Today I continue the story of “Stuck at Home, part two”. Read the beginning of part two here.

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The family vacation went on as planned. We didn’t leave early or attempt to see an unfamiliar doctor. I said I could make it, and I did. I was a bit miserable though. I couldn’t fully enjoy the time at the beach because my ankle hurt and I didn’t know what my doctor would tell me.

I made it home and I went to the orthopedist Friday morning. He took an x-ray and confirmed I had broken a bone.

Remember that time I tried to convince my doctor to postpone surgery when I was only eight? This time it worked.

I convinced him to not give me a cast. I already went through enough casts on my arms and legs every so often. I hated the process of removing them because the cast saw was scary. I was afraid of the heat and vibrations every time.

But this time the convincing worked. Maybe I was more persuasive as a 13 year old. I promised to wear my AFO day and night to protect my ankle and leg. (AFO stands for “ankle-foot orthotic” and I wear these during the day for standing and walking support.)

We returned home from the doctor with a recovery plan. Sadly the plan included staying home for a couple of months. I was unable to sit in my wheelchair. I couldn’t put the pressure on that leg.

So I didn’t get to start eighth grade with the normal excitement of a new school year. My first few weeks were spent in bed or on the couch with teachers sending assignments home. Thankfully I was used to the process and could keep up with the work. One of my classmates was also a neighbor and friend. He helped deliver notes, answer questions, and catch me up on things. I was glad for a little connection to the world I missed.

And I was glad to officially be welcomed to the eighth grade, even if I was a few weeks late. It was my first day and I was excited.

Continue on to read Part Three and the final story of feeling stuck at home.