I've always had a sense of humor but lately I've been working a little harder at finding it. My left knee was reconstructed in November 2007 following an auto accident. As an active single mom of five children, I just assumed I'd bounce back quickly and I'd be back to life as I knew it.

Six months later, I am still on crutches and have had two major surgeries. I have screws in my knee that you can find at Home Depot and a variety of post surgical braces that I still have to wear every day. My leg is icy cold from poor circulation and I have scar tissue growing at the rate of my pre-teen son's feet. Well, at least his feet will stop growing. My scar tissue is out of control and affecting my joints so bad that my knee will not bend. The second surgery in April was supposed to clear me of all of my scar tissue but because my body is a wonderland (I'm trying to pretend), it's coming back with a vengance. So much for learning salsa dancing this summer.

My younger children think being on crutches looks "fun". I can't wait to burn them one day...along with all the fancy knee braces I have. It will be some campfire! Hopefully this will come sooner than later; at least I'm hopeful.

I have mastered cooking on crutches---flinging chicken from the refrigerator to the kitchen counter because it's not so easy to carry things when you're held up by two aluminum sticks. My children know how to do laundry so well I may never have to do it again (is this the only positive I can think of right now???). I go to physical therapy almost every day of the week and it's just a little disturbing when I start knowing all the other patients by name. When I start giving them birthday cards, I'll know that I've been going for far too long.

Patience. Everyone tells me to have patience. I'm turning 45 next week and I'd give anything to slip on a pair of those lonely high heels in my closet and go out dancing. Who am I kidding??? I'd be happy to put on a pair of pants that FITS over my brace! I think I've practiced the art of patience long enough.....

Yes, I'm fortunate. I'm fortunate that my children weren't in the car when I was hit from behind. I'm fortunate that it's just my leg. Just my leg. That thing that gets me around and helps me run a household. If you ever hear anyone say "I'd give my left leg for a piece of cake" or something along those lines, tell them to re-think that wish. I'd give UP a piece of cake for my left leg.