And I started to get better. Over six months or so, I regained some energy and flexibility, to the point where I could do 55 minutes of exercise pretty vigorously. Where I had lagged behind with everyone else passing me, I became able to keep up and pass some of the older folks. I felt good, my body more alive. I started walking outside again. Then I found that I had enough energy left over for my work. I even got back to the exercise room and started strengthening.
I remember that first day on the leg press machine, crying with happiness to be back. I felt silly being emotional about a weight machine, but nobody else said anything, so I wasn’t embarrassed.
It wasn’t just the water exercise that helped. I went to a movement therapist and learned some new stretches and exercises. I got psychotherapy to help me deal with the stress. But it’s not so easy to go out and find new help when you’re feeling sick and tired, and getting worse. Sometimes I was tempted to give up, but regular contact with my water buddies encouraged me to get the help I needed.
So they were a big deal to me, but from Linda and Ken’s point of view, they couldn’t see how much they meant. They had no idea how important they were or how much good they were doing. If it hadn’t been for them, I might have stayed in bed, becoming more depressed until I totally gave up. I would not have been able to finish my books, which are helping a lot of people. But they didn’t know anything about that. If things were tough for some of them, they may have been wondering what they were doing in the world, what meaning their lives could have, just as I was.
Nice story, David. We certainly live in an interactive world. One never knows how you might be affecting others. The best thing to do is keep your eye on the sparrow and do good works and don’ t quit. Later, Toni
Lovely essay, David. Thanks for calling attention to it. – Ellen
Happy to see this published!
David, I am so glad you still have your earthly body among us others with earthly bodies, and that it allows you to think and write and reflect – and inspire us. Thank you.
David,
I once read a quote (can’t remember from who): “90% of life is just showing up”. Or something to that effect. This has been validated countless times in my personal experience, most recently by you showing up for me just when I needed it. I can only hope to return in kind.
Affectionately,
DJ
Oh David, this is so inspiring! I find that all of your writing creates a place called “hope” even when you tell a story that has sadness in it! Thank you so much for finding a way to point out the rainbows, the sun, and to tell stories with such sincerity and poetry that my world feels better for having read your work! You are a special person!
Thank you, sweetheart. Your essay helped me let loose a few drops of purifying saline. And inspires me to write some stories of my own. (Or have them ghostwritten. ;^)
wow, David- your writing presence is so real and lovely. thank you very much for messages of hope you send to others in many and various ways. you make a difference- what is better than that
David, it’s been a long time since we talked on the phone about my cardiac support program-like 2 years. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of knowing part of your journey. This is especially meaningful to me as I have had to leave the spin bike, tread mill and walking up hills. I am now part of a water aerobics group that is having the same positive effect as your group did. How blessed we are to have options. Thank you so much for your gift and ability to share.
Hi David,
Thank you for sharing your story and insights. It is a powerful reminder about the effects of presence and being one’s self.
I can relate. Group effect cannot be underestimated.
David,
I only hope I gave my clients the same inspiration you give me.
It is the one thing I miss about not seeing patients. They helped me as much as they told me I helped them.
David, I enjoyed reading your essays. Nice writing style. You might enjoy my son’s limericks written under his blog name, Dr. Goose. They are usually about the finance industry. I found that I’ve saved over 150 of them so I am now printing out my own little booklet. Your prose has inspired me to try selling short stories again.
This was a great story. Just like a nurse, I say, as one. We want to be on the “helping others” side, and have a hard time accepting our own worth. I love your website, and the idea behind it. Write-on!
David, thanks very much for sharing this beautiful story!
It means a lot to me and other readers.
And Blessings to both you and your wife Aisha, David!