I am a 56-year-old woman with many interests in life; among them is a passion for fitness and short course triathlon. Today I was at the gym practising side steps and had this exquisite moment where my life felt normal. My foot was bending and lifting just like it used to and it prompted me to write this letter.
About 11 weeks ago I broke my leg and ankle while on vacation in Mexico.
I am so grateful to live in a country where I can fly home and in less than 24 hours have surgery with no thought of how much it will cost or if I can afford the care I would need.
I am grateful for having a top notch surgeon and caring, patient nurses.
I am grateful to have access to a highly skilled physiotherapist who made me pick up pencils with my toes, and got my heel unjammed so that today at the gym my foot moved like it should and I began to consider that I actually could get back running one day.
I know there are many people out there dealing with circumstances far more severe than mine. My heart goes out to people who are struggling in life and may never have it feel normal again.
I’m writing this letter because I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to our country and to taxpayers who believe that healthcare should be available to all who need it, to dedicated health professionals, and to family, friends, and colleagues all of whom, whether they know it or not, have made these circumstances a whole lot easier.
Barb Shields,Rossland