Closer to fine

Interjection to correct minor infraction: I want to credit both Shiela and Steph for the lovely photos used for the "Americans in Holland" post. All compliments to them and not Nico this time.

Response to comments
You asked what I meant by "stimulation". First, by touching my foot as only a physiotherapist can, Titia was trying to make the reconnection between my foot and brain. By stretching, twisting and pushing to their limits the various joints and bones of my foot/ankle, she could see if I had any stiffness in this area. Second, my brain would feel these areas being strongly "stimulated" and be able to move them after being pushed. Of course, it helped to have the left foot as a working model with which I deduce which parts of the foot I should concentrate on to make certain movements.

Today
I was awake at 6:30 this a.m. in anticipation of my 9 o'clock fitness test followed by my 10a.m. mental ringer round two. Both went fine and both were uniquely interesting.

The first test gave me readouts of what I'm made of, literally (51% water, 24% muscle, 2.1% bone, etc.), and the different speeds at which my heart beats while resting (74), doing average amount of exercise (123) and maximum push during exercise (154). This was all calculated so that my fitness friend, Rabin, could make a program for me. (By the way, girls, you didn't meet Rabin but he always calls me Ron. And you would have thought he was as lovely as Paul was but in a bit better shape.)

I'm very pleased with this kind of test/result process because I've been going to fitness for some months now but with no real targeted end goal in mind except gradually to be able to walk faster and lift more weights. By next weeks' end, I should an individuated program to get me where I need to be, at least for my age and current physical condition.

I should also say here that what motivated me to request this test in the first place was that book my folks sent me, Stronger after Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery.

Speaking of results, the nice mental-condition test lady, Marlene, said I did very well though it will be 2-3 weeks before I know the final results. Unfortunately, I won't have any opportunity to formally meet with her again (apparently the psychologist has the privilege of telling me the test results). Some angels fly in and out of my life so quickly, I never get a chance to thank them for showing up in the first place. But I know where this angel's office is so I can at least slide a note under her door.

Random thoughts
After this morning's fitness test, I think I've gotten further behind the idea of having a rowing machine for home fitness (not that I plan to do anything about it). With neither a stationary bike nor the loopband can I move my legs fast enough to get my heart rate going at maximum pumping speed. Though it does get my heart going, the amergo (water wheel) engages my arms but I miss the workout for my legs. I haven't tried the cross trainer for a while but I have a feeling it would be too taxing on my legs as they are right now. However, that would work to get my rear exterior into better condition, hmm? More thinking ahead, I guess.

Up at dawn
A time of day usually reserved for beach walking at the Outer Banks (while everyone else is still dreaming in their beds), it was kinda nice to be up walking Hazel at dawn today. The sun was clear for takeoff without the usual cloudy obstructions and the sky had in it a glorious shade of orange beginning to float around. With no fear of dogs to chase them out of the water, the variety of ducks floated quietly on the canal and the world was just a bit more peaceful than it would be at a later hour.

Though I was glad to have them, the clap-drag of my Nordic sticks definitely disturbed the tranquility of the moment. At any moment, I expected to hear, "What a racket! Pick up your sticks, mevrouw!". But Hazel and I made it home without incident.

I almost decided to not take my sticks this morning but the sky was so lovely and, as it turned out, having them paid off. I got in 10 good minutes before I had went home to hurriedly change from my dog walking pants to my fitness ones, enough time to get my legs kick-started for the day.

Reflection
I will see the six month anniversary of my stroke this Saturday. Six months sounds relatively long ago but, for me, the time has gone by in a flash. Does that mean I've enjoyed myself? In many ways, absolutely. For me, having all this time to selfishly focus on me, my body, my life and what I want to do with my future moments has been like a gift from God. Now, I just have to have the will to continue making my inner reflections physically real.

No one that loved me (including myself) would have thought to give me the gift of an aneurysm (or stroke of good fortune) to help me get what I was in need of. As strange a gift as it may seem, whoever sent it, knew my wishlist better than I did. As a result, I've reconnected with friends and family in a way I desperately needed, seen in myself the deepest optimism, witnessed the amazing kindness of which humans are capable and the opportunity to take life at a pace that allows me the time to appreciate all of it. So, what's a little brain tissue if a woman gains her soul (or something like that)?

And, especially today, I've enjoyed keeping up this blog. Thanks to you for keeping in touch.