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Just Something That Brings Me Joy. [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2023-07-18
This week I'd like to share something beautiful and sweet that brings me joy. And I invite you to do likewise in the comments.
This is my new cane. It's gorgeous, functional, and was made just for me.
I've been using a cane for many weeks now. I was made to understand that my injury could take months to recover from; that pushing myself too hard to go back to doing things the way I was accustomed to would only result in more pain, and a longer recovery time. Which means using a cane. And using it correctly! My physical therapist taught me about that on my very first appointment. Using it correctly has taken a certain amount of practice; I'm not the most coordinated person. But it's definitely worth it. It's easier, less effort, and less pain.
When it became apparent that using a cane would be part of my life for the foreseeable future I thought aloud about the possibility of getting one that wasn't quite so utilitarian. My first cane works just fine. I'm certainly keeping it for those times when ordinary and utilitarian are preferable, like when I'm watering my herb garden, or going out to feed the ducks and chickens. But other times, I wished I had something a little more elegant.
My son heard me.
One of the sketch pages he created in advance.
The length of walnut wood he started with.
Using my inexpensive, adjustable drugstore cane as a guide, he took careful measurements and repeatedly had me hold it as work progressed. Just to be sure it would fit me, and my hand, as perfectly as possible.
We have a lot of tools, but no lathe. Rounding it was done by hand.
The handle was formed from a block of solid aluminum.
Eventually it was smooth and shaped to fit my hand comfortably.
About midway through the work I mentioned to my son that I hoped he was taking pictures to document his progress. He assured me that he was, and agreed to share them with me when it was finished.
Beginning the decorative engraving.
Joe told me that the spiral carving was inspired by a narwhal whale's tusk.
Joe's quite good at carving but has never before made something like this. He taught himself as he went along. It took a few weeks since he works nearly every day, and would work on this after coming home.
It's engraved on both sides like this. I insisted that he add his initials, because an artist should sign their work. He did that on the back end.
As I understand it, ITBS is actually pretty common. Apparently it usually affects athletes who are rather younger than I, though it can happen to anyone. It can happen more than once. It can become a chronic condition, which may be treatable with surgery. It's possible but not guaranteed that mine will eventually go away entirely. I'm doing everything I can to help make that happen. Even if I never again need to use a cane, I will cherish this as long as I live. It's just beautiful. It was made with love. And it brings me joy.
His sister must have taken this picture. Of all the photos taken to document the progress of this project, this one is my favorite.
I very much hope that you who read this might take a moment to share some lovely, joyful things in your own life. Whatever it is, great or small, tell us about it and share your joy.
Greetings from northern Arizona.
Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.
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