This morning, I enjoyed a more coordinated than usual session in PT. my muscles complained a bit more than usual though, as I was just coming back, after 2 weeks, away. Ray, the therapist, I work with, has developed a unique routine for me, that majorly focuses on strengthening muscles I need to maintain my balance. I get to haul a sandbag around, twist every way possible, while bearing weight in my arms, do sit-ups, push-ups,among other exercises. I'm slow, and my movements aren't coordinated, but, I always feel as if my physical abilities, are improving. It's not something I really notice day to day, but usually, after PT, I head for a run on the bike path, as they're located on the path.
Moving along, I was appreciating the sunshine, and trying to remember to be thankful for the opportunities I do have in my life right now. I planned to run 7 today, so, I hit the path, ran to what I thought was the end, though, today, I learned it is not, it actually turns left, and away from the lake. Anyways, I ran to my goal point, and turned around for the jog back. In the last mile I put my foot in a divot, my brain wasn't prepared to handle, and I won't down, on my face. It was so fast, I couldn't save my face, I quickly sat up, huddled in a ball, against the fence. I knew I had to get it together, to get back, but I could feel that I'd chipped my teeth, and I don't deal with the cosmetic injuries well. Generally because, I know it looks terrible, and I'll be forced to explain my face, everywhere I go. I sat in my sobbing ball of self pity for a few minutes, until, I heard a cyclist stop to inquire if I was okay. By then, I was horrendously embarrassed, and still mad at myself, for tripping.
I raised my bloody, tender face, and said that I was, but I was also quite angry. The man, said that was understandable, but he needed to ask me some questions. I didn't want to talk, as my lips were tender, and bloody, but I answered the 5 typical concussion questions: name, age, birthday, current location, where I'm from. There was no one to confirm my answers, but I had no trouble, although, I had to explain that I have aphasia, and how I speak, IS my normal voice, he handed me a towel, to clean my face, and advised I stand, to reduce swelling. I wasn't ready too, so I asked him questions, and I learned about what he does, graveyard caretaker, which I found surprising, as I'd assumed he was in the medical field. He'd been a personal care taker, until his parents took ill, and I felt very grateful he was such a talker. He wanted to walk me back to safety, so, we walked back to On Track, where I'd started. I thanked him for his help, and concern, and prepared myself to show my face among people I did know. I went to the locker room, and inspected my mouth. I have fun abrasion above my mouth, swollen lips, and dented teeth. I immediately grabbed my phone, to call the dentist. Last time I damaged teeth, I went through, a terrible process of finding a dentist, and paying for 'cosmetic work' as the state doesn't cover that type of stuff. Little did I know, I had dental insurance. Needless to say, it was a learning process. Today, I called the dentist I see here, and they got me in for 9am tomorrow. Easy. Guess I have learned something's along the way.
I've beed doing a lot of reflecting recently, on how much improvements, my brain, and body have made thought this process. I am so rarely able to look at the big picture, and today, I could, even though, I massacred my face. So, in that sense there's always something good to come out of any mistake. Usually, it's an opportunity to learn something, so, at least there's that...
