And We Danced

Last evening was the annual Barcs Wedding. It truly is a grand affair. Every year two Barcs alumni dogs get "married." It is held at the Lord Baltimore Hotel. Cocktails, wine, a not fancy but delicious dinner catered by Blue Pit, and dancing.

Last year I went to the wedding using a walker, and I was sure I would be walkong unaided this year. But a broken hip changed all that.

I use a cane at home and seriously considered going to the event using just the cane, but my better sense prevailed and I went using the walker.

I recently got a pair of dressy trousers and I wore them, paired with a glittery top I got at a second-hand store in Reykjavik. The great thing about baggy pants is that my prosthesis, as well as my misshapen thigh, are hidden.

I still hate the walker but I was glad to have it. I am doing well, and I would hate to fall for the sake of vanity.

It was so fun to see Barcs staff and volunteers out of their usual jeans and t-shirts, all dolled up for the event. It was especially fun to see the kennel staff, the hardest workers at the shelter, looking so glam.

The ceremony, as usual, was great fun. Other than the groom barking at the bridesmaid kittens, the couple was well behaved.

After the ceremony came the buffet dinner. Jerry got my jackfruit barbecue, mac and cheese, and greens. He even stood in the long drink line to get me another glass of passable red wine.

We were seated at a table of strangers, and the couple next to me didn't see to interested in talking to anyone but each other. Next year I will make sure to request seats with friends.

Last year after dinner, Jerry and I headed to the dance floor, and I did my version of dancing, which was basically wiggling, hanging on to the walker.

This year I decided to get brave and ditch the walker. Initially I had my arms around Jerry's neck, and while I can't move my feet very much, I felt like I was more or less dancing. Then I got super brave and let go. The feet still weren't moving a whole lot, and the right knee would not bend, but my goodness, it felt amazing. My balance was great, and okay, this will sound so cliche-- I felt free.

My walking and balancing skills are improving every day, and perhaps more important, so is my confidence. As my physical therapist says, it's not if I fall again, but when. Sure, I could spend all of my time clinging to the walker, or even "safer," using a wheelchair.

But surely, that is not the life I want to live.

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