August 28 – September 16, 2018
While still in the hospital, I asked the question uppermost in the mind of every injured hopeful thru-hiker.
“How soon can I start walking again?”
I was delighted with the physical therapist’s answer. “You can walk every day, at least 30 minutes a day. Don’t overdo it, get plenty of rest as well, but walking will help you.”
I also received advice on eating, another topic dear to a thru-hiker’s heart. The hospital dietician told me in order to promote the healing of so many broken bones, I should consume approximately 2,000 calories including at least 130 grams of protein each day. I devoured this many calories each day on the trail! It seemed incredible to me that laying around, healing broken bones, would require as much energy as hiking ten hours per day!
After leaving the hospital, I did find myself taking frequent naps and eating often. During the first few weeks of recuperation, my eyes refused to play nicely, each insisting that her view of the world was most important. My beleaguered brain would usually give up and show double vision. This, combined with shaky balance, created many spills in the kitchen. The great thing about wiping up a spill when one has doubled vision is that one only needs to wipe half of what is seen, and suddenly the whole spill is gone!
Walking became a major source of relaxation for my soul. Of course, walking in a neck brace could be a little tricky. It’s impossible to see ones feet. The ability to balance came and went for no apparent reason. Holding Jay’s hand solved my erratic balance. It also provided much needed support whenever my enthusiasm for exploring overcame the stamina of my healing body.
Our explorations were short at first. It took fifteen minutes to slowly and carefully creep to a fountain just a quarter of a mile away.
This fountain at Seattle University remains a favorite destination!
Often after enjoying the fountain, Jay and I would swing by a dog park. Sitting on a comfortable bench, we delighted in watching deliriously happy dogs run around and around!
We also discovered St. James Cathedral, home of a huge pipe organ dating from the early 1900s. I enjoyed the beauty of the cathedral, its thrilling organ music, and the time to listen for that still, small voice inside my soul.
St James Cathedral
As bones slowly knit and stamina increased, outings became more adventurous. One day we took the monorail to Seattle Center.
My very first time ever on a monorail!
Outside the Seattle Center, we discovered an interactive sculpture called Sonic Bloom, five “flowers” towering forty feet high. Motion sensors set off harmonic notes when each metal flower was approached. Jay and I immediately participated, reveling in the sequence of harmonies. With a few more friends, I’m sure we could have composed an impromptu tune!
We also discovered two paraboloidal dishes, set approximately 60 feet apart beside a busy and very noisy street. The instructions directed me to whisper into a designated focus point, and Jay would be able to hear it far away at the other paraboloidal dish. The paraboloid shape launched sound waves from the focus point and aimed them across incredibly noisy space to be collected at the other paraboloid. Jay’s disembodied voice emerged from the focus point, a clear whisper in my ear! I was amazed!
As the pain of my injuries faded and I became stronger, I did not think of myself as a convalescent. I felt I had improved greatly, striding down sidewalks holding Jay’s hand. However, Reality raised her head the day Jay and I were passed by a man in a wheelchair. Perhaps my vision of myself was a bit skewed by hope.
Sarah and Jay Hike 
Still praying. God bless you both.
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Thank you. š
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So glad to hear of your adventures in Seattle. Itās great that youāre able to be out and about and I hope healing rapidly.
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Thank you.
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It’s so inspiring to hear of your adventures and the grace with which you are dealing with the pain and discomfort. Do NOT fall, but otherwise carry on in your healthy aspirations! Still praying for whole healing and for quick jaw recovery. Hugs (careful ones to Sarah) to you both. Love, Greta
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Yes, the doctor told me not to fall also. š
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Just woke up had dreamed beeing in my tent in the backcountry and now again thinking of you and how your healing works out, so thank you for answering.
I’m so glad to read how you get better and roam around to discover Seattle.
IncidentallyĀ to spill something is (for me) not unusual, to clean it in half the time it is.
Keep on going
Best wishes Mary
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:-). Life can be such fun!
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It’s so good to see you’re getting out and about.
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Oh yes!
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colors just starting in Acadia NP. will cross your eastern trail sometime today on our way to NH Moose Brook State Park for two nights. you are healing…we can see progress from a far!
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Have fun enjoying Autumn’s glory!
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So glad to receive your latest writings. We follow your progress and hope each day finds younstronger. Love, Martha
Sent from my iPad
>
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Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoy reading of our pedestrian adventures. š
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You continue to amaze me with your adventures! Best wishes for continued healing and blessings.
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Thank you! š
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What a wonderful note! Well, longer than a note, but still….thanks again so much. Bell choir’s going along; but in November, we’re doing “Surely the Presence” with piano AND choir AND us! Quite challenging. One of those “Play 8 measures & rest for 16 more (and count your head off!”)In the latest issue of Guideposts, I read an article about a Trail Angel named Steve Scarano, aka “Hamburger Helper”. Have you guys heard about him? Or have you met him? He operates mostly at the southern end of the Trail, San Diego and environs. He’s an ex-cop who wanted to do something for others, so he became a Trail Angel (even to the point of wearing Dollar Store wings!). He’s also a Christian, prays for and with hikers. Was a neat story; I learned a lot about hikers and their helpers and angels.Keep on healin’; love to hear from you!Ā Ā Ā LUV, Penny Ā
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I have not heard of Steve Scarano. Trail angels all deserve respect and many thanks. š
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We’re so impressed with your sense of humor and adventure! May Jay and you continue to discover grace and peace every step of this healing process. We enjoyed dinner with your parents last evening. They demonstrate “get up and go”!
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Thank you! I’m so glad you can appreciate the humor that I write with me (and Jay). And yes, “get up and go” can describe my parents. š
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Best wishes, Sarah!!!
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Oh, thank you! I so appreciate your encouragement. š
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So happy to hear your recovery is going well! You are one strong woman! ā¤ļø
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sarah and jay…where are you these days? snail mail for my christmas greetings?
love and prayers as you continue to mend. Hugs and hearts Brenda Wills brenbits.wordpress.com
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Hello Sarah and Jay
Hope you are fine!
I wish to you and your family a Merry Christmas. Have a good Start into a healthy 2019.
If you are back on the Trail next year, coincidental we see you.
Greetings Mary E.
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Thank you! Merry Christmas to you also.
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