Stroke Recovery: Walking Outside

I have done it - I am walking outside. Only slowly, and not far, but I go every day, and as my legs get stronger, I go further. Apart from the distance, something people may not realise is that it is dangerous. What you take for granted, for me, after walking on carpet, the ground outside is very uneven. My toe catches on the slightest thing, even indoors, and I am liable to lose my balance.

Anyway, I am doing it. I have got up enough confidence, and my balance and walking have improved to the point that I decided to give it a go. I live on a street of terraced houses, so decided to count gates to measure the distance, but Michael paced it out and we think one gate is about five yards (or metres). In addition I walk from the living room to the front door and down the path to the street, which is another five yards out and five yards back again.

The first day I had no idea how far I could go, so Michael walked behind me with the wheelchair. I walked six gates before I got tired and sat down. Michael wheeled me back again and I walked into the house. Total distance about 40 yards. The second day I walked three gates out, turned round and walked three back, and into the house. Total distance 40 yards without a sit down in the middle. Not only does it make my legs ache, my arm aches from leaning on my stick. Goal - not to lean so heavily or so long.

Then I did four gates on two days, and today I did five. Distance today 60 yards. When I was in hospital learning to walk, Michael used to joke with the physiotherapists that he was going to put my name down for the Swansea 10k race (which is next Sunday as it happens). Well, by next year I might surprise him!

Thinking Thursday: Ballroom Dancing

In my late teens I took up ballroom dancing. There were some things I learned consciously – the steps, the moves, the rhythm; and some I learned instinctively – how to read my partner’s body so I could follow his lead. But when I began to dance I was not certain of what I had learned, and my movements were hesitant and awkward. I had to learn to trust my training and my partner and relax and let them take me round the floor.

For an exam or a competition you can learn a routine, but in a real dance, your partner needs what is called ‘floorcraft’ – the ability to read the situation and guide you into steps that will avoid a collision with other dancers. When you begin the dance you do not know what will happen or which way you will go.

I have been thinking recently that life with Jesus is like that. There are things I know in my head and things I know in my heart, but my steps are hesitant and awkward. I need to relax and give control to Jesus. He will guide my steps and take me through every situation, but I have to trust Him – and stop trying to lead!

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go (Ps 32:8)

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. (Jeremiah's prayer, Jer.10:23)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Pr.16:9)