I went bowling last night. Like I do every Tuesday night for the last 22 years. It's the only sport I play now. My field hockey days are long gone and my daughters are carrying on the "sports tradition" started by "mom" 30 years ago. These days, I'm watching them on the lacrosse field or basketball court.
I've been bowling with my teammates during good times (pregnancy) and bad (cold and flu season) times. One daughter was born at the beginning of the season and the other at the end. Tuesday night is ALWAYS my night to do something "non-mom related" and to be an "adult" for a few hours.
When I had my stroke, two years ago, I was really worried that I would have to give up my sport. Our team had won this league three years straight. Every other team came gunning for us. Whether we won or lost, we always had a good team. We have the reputation of being the team that always laughs. My teammates worried that I'd quit.
My therapist Brian gave me the freedom to work on what ever areas I wanted. I told in May that he had to get me in some type of bowling form by September. I told him I knew that I would not bowl the way I used to for a while. As long as I could walk down a lane and throw my ball, I'd be happy. He was alright with that.
My bowling has improved in two years. I had to throw my shot on a whole new line. I found a new shoe that would fit my leg brace. Last year, I got the most improved bowling award. My average increased 25 pins. (woo-hoo) I just have another 25 pins to go. People may look and stare at me: I could care less now.
Last night, I stepped on the approach and felt a nagging pain in my left leg. I got a bad cramp in my calf muscle area. Normally, I'd just grin and bare it. Last night, I smiled slightly. My hamstring is back. How I have missed her. I haven't felt anything in that leg for more than two years. The brace, all my walking, the pain, and the exercises are paying off. My doctors said it would take time for all the muscles to come back. They were right. They didn't know when.
I lived in patience for nearly three years. I'm limping gingerly this morning, but could care less. The old "me" is slowly coming back. That's all that matters. :)
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Wednesday, October 20th 2010 at 11:06AM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
