Two Monrovia Stalwarts Recover from Recent Surgeries, Share Physical Therapy Stories

For the lastthree weeks I have been first in the hospital for five days with the balance ina skilled nursing center for physical therapy. No one but staff is allowedto visit.  After the first 14 days in isolation and three negative coronavirustests, I was moved in with a roommate and allowed to go to the “gym” forphysical therapy.  

The joy of physicaltherapy is finding a long-time buddy is in the same facility and we try to getour therapy at the same time. The high point is watching Hal Leavens (halfof Monrovia’s Welcome Wagon) practicing his “bubble dance.” Having justhad back surgery, Hal has been assigned this exercise by physical “terrorists”(as we affectionately refer to them) to work on his balance. Even if SallyRand were still alive, I don’t think she would need to worry about Hal. Givehim some feather fans and it might be a different matter.

The point ofthis article is not to give you a smile as you think of Hal and histerpsichorean efforts, but rather suggest (plead) that if you know of anyone insuch a facility, check with a family member if calls are appropriate. Mostof us are bored. I will be home by the time this is published, but foreveryone else a little attention would help. Notes, as antiquated as sucha concept is, would be great as well. Visitors are still not allowed. Someplaces will not even allow flowers. Some will allow some outside food —check with the facility first. Try to let those in isolation know they are notalone. You might make someone’s day.

Editor’s Note:
Two Monrovians have been conspicuously AWOL from city events. Susan Motander had to deal with a rather nasty fall recently in which scores of staples were used to fuse the skin back on her leg after having some plate inserted in the leg and subsequently faces a long recovery period. Hal Leavens, on the other hand, was suffering from excruciating back pain for months and was advised to have surgery. He also faces a long recovery period. We wish them both a swift, full recovery. As they say, God speed!

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