Restrictions

This root-bound rock along the river bank in Smoky Mountain National Park caught my eye as soon as I saw it.  I had ideas about using it as a metaphor for the things that bind us or hold us back.  Little did I know it was soon to be my reality not a metaphor.​

I had a right total knee replacement ten days ago.  It was outpatient surgery, which in my mind meant I’d be pretty much good-to-go or they wouldn’t send me home.  Right?  Not exactly.  It still meant I needed a high level of care for the first few days, I just needed someone at home to provide it rather than being in the hospital.  Thank goodness for sisters who are nurses and a spouse who will get up multiple times through the night.

Those roots in the photo are the cords, hoses, wires, and gadgets that keep my knee constantly cooled to reduce the swelling and my legs compressed to prevent blood clots.  I’m on a short leash and for the first few days, it was a lot to manage.  It’s gotten easier every day, and the restrictions are gradually being reduced.  I suppose chafing at the binders is a sign that I’m healing, and that’s all good.

Soon I’ll be gazing at this photo and thinking in terms of metaphors again.  What about you?  What’s holding you back?

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