I do not claim at all to be able to understand what it's really like to be a disabled parent, but when a recent ski accident left me with a leg brace and crutches for 10 days, I couldn't help but think how impressive it is that disabled parents manage to go about child raising duties in wheelchairs, crutches, etc. My brief experience as a crutch-bound parent with a 14-month year old was very difficult. It was made a little bit easier by having Kevin's mother here to help during some of the time and the fact that Kenneth is now walking a lot more (see the story about "baby boot camp with grammy"). As you can see in the photo, a little improvisation can really make things better. I managed to get around the house using desk chairs with wheels. At least this way I can carry the little boy and get some things done. I am still re-learning to walk (and sharing tips with Kenneth who is now a professional), but at least the crutches are now gone.
How did this all happen? The actual crash and injury happened on April 9th, just two hours into the first day of our mini-ski vacation in St. Moritz (why is it that all accidents have to happen on the first day of vacation?). The two of us had been looking forward to this trip for a long time, especially since it would be the first time this year that the parents would actually get to ski together. The day started out on a promising note, with Kevin making a few runs on the top of the mountain, Nina getting back into her snow bunny style at ski school, and Kenneth riding in his backpack on hikes through the village with granny. All was going well for Nina and she even had thoughts of running the black diamond run which she had proudly conquered three years ago. Suddenly, she realized that the ski school was moving faster than usual and the gap between her and her classmates was getting noticably bigger. As she struggled to catch up, while diligently trying to incorporate her newly learned techniques, she fell backwards, crashed on the back of her head and bent her knee. From that moment onwards, things passed quickly -- a call to the SOS, a terrifying ride on a snowmobile, calls to Kevin, a ride down the funicular to the village, and directly into the hospital at the base of the mountain. She was in good medical hands, but the diagnosis was a completely torn ACL. The irony is that this was the same ligament which she tore in high school playing volleyball and had surgically replaced with super-strong achilles tendon. At least there was a silver lining in this dark cloud -- she was wearing her new helment and the whack on the back of head had been completely absorbed. What are the next steps with her knee? For the moment, Nina has decided not to get surgery and is attending physical therapy to strengthen her muscles to compensate for the lacking ligament.
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Sorry to hear about your skiing accident. I also had a ski accident on my birthday (March 26) skiing with a friend in Lake Tahoe, CA. Thinking I was 25 again, I was trying to master the transition on the giant salom run. A snow bunny got in the way and I dug a ski tip going about 30mph. Also got a ride down the hill, head first on a sled.
Spent 9 days in Cabo de San Jose, Mexico laying in the sun, leg up with ice and working on my tan. Oh Chris went deep sea fishing and caught a 3 meter Marlin.
Take care of your selves,
Your friend,
Ron
Ninako,
Kawaisoo Onechan. Sorry I couldn't come to help you. That picture made me sad.
Love,
Lisako