I walked into the doctor’s office yesterday not sure whether I would need surgery. When, on January 27, the doctor told me the wrist had not healed a month-and-a-half after the spill, I had a feeling I would have to wait two more months before the wrist would heal.

Yesterday, March 28, after taking off the cast and getting a new X-Ray, the doctor told me the wrist healed. These past few months, he was pushing me to get the surgery and get it all over with. At last month’s appointment, he even told me I had the patience of Job because I still had the attitude that if there is an alternative to surgery, I’ll take that route.

My attitude paid off. So now, after having my wrist and thumb immobile for three months, the muscles are understandably very weak. For the next three weeks or so I’ll have some wrist and thumb exercises I’ll have to practice four times a day to regain the strength. But at least I can wash my hands, take a shower, and wash the dishes like a normal human being. When attending a show, however, I think it will be a couple of weeks before I’ll really be able to clap my hands to applaud a good performance.