We went to Saratoga this morning to have my stitches taken out. We thought we were clear of two years of good grief and two surgeries. We are close.

Dr. Daly removed the stitches, and the toe looked great; the healing was “amazing.”

But, she said, she always lands on the conservative side. no showers for the next few days, and I had to wear the surgical boot for one more week. She wants to make sure the healing is strong and lasting.

Then, she said I would be free after one more visit. I was disappointed but thrilled to hear the foot had healed so well. I’m pretty lucky.

I understand her caution. We must protect the healing a little longer; an infection is still possible. She wants more icing and foot elevation too. I appreciate her warning; I want this to work.

For the third time, I got to see my toe as the stitches were removed. It was challenging but easier than before. I’ve got to look at the foot every chance I get until it is ordinary and not a surprise.

My heart jumps when I see it; it looks so unnatural; something very familiar is missing. It shocks me every time.

The other good news is that Dr.  Daly signed off on constructing a new brace and sent a prescription for the brace to David Missiner of CPO Orthotics. I’m going in for a fitting in three weeks.

I’m excited to get the brace, which will take several months for CPO to fit and build. THEN I can resume walking, my favorite activity outside of blogging, picture taking, hanging out with Maria, and reading.

It isn’t quite the end of the chapter, but almost.

Now, I need to start readying myself for surgery on May 12th to turn a kidney stone to dust. We are looking forward to June 10th; we’re going away for two days to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

We need the time off together. We are tired.

The last few weeks took more out of us than we expected. I’m not going to screw it up now.

Tomorrow we go to Bishop Gibbons. I’m taking Zinnia, and I am eager to talk with Foloseda. We have a lot to talk about.