A few years ago, while rushing up the stairs two at a time, something in my knee gave way.  I was able to walk only with great pain.  Like a sprain, I figured it would heal in a few days and I’d be back to normal.  When that didn’t happen, I went to my doctor who referred me to a sports medicine specialist.  After some poking around and a couple of x-rays, it was determined that I had a torn meniscus.  To further complicate things, I have arthritis in the knees and in some places, bone on bone.  With surgery and some healing, I was able to walk normally, with little pain.  Since that time five years ago, the knee conditions have only deteriorated.  Some days I’m able to walk with no pain, and other days, I can barely walk.  The doctor told me that some day in the future, knee replacements would be in order.  He said that when the time comes, I would tell him, he wouldn’t have to tell me.

            Along with my bum knees is the pain in my lower back.  A few years ago, I blew a disc in my back and had to have surgery.  I was told that I have degenerative disc disease.  It isn’t really a disease at all, but a flattening of the discs that causes the bones to rub together causing pain. 

            One of the things I was told by both doctor’s who performed the surgeries, was that I shouldn’t run, jump or do anything that would impact the back or the knees.  This would prolong the normal use of them and not cause as much pain.

            I’ve always been active and used to doing what I please.  This meant that if something needed moving, I’d move it.  If it needed lifting, I’d lift it.  If I needed to run, I would run.  The same things goes with jumping, playing sports and many other things that I normally used to do.  Gone are the days!

            I don’t consider myself as getting old but I do qualify for senior’s discounts at some places.  I occasionally have to run in an emergency.  I have found that it isn’t too difficult or painful. 

            So it was that last night I found myself running.  It was actually quite pleasant.  I wasn’t winded, the knees felt good and my back didn’t hurt.  I was surprised how well it went…a totally pleasant experience.

            Then I woke up!  Darn, it was only a dream.  As one who used to run, it stirred up some sweet memories.  They were pleasant and I felt at peace…would that I could feel that peace each day when I awaken.