My ankle surgery

Dear People of Grace,

Twenty-one years ago, I broke my ankle in the Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming, on a NOLS trip-leader backpacking course. We were six miles from our re-ration point. My fellow sojourners helped me crawl and hobble my way out. It took us three days to evac. My tibia and fibula were repaired, and I eventually did walk again.  But over the course of time, I developed arthritis in the joint. Today, I no longer have cartilage in my left ankle.

This Wednesday, October 9, I will go in for surgery for an ankle joint replacement at Harborview. I have been advised by my surgeon to take two weeks off from work.  I will be recuperating at home. My goal will be to return to Grace on Oct 27. I will be using a knee scooter or crutches. The recovery process is 6 weeks non-weightbearing and another six weeks gradual weight bearing. Then comes physical therapy to recover the lost muscle strength.  My movement will be compromised for quite a while, and we will have to adjust for that during our worship service.

It's been a long journey up to this point. I am grateful to be getting good medical care and looking forward to walking pain free. 

Our worship services will continue as normal. The Rev. Kate Kinney will preside, and there will be a variety of preachers. If you are in need of pastoral care over the next couple of weeks, the Rev. Scott Deasy will be covering for me. On the days he is out, Oct 16-21, the Rev, Kate Kinney will cover. Other pastoral concerns can be addressed to Shannon Moore and Rhonda Peacock or with your home group pastoral care liaison. 

Do keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  See you on the other side.  

Peace,

Rev. Eric