REFLECTIONS

That cloud is still floating above me, and Judy says it’s time to bring out the bubble wrap once again.

I’ve had my share of mishaps. I’ve broken an ankle, shoulder, bones in both feet and most recently I fractured the T-12 vertebrae in a bathroom fall.

I don’t take these falls to have something to write about. Honest! And my purpose in sharing my trials and tribulations is to emphasize that every step you take is most important. Every miss-step could result in serious trouble.

Ironically, Judy and I recently spent a considerable investment to make our bathroom safe. And, safe it is.

I had finished my shower on one of these nice fall mornings. I was completely dry I thought. As I moved from a tile floor to the bathroom sink, my right foot happened to be slightly wet and down I went.

A trip to ER in Owatonna was next. That’s where I learned I had fractured a vertebrae.

I was given a special back brace that made me look like Herman Munster. I wear this brace most of the day. I do a sigh of relief when I remove it before bedtime.

During my recovery period, I have been amazed at how nice people can be to help a handicapped person.

The other day, I was finishing putting gas in my Chevrolet Impala when a motorist next  door offered to finish the fill and put the gas hose back into the pump. I even hate to mention the words “gas hose” because that describes the time I tried to step over a gas hose and broke my ankle in three places.

People open doors for you, they carry purchased items from a store to your car, and they give up a favorable seat at a public event.

Now, with winter here, it is even more important to be safe. Take small steps and if needed, hang onto your spouse or a friend. I regard Judy as both.

Since I fell in the bathroom, where statistics indicate most falls occur, I will provide some tips to be safe in the bathroom.

• Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.

• Place nonskid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.

• Remember to leave a light on in the bathroom at night or use a night light that turns on automatically in the dark.

Be safe and keep the bubble wrap in the closet.

I had an HR person ask me after I had broken a foot: “Are you accident prone?” I answered that I didn’t think I was. He said, “Do you own your own crutches?” I answered “yes.” He said, “You’re accident prone.”