Patience.

Today I got in the pool. 

For a really long time. NOT to exercise, but to play with my three kids. Big, BIG day. My incision is finally healed to the point where I feel okay with submerging it. Today was the first time in 6 and 1/2 weeks where I've been able to hold my (36 lb) baby, standing, without searing pain. 

I crutched my way on over, put my crutch up against the lifeguard stand, and eased my way into the water, slowly and nervously. And as soon as I got in the water, I could hold big Jake WITHOUT PAIN. He was jumping in, to me, over and over, and I could catch him. And it made me cry with happiness. 

It was a really great afternoon. I'm off to cuddle with my book to celebrate. I know that for someone who deals with a serious illness, or a car crash, or something way worse than what happened to me, 6.5 weeks is like a joke of a time span. To me? This has been a really long road, and all I have is my own experience to draw from. I have never gone this long being inactive in my post pubescent life, and it has not been easy. I really feel like I am getting better, today. I know that I need to continue to be patient, and I will be, but these small glimpses of wellness or life getting back to normal are like gifts.