First Year Anniversary

August 20th was the first anniversary of Chico's accident.  He is doing well; he is not fully recovered but he can walk short distances with a cane and he is finding ways to keep the pain under control.  We are still optimistic about ongoing recovery.

Appropriately, we celebrated with Pam and Reinhold.

We talked a lot.

We laughed.

  

We could not have made it to this happy meal without your love and support.  Thank you, blog readers!

Vacation

We had two weeks away.  Not much of an agenda, we saw great family and friends (but neglected to take pictures of them-that was a miss).  We enjoyed many happy days where we felt much gratitude for life, health, good fortune, great friends and family.  Longest vacation ever.

Chico's Birthday Self Gift

We're just back from the goal surpassing event.  Chico walked four laps around the track (one mile) unassisted (wouldn't even hold my hand) and then jogged one lap.  We biked to and fro.  Sorry I forgot to bring the camera but here are a few shots of him when we returned home.  One of our great neighbors, Annie, came by to chat.  I'll have to get her photo later.

Happy Birthday, Chico!  You made it.

Under the Wire

I want to post before July 1st, otherwise a whole month will have passed without an entry. 

As we come into the summer season, the season during which Chico's injuries and recovery began, I feel wonder: holy smokes we're almost back at August 20th.  He's come a long way; he has a way still to go.  The world feels different still to both of us.  We notice this.

We went through a period of  recognizing little progress.  It's not that there isn't any but it is more subtle than it once was:  Chico mows the lawn, he helped me build a raised bed for some plants Mark gave us, he crosses his legs and taps his toes, he walks with a cane only, he is hoping to walk not just one (a previously set goal you may remember) but four laps around the track on Friday, July 1st.  He goes to the gym. Sometimes we ride the bikes but that is pretty uncomfortable for him.  His legs often seem equally engaged although he has a strong limp now.  His body is somewhat twisted. At best this cracks him up.   He lives with pain and fear of pain.

Chico remains incredibly resilient, willing to work at this and eager for more improvement.

Chester is out of touch.  Yup.  He moved out of Washington, spent some time here in Vermont and is now on Day Eighteen of  a 72 day NOLS expedition in the Yukon.  Sometimes we get pictures from the food drop pilot.  I think it is a courageous move he's made to live in the wilderness.  He talked about it for a long time. 

Hope we see some of you at our house for the parade on July Fourth.  

Chores

Yesterday I was out all day and came home to find the second half of the lawn mowed.  Chico did it.   I asked,
"So did you use your crutches until you got to the lawn mower and then you put them down?" 
"Yup."  He also took out the garbage and recycling last week.

Meanwhile I mourn my old, scar-tissue-free lip.  I don't know how Chico maintains his good cheer in the face of all his reconstruction and pervasive scar tissue.  I do know that it is not effortless. Therefore I'll cover my small scar with sunblock, wear a hat and pick up the slack in the chores.

Intrepid

Chico remains in great spirits. He walks inside with one crutch, outside with two.  He  often has pain; he rarely complains. 

On Saturday, inspired by my book Group, I biked to Monkton to do a little work in the office.  Upon my return home, I found Chico on the porch raring to go for a bike ride.  He's only been out on the bike once this spring and he had a fall.  He's been reluctant to bike again.  Though rubber leg-ged, how could I refuse the impish and ambitious prospect of another lap or two?  Chico has biked in the gym but it usually makes for a very sore evening.  We went out.  I had difficulty taking photos and keeping up!  (Simultaneously.)

You'll see what I mean especially in the second video. This is just about 100 yards up the street - or maybe 50 yards - from our house.  Chico knows that to keep the bike upright, one must keep moving!  I know to protect my phone and camera, inspite of the risks of riding and shooting footage! Video number two is entitled, A Burst of Speed.  Fear not, it is short. 

Then we went out Plank Road, up Lower Hardscrabble and home.  Chico lost his chain once-not cool. Luckily he was going very slowly at the time and has no toeclips.  It was also fortunate that my bike was out of adjustment most of last summer and I was coached on how to get the chain back on the bike when it slipped off.

Sorry I couldn't get better photos.  It was really fun riding together and Chico seems fine.  Hopefully we'll go again soon.  Even though we do look kind of dorky.

Evening Walk

We now walk around the block in the evening.  Tonight it was clearing at sunset.

Chico says the lip looks much better. 

Doesn't look too good to me but I really would be foolish to argue, right?  Pretty. 

Plus, Bacitracin gives me acne.  Ouch.