Do you remember being grounded? You pressed your nose against the window and watched your neighborhood friends play. Time slowed. I’ve been out for seven months. My clock is full of spider webs and the windows need washing.
Looking back, much of it’s a blur. I can’t believe it’s November! I’m so far out of the loop, I’m orbiting another galaxy. Much of my social life revolves around tennis. Being sidelined since April has been isolating. Instead of organizing social events, I’ve focused on my health and writing since my double mastectomy in May. I’ve heard from a few people, but most have been sucked into the vortex of their own fast-paced lives. Mine has rolled along at the speed of a snail.
I’ve counted the weeks. At eight after my last reconstructive surgery, my doctor released me to running and biking. My first ride lasted ten minutes. I came in the door soaking wet and out of breath. A few days later, I ran (alternating between shuffling and walking), with Roxy. She walked alongside me with 4 inch legs! Yep. I started out slow.
When I hit ten weeks, I got antsy. Breckenridge Ski Resort opened November 7th. I’ve always asked about tennis. With all the upper body movement, I knew it would be a while, but what about skiing? I made a phone call. My surgeon wasn’t in that Friday, but my question was relayed to a nurse. I waited on hold. Then the receptionist said, “Absolutely……….(what seemed like minutes)……….not.” I was still grounded. Dang it! We stayed home.
Ski dreams.
At eleven weeks last Wednesday, I had an appointment with my surgeon. We chatted for a few minutes. I asked about skiing and held my breath.
“No restrictions,” he said.
“What? I don’t have any restrictions?”
“None. Your restrictions have been lifted, but you can’t fall.”
My heart leapt! “Really? I can do anything?” I asked in a high-pitched squeaky voice like a little kid in disbelief that she’s been released to play outside again.
“You’ve been released to do anything, but fall.”
**note to self** I’ll stick to blue runs.
“How long until I completely heal?”
“That’ll take a year.” He looked at my bionic boobs. “I know you’re done with surgery, but a year from now, please get the fat transfer.”
“Maybe.” My boobs stick out like a cartoon character’s, but he’s right. I am done.
While floating out of the examining room, I remembered. “What about tennis?”
“No restrictions. Swing away!” He swung an imaginary tennis racket.
The nurse gave me a hug since I won’t see them again until after the holidays. I danced out to the car. I couldn’t believe it. For seven long months I’ve been grounded. Now I can do anything. Freedom! Woohoo!
I felt like doing this!
I passed along the good news to my family on the way home and then jumped on my bike. I rode a few miles and came up a hill on the way back. This time, I didn’t experience the same huffing or puffing. I stretched and scheduled a thirty minute court time.
Last Friday, I drove to my tennis club. There had been some damage due to the floods and the weight room is under renovation. I stepped onto the courts. They had been painted bright purple and green like the ones at the US Open. I played mini tennis from the service line with the pro. The first three balls went into the net. At first it felt strange since I’d been away for so long. Then muscle memory kicked in and my shoulders relaxed. I waved to friends on an adjacent court. It felt good to be back in Earth’s orbit.
I’ve been released into the wild! Now I can start on those windows…
Have you ever been grounded?
Blues to be sure you don’t fall? You’re way ahead of me. Blues are my challenge. I don’t even think about blacks.
I’ll be getting a little taste of being grounded. I’m having surgery on my left shoulder (I’m left-handed), and I have no idea what that’s going to prevent me from doing or for how long. I’m pretty sure pounding a keyboard will be off limits for awhile. I’m also pretty sure sky-diving and climbing Mt Everest will be out.
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My son went through that. Get the ice machine. It works wonders., Sorry to hear you’ll be grounded. When is your surgery?
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Congratulations! Here’s to staying upright!
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**clink** That’s the plan! I’ll be on the slopes in an hour!
Thanks so much!
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So happy for you, Susie! You go girl! I am grounded often but the worse is after surgeries (like you). It takes sooooo long to heal! There are only so many jigsaw puzzles one can do. Glad you get to enjoy your outdoor activities.
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I was so happy when the fog finally lifted and I started obsessing about stats again and could work on my book. Thank God for computers and the blogging community. I never felt completely cut off!
Thanks Maria! I’ll be taking it easy….
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Windows – schmindows … they just get dirty again … get out and play!
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Your’re right! Why waste my time with housework! I’m planning to get on the mountain today! Thanks so much Widdershins!
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Great news Susie (our windows are filthy!) – delighted for you and the family
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Thanks so much Jim! We went skiing today and had a blast. It’s Danny’s birthday!
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Wish him many happy returns Susie and I hope he drives on the correct side of the road!
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I’ll remind him before driving down the mountain!
Danny says thanks and CW!
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CW!
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Reblogged this on and commented:
This woman is an inspiration for us all!
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Reblogged this on Freedom of free discount coupons shopping.
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Thanks so much Hailee!
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pleasure is mine………….♥ your blog is so nice like you susielindau
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Awwww! You made my day!
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thank u so much so sweet of u………….☺
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Woohoo!!! Not get out there and get after it to your giant heart’s content!
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Thanks so much! We went skiing today and I used muscles I hadn’t used for a long time, but I didn’t fall! Yay!
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Amazing! You’re going to feel sore tomorrow, but it’s going to be the very best kind of sore.
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Enjoy the great outdoors – again – Susie! I hope you and your bionic boobs have a great time!
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They had a great time! Just got back from skiing.
Thanks Hook!
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This is some rocking good news! The Bionic Boobs lady is free to roam!
Just take it slow getting back into the swing of things. We don’t want to read about your trip to the ER as your next post!
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I know right? I stuck to blues and only hit a couple moguls. They roamed three runs today!
Thanks Phil and for the tweet out!
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Look out, here she comes! 🙂 Funnily enough, I was never grounded, because we lived too far from civilisation to get into trouble. Kind of an effective child proofing mechanism, it occurs to me now. Enjoy your freedom (but remember not to fall!)
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Thanks Alarna! Great to see you. So far so good! Skied yesterday and had a great time.
Your parents had a great plan… 🙂
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Hooray for being un-grounded. Enjoy!!
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I skied three runs yesterday!!! It feels good to be out and active again. Thanks so much!
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Only when I was a kid, but the Roxster pretty much summed up the feeling. Actually, now that I think about it… I have been kind of grounded. Due to business… too much! No writing for ages. Very little time for reading. The over-long season is over and I am back. So like you, Susie, I’m back in action too. I waved to friends on an adjacent court… I’ll bet that was so thrilling and such a good feeling. I know they were glad to see you, because the grey months are starting… and you are a ray of sunshine.
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Awww! Great to see you Ted! I finally made it down the mountain. 3 jack-knifed trucks and a pile up in a snow storm.
Thanks so much. Read and write when you can. I’ll be here waiting!
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Firstly, I’m STILL being grounded. By all the adults in the room. Am I EVER gonna learn? Nope, probably not.
And lastly? Love you mama. Keep on kicking it. You’re my good place, and thank you for it.
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Thanks Cayman and for all the boob support! You were one of the few people I talked to back when it was shocking and terrifying. Glad it’s in the rear view mirror.
Grounded again? What did you do this time????
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I remember the talks, and I’m glad I was there for you. Not to mention how you’ve always been there for me, so there’s that.
Yes, I was grounded. I swear I didn’t do anything wrong! No one believes me! And yanno . . I can’t says I blame ’em.
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You’re a marvel. I’m rapt for you Susie. Fantastic.
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Thanks Colin! I have skied and played tennis. I am one lucky girl!
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Oh Susie, I am so very happy to hear you’ve progressed so well. Congratulations and have a great time on the slopes, trails and courts. 🙂
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Thanks so much Serena! Just got back from my second time on the court. I found it difficult to keep from swinging hard.
It is so crazy how life works. I had looked up Dracula’s Facebook page a few times yesterday and kept seeing yours on the list and here you are! Great to see you!
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I only get to Facebook a couple times a week, but try to catch a couple blogs too. Yours has always been one of my favorites. 🙂
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Awwwww! You made my day!
How are you doing?
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Yay!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah! Yippee! Yes, I’ve been grounded. More times than I care to say. So I understand being set free. I am so happy for you Susie! You’ve been through the dark and are now seeing the light. This is fantastic news! Now remember, think round green or blue square. No black diamonds for you unless you wear them on your finger. 🙂 {{Hugs!}}
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Hey Karen! Great to see you! How are you and your husband? What a heck of a year!!!
Thanks so much. I just got back from another 30 minute court time and II can see where it is going to take me a while to get back in the swing of things, literally!!! ((hugs)) 🙂
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Yes, I hear ya Susie. It’s been a heck of a year. To answer your question, we are hanging in there. I wish hubby’s recovery was as successful as yours. He is still in a lot of pain. As you can imagine, it’s been exhausting. So we are on a wild ride, that’s for sure, but keeping our chins up as we search for alternative therapies. One day at a time Susie. Sometimes that’s all we can do. Because is does take time to get back into the swing of things when you’ve been forced to fight for your life and well being. Baby steps my friend. As long as we are moving forward, we are moving in the right direction. So be careful not to overdue and become frustrated. You’re doing fantastic! 🙂
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Thanks Karen! I have a friend who was going through chronic pain and went to the Mayo Clinic for nerve surgery. I saw her out running! I will say a prayer for your husband. Thanks for all your support! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Congratulations! So glad to hear you’re getting back into your groove. (Of course, now I feel a bit guilty that I’ve never had such restrictions, yet I’m sitting on my butt needing to exercise. :p)
You continue to be in our hearts and prayers! Best wishes, Susie.
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I’m easing into it. I skied on Wednesday and played 30 minutes of tennis yesterday, so I opted not to ski toay. It’s snowing and crowded and didn’t want to take ANY chances!!!
Thanks Julie! I really appreciate that!
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Best wishes Susie. No abrupt moves, ok?! Pls take care. Praying for you.
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Awww! Thanks so much. They are most appreciated. I am taking it very slowly.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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For the first three months after my stroke, okay four, I was limited. I could exercise – I had rehab – I could go places – I had rehab – I could do anything – that’s a lie. Anyway, I had to live with Mom and Dad (God love em) for several months. Going back to my own home was my tennis and skiing. I always played volleyball – I doubt that ever happens, but we will see. So, yes, I was grounded.
Scott
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Physical limitations are life altering. I hope you will be able to experience your favorite sports again Scott! I am thankful to be able to ease back. ….easing…..
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I can’t believe I missed this happy news. Congratulations! I couldn’t be more pleased for you. Being grounded can be difficult for most people but for someone with your energy and zest for life I imagine it must have been near impossible at times. Kudos to you for sticking to the restrictions so there were no repercussions. Now…just don’t fall.
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Thanks for stopping by!
I am in the mountains today,but won’t ski unless the crowds thin out. My daughter and husband have already fallen!! It happens….If I topple over, I won’t use my arms and will face plant. Youch!!! I did hit an exercise class last week and plan to get into a routine. I want to build up my arm strength before really hitting tennis balls. It’s a process, but so far so good!
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You are amazing!
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Awwww!!!!
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Hi Susie, Reading this a bit late (I have been grounded for the last 2 weeks after knee surgery so catching up on your blog!)…
Congrats! Hope you are doing well…
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Thanks so much for thinking of me! I hope you are on the mend. Knee surgery can be very painful. I wish you a quick recovery!
I’m finally feeling like I can do anything I want! Yay!
🙂
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