Water Walking

Brandon my son-in-law has accepted a new position as a Sells Representative for Peterson Medical. Terry and I are so excited to have him in Utah County. He is away from his family during the week, which is very sad. But, we are getting the opportunity to get to know our wonderful son-in-law. One idea we had was to go to the Orem Rec Center and getting me some exercise. Now mind you-I have difficulty walking on solid ground. I am kind of wobbly. I was a bit nervous going. I knew it would be good to exercise, but I was afraid I would be at the bottom of the pool. Brandon and Jenni volunteered to come with me and take care of me. So on Tuesday the 20th we headed to the recreation center.
I knew that I couldn’t get too much water on my radiation stickers or on the radiation site due to burning. So I got in with my cute water shoes, and my old swimsuit (with underwire support, which is not needed anymore) and went walking.
Jenni made sure I was taken care of in the locker/shower room. She also made sure I got into the pool ok. She swam next to me, while I walk at about chest level water. Back and forth I went –with Jenni swimming next to me. When we first got in the pool there was no sign of Brandon- Then at the other side of the pool we saw someone swimming back and forth. It was Brandon.
Brandon is one crazy man….. his goal in life (in my eyes) is to make me laugh, which he does very well. He came next to Jenni and I and away we went. I said, “ Hey, Brandon… have you ever seen so much back hair in your life?” Brandon replied, “ We could always braid it”. Jenni and I, “Grosssssss” “Sick” Believe or not it was pretty gross and we probably could have braided some of the back hair… So gross!! I really didn’t want to go back. Too many kids, back hair, and noise. Though I did make it for about a half hour of walking.
The next Thursday the 22nd, we went back. We went a little earlier to void the noise and people. We had little or no people in the pool. The faster I talked the faster I walked… We were going pretty good when Brandon said, “Hey, mom don’t you think you should stop?? “ “What? I am doing great.” “Mom, you’ve been in the water for about 40 minutes.” “Oh, yes, I’m finished” What Brandon knew and was taking care of me…. Is that I have a bad left knee, surgery several years ago left my knee a mess. The water is great for it. It doesn’t put the pressure on the knee like the ground would. I went a bit too long and my knee swelled like a balloon when I got home. I had difficulty walking and the stairs…. Well, let’s just say, Poor Terry had to push me up the stairs to get to my bedroom. What a trooper.
Wednesday the 28th….. I did NOT want to go back. Yet, I knew if I went water walking it would only help me. At about 5:45 we decided to go. What was so much fun… was…. Brandon and Jenni went again, but this time we got Jared and Terry to come along. It was so good to have my husband there with me. Watching to “boys” jump off the board and to be with Jenni. By goal- is to go to Orem two days a week to continue my exercise and strengthening of my body.
I know it will take time, patience on my families part, and hard work, but hopefully I will be back to full strength soon.