It was a hard decision. Getting AFO's (ankle foot orthoses) after more than thirty years of make every effort possible to ignore the fact that I have cerebral palsy. I don't actually remember a step in my life without pain, but I had an amazing ability to mostly ignore it. So it worked. Until I hit forty.
The last four or five years, the pain progressed to nearly excruciating, each step brought agony and finally the (medicated) courage to seek help.
I figured they'd give me some grandma shoes and some Advil. Turns out there was much more need, my feet and ankles were messed up. Thanks Cerebral Palsy. Bilateral foot drop, a torn tendon and a degenerative tendon issue to start.... You are such a FALL risk. I heard repeatedly. Safety sold me, AFOs would provide balance and stability and probably save me from serious injury from falling......
Wearing them the first few days I felt like the Tin-man and Forrest Gump's love-child. So awkward, so obvious, and the stupid stairs (and stares) and the hard questions. (What's wrong with you???) I wondered if I'd made a mistake. Give it a few days....
Within that first week I realized something. It no longer hurt to walk. No pain. Each step solid. I haven't tripped once wearing them. Grateful triumph.
I'm still figuring out stairs and have to use the handrail. People's questions are sometimes too personal and I still can't find pants that will fit over top of them. But I. Don't. Care! I love my new legs and the gift of freedom they have given me. My magic legs and I have become fast friends.
Even a few months ago these answers seemed like an impossible leap of faith. Trusting them brought the ability to leap again. (okay more like hop, but I'll so take it) The lesson here is not lost on me.
And I think this may be my new favorite scripture:
Isiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
