The Energy Bank and Marriage

My last check-up with the oncologist went well, no evidence of disease.  I have my last four month check in February and then we move to every six months.  I feel well and have lots of energy, unlike when was going through cancer treatment.  Then I had to space things out because there was only so much energy to be had.  Withdraw too much from the energy bank and there would be none.  It made me prioritize.

This September Mr. D fell and broke dominant left shoulder and his right elbow.  The elbow injury was merely a crack but the shoulder injury required two-hour surgery.  At first both his arms were in slings and I had to do many of his self-care tasks.  He wasn't allowed to lift more than a coffee cup with either hand.  We share the housework and he couldn't help.  He also slept a lot.  Thus I was reminded of the energy bank.  At first even going to the doctor was exhausting for him.  We could go to the store but we had to keep the energy bank in mind.  Too much time led to exhaustion.  Now almost a month post surgery he is doing much better.  He still can't lift much but he can do dishes and cook.  He sleeps a more normal schedule.  He still can't withdraw more from the energy bank than is available but he has more reserves.  He starts physical therapy this week.

All this has led me to think about how precious life is and how it can be taken away in an instant.  Mr. D is my love, my life-partner.  I have promised to be with him for better and for worse and in sickness and in health.  We've been through both the for poorer and for richer.  He's been through my sickness and health. The longer I'm married the more my vows mean something.  At marriage they were just words for a future I was clueless about.  The longer I'm married the more I love this man.

Keeping busy

My new knitting supplies

It has been one tough week. Last week Saturday I was all dressed and ready to go to work. I took Lady to the mailbox and read the mail while walking home. We started going down the hill to our house when I slipped in the mud. The first words out of my mouth were not worthy of a faith and family blog. I made my way into our house, my pants covered with mud. I had twisted my ankle and in the process broke my upper fibula. My husband took me to urgent care where they took x-rays of the lower leg, taped up my ankle, and sent me home on crutches. I told the doctor that my upper leg hurt but he didn't pay much attention to that. I think he saw me as a "garden variety sprain" and looked no further. My ankle got better daily but my leg hurt like crazy. One night our cat stepped on my bone while I was in a sound sleep and I practically went through the roof. I went back to my doctor, had an x-ray taken of my upper leg, and low and behold, I had a spiral fracture of the fibula. I should be in a lot less pain in another week or so and completely healed by six weeks. I don't need a cast because my leg muscles hold my bone in place. I'll continue to hobble along on crutches and watch Netflix DVD's and on-demand.

My injury gives me a lot of time on my hands. I'm off work for a couple of weeks so I'm taking up the hobby that saved me when I was unemployed, knitting. It's one of the only things you can do while watching TV and still feel productive. It is also very relaxing. Mind you, the only thing I know how to knit is long scarves or perhaps blankets. I probably should get some knitting books like Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook or Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes but I don't think I can read, watch TV, and knit at the same time.