Mommy's mobility problem

I've had problems with my back for half of my life.  Sprains, disc problems and most recently a muscle strain that literally can knock me on my butt.  It is what it is and while I do take care of myself, I refuse to limit what I do and don't do very often.  I try to use my stubbornness to my advantage by refusing to bow to the pain.  As crazy as it may sound, when I fall, the girls see me get up (even though I'm struggling) and they watch me keep going.

This was the case a few weeks ago when I seized the opportunity to clear a space for a garden.  We didn't get it done last year and I promised Sam that we would make it happen this year.  Unfortunately, the bushes that were in the designated garden space didn't appreciate being uprooted and fought a great battle.  I did ultimately win the battle, but not without injuring myself.

Last night Samantha asked how long it would be until my back isn't broken. She said it patiently, like she's dealing with it, but looking forward to me being back to normal. I'm assuming that she's looking forward to me running around again because I do play with them and I'm active.  I explained that it will be a couple of weeks probably for this episode, but I will have back problems for the rest of my life.  She looked at me doubtfully when I said it could be a lot worse than it is now.

I then told her about a friend from my adolescence that I lived with briefly who had survived a car wreck and ended up in a wheelchair. Jenny was an awesome friend and a positive influence on me. I told Samantha she did wheelies in her chair and that we had good, crazy fun.  From people like Jenny, I learned that you should appreciate how good you've got it right now and that no matter what, you are the only person who will keep you down.

That is why whatever pain I'm feeling, I get up and keep going.  There is no one to stop me besides me and I'm living that lesson every day.  I'll admit that moving at a snail's pace can be maddening, but life is about progress and I'm taking it one step at a time.