I never really experienced Heidi when growing up in the US. I think I saw a cartoon version once but for me it was Anne of Green Gables, a bit of Pippi Longstocking and the Little House books (which I never finished, they were too girly).
Anyway my real point is that here in the UK there is at least one tall ship that has been modified to be crewed at least partially by people in wheelchairs. You still need upper body strength and agility, which I do not have, but legs are at least optional.
Wow, interesting post and a lot of deep understanding of yourself.
I'm not a hugger, but...
*hug*
Just this once.
I am a hugger and a kisser, so there-- XOXOXO.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
I loved the movie as a child. I always thought of Clara's illness as a symptom of her confined life in the city with her Aunt. Living with Heidi in the mountains she was free and learned her own strength.
Now I am teary... I am in a place right now where I need to remember my own strength - thanks Lene.
I watched Heidi many times as a kid. It was very much a part of growing up for Canadian kids, at least in my little corner of the country. It was always one of my sister's favourite movies, too.
Also, a bit of almost-completely-unrelated Heidi trivia for you here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidi_game
I never saw the movie, but I'm sure I came close to wearing the print right off the pages (unabridged). I just loved that book. Still do and I kept my copy all these years. Talk about baggage.
Oh, Lene, I am sorry. I wish I could have been your nurse. Thank you for telling us this story.
I've come back to read this yet again and am fighting back a tear yet again.
I'd take the wheelchair in a second to dance in the sunlight again. But I'm an indoor cat.
My mother bought my daughter The Story of Heidi when she was little because when I was a child I asked for my own copy. (We didn't regularly buy books then. Library for us.) I didn't remember that but it made an impression on my mother, who no doubt had to read the children's version a hundred times. I'm sorry you couldn't share Clara's miraculous happy ending.
I've read Heidi many times, and it always (on first reading after a hiatus, anyway) makes me cry, especially the part where Heidi is discovered sleepwalking by Clara's father and the doctor and instead of being angry with her for her "ingratitude" they immediately arrange for her to go back to the mountain. (I teared up writing that sentence. I'm at work. Alone in my cubicle, fortunately. Clearly I have a few beat-up suitcases of my own.) And I loved the little darkly humorous touch of Rotenmeier's being pressed into service so early that she doesn't have time to arrange her headdress properly and looks like her head is on backwards.
And I also remember how religious that book is, and I remember your wonderful aphorism about God. And I wish I could find words, but I cannot, so... xoxoxo... I'll be thinking of you.
I'm sorry sweetie.
Feel better, m'kay?
I remember the pictures in the book.
I remember how it was cold in the loft, but when she snuggled down into the hay, she was warm.
I remember the goats' bells making music.
I cry at ads. I cry at all those times you mention.
And I'm trying to find the bottom of that well for myself. It isn't pretty.
Courage.
Great - now I have to add Heidi to my list of books to read.
I've heard of the book (and the movie), but other than it being about a girl in the Alps, I knew nothing else.
There are therapy horses you could ride. You wouldn't exactly be able to gallop off into the sunset though.
Sending love and comfort and strength for your journey.
Lucy sends a raspberry. She's getting quite good at them now.
The fear, the pain, the despair. So unfair. It leaves me breathless, crying too.
It hardened her though, she pushed it down and retreated into books and ideas and she couldn't be stilled.
As painful as it is to remember, I am glad you remember those moments. Running into your grandmother's arms is a moment of pure acceptance, never to be forgotten.
REading your blog, I keep being so impressed by your bravery and so grateful for your honesty.
I just had to tell you that this was a beautiful post. And I loved Heidi as a girl, too, and you make me want to read it again. And here's a hug from, me, too. {Lene}
My heart breaks for that little girl, but celebrates the woman she has become. Thank you.
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