I can drive!

     Word came back, I was cleared to drive.  The wonderful secretary at the surgeons office called and told me so.  Apparently he usually cut 2 weeks off of what the paper work said.  I was thrilled.  I could drive again!
     I swore not to over do it.  I was very careful and stayed local the first week.  Making sure not to twist the chest any more than necessary.  Probably a little over cautious.  My first drive?  To the train station parking lot across from the bakery.  My first walk was going to be in town I decided.  Finished of course with a muffin.
     With great trepidation I drove out about 7 in the morning.  Making sure to have my cell phone with me.  Ample parking.  I parked and took a wistful breath.  Freedom once again.  I had decided to walk up and down on the main street of town.
     It's not a huge town, I'll get the mileage tomorrow.  It is a nice walk, not hilly.  Busy with people who in August are going to work and such.  Carefully I tread.  Taking easy steps, breathing in, and oozing pure excitement and enjoyment.  I monitored myself just to be sure not to over do it.  After all it had been months since I drove.
     I should mention it was also with great delight that I was able to fit between the steering wheel, not being overly bloated with water.  It was a gorgeous day, promising screeching heat by noon.  So I had plenty of time.  The walk was one of my longest, took 40 minutes round trip.  I loved it.  I bragged in the bakery and sat down and ate my muffin.  This was the way I wanted my life back.  Doing what I wanted and not being held back by my body deteriorating.  Enjoying every breath I could. 
     I returned home.  Did my usual routines and noted no side effects of driving. I was very happy.  Next week was my surgeons appointment.  I wanted to ask him about that thing in my neck.  Do try to remember it, it is important.
     I'd been driving for about a week, taking slightly longer drives, working my way up to the 40 mile drive to the hospital, where my surgeons office was.  It was with great aplomb I got there.  Found parking and was very happy not to have to take a break walking from car to the elevator.
     The office was very comfortable.  I was told I would have to wait.  I profusely thanked the secretary who helped me continue my disability.  Smiled like a food kid when I finally saw the surgeon.  He examined me and said I was healing well.  I asked when I could be cleared for work.  Of course he said, "What's the rush?".  He then told me that it would be up to my cardiologist.  That appointment was at the very end of August.  I would have to wait.  I continued to thank him and promptly forgot to ask the question about the thing in my neck. 
     I called my sister when it was over, she was delighted.  She also told me the news that she had been approved and would probably be in rehab this week.  In our town, minutes away from the house.  I congratulated her and told her I was proud of her.