Together Alone

Most of the strong women with whom I exercise have taken time this summer to travel, visit family and see the world. On a few occasions of late, I’ve worked up a sweat with just one other woman. There’ve been a few mornings when I was alone. Considering I’ll be unable to exercise for a while, following my upcoming, second spinal fusion procedure, I’m willing to go it alone, as needed. I certainly enjoy the fellowship of my likeminded sisters who SWEAT with me, though, and always appreciate the moral support togetherness brings. It feels good to be strong, and it feels even better to be strong, working together. Soon, the time will come when I’ll feel pretty isolated. It will pass and I’ll recover, but I know it’s coming. I’m OK with it. As I reflect on the fusions in my neck; how it was before the surgery compared to how it is now, I’m convinced the potential benefits are worth the risk and the temporary setbacks I’ll experience as I heal from additional surgery. Whereas three of my cervical vertebrae were fused a few months ago, this time around, it’ll be only two lumbar vertebrae; L4 and L5 that will be stabilized. Doc plans to go in over my right hip bone, from the side, and remove one little problematic, slippery disc that won’t stay where it belongs. He will cage the vacant spot and add that magical compound to fill the space, install some titanium plates, wires, rods and miscellaneous hardware before he’s done and make a clean getaway. It sounds relatively simple to me…though he said my previous recovery will seem like a “walk in the park,” compared to this one…OK, that’s slightly disconcerting, but not so much that I’m not up for the challenge and the struggle. “It’s the struggle that makes you strong,” I say often. The people who train with me hear it a lot. My children hear it even more. Something else my children have heard many times, and will hear many more is this: Be willing to stand alone if you’re standing for what is right. I try to practice what I preach, so I’ve spent a few mornings alone, exercising the physical part of me in the beautiful facility made available to my fitness group and me by the Methodist Church, here in Blanco. I’ve listened to music and inspiring spoken words; I’ve corrected my posture using the mirrors and counted steps in relation to my breath; I’ve reminded myself the struggle is an investment in every tomorrow. Today’s struggle affects tomorrow’s strength. We’re never alone in that. After all, we’re living the same life… with variations on a theme.

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