It could be worse ...

The memory of my summer of 2000 came up in a conversation a while ago so I thought I'd share. When I broke my first arm in June 2000, a friend said well, it could be worse - you could of broken both arms ... 10 days later I did!

I broke both of my arms on two different tandem cycling rides (yes, I know one should learn after the first one!) This was a challenging experience to say the least, however I must say I was in the best shape ever this summer -- I took up running (the legs were working fine - even won a couple 5K's in my division (okay, there was not a lot of competition in the runs I did for women w/a disability in the 35-45 range). I needed help eating so the munching was not as easy. Fortunately, the doctor was able to place the left arm cast on enough of an angle so I still was able to walk with my guide dog - I can't figure out why so many people asked me if I had been in a horrible accident! This summer gave me such an appreciation for all I can do with my arms. I even yearned to be able to clean the house during this time. Now, I am sure if this had of been long-term I could of learned the adaptive skills of how to manage life without the use of my arms but it was only 2 1/2 months so I sure appreciated all the help our family receivied during that time. Our family went to DisneyWorld this summer (there was also a Foundation Fighting Blindness Conference that we were a part of) -- If you can avoid, Florida in August with two hot casts! Pantera, my guide at the time, seemed to know to walk a little slower to accomodate for my added challenges.