I'm Steppin' It Up

This is what I've been scared of for the past two months.  I've made it up these steps that lead to my office once or twice since my injury, but mostly on my butt and always with people there "to catch me."  (Ha!  I'd take us all straight down if I were to fall!)

Today I arrived at the office alone and stood at the bottom of the steps alone (and snapped this photo as I pondered my fate)...  

Then I took a deep breath, planted my crutches (which I have to double up, since I hold on to the railing for dear life with one hand) and embarked upon my uphill battle.

My laptop is essentially my office and it, along with a few files and a notebook, travels with me in my backpack, which probably weighs about 12 to 15 pounds altogether.  That totally throws off my center of gravity -- which is an important consideration when climbing stairs using crutches.

I started in on the rhythm which takes all my concentration: plant crutches... hold railing... steady...lean over step... step up with good foot...bring up injured foot... steady again.  Plant crutches... hold railing... steady...lean over step... step up with good foot...bring up injured foot... steady again. crutches...hold railing...steady...step up.

When I got to the top of the steps, I turned around and snapped a photo of my achievement:

It might not look like much to you, but I felt like planting a flag, declaring myself victorious, and calling home from the top of the world!