She sighs reminding herself she's got to breathe thru these exercises! Whew....a proud glint returns to her eyes, 2 lbs....she did 2 lbs with her exercises. What an achievement!! Two weeks ago and she could barely bend her knee without a lot of pain and she's lifting 2 lbs! She's back to 107 degrees of flexion! 28 more to go! While all that work at home and working thru the pain sometimes has been taxing, she can't wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day. Will the doc approve her prosthesis? Can she get a new and improved one? Can she finally take her first steps after 2 1/2 months out? It's kind of like an early Christmas. The anticipation of a blessed event. The birth of her freedom.

She regrets those times when she refused to dance with Dad thinking it would be too embarrassing....now she longs just to put one foot in front of the other. Will it be tomorrow? Even if for the time being she can only wear her leg in physio it's a start. It's a new beginning. Both nervous and excited, those butterflies from long ago have returned.

Her Nana wants out of the house, she wants to move about. She wants that ticket to freedom for both of them. With the return of the leg, comes the return of the wheels! I could drive Nana to the coast, I could drive her to Grampy's graveside, I could take her out for lunch, for tea, I could help her still feel independent. She sees where her stubborn streak came from...her Nana is an independent woman...and so is she.

Today she decorated for Christmas at Nana's house, unpacking those old treasured candles, snowmen, ribbons, train, and nativity. Nana said she felt so alone, and seemed so sad. She felt like crying, but for Nana's sake held those tears in. This Christmas has to be the best one. She just wants her family around her. I want her to not feel so lonely and realize how much she's loved and cherished. Tomorrow she wants to surprise her by walking in the door....not asking for assistance on her crutches. Sure, she's idealistic and it's wishful thinking, but Christmas is about one miracle and above all the hope and love that inspired it. Doesn't everyone deserve a Christmas miracle?

She smiles reflectively...her heart's singing that old tune....

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, Mother and child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherd's quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing "Alleluia"
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, Love's pure light
Radient beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
Jesus, Lord at thy birth