FROM IRONMAN TO MALL WALKER.

Yesterday, Don got his first cast removed and the second put on. The first cast had kept his foot at an angle with the toes pointed downward, not allowing him to use it for anything, not even balance; the second has his foot in more of a walking angle. So at least some progress is being made. Its been 6 weeks--hard to imagine how fast that time has gone!

With the new cast, he also got a walking boot, and was told to "put as much weight on it as you can manage." I'm sure you know how this will go.

This morning, while getting ready to go out to breakfast, I commented that it was raining, and we both knew a warmup was coming for the next few days.

"If the sidewalks clear, I can walk up and down the street for exercise," he said. "I highly doubt the sidewalks will clear, but maybe we could find somewhere else clear so you could walk," I offered.

We went to breakfast at a very delightful little place, The Omelette Shoppe, which also was attached to a local mall. This mall is small, and very upscale, so there wasn't much foot traffic. After breakfast, Don wanted to show me the fish ponds within the mall, and this got me thinking for him: "Why don't you do a few 'laps' around the mall to walk??"

So the Ironman became a mall walker today. After a few laps, however, he said he was sweating. "That's good! You're getting a workout." I, however, was walking at a snail's pace it seemed.

He still needs the crutches, but is finally limping around the house, meaning he can get things for himself now. Three more weeks with this cast and then its off!

Looking forward to the end of the month.