PT #7: WOW It's a Halo

Since this wrist-fracture experience began and following the cast's removal, after visit #1 to the physical therapist, my initial three goals were to clap, achieve the yoga prayer pose, and extend my arms in front opened-palm. The clap has returned, and the prayer pose angle has changed from 45 to 60 degrees... Yesterday, Therapist Jill was enthusiastic about the substantial improvement. The most expressive she has been during a session.

I documented goal #3 in three consecutive Sundays of pictures, showing my opened-palm pose. Call me sentimental or superstitious, but the mere thought of permanently losing that relaxed and treasured palm pose creates emotional pain. It is a low-blow, because at the end of Sunday services after Pastor John speaks, in a Presbyterian way (I was kindred-raised), he gives a benediction that as a child I became familiar with: "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine upon you and show you His favor and give you peace..."

For years I have eagerly extended both arms for that benediction. Every time it produced goose-bumps; even now, despite supination-impaired Fwrist. Mother's Day Sunday we were too busy for a photo of my progress, fixing a special meal. Later that evening I checked Fwrist's progress on goal #3, discouraged that it looked about the same as the previous week. I actually hadn't noticed that Fwrist was still goal #3 impaired, because the morning's female speaker did not lead a closing benediction. I wasn't reminded of the continued arm-fail. Thursday's visit to the bone doctor might end up being this week's confirmation that Fwrist is still off.

On a positive note, yesterday Physical Therapist Jill prescribed an interesting new exercise. She calls it The Halo. I try to learn from Jill the key, including "what does this one do?" for many of the home exercises she prescribes. Specifically, what to notice to have proper pose. This one needs no other key than to provide much-needed hope. WOW [a reflection of MOM]--it's a halo. A visual reminder that someone's watching over me and our family reunion, occurring after 25 long years.