A path in the grass...

In Highland County there is a 30 minute labyrinth. It is in the side yard of a local church and depending on which day the grass is cut you might even miss it. But it's there. It has an entrance and everything.
My friend created it and when I was there with her last year to visit (and recuperate) was excited (excited for her that is) to tell me about it. Keeping in mind that I'm a city girl, I was gracious and crossed wet grass to see it. I mean she was so "excited" after all and some big wig from a Labyrinth society had noticed and walked it --so who was I not to pay attention. --the things you do for friends --but I digress.

She told me all about the labyrinth, the visit from the man from the international labyrinth society and how children from the community walk and love it. So I started to walk around and around. I mean it was just a path in the grass, right? In her way, she tells me different by saying "...well you know it takes thirty minutes".  "Thirty minutes? Well never mind, maybe later" and I jumped across the pathways --was it irreverent to start and not finish--and got out there.

But the faint circles in the grass--the labyrinth--called my name. What's thirty minutes? What's wrong with you? So sometime later I went out at least three different times. The first I started and felt way too stupid to continue...I mean what is walking around and around in a circle going to do? and who has time for this?  I will never be classified as your quiet, settled, laid back friend. I need to do something--and I like to be doing something---all the time. So what was walking the labyrinth doing?

But it was so important --or at least felt that way to me--to my friend and there was a whole society for the things after all---that I went back out to it two more times. I took my Bible--remember I have to be doing something and read it while I walked. I got finished the passage before the walking and stepped across the pathways and went back in the house.

The next time --- I did complete it! awkwardness and all! Though I can not report that I had any deep or profound epiphany, I did however, get ideas and make decisions about how to make the best use of my time of recuperation. I did decide to stop the mental battle against not being productive, not being able to "do anything"... and maybe that was deep and profound enough for my first time and considering I had weeks of recuperation ahead of me.

 And while I must admit that walking a labyrinth is not something I will travel far and wide to do...nor is it something that will have me join a club or society of labyrinth walkers...I can see the appeal...the necessity actually, of a set aside space to walk and think...a set aside, measured space...where entire societies are dedicated to educating the public, preserving the tradition, the sacredness, the togetherness (the first Saturday in May is World Labyrinth Day --"Walk as One at 1"--seriously who knew!?) of what to some only seems to be "a path in grass".

world wide labyrinth locator

Update - 6th week - September 17, 2012

Hello Everyone!

Yesterday marked six weeks since the surgery and I travelled back to MD on Friday to have the follow-up appointment scheduled for Monday September 17, 2012.  The doctor was extremely pleased with my progress!

He stated;

•  that I could work as long as in wasn't in construction ( but at the rate things have been going with finding a job - I might just have to apply to be a one-armed ditch digger!).
• I can lift no more than 5lbs; I was released from wearing the sling (YAY!!) day and night but that I should wear it when I;m going to be in crowds.
• I can DRIVE!!!!! but I am forbidden to reach up with my left (surgery ) arm for the seat belt 

He also stated that now the "real" work begins. (seriously? he didn't think allowing him to slice me open and then trusting someone to lift and turn and shake the arm five days after surgery was work?) .   He said that I will be in much more pain in these next six weeks as I will be pushed in PT and will be doing more on my own . How much pain? (you ask and I did too) Like a renewed prescription for Vicadin amount of pain!  Oh joy! joy!

I am still in MD as the "prisoner exchange" was foiled by the fact that my friend's car broke down 30 miles from the exchange site. Let's not even discuss the bizarre-o  circumstances that followed. Rashida and I headed back to MD and Beth called friends had her car towed all the way back ...and well... we'll have to see.

In the meantime, I am trying to see if I can transfer my PT to MD.. but... well... let's just say that if you haven't had to discuss creative thinking with an insurance company then you have been truly blessed. But now that I'm semi coherent - this back and forth and up and down ...is just madness!!  I am working with the billing administrator of the surgeon to file for financial hardship and will know tomorrow.

Somewhere between week three and now I developed serious and increasing pain in my right thigh.  It would only occur at night (as if I need something else to keep me awake all night!) So I thought I'd use this delay today to make an appointment with my primary physician and I learned that the pain is Bursitis. And believe it or not it was caused/aggravated by the surgery in that I have been sleeping only on my right side (without turning etc in my sleep). She gave me prescription Motrin and if that doesn't work I will need a shot of steroids. sigh ...Let's just say that I have eliminated the words "anything else?" from my vocabulary!

Update - September 2, 2012

Hey everyone!

I am continuing to progress although last week I had a more difficult time. My friend (she's a nurse) and the therapist  said it was normal. so as long as that's true I'm not worried. the therapist is excited about my progress. She said that I improved 10 points on a new exercise between one session and the next. she stated that is extraordinary.  I am pleased and encouraged that she is so happy.

In case I didn't mention it the job I interviewed for is with C///... yes the agency I worked with when I first came down.  It is a social work position but not direct line. I would actually be working with the training unit to train and license potential foster parents. I believe for now this will work for me. I will be able to get my hours to qualify for the clinical licensing exam. It is working with people who I can assume want C/// in their lives... so hopefully less hostile - smile. I have not heard anything as of yet. Even though HR said one week I knew better... so  I'm thinking it will be closer to the end of next week. Sometimes they never tell you if you haven't been chosen, but I plan to call around Thursday or Friday if I haven't heard by then. Continue praying and I'll keep you posted.

Some of the people here (...) have been very nice. Some of them have "signed up" to get me to my therapy appointments! One couple took me and Beth on a drive through the countryside. It was wonderful! I have attached a picture of one mountain that one whole side is rock and lime - they call it the "devil's backbone".

 I've also met someone here who is considered to be the best quilter. She wins the fair so often that this year she didn't enter her best work so that someone else could win! She hand quilts. She has invited us to spend some time quilting with her next week. I'm excited.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend. Thank you all for your prayers, support, emails and phone calls.  

Update - August 12, 2012

Good morning friends

please forgive the mass email but  I have yet to master  the computer with one hand.  I really want to let you know how I am and to thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement.

I am in the mountains of Virginia with my friend Beth. I am so far away from everything that there are NO cell towers!   so feel free to call me here since I can't call or text you. (phone number was here) (and she doesn't have long distance so I can't call you).

Yes to your question, it is kinda weird not to be able to text or call but once that anxiety passes (grin) the silence is quite wonderful.  

Friday the doctor said that I am healing nicely. no infection and normal swelling. he says the easy part was the surgery. he is adamant that I start physical therapy not later than Monday so I have a 2:45pm appointment in Staunton VA; which is an hour away --or as they measure distance here-- two mountains away.   I am looking forward to getting the PT started but anxious about the pain. The drugs make me sluggish and loopy. so I space them as far as possible. the doctor .suggested Motrin in between if the pain was manageable and to avoid the "drugged" feeling.

please don't hesitate to call or write or email. I appreciate  each of you.