Chapter 1: The Ungraceful Reality of Aging

Aging can be quite a challenge, and while I might be searching for excuses, it does seem to take a toll on my physical capabilities. Since childhood, I've dealt with a range of health issues, which certainly haven't improved over the years. From frequent pneumonia that landed me in the hospital to deteriorating tendons in my ankles, and type 2 diabetes leading to peripheral neuropathy, my health has been a constant concern. Let me share with you the unfortunate events of my recent experience.

Last Saturday, I assisted my children in moving from their apartment to a new home. To be helpful and in light of my wife's desire for a new couch, we decided to gift them our old one, which we had kept for nearly two decades. This couch, having spent most of its life in a formal living room, had seen very little wear and tear, only being used during the rare family gatherings.

As fate would have it, the couch and my health became intertwined during this moving day.

My children rented a truck for the move and after their first trip, they returned to our house to pick up the couch and an area rug we no longer needed. Naturally, I joined in to help load the couch into the truck. After struggling to maneuver it through the front door, we made our way to the back of the truck, ready to load it.

A nagging thought echoed in my mind: "Be careful not to trip on the ramp." You know the ramp I mean—the one that extends from the truck to make loading easier. However, whether it was my peripheral neuropathy acting up or just my clumsiness, I ended up catching my foot on the ramp. In a split second, I lost my balance, dropped the couch, and went airborne, landing hard on my left side and chest on the concrete driveway. In the chaos, I unintentionally knocked my adult daughter over as well.

The impact left me gasping for breath, and for a moment, I lost track of everything except the overwhelming need to get back on my feet. After a few seconds, I managed to get up on all fours, struggling to regain my breath amid the pain. Eventually, I stood up, albeit with great difficulty. My day of helping my kids move had abruptly come to an end.

They successfully loaded the couch into the truck, and in a moment of sheer foolishness, I lifted the ramp and slid it back into the truck. I can't quite explain why I did that, but I did it nonetheless, only to double over in pain immediately after.

A few minutes later, I hopped into my car and followed the moving truck to their new home, all while trying to cope with the discomfort. Once we arrived, I planted myself in a chair and didn't rise again until it was time to head home—yes, I drove myself back.

The Aftermath: A Painful Reality

In typical fashion, I reassured my wife that I was fine, claiming, "I just pulled a muscle." She responded with a knowing look, clearly doubting my bravado. That night, sleep eluded me; the pain forced me onto my back, which was not my preferred sleeping position. By morning, I got out of bed early, determined not to wake my wife. However, she noticed I was up and asked if I was okay. Being the stubborn individual I am, I replied, "Yes, I'm fine." That was until I tried to sit up, causing a wave of spasms through my left side, leading to a level of pain I had never experienced before.

"Do you want me to take you to the ER?" my wife asked, concern evident in her voice.

After swallowing my pride, I admitted that I should go. With great effort, I brushed my teeth and got dressed. Despite my condition, I insisted on driving to the ER with my wife sitting beside me, albeit reluctantly.

The wait at the hospital was short. Just five minutes after completing the paperwork, I was having X-rays taken. I was then shown to an exam room to await the doctor. Upon arrival, he introduced himself but couldn’t provide any information until the radiologist reviewed the images.

After about thirty minutes, the doctor returned with the news: I had fractured my ribs. Most of you might have guessed that already, but I was still in disbelief, having thought I merely pulled a muscle.

"So this is what fractured ribs feel like. Not a fan," I remarked, as my wife simply smiled and shook her head.

Lessons Learned from My Carelessness

The most frustrating takeaway is realizing that I shouldn't be getting hurt from something so simple. This incident taught me to be more honest with myself about my health condition when I experience pain. Additionally, I need to be truthful with my wife when she inquires about my well-being.

This experience has prompted me to reflect on my health—both mental and physical. If I don't take better care of myself, my later years could be far less enjoyable. I was never this accident-prone, and I hope this was just a careless moment rather than a sign of something more concerning. Consequently, I plan to schedule an appointment with my doctor for my annual physical, which is already overdue.

Going forward, my aim is to be more attentive to my health and take my existing conditions seriously. I often do this, but not consistently enough, as reflected in my test results.

If you have health issues similar to mine, I urge you to take them seriously. I only hope that I haven't delayed too long due to my stubbornness. And as a final word of advice: never sneeze with fractured ribs; it hurts like nothing else.

Until next time…

This first video features Erick Baker performing "My Two Left Feet," showcasing a lighthearted take on clumsiness and self-acceptance.

In this second video, Erick Baker delivers a live rendition of "My Two Left Feet," bringing the theme of embracing one's flaws to life through music.