In May, I decided to put my commitment to living healthier to the test by getting rid of my car and walking to my studio. It’s about 3km each way and things were going well. I decided to take things up a notch and got my bike all tuned up. Unfortunately on June 10th, the second day of biking to the studio, I had a bad accident and shattered my right shoulder among other injuries. It was a tricky steep hill and in retrospect, quite out of my league.
I waited in agony for 2 weeks before having reconstructive surgery and am now in recovery. The 2 week wait and my attempt to get help at 3 different hospitals piqued the interest of many local newspapers including the Toronto Star. (Worst photo of me EVER!)
I have been told to expect things to go slow and bumpy and so far it’s true. Each day I have small triumphs showing signs that recovery is happening. For example, I can finally type with both hands! It's painful and tricky but I can do it! If nothing else, I can now stay in touch and blog to my hearts content. My surgeon tells me not to expect things to be the way they were before but I intend to be an A+ student in physio and only time will tell. I'm left handed and it's my right shoulder that was shattered so that's one more thing to be grateful for.
I am deeply grateful for all the help and support I’ve received from my family, friends and Williams Mill. I hope to return to the Mill in a couple weeks. Although I’m not expecting to resume my usual duties till sometime in the fall, I hope to be present nonetheless doing what I can. In the meantime artists Sandra Krosse and Susan Wakefield have volunteered to open my studio to the public on Fridays and Saturdays whenever possible. If you live in the area feel free to pop by and say hello to these amazing ladies. For the time being, my Etsy shop is closed but I hope to reopen in a couple weeks.
More than ever I feel the need to be creative. Not just for my livelihood, but to stave off boredom and worry. It's been a painful journey but the love and support I've received has been overwhelming. Perhaps one day I can express my experience through my work. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Until next time, happy creating.
Christine
