On Falling. Ten Reflections.

By Karen and Erica

We both fall. It’s not an age thing–we’ve done it for decades. It is, however, extremely annoying. Karen’s most recent fall was when she went to visit her daughter in Seattle. Thirty minutes in, she fell on a slippery, slate sidewalk. Seattle’s excellent (and cute) first responders got her to the hospital, where she learned things were bad. She returned to New York, had surgery, and is still, five months later, in physical therapy. Thankfully, walking again.

Accidents happen. You can’t help feeling like an idiot. But you do learn from these experiences—and some of what you learn are relevant to non-accidental things, like getting replacement parts.

Here are ten reflections from decades of falling.

• Because we are regulars, we both know we will recover from the damage caused by falls. That’s actually an important insight that we did not have during the early ones. Makes us resilient.
• We also know recovery will take time, and rushing it is a bad idea. Been there, done that.
• We are lucky to live in the twenty-first century. Medical fixes for accidents—or replacement parts—are amazing. Karen has a truly elegant titanium flower around her renovated patella.
• In some ways, though, the dangers are greater now. Karen’s first bad knee injury was forty years ago. The difference between now and then? Back then, if you were on crutches, people gave you room. Now, no-one can see you unless they accidentally look up from their phones. Scary. Even without the e-bikers trying to mow you down. 
• Physical therapists are angels from heaven—even when they do devilish painful things. And yell at you if you don’t spend hours a day on homework.
• Your friends and colleagues, too, are angels. They are so generous with their time, and encouragement, and help. And instead of hurting you, they bring flowers or wine.
• There are things about recovery that are very discouraging. Like walkers. And crutches. And canes. You might need them for a while but ugh, especially the heavy black things your medical expert provides. One piece of good news–it turns out canes, at least, can be colorful. Listen to the experts, of course, but we were well served by these–shiny colors make the whole experience a bit more cheerful.
• And there are other indignities. Like style. If your trousers don’t go on over your swollen knee, and it’s too cold for shorts, yes, you might have to succumb to sweat pants for a while. It’s OK. That phase won’t last long.
• When you do recover, you will—for a little while—be deeply grateful for your new-found mobility. It is interesting to value so greatly something you usually take for granted. We should never take mobility for granted!
• You don’t want to damage yourself again by doing risky things. But you also don’t want to hibernate forever. Risk is part of life. You must get back out into the scrum. Bon courage! 

If you too happen to be a serial faller, we empathize. And remember–you have some (hard-won) advantages! 

Tell us what insights you would add to the list.