Cam Taylor

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A Glimpse at New Normal

This week I saw from a distance my new normal and I was not impressed! Maybe it has happened to you. You look into the future and are shocked by what you see coming.

A glimpse at my new normal

The moment I saw this new normal was during my latest hospital visit. This visit was for surgery number eight where my surgeon was to remove the external bone transporter, straightened out my lower leg and complete a bone graft on my femur. Surgery went well and I was in my room the day after feeling the effects of major surgery but glad it was over.

Then “the moment” came. At the foot of my bed stood my orthopedic surgeon looking at his handiwork and asking, “So how are you doing?” I said I was doing pretty well except I noticed a couple of things.

I noticed:

  • My right leg was still rotated a few too many degrees to the right.
  • My right leg was a few millimeters shorter than my left leg.

I was letting this sink in when the surgeon said: “Well you have a leg and you are without infection.”

That’s not what I saw.

I saw:

  • limping for life
  • shoe lifts
  • an inability to run properly
  • life different from what it once was!

When the surgeon left – I was left with a flood of emotions.

  • Sadness
  • Loss
  • Numbness
  • Anger
  • Frustration
  • Unbelief

Now, in the greater scheme of things, I knew this wasn`t as bad as it looked on the surface. I knew in my head I would adjust to whatever my new normal was going to be and it was way too early to even know what walking and running and living would be like. But for the rest of the night, I was bummed out.

Until the next day…

I woke up on Wednesday and felt different. Nothing physically changed after one more night’s sleep. I was stiff and sore from surgery but emotionally I was in a different place.

  • I could see myself riding a bike just fine with my shorter crooked leg.
  • I could see my shoes with lifts in them no one could even see!
  • I realized to have a leg and no infection was a gift to be enjoyed and celebrated.
  • I knew in my heart (not just in my head) it was too early to have this all figured out.

What did I need to do? I needed to worry less, trust more. I needed to live one day at a time and concern myself with getting through one more day of pain and post-surgery recovery. That would be enough for now!

When have you been shocked by a glimpse at a potential new normal you didn’t like? How did you learn about dealing with “potential” new normal that can help you now?

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About Cam Taylor

Coach, author, speaker, father, friend, leader, life long learner.

8 Replies

  1. I can relate to these thoughts and reflections because my son is going through quite similar recovery process. Just had a bone graft on his left leg 4 weeks ago. The new normal will be a bit different for sure but doesn’t need to mean “less” life. Could even mean more in some respects, right?

    1. What you are saying is so true – “this doesn’t need to mean less life”. I couldn’t agree more!

  2. Shirlene Henning.

    An “AMEN” Cam.!

  3. Thanks for the update Cam. I pray this prayer for you,
    I arise today
    Through a mighty strength:
    God’s power to guide me,
    God’s might to uphold me,
    God’s eyes to watch over me;
    God’s ear to hear me,
    God’s word to give me speech,
    God’s hand to guard me,
    God’s way to lie before me,
    God’s shield to shelter me,
    God’s host to secure me.
    This may have been written by Brigid of Gael (458-528)

    1. Thanks Keith – such a great prayer to start the day with & be encouraged by!

  4. Marilou

    I knew you didn’t sound like yourself and that something emotionally was going on. No wonder! I’m glad you were able to see the good in this but it’s also ok to grieve the losses too. Love you!

  5. Beth

    Your week certainly had a ‘dip’ on this roller coaster ride you’re on. Thanks for sharing your very real, deeply emotional moments. There are so many standing on the sidelines, watching you take this ride, praying and cheering you on!! And to think you are in turn offering encouragement and hope to those on journeys of their own. Sending love from one of your cheerleaders.

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