Started at the new position this morning. Hardly slept last night. I was excited about my first day.
I had to walk up to the gas station to meet people who walked me to the field office. They were there right on time to walk over to the office in Villa Nueva with me. I liked the office. It's converted from an apartment. It's cozy and nice. The more that I get to know the people who work there, the more I like them.
Villa Nueva is like Los Pinos. It's on the other side of the mountain from Los Pinos. The homes are the same and the poverty level is equal. I am the only one who works in that office and does not live in Villa Nueva.
My new co-workers showed me around, included me in conversations, and told me more about the program. The therapist invited me to go with her to a Youth Impact group. She said this is her most difficult group because the parents don't support the kids or encourage them to attend, so the kids don't come.
One boy was right outside the whole time, but refused to come inside for the meeting. Only four of the eight kids showed up, so the therapist decided to postpone the meeting until Saturday. They've completed four of the six week program. The therapist is hoping to include them all in the next to meetings. The four kids who were there were super sweet! They are from 10-14 years old. They were full of hugs and smiles.
On the bus ride back to the office, the therapist asked if I am bothered by the way people stare. I told her I do not even notice anymore. She was shocked. She said that everyone on the bus stared at me. She said when I got off they all shifted and stared out the window at me. I try to be alert and aware of my environment, but I guess I have grown accustomed to stares.
I remember the days when I felt like everyone at the supermarket was staring at me and thinking that I am a stranger from a strange place. It's been a long time since I felt that way.
This afternoon I went to the Orthopedic doctor. He showed me new stretches to do and told me to come back in two weeks. I asked why I am not getting an MRI. He thinks my wrist can still heal from stretching. The doctor said I can get an MRI, if it will give me peace of mind. He said he would be surprised if anything were abnormal in the results.
Fine. I hope we see nothing at all. By my hand is swollen and lumpy and hard. It hurts to drive, cook, wash dishes, wash my hair, zip a zipper, and read a book. I can't fit into any of my clothes because I haven't exercised in months. And I want to get better. NOW. So we started the process for the MRI. I hope that I am the one who is surprised and there is nothing wrong.
My wrist and the side of my hand are still noticeably "inflamed" (swollen). It's been eight weeks. To me, eight weeks seems like a long time for the swelling not to go down. The doctor said I can continue in PT if I want to go, or I can do the stretches on my own. Since I can stretch at home for free, that is what I'll do.
