While riding today (61 mile loop), August 9, I recalled my single visit to Cardiac Rehab. I met the rehab specialist and received a tour of the facility. On tour, I observed several “old” people walking on treadmills or barely spinning their feet on stationary bikes, both while reading magazines.
After the tour, the Cardiac Rehab Specialist sat down with me to explain the program. Before she could talk, I said, “last week, my surgeon said I’d be riding my bike this week.”
Her programmed reply was something like, “that’s (referring to the treadmills and stationary bikes) how you start, then after a few weeks and some analysis, you might move onto more activity.”
Before the poor young women knew what hit her, I started listing my athletic accomplishments which didn’t get too far. So, she continued, “what are your rehab goals?”
Now she was talking my language. It had been on my mind since surgery, and since this was just before COVID got bad, I actually had time to think. I immediately replied,
- change my diet per my surgeon’s suggestion (done!)
- get back near my racing weight of the 1990’s (done!)
- fit in my suits so that I don’t need to buy new one’s by my son’s and future daughter-in-law’s wedding (kind of check, those are now too big!)
- dance at my kids’ weddings and make a fool of myself (need the weddings first!)
- play with my grandkids (if and when that happens)
I didn’t say “leave rehab now” although it was my primary thought!
So, the cardiac specialist was taken aback by the speed and finiteness of my reply.
I then left her office and emailed both my cardiac surgeon and cardiologist. Both replied, “GET ON YOUR BIKE, NOW!” I never returned to rehab, but the “bucket” list remains!
This brush with mortality has me thinking constantly about the future while riding. My mom died young with much unfinished business; especially, plans she had with my father. I don’t want that, and I also don’t want my stories to end in my head, then in ashes sprinkled over Kona, Cleveland Stadium, and the San Paolo. The singular purpose of mom’s life after she turned 50 was to see weddings and grandchildren! Sounds familiar!
To this point, the tag line of my blog has been “In Search Of…”. As of this post, I’m changing the tag line to “In Search of…musing for my grandchildren while riding my bike…”
I realize that it’s long, but it better represents what this blog is becoming for me; not what it originated was, but it’s that way now.
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