These Boots are Made for Walking
Andy walking up the Driveway on His Own
This week Andy surprised me and took a long walk about! He has been walking with a cane since September, slowly but determined. Yesterday he showed me the level of his determination by walking down to the end of our drive and then starting up D road, which has a gradual hill. What I’m learning with Andy’s recovery is that hills he and I never thought much of pre-stroke are larger than we imagined especially for someone who is working on regaining their balance and ability to walk unencumbered.
Andy’s determination both surprises me and warms my heart! While I thought we agreed that his next goal was to walk without the use of the cane, he had his own goal and that was to walk longer distances. So, while he is working to walk shorter distances without the use of his cane what he is really focusing on is distance. Each day he goes for a walk, at first Bella and I always had to be present, now he is venturing out on his own. Yesterday he set out to walk down to the mailbox, once there he decided to turn and head up the hill.
Today his walk about was around the property, he did a loop around our driveway and then head up to the Airbnb and strolled through Posh Gardens with Daisy by his side. This just warms my heart. Although I know we still have a long road ahead of us as Andy works toward a full recovery, the fact that he is getting out on his own, not waiting for Bell or me to accompany him, is a huge advancement in his progress. He wants his independence back and I want to support him however I can which often means standing back and letting him struggle as he strives to achieve his goals. This is incredibly hard to do as those of you who are or have been Caregivers know…. It is much easier to just step in and do or assist to make things easier for your loved one, but sometimes easier is not the best way to go…
Sometimes you must stand back and let them do it on their own, always vigilant, always one eye on them at all times, but at a distance. I’ve learned this past year that struggling is not necessarily a bad thing, it gives you strength to overcome and opens the door to lean on a higher power, be it God or if you don’t believe in religion than the universe… having faith that one can overcome the challenges life throws at you and rise to the occasion. Andy’s determination to regain his independence and walk is a perfect example of this!
To paraphrase one of my favorite songs… Andy’s boots are made for Walkin and Walkin is what he is goanna do!
