All by Himself

All by Himself

Today a piece of our topsy-turvy life returned to normal. Andrew made coffee this morning.

All by himself.

That three-word sentence fragment is so important I’m giving it its own line and plenty of white space. In fact, it’s so important I’m going to write it again.

All by himself.

Yes, after seven long weeks fettered with the limited dependence of a swaddled toddler, the newly dubbed Andrew One-Crutch Thomson shed a piece of padded aluminum and gained half the world. And to make things better — as if that’s possible — he not only made an Americano for himself, he made a latte. For me. And brought it to me.

All by himself.

“All by himself.” No sweeter words exist in the English language. It’s like, “Namaste,” “I can do it,” and “I love you” all wrapped up in one intoxicating phrase.

I no longer care that the living room has been converted into a bedroom/office, that the TV room now houses shower-soaked knee braces, or that our once grand antique piano has become nothing more than a cluttered bedside table. Andrew made coffee.

All by himself.

We’re going to be okay.

No Comments
  • Susan Hoffman
    Posted at 11:03h, 07 January

    Great news! Getting some independence back is so important. Ironically I am living with “Bob Two Crutch” right now since his gout decided to attack his right foot, during the first week of his retirement. He got mega-pills from the doctor yesterday so he is on the mend. So glad to hear your news!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 11:29h, 07 January

    @Susan Hoffman, oh no! Gout is horrid. Hardly the way to launch one’s retirement. I feel for you both.

    Hope Bob mends quickly. The gout is bad enough, but crutches in this snowy weather are a real hazard.

    Stay safe and sane!

  • Lisa MacColl
    Posted at 14:14h, 07 January

    YAY! Congratulations all around.

  • Maggie
    Posted at 19:11h, 07 January

    I broke my ankle last winter and it was wonderful when I was able to make coffee all by my self. Congratualations on the milestone!

  • jodi (bloomingwriter)
    Posted at 22:20h, 07 January

    Whoo hoo for Mr. All-By-Himself! I can feel the relief in all hands. Honestly. Continuing thoughts for steady healing…

  • Sally
    Posted at 23:52h, 08 January

    Thanks for posting such a personal moment. It’s great to share your joy.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:56h, 10 January

    @Lisa MacColl, yup. We are reveling in small victories!

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:58h, 10 January

    @Maggie, oh, a broken ankle must have been awful! I can’t imagine a cast on your foot in winter. At least Andrew could fit his toes into a boot.

    Thanks for commiserating.

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 19:59h, 10 January

    @jodi (bloomingwriter), thanks. Relief is the word. Sweet, sweet relief. Of course, now I have to start nagging him again about the clean up… 🙂

  • Charmian Christie
    Posted at 20:00h, 10 January

    @Sally, thanks! I was so happy I just had to share it. I’ve kept a lot of the minor milestones to myself (or bored family members with them) but this one was too big to let pass!