Everybody would love a few minutes of relaxation in a recliner in front of a tv. Nobody wants to spend 8 weeks in a recliner bingeing on Hoarders and Gordon Ramsay.
This is a story that reminds me that my situation is not the worst and sitting in a recliner for 8 weeks is not about relaxation, it’s about giving my body what it needs to heal.
My oldest daughter called and asked if I wanted to go out to lunch with her and her girls. I adore spending time with those little girls and I quickly said yes. With my crutches and moving slowly a quick meal at a fast food place was not going to be a huge stress on my knee.
You all may recall that the younger of my daughter’s girls has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). It’s a genetic disorder in which her body does not produce enough of a protein that makes her muscles grow. I know this sounds awful, but really she is one of the lucky ones. Her SMA was discovered when she was about 2, she has type 3 SMA (least severe), there is a treatment, and their insurance does cover that treatment (not all do). Still she struggles. After more than 5 years she walks very well, can navigate stairs up and down on her feet, can climb a slide ladder to slide down, and takes gymnastics. She doesn’t run and gets tired when she’s out and about, but her abilities are truly amazing.
Back to my big lunch out with them. As I was getting out of the car I said to my daughter, “Well this will be a new experience for you to have someone who walks slower than Lissa.” The next thing I knew Lissa was by my side. She took my hand and said…
“Come on Lady M. You can do it.”
“Just take your time.”
“Here’s a step. You can do it. One foot at a time.”
I was so humbled to hear this child echo the words she’s heard so many times in her life. I will never forget that 30 foot walk from the car to the door.
Lissa’s superpower is kindness.
Buen Camino
One day I decided to go for a walk... 
Very sweet and special. She knows how it is and loves you to bits.