Tag: strength

“I’m not afraid. I’m determined.” – Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio Health Director.

A year ago, I was using tremendous effort to go somewhere by myself each day while Dave and Kyle were at work. I was determined to get back into life after two months of surgery recovery.

Now I am determined to stay at home, to do everything I can to keep from getting or spreading the novel coronavirus of 2019. Twenty-three hours of every day are spent inside our house. Thankfully, I have the freedom and physical ability to go outside for exercise and fresh air. I’m still working hard to use and strengthen muscles that are lacking innervation. Living in Ohio’s east central region of Appalachia means traversing hills, always a good workout, now more challenging than ever.

But I am determined. It is only recently that I regularly walk around a hilly neighborhood block instead of keeping to slight inclines. It is a climb from the moment I step out the front door until about 3/4 of the way home. One section of my route is steep and takes great determination. As I begin, I glance at the top, setting my mind on my goal, pray for strength and move forward. Now I look downward at the street where each step takes place. I lean into the hill and keep a good pace, hoping that a vehicle won’t be pulling in or out of the nursing home drive just before the top, carrying my walking stick in case I need to abruptly stop or change course a bit. I remember that I’ve made it the top every other time I’ve begun the climb.

Relief comes when I cross the driveway and get to the intersection of my next turn. I stop, lean on my stick, rest my legs and catch my breath. But not for long. The next block is also uphill, not as steep, but still a challenge.

 

The steep hill on Reservoir Drive, with the street I come from on the left, the driveway I cross on the right.

My goal is the red pole on the right. I stop there to rest and take in the scenery.

The last block to climb before switching to the downhill final stretch.

In January, I described it like this:

As I near the one-year anniversary of my surgery, still waiting for the nerves to heal, but able to head out the door with confidence, I’m pressing on to make my walks harder or longer. It takes a lot of concentration to keep lifting my feet and moving forward as the muscles tire. Uphill is difficult, but so rewarding. Downhill is tricky since my toes or knee may give out. I’ve realized, though, that I’m most likely to trip or stumble during the last few steps of my walk. I’m convinced that it’s because I slack off a little and concentrate less as my front door comes into view.

We know that our challenge is to stop the spread of Covid19 and to protect our health care workers. We don’t know how long it will take. Giving up too soon is not an option. Let’s remain determined.

I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2