My recent knee replacement surgery on July 5 gave me a prolonged opportunity to experience what it would be like to be permanently disabled in some way. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the physical abilities most of us take for granted. Until my knees got painful almost a decade ago (the cartilage wore out completely), I used to run everywhere, and walk as far as I liked, or stand and work or teach for hours without thinking twice about it. But suddenly not to be able to walk more than a few steps, was a real eye-opener.

At first after the surgery, I was angry at the lack of cooperation I was getting from my body: “Come on – just get up and do it,” I’d say. But I couldn’t walk more than a few feet at first, and when I did, I’d have to lie down and take a nap or rest afterwards. The healing takes time, and I was impatient! Even a couple of weeks later, as I tried to walk my dogs very slowly around the block in our neighbourhood, I was angry with drivers of big trucks and SUV’s who came up behind me. Even though they saw me limping, they almost ran me off the road. One side effect of the healing process is that I cannot drive for six weeks, so I must depend on others to get groceries, walk dogs, mow lawns, and vacuum my house. Sometimes it is hard to ask for help, and accept it graciously.

So, what did I learn? This experience taught me to be more sensitive to those people I see on the street who are physically challenged as they are struggling to walk or are limping along. I am determined to be helpful to them, offer assistance, or at least smile and be respectfully encouraging. We can never know what it is like to walk in other people’s shoes, and I do want to be a caring neighbour. I certainly am grateful for all those who have helped me in the recovery process: driving me to the grocery store, mowing my lawns, pulling my garden’s many weeds, taking me shopping, or for an outing or lunch. Thank you for your generosity of spirit and for your kindness. It is much appreciated!