The Way of StoryYear of the Knee
Year of the Knee
In Chinese Astrology, it is the Year of the Dragon or Dog or Pig, etc. This year for this writer, it has been the Year of the Knee. Sometimes Life intrudes on Art. I am currently undergoing one of those times. My latest book was released overseas and here in the States this year, 2024: East & West: Stories of India, receiving good reviews. This same year, ten months ago, I had an accident: falling like a tree on both knees. Painful yet I was able to carry on…until a 200-year old Oak tree fell on my property thankfully missing my house by 12 inches. However, later when I walked on the broken ground after the tree men removed the ancient oak, I twisted the right knee badly. Then as patiently, waiting vultures, the arthritis took over and after a few months, it was ‘bone on bone’ proclaimed the X-Ray and the forthcoming total knee replacement.
It seems the surgery was a success. Now, if I can only get through the recovery. The challenge is this body rejects the narcotic opioids so I am unable to take the usual pain meds. Personally, I believe it is body wisdom to reject such drugs, but I did try which resulted in hours of violent vomiting. I find it amazing and comforting that in the midst of a bad situation, i.e., accidents or illness, one finds inspiring moments of humanity. Here’s one small example. Post-surgery, after a sleepless nite of extreme pain in the knee, it was decided to call an ambulance to the recovery clinic I was now in. My first ride in an ambulance. There a young Russian woman administered the ultra sound on my knee. We had a lovely talk and discovered how much we both loved Chekhov. As I was leaving to return via ambulance to the Continuing Care Center, I told the Russian woman that she had made this a pleasant experience. She smiled and said simply, “It’s easy to be pleasant with pleasant people.”
After ten days away, I am at last home again.
Friends are the best medicine. One old friend from out of town arrived unexpectedly with bright red flowers and smiles. Another two, a couple, plan to come next weekend and stay over 2 nites. Other friends now rally daily to bring food and cheer.
So, as we approach Thanksgiving, I have much to be grateful for. For instance, a good time to binge on great movies and books with no guilt whatsoever. Time with friends who drop by – as I am unable to drive for another two weeks.
And time to write this overdo monthly blog. I usually blog about writing or creativity so let me end with this: One great thing about writing is that no experience is lost. All is grist for the creative imagination which is why I call this period, Year of the Knee.
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