Healing

April 25, 2025

2 Peter 3:8

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:14a NRSV

Healing takes time. Improvements occur in very small steps.

Yesterday I saw the orthopedic surgeon who performed my total knee replacement. She was very pleased to see me stand up without using my hands to push off, to walk without a limp, and to fully extend the joint and flex it beyond 120 degrees.

Those improvements took weeks. There was painful and hard work with a physical therapist, medications for pain which made PT bearable, daily exercises, and enough ice to fill a swimming pool. Add to those the support and encouragement of family and friends. Underneath all that, invisible to the naked eye, not willed or under my control, healing on a cellular level took place.

I only perceived those changes in hindsight. The psalmist recognizes the wonder of our bodies and spirits that heal in unseen ways woven deeply into our very cells and also in a community of care.

I’ve graduated from PT, been released by the surgeon, and trusting in the Creator’s hands.

Anne

PS – I’ve had two orthopedic surgeons: Dr. Cane in Honolulu, and Dr. Gore in Winchester. Go figure.