Home Sweet Home!

 When told I couldn't go home for at least six-weeks, it seemed like forever.  Every day, I did my level best to do everything I could to heal.  Courtney went above & beyond to make me comfortable.  I loved my kiss goodnight, as she tucked me in each evening.  The pain always worsened at night.  It was impossible to sleep - even with the CBD gummies a neighbor dropped off for me.  

I'll never forget a night when the pain had me moaning.  (I tried to quietly moan.)  Mason woke his mother - to tell her an "animal" was making noise outside his bedroom window.  :-(  My injury was a Tibial Plateau Fracture level 6.  Both bones in my lower leg had been shattered.  This required a plate, pins & Allograph implant.  It wasn't the repair that caused the majority of my pain - but Compartment Syndrome is nothing - if not nasty.

 Mari Jo sent me a daily message. I so looked forward to them coming in about 4 a.m. Washington time.  Joyce too, went above & beyond.  Driving a two-hundred mile round-trip - twice to visit me!  Doris called with updates on Nika, who stayed with her, while Butch was at work.  Living with an  active family, kept my spirits up as I hobbled through the days.

As Courtney & I spent our last night watching TV together, we both thought the time had gone faster than either of us had imagined.  My final appointment with the Surgeon, I passed with flying colors.  Courtney said his expression was shocked, as he unwrapped my leg & saw how well it was healing.  He adjusted my brace to a 30 degree bend at the knee!  My leg didn't know quite how to respond to that!  Asking if I'd made my reservation to go home - he smiled as Courtney told him it was for the following day!

Alaska wanted me at the check-in, two-hours before flight time.  Leaving the house at 6 a.m. - David drove.  We were so lucky to make the trip without undue amounts of traffic.  Pulling up at the Alaska curb, as Courtney helped me out, two porters came running.  One grabbed my bags from Dave, the other had the wheelchair.  The kids kissed me goodbye & I was on my way!  TSA has a new program called;  "TSA Cares".  When I called, they offered a person at security to assist me.  Even with my pre-check, I spent about 30-seconds getting through!  

First to board the plane, I again had the entire row to myself.  Good thing, since my leg took up most of the three seats!  I'd paid the extra for premium class & it was worth every penny.

My heels just over the third seat.

A lady a few rows back, was also injured & terrified.  She was worried about the plane flying in "bad weather".  The flight attendant's assured her the pilot would only take-off if it was safe :-)  (My video only appears when you view this post on a computer.)

I was just so happy to be on my way!  Mid-way through - I had to visit the first class potty.  The flight attendants accompanied me.  As I did the sideways shuffle with the walker, both mimicked me & we were laughing so hard!  The 30% bend in my knee came in so handy.  My toes were resting on the inside of the bathroom door!

Coming in to land~

A lady with a wheelchair was waiting as I exited the plane.  Just past security - I thought recognized a guy with a beard  - standing against the wall?  After two-months - finally - my Husband!  The lady offered to take me all the way to the car!  Butch had both suitcases, jam packed & my walker.  With the Explorer's front passenger seat all the way back, my leg fit in the front!  

Butch had to build a 21ft. ramp to get me in our front door!  Just three steps in height, but it took 21 feet to keep the incline elevation low enough.  That was still a few feet short of ADA standards.  I had no problem at all navigating it.  Nika was so excited to see me!  I got so many kisses, I couldn't help but cry.

Sunshine came softly~

The sunshine of home felt so wonderful!  I spent my first afternoon sitting out on the back deck with Nika in my lap.  I have to admit, I was a little lonely that first day, home alone...

Home Sweet Home!

While I was gone, I asked our local FAA Certified drone pilot Steve Bogart, of Elevate Aerial Photos,  to fly over the Home Place & take a few photos.  What a thrill to see things from an aerial perspective.  I would like to learn more about editing raw images.    

Update:  Aug. 12, 2021 I was contacted by VideoProc Software & have included a link to the site.  

Looking south~

My first physical therapy appointment was today.  I have exercises to strengthen my muscles in preparation for when the leg will be weight bearing!  Only five-weeks to go!  My goal is to be riding by bike by April at least!