More impressions of how things are going with my husband’s hurt leg – through art and poetry. New to the saga? Here is:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
This afternoon my husband made his first visit to the physical therapist. He’s doing well for the stage he is in – the incision is healing and he is stronger. But it is still too soon for him even to touch his left foot to the ground and the leg is locked straight in the brace. I am nervous about taking him outside; today is the first day he’s even been downstairs after the surgery a week ago.
I loaded him into the car (sitting sideways on the back seat) and headed for the PT office – one mile from home. Fantastic! It’s a nondescript place in a shopping center – utilitarian and plain, but my husband was very happy with the session.
I drew a couple of sketches while I was waiting for him. I was using my 8″ x 8″ sketchbook. First, here is my view (from the waiting area) of the jumble of equipment and other PT accoutrements:
Then I did a couple of smaller scenes – one of a lady on a treadmill and another of coats hanging on the rack. These two I put on the same page, not wanting to waste paper – here is the whole page:
and here is the treadmill lady alone:
and the coats alone.
Once again, I found putting pen to paper helped me stay calm (I am afraid I will break my husband if I am not really careful, so I feel the responsibility of taking him out of the house!). And it also helped the time pass. Plus, every drawing improves my skills.
Lastly, I am continually amazed at how sketching forces me to notice details. There is always a little more to see, if you keep looking.
Claudia McGill and Her Art World 
Claudia, this is a most GRACEFUL use of your creativity during a time that is meant for healing (your poor husband, that is!). I swear, artists literally glide through difficult times, don’t they? You rock! Sending light and good vibes to your husband, too. And…I’m so inspired by the use of a rack of coats to keep your pen moving. This needs to be a mini-saga bound into book form…..
Thank you, my pen is really a friend in these kinds of situations – you have to wait wherever you have to wait! and the scenery is not always what you might choose. I took the coat rack on out of desperation (either that or the reception desk) and there was one point where I thought someone was going to take a coat away before I was finished – but thankfully no. I am wondering what my next healing-related inspiration will be and will it be words or art???
It looks like the healing process is progressing for both of you. I’m so glad. It is hard to take care of someone you love who is in pain. Congratulations on a successful outing!
Thank you. I am thinking that the severe pain period is over, thank goodness, but PT can be challenging. I wonder how he will feel tomorrow???
Great observational sketches. I’m glad you are making constructive, creative use of that waiting time.
I’m seeing some new sights, that’s for sure! Thank you.
You’re reminding me of myself. When I visited my friend in hospital last year I found things to photograph. In fact almost any new place can be fodder for my stuff.
Glad to hear the healing is coming along.
I wandered around the hospital looking at things (since the schedule got so behind and so I had a lot of time and no tolerance for the dreary waiting room). I took pictures with my phone (less obtrusive) of things like stairwells and the janitor closet. I love poking my nose around and I never get bored because well, everything is so interesting! I don’t know how I got to be this way but I love it. Maybe we could organize a photo/sketch tour focused on this kind of site. Wait, I think we already have!
I love especially the coat rack. Physical therapy will give you plenty of time to draw! I’m glad your husband was happy–I think there’s a wide variety of physical therapist styles, and it’s good to find a match. (K)
Yes, we felt lucky to be satisfied at the first try. And since we live so close I can drop him off and not have to sit through each hour+ session. As for drawing I have noticed I loosen up as I go. I’m still trying to find my way with sketching so each session teaches me. The point being by the time I got to the coats I felt much freer than when I started with the room view and so the coat one is my favorite too.
I’m glad he’s able to start PT. I swear by it. After my fall in June 2015, smashing my hip and needing total replacement, PT was amazing in getting me to walk again. If a person is diligent, sticks with it, the body repairs itself. Best of wishes to you both.
Thank you. He is used to bring active, but is best with a routine. PT is perfect. Your story encourages me.
I love the wardrobe, Claudia !
Thank you. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed a rack of coats in such detail before. I realize how interesting such a scene is after trying to depict it.
Im doing the same things. The clinic is a good place to find models
Yes, it’s not great being there, but, there is a lot to look at, isn’t there? And that leads to inspiration.