By By Janet Little Cooper
It is good to know that last week's column about my clumsy habits brought laughter to my readers.
That is my goal. Knowing that I have brought a little laughter into someone's day, even if it is just one person, makes it all worthwhile.
I thought I would give everyone an update on the condition of my injury due to the fact that I will not be returning to the office for at least another three weeks.
I will however, continue to work from home writing my column, lifestyles stories and news stories as long as I am able.
To do this, I am communicating with everyone through e-mail and the telephone. It works, but I am already feeling the restraints of being confined to home and am actually missing my co-workers and the many people I normally come in contact with on a daily basis.
The final diagnosis for my knee is not good, but I guess it could be worse. My orthopedic doctor, who is a sports doctor, was able to show me and explain in great detail the damage I sustained through the MRI films of my right knee.
My injuries include a dislocated knee with the kneecap being relocated, a torn MCL, torn ACL, damaged and torn meniscus and a torn ligament in the back of the knee.
That probably doesn't mean a whole lot to you unless you have had a knee injury before or are a doctor, nurse or just a really good science student.
Looking at the anatomy of the knee helped me to understand why it hurts like heck and is swollen beyond recognition and most importantly why I can't drive or walk without the help of crutches.
By the way, which is going well, except for the very bruised and swollen middle toe on my left foot that I accidentally hit with one of the crutches. I fear it is broken, but at this point what's one more injury!
I am to begin physical therapy this week in hopes of regaining some of the muscle and joint strength before facing surgery. She hopes that some of the damage will heal with rehabilitation and will reevaluate my knee in two weeks in regards to surgery.
Until that time, I will remain home at the mercy of my two boys who are quickly learning that my short time disability has definite advantages for them and also that a crutch can reach a good distance and can be used for many things other than helping their poor dilapidated mother walk!
In today's Lifestyles article you will read one of the stories that I have accomplished at home.
In the story you will become acquainted with an amazing teenage girl who has done some pretty extraordinary things.
My only regret with this story is that I have not met Carly Landa in person. I don't even know what her voice sounds like. She and I have communicated totally through email.
I was able to see pictures of her thanks to the help of her father, David.
Again, due to my injury and Carly living in Pensacola and being in school, I had to depend on her father to take pictures of her for me. David Landa went above and beyond what is typically required of someone being interviewed. He became my eyes, ears, arms and legs for this story. Thank you David for helping me out!
Before even seeing Carly's picture, I knew that she was truly a special person just by the words that she so eloquently wrote to me.
I expressed to her father, that I didn't believe in pre-arranged marriages, but was willing to save my blue-eyed 14-year-old son for her if he would like! Her level of maturity, devotion and drive was just so evident through the responses she made to my questions.
We could all learn a lesson from this young girl's heart felt thoughts and actions. Atmore is fortunate to have someone take the initiative Carly has to provide the Atmore Animal Shelter with a state-of-the-art website.
Help support Carly's efforts by reading today's story and logging onto the website www.atmorepetrescue.org to see what you can do.
Janet Little Cooper is editor of the Atmore Advance. She can be reached at 368-2123.