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Recently sidelined, I know how a hobbled old milk cow looks at life, or what a horse tethered to the fence feels. Imprisoned, caged, confined. Stuck in one place with absolutely no say in the matter. And it is not fun.
Reading is a favorite pastime of mine, that is true, but enough is quickly enough. And TV? I would rather be hogtied, starved and tossed into a roomful of squalling, fever-ridden sick toddlers than to have to watch daytime tv shows. At least I would feel compassion for those poor little tikes. Daytime soap operas, with their endless, ridiculous dramas leaves me wanting to drown every last one of those so-called actors in a puddle of stinking mud.
Used to being on my own two feet, independent and doing as I please, I am now tied to a recliner with my foot in the air for most of the day. And this hobbled horse, who ordinarily walks miles each day, is not happy. And an unhappy hobbled horse is a disgruntled horse. And a disgruntled horse (with an ankle that hurts) is probably not the easiest of animals to be around. You might even find those around me privately using the words, “crabby, irritable and cranky.” Shocking, I know. But there it is.
Lest you be doubting my word about feeling out of sorts, kindly reread the first two paragraphs.
Trust me, folks. If you find yourself walking on older sidewalks that have caved to the pressure of growing tree roots wanting more space for themselves, BEWARE. Meek sidewalks get shoved around by aggressive tree roots, letting themselves get heaved upward and out of the way. Then those passive acting sidewalks become stumbling blocks for the oblivious walker. Who then becomes a cranky victim having to sit for days - foot up, with an ice bag as company. Getting to walk a little each day, but only with a heavy, monstrously ugly, black boot in tow threatening to upend your balance and fall, which could damage your other ankle.
But now, a word of advice to the unfortunate people who have to live in the same home as grouchy victims. To those suddenly-pressed-into-service caregivers I write the following:
First of all, know that all bad things will eventually come to an end, one way or another. Secondly, keep your running shoes handy. Just knowing that a quick temporary escape from Irritable Irma surely will help you make it thru. And third, don’t take personally what is thrown your way. Be it complaints from a viperous tongue, an occasional flying shoe, or a glare that could easily take down a belligerent barracuda.
Lastly, attempt to listen patiently as possible to the victim as they rehearse their litany of grievances. Remember, this is their way of expressing their frustration at being imprisoned in a chair.
Then go use your running shoes.
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