I finally left my cocoon Thursday, more than a week after I had hip surgery. My cousin, Tom Allen, has been helping me on weekdays during my recovery. I asked him soon after he arrived at my house if he’d like to go to town and he practically jumped at the opportunity.
Driving his pickup truck, he took me first to my office at The Randolph Guide. I had a nice visit with my co-workers, who have done nicely in my absence. Tom left for a while to run an errand while I caught up on shop talk and discussed my experiences.
When he returned, we went back to his truck and cruised downtown while deciding what to do next. Since it was Thursday, the Asheboro Farmers Market was open and we swung by there.
Tom bought a loaf of sourdough bread and some fried apple pies while I was content to hobble around on my crutches and enjoy the beautiful day. Seems like our presence at the market opened the doors as several more shoppers stopped in.
Back in Tom’s truck, we considered our options. He suggested we go to the old farm and visit his mother – sounded like a good idea to me. But as we drove east on Dixie Drive, I remembered that the Chamber of Commerce was holding its annual Business Showcase at the YMCA. Tom was agreeable and we turned onto Highway 42 and into the Y.
I got out at the curb and went to the door while Tom parked the truck. Just inside the entrance I spied good friend Ann Hoover. She was surprised to see me out and about but glad I was able to move around.
As we moved through the gym looking at all the booths, I saw a number of acquaintances, who without exception asked about my health. Many expressed the same surprise as Ann that I was walking around so soon after surgery.
Actually, it had been nine days since I left the operating room, and I’d been moving around the house ever since. Only, at home I use a walker because I’ve attached a bag to it to carry stuff with me from room to room.
On the other hand, the crutches are perfect for getting around outside since they allow me to deal with stairways or travel across rough surfaces.
It took Tom and me about an hour to get around to all the booths. At one point I felt a bit light-headed and thought I may need to sit for a spell. But the only chairs I saw were too low for me, since I’m supposed to keep my knees as low as my hips.
I pushed on, though, and felt better as I met with old friends and made a few new ones. I even picked out a pink rose from one of our local florists to take home to Ginny.
By the time we left the Y, Tom and I were hungry and not yet ready to go back to the cocoon. So we stopped at a restaurant for lunch before he took me back home.
By that time I was ready for a rest. It had been a good day, my first one back to the real world.
Maybe we’ll get to the farm next time.
