Best Christmas Present Ever

So, I have been working with a guy for the past month whom builds artificial legs and feet.  No, like most craftsmen, he does not seem capable of building what is asked for - he builds what he believes you need.  So I got the prototype on Friday.  I know it is only temporary but still I had to wear it, and stand and walk with assistance.

The first thing I did was stand up - slowly! - and take a picture.  Two feet under me, a sight I have not been able to see sincethe beginning of October!

I gently took that first step holding on to a walker, and then another, and another, until I was all of the way across the room. No problems.  As soon as the overly safety conscious builder was out of sight - I took two tentative steps without the walker.

By Wednesday, I was walking without any support at all!  I am more comfortable holding onto the walker, or a shopping cart, or most anything!  But, I can do it!

 Mind you I can only wear the device one hour out of three, and then only walk on it for five minutes - but I can!  I can experience the freedom of movement, more or less.  Still can not drive and often I have to pull the leg off just to get into the vehicle!  But, hey, it goes back on when we get where we are going!

It is only a prototype leg, I still have to wait for the real one, but for now I can walk around and the joy which overcomes me is akin to the only other joy I have ever known in my life - but I am happy now and not going to dwell on the past!  So, yes, I am overcome with joy.  :) 

But, my feelings of joy over this would not be complete without Satan pulling out all of the stops to completely and utterly trash me in the following days.  Yeah, I refuse to play that game.  I am simply not going to give any of my joy to up to "it" to mock me with.  Which of course sends "it"s representative in my life through the roof - when ever we cross paths.  Apparently I am not allowed to know joy in their book - and yet another issue as to why God continues to blesses me - since I am so unworthy in their book. :)

I can hardly wait to see how long I can stand and walk come the New Year!

And then there is that antique show in February ... perhaps I do not need to cancel it?