I’ve been absent for a while, but I have an excuse. Here’s why:

I’m not known to family and friends as a particularly patient person. I’ve occasionally said that it would probably benefit me to learn more. You know, everyone says it. No one really means it. I didn’t.

Nonetheless, I’ve been given the opportunity to practice the virtue. I’m not happy about it.

On August 12, I slipped on the bottom steps of a staircase and broke my ankle. My left leg and foot are now in a heavy boot and I’m not supposed to put any weight on it. The docs initially said I’d likely be off it completely for 6 to 8 weeks. I’m now close to five weeks and it’s driving me crazy.

I have crutches and a knee scooter, which let me get around the house and take care of my basic needs, but it’s hard to do a lot of things. I’m fortunate to be married to a wonderful man who has been great about picking up all the tasks I can’t do. It doesn’t mitigate the frustration, though.

The doctor insists I sleep in the boot. A friend suggested putting a pillowcase over it to protect the sheets. That works, but it doesn’t mitigate the fact that this thing feels like an anchor on my foot and there are only two positions I can manage comfortably. Rolling over at night is incredibly hard. Making a middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom is a major project.

In fact, doing almost anything is a major project. Everything takes twice or even three times as long as it would if I had two good ankles.

I’m learning patience and empathy for those who have any kind of disability. It’s hard for most of us to understand how difficult it is to do normal things with limitations.