Just as I was celebrating (perhaps being a bit cocky) that I haven't had a fall in several years, my foot drop, general wobbliness, and poor balance brought me down. It was a nicer day in the middle of a run of less than nice days, so the dog and I went for a walk in the woods. The dog was well ahead on her leash; focused on keeping her from getting tangled on brush when she strayed off the path, I stubbed my right foot on a minuscule rock, stepped in a depression with the left (slightly twisting my ankle) then began to pitch forward with enough time to think oh-no-she's-going down, hit with my right knee and struck my left arm on a fence post. Prone on the path, with enough presence of mind to still be gripping the leash, I went through my checklist to make sure everyone was still attached and functioning. Assured that nothing was broken, I began to consider how I could get up again without the help of a forklift or crane. When I was young and able, this was an automatic process, but now it's one that requires thought and planning: which limbs to move forward or back, how to rise on all fours, which knee to move forward, where to grip in the opposite side for balance and finally to rise just as sleet began to patter through the tree branches overhead. The dog was no help, and I did not have my phone with me, how fortunate that all turned out well despite my klutziness. Will I walk in the woods again? Yes, yes, and yes. Will I try to watch where I'm walking instead of the path ahead or gazing at the sky? I hope so, just as I hope that on a time when I can't rise and recalibrate I have remembered to bring my phone with me. My wooded acres are not expansive and I wouldn't be hard to find, but it could be days before someone wondered where I had gone to. I used to joke that if neighbors saw buzzards circling above this place, they should come looking...but I wouldn't want to wish that on anyone. Just for the record, no one needs to tell me to be careful, or to have a phone with me at all times, or to rethink where I live: I know all this. But I need to be here, among the trees, where I can see the stars at night, where I can hear a woodpecker tapping, the crickets at night, and a deer delicately moving along the tree line. So, I will go forward, on my terms, making as few concessions to MS as possible...and investigate buying stock in Tiger Balm!
Recalibrating: Just as I was celebrating... - My MSAA Community
Recalibrating
@goatgal firstly, thank God you are ok. Secondly, great piece to read, its a shame it is true. It made me smile in places. I envy you being able to live in a truly naturalistic place, it looks and sounds heavenly. Keep applying the tiger balm, I wondered why my shares had doubled! Lol, blessings and hugs Jimeka 🦋 🌈 👋
Ouch! Sorry you had a fall, but you seem to be taking it in good humor. Now I know why AARP was giving away those ID pouches to put your ID's in, cell phone and hang around your neck! Hope you are feeling better soon.
CalfeeChick my cell is too large for a pocket (one of the reasons i forget to take it) so your response gives me a great idea! I already have a wristband to hold ID and keys, but now I will look through my fabric scraps and make a cell phone pouch to sling around my neck. Thanks for your concern, but I feel fine...if a little chagrined. And as I told Jimeka, only my dignity was seriously damaged.
Funny how the phones are getting bigger but they are making pant pockets smaller.
MrBigCat The logistics are amazing! In my case, first cellphones were the size of walkie-talkies, then they grew smaller, now larger again but flatter. You note that pants pockets are smaller and I have pants that have no pockets...and all the while my own nom de plume should be Ms Sag Bottom. My glamour days are past, I fear. I see a pouch and sensible shoes in my future...
Sending u get well thoughts bless u hope ur ok xx
janetb1968 Thank you but I'm "fine as frog hair" as my father-in-law used to say. That is, I am "good to go" in current argot.
goatgal i thoroughly agree. Last time I took a long walk in the woods I fell 6 Times. But I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Donnie
Doubled51 if I recall, you're in Georgia. I'm in Virginia, but lived for many years in North Florida and later in Delaware. Though there are differences between these regions, ALL their woodlands have so much beauty and wonder. I'd rather fall in the woods than on a sidewalk!
Great piece and oh-so-true. Where I get on a run of no falls and start to get cocky, boom--i fall. Not in a graceful swoon. Not staggering like someone shot in an old Noir film. Nope, I fall flat forward like a cardboard cutout. And it often happens when I try to walk and chew gum, meaning thinking of something else and forgetting to pay attention to gait.
"recalibrating" is a good word to describe how to be resilient.
Good luck !
Chris
PS you are not kluzty. 
Cmokon You describe it exactly! I fall forward like a cartoon character: windmilling, then splat! You are also correct in observing that when I bring the act of walking up to the conscious level, I don't fall. That occurs only when I become distracted by noticing something and letting my mind lose focus on walking. The lesson here for me is to stop when I want to gaze or listen, then resume!
goatgal I am truly grateful that only your dignity was injured. It is so difficult, as you stated, to know where to start when you take a tumble. This leg? This arm? But again I am so very happy you came out unscathed. Love, Kelly xx
goatgal sorry about the fall but those woods are def. calling me too! Gorgeously serene. Love your writing style 👍
I can relate. My walking began to deteriorate 4 years ago. Over the next two years I fell about 4 times. I finally learned I had to watch more carefully and by doing so have been able to prevent myself falling again. So far. So now it's been a couple of years since I've fallen, but I've had some close calls. Sounds like you had the perfect storm for someone on an unsteady foundation. It could happen to any of us fortunate enough to attempt a walk in the woods. It's great that you are able to stay in the place you love. Keep on keeping on, plan for all contingencies as much as you can, and stay safe.
Have you considered writing? I found myself in the woods with you, but didn't find myself falling, thank goodness. I'm glad you are okay and hope you can continue your walks ...but with your phone, of course. Take care.
Wizardsmom
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