Out of Pocket, but on the Mend
ByDad, Mom and I roared through our busiest months ever speaking for the Get Motivated Seminars last October and November. We were on the road for days at a time, and even spoke at two venues in one day several times this past year. Our last out before the Christmas break took us to Corpus Christi and San Antonio, Texas, over a three-day period and I’m thrilled to report that Texans love to love Zig Ziglar. It was a special trip for all of us.
I arrived home late at night on December 2nd and spent the next day getting ready for surgery on my shoulder on December 4th. I had been told that rotator cuff surgery would keep me from flying for six weeks and that recovery could take from three to twelve months, depending on how complicated the surgery was. I was also told the therapy was extremely painful and I regret to tell you that nobody lied about any of what I was told!
I have developed a new language….it is only suitable for my therapist and it has become somewhat of a chant that goes like this, “Ouch, ouch, ouch! Oh me. Oh dear Gussie me. Doggoneit. I don’t think it bends that way. Are you serious? You want me to do THAT?”
Regardless of what I say, she persists in what she is doing. She’s heard it all and she knows that I have to push through the pain to get to a point of wellness. Friday she said I could pick up stuff with my right hand as long as it isn’t heavier than a fork, but if I pick up a fork and want to eat with it I have to put my elbow on the table so I won’t flex my bicep. I decided it is easier to eat with my left hand than it is to block out my mother’s voice saying “Get that elbow off the table!”
My husband, Jim Bob Willie, upon seeing my dangling right arm named it “The Lonely Arm.” I catch him and our middle daughter Jenni laughing hysterically when they watch me walk with my sad, limp arm hanging from my forward pitched shoulder at an angle that betrays my complete and utter fear of pain at any unexpected movement. And I thought they wanted to help me.
I guess I’m grateful for a family that can find humor in any awful thing – or it is really just having a positive attitude????? If you think I’m exaggerating, go to YouTube and type in The Row Tater Kuff. All I can say is it is a very good thing that I appreciate a man with a big sense of humor.
Julie,
Laughter always makes any situation better. After listening to your Dad’s recordings for years, I’m not surprised to hear that your family is giving you huge doses of humor to aid in your recovery.
Hope you are back at full speed and speaking with Zig soon.
Brian
Hi Julie,
I see your brother Tom is a blogger as well. Thanks for taking the time to write- your father’s inspiration is so special and its nice to have his legacy continuing through the internet and other places. I am part of the younger generation that is going to lead this world to peace and it is my mission to connect to very powerful people through the internet.
I enjoy your posts for their content and sometimes a little humor. Please continue to write and I will continue to comment. I have a blog about self-discovery, which your father’s words and other motivational speakers have really helped me get through a tough time and into a life that is so much more fulfilling.
<3
Shannon Buckley
Thank you Shannon. Keep being positive, it become you!
Hey Again Brian!
Dad and I are back on the road and he is doing super! I can drive again and clean horse stalls and my shoulder has almost regained a full range of motion. I have a great therapist and she is getting me back to normal. My lonely arm isn’t so lonely anymore! Now my husband is lonely…because I can leave the house of my own accord! You take care of yourself…thanks again for the encouragement, Brian.
Hi Julie! you’re welcome!
Funny thing is, I can’t stop being positive. It is who I am. Eternally optimistic. I love who I am and don’t want to stop. It’s just been a part of me for so long, then I embraced it and started living with intention and holy cow…
cows are holy
So are birds
and mice
and spiders
and lice
all of it.
It’s all so special
and so are you
xoxo
Shannon Buckley
Julie,
Laughter always makes any situation better. After listening to your Dad’s recordings for years, I’m not surprised to hear that your family is giving you huge doses of humor to aid in your recovery.
Hope you are back at full speed and speaking with Zig soon.
Brian
Thanks Brian..I’m back to full speed but Mom and Dad are still trying to protect me from myself….”Let me get that bag!” I appreciate their concern – and teasing. I hope you have lots to laugh at these days too!
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