Lessons Learned

Since injuring my knee on Wednesday, I've learned several things:

• Crutches look easy to use, but in reality there is nothing "natural" about sticking these contraptions under your arms, planting them and swinging your feet forward.
• Crutches do get easier to use with time. The problem is thinking you have mastered them. That's when you could wipe out. Fortunately, no first hand experience here!
• Stairs are quite frightful when you have a bum knee and are using crutches. I understand why ranch houses are popular for folks with knee issues.
• There are a myriad of ways to maneuver up the stairs when you are on crutches. My son has determined at least 5 different variations and has demonstrated them all to me. I've stuck with his first one - if it works, there's no reason to risk falling down the stairs trying something else.
• Crutches can serve as pretend guns. Just ask my son.
• You can't carry anything when on crutches. I am thankful for pockets.
• Heavy doors are impossible to open when on crutches. I am thankful for those automatic doors and people who hold open the manual doors.

I have a new appreciation for folks who have permanent mobility challenges - you really take those basic things for granted.