the simplicity of walking. It is a tension-relieving, anxiety-releasing, muscle-relaxing exercise of freedom.
I will never be pain-free. Arthritis is everywhere, BUT MY KNEES ARE WONDERFUL! In fact, standing, walking, and being active are now the easiest and most enjoyable things in my life. In fact, my hope is to someday be able to go on a walking tour of Great Britain. That is, if I can find a friendly Sherpa to carry my pack. I'm not stupid.