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June 9, 2006

It's Those Little Things In Life All Around Us...

August 07, 2008 11:58 AM EDT

views: 144 | comments: 34

They're everywhere...if you just take the time to recognize them. It's that those things; those extra touches; that make every experience just that much better. Being an observer and having an eye for detail; I've always been able to pick out something special. With no choice but to take it slow lately, my senses have become in tune with so much more because I allow myself to let go. I'm extremely aware of what's around me.

Since the removal of such a major part of my body, it's as if the rest has kicked into high gear to compensate for the loss.

With the size honker I've got, I already resembled a Bloodhound. It wasn't just the foods that were being enjoyed; the aroma of various sticks of incense, perfumes and colognes from displays and people passing by, the essence of the air washed clean by a sudden downpour. My ears are supercharged with hearing aids and the noise from the parties on our building's balconies was enough to make me leave them right out all weekend. Despite being able to hear less than fifty per cent of what's out there, I could still sense the enjoyment of the crowd and the laughter of children rose above all else. There was the sizzle of food cooking and the trickle of water flowing in the fountains outside where I live. There were flowers in their display...and posies posed in front of the house on the opposite corner. Smiles were being flashed and returned everywhere you looked.

All you have to do is look. Many times, they find you...you don't even have to seek them out. They're right there before you. All you have to do is allow them to be part of your experience. Though being alone all the time has its down side, there are also some advantages. I don't have a distraction that might make me miss something worth running across. Take the time to drink in all around you.

Become aware of your surroundings.
In a sea of humanity, it may be easy to get lost; a good and bad thing at the same time. In recognizing but only a couple, I was awash in a city of nameless faces...alone in a crowd. I had no one to answer to and was free to do as I please. I pet a puppy at the doggie display. My foot was tapping as I stood near the performing stage. I felt good smiling at the Bubbleman. I was energized by splashes of color. I could spend as much or as little time as I cared to doing anything I so chose. I wasn't on a time schedule and was ready to push my physical limits; going far beyond what I imagined possible. The power of so many people pulsed through my veins.
I glanced at gardens along my way; many homes feature greenery all around.

Having always admired the house on the opposite corner, I lingered to take a better look than in just passing.

The property is always dressed appropriately for whatever time of the year. Lawn decorations and floral displays change with the seasons. It always looks so magnificent at Christmas, especially with the snow gently falling.
Directly at the corner of my building, a small fountain display had been constructed.

The rock bases were hauled into place by forklift, water filled the basins and the pumping systems were activated. Just watching and listening to the trickle reminded me of the many cascades back home. There I was; lost in nature; smack dab in the middle of a city street filled with a couple hundred thousand people. I could feel the coolness of the forest shade sitting along side a waterfall. I enjoyed the trip home...and I didn't even have to drive.
Soon, all this stimulation to my senses would stop...and be gone. I'd go back to hearing car alarms and passing buses; the rumble of traffic on the street below. The laughter will still be there, though now, from late night revelers leaving the bars at closing time.

I'm usually too far into deep sleep by then to let it bother me...unless it's the neighbors coming home to continue their gathering a while longer on the balcony outside my front window. The odors of various foods being prepared are just a few steps away with all the eateries on the strip.

The people still come, so life remains a constant. I'd always have a smile shared with my best friend.
My adrenalin rush switches gears. The crowds have vanished; their engery gone to feed off. Now, my power must come from within. I've called upon it many, many times in recent months and it's time to muster up that strength once again. Today, it should be noted, is my 4 month mark of going out on my crutches...120 days in a row of getting out there and taking a stroll somewhere; getting out and being a part of life instead of sitting home wallowing in self-pity. It sure feels good. Even more in the fact that today is also the day I stand on two legs once again for the first time in a long time; though not that long ago in the grand scheme of things. I last had the use of my foot and leg back in February. It was hacked off in early March. I came home from the hospital for good a month later. The last time I was able to do what I'll be experiencing today was a little over five months; 22 weeks ago...and I'm finally getting to do it again! I never thought this day would come since I first heard the word 'amputate' on a cold, winter's day; laying in a hospital bed all alone. I wondered what life would be like. I was soon to find out having no choice but to go on in order to survive. I eveloved into one of the fittest. One of the easy things about it, too, I only had to pull myself up by one boot strap!
When I next write again, I will have returned, if only for a fleeting, temporary moment, to being a Rob capable of being on my own two feet again.

I will be standing to be like those of you who can stand on two legs at the same time I will rise for those you are unable to. It might not be just yet, but never say never. Never give up if that's your dream. Where there's a will; there's a way...and you have all the time in the world to at least try. You can't come out on top if you don't at least make the attempt. Nobody says it's going to be an easy, uphill climb. There will be tough times along the way; maybe even set-backs. If you can't get around something; meet it head on and go right over it. Let nothing stand in your way. When you're in the middle of that struggle and think you can't go on; seek that inspiration from all that's around you. Just like with the progress you're making, it's those little things that count, too.

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