Ohio in March

Late March I returned to Cincinnatti Ohio to see Dr. Noyes for my 6 month knee check-up. I was very excited for a few reasons. First, I wanted to see if the last ACL was still holding up and what the Dr. thought of my progress. Second I was looking forward having a little time to re-explore some of our old stomping grounds, and third, it would be nice to have a full day all alone without any real responsibility!

I flew into Dayton and rented a car to drive to Cincinnatti. It was cheaper that way this time. I had a couple hours to fill before my Dr. appt. and it was a hard choice wether to go to the huge super discount GAP outlet in Kentucky, or re-visit the beautiful town and surrounding areas of Yellow Springs. I ended up choosing the latter.

Yellow Springs was one of our favorite spots to visit while we lived in Columbus. There were beautiful hiking trails with waterfalls, a river, bridges and a gorge, a fun dairy farm with a petting area and fresh ice-cream, and a spunky downtown with real interesting surrounding neighborhoods.

First stop was the Young's dairy farm. Cutest little cows and very picturesque. Ohio is really prettier than you would imagine, even though it is overcast most of the time. It was so fun to be back.




After hanging out with the cute jersey cows I drove into town and strolled the streets and cute little shops. I found a fun store that sold all sorts of Thai and Indonesian jewelry and goods. I used some b-day cash and bought myself some earrings, a ring, a miniature beaded basket and some elephant coin purses for the boys.

I also drove through some of the neighborhoods and took shots of some of the interesting things around. It's a real liberal, artsy, hippy sort of town. Very small town. Really off the wall. I enjoy all the funk.




It was time for my appointment so I left for Cincinnatti.

I was so nervous at the Dr.'s office. What would they say this time? At last the intern came in and felt my bad knee, comparing it over and over to my good knee. And then over again. I started to worry. Especially when he commented, "Hmmm, do you feel that your left knee is more loose than your right? Does it ever feel like it's going to give out? Hmmm, let me go talk to Dr. Noyes and we'll be back to speak with you." And he left. And when he shut the door behind him I just crumbled! What if this whole thing hadn't worked again? What could I do now? And after all the $ and sacrifices that family and friends had put into this! And all my time and effort too!

I tried so hard to suck it up, taking deep breathes and trying to be strong when the Dr. came in. He came in a few minutes later. He's a great Dr. and it's always fun to see him. He began talking and asking questions and moving my knees this way and that. At last he reported that yes, my bad knee had loosened up again a little, BUT I still had the ACL! Woo-hoo!!! I asked if I was out of the danger zone yet and he said at a year's mark we would know more. September. We discussed how to continue strengthening my leg muscles and when it would be okay for me to get pregnant again. At first he said 6 months. How embarrassing, I cried. I was hoping he'd say now was fine! We are ready to get on with it! But after talking with him about a few things he told me he changed his mind and said he would be fine with me getting pregnant in 3 months. So stay tuned!

Next I visited with the physical therapists downstairs until it was time for me to drive the hour back to Dayton to catch my flight home. It was a long day, but all in all, it was a great trip! And most importantly, I still have an ACL!!! If all goes well, my ACL sticks, and things are just right, I may be able to get a meniscal transplant down the road, which I am really, really hoping for! This whole knee handicap has been such a trial for me, but I do know it is for my good and I just hope that I am learning the important lessons that I am supposed to be from it all. I am so grateful for the Lord's tender care and understanding of my personal difficulties and struggles.