July was an exciting month for John. After spending approximately three months in bed elevating and icing his ankle day in and day out, we received good news from the doctor. The x-ray that was done just before Independence day showed that, although the bones were not completely healed yet, there was enough rebuilding of the bone that the doctor gave John the green light for beginning to bear weight on his leg. Even though there was still a boot and crutches involved, John was very excited to be able to feel like he could make some progress. The doctor told him to, over the next month, work towards the goal of ditching the crutches but keeping the boot on for support. What a huge milestone! And so it began--the quest to walk again.
John still has a long road ahead. His break was really severe--the doctor reminds us of that every time we see him. Likely, it will take a full year or more for the bones to finally become solid. We've been told swelling could be an issue for a year or more and that even the shoes John is accustomed to may have to change. The journey is long. But even baby steps are worth noting. So today we celebrate retiring the scooter and the crutches and we embrace the boot for a bit longer. Walking surely is a gift that is not for taking for granted.
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