This morning, my heart is full of love and gratitude – for Dr. Daly, who firmly and skillfully, and kindly brought me through what could have been the worst chapter in my life.

Today, my foot will be healed; I can return to everyday life, shoes and all.

I can even dress myself.

We’re heading to Saratoga to give up my surgical boot for a shoe and the final check and sign-off (for now) on my beautifully healing foot.

I’m bringing a letter for Dr. Daly and cookies and Amish fudge for the staff, who have been wonderful to me. I can’t imagine what would have happened to me without them.

Dr. Daly was an expert guide in getting me out of a years-long ordeal that could have left me crippled or worse.

I owe her gratitude and appreciation. That was the medical part.

The love part is Maria, who faithfully and lovingly helped bandage me a thousand times, encouraged me daily and proved that I could be loved.

I can’t imagine what I have done to deserve this love and dedication. There must be a God or some remarkable angels.

I think I married one.

This was a years-long ordeal that ended well.

Now, I can get on with staying healthy, getting better, and walking whenever I want.

Today, a new chapter; walking and getting a new and exciting brace to balance and strengthen my foot.

That will take some months.

I thank my big toe, sacrificed for the greater good. And my country for helping me to pay for all of this. My heart is full.

I am fortunate to be alive at this time and to have such good people in my life.

I must not be too bad a human to benefit from such love and dedication. I look forward to tomorrow; I am full of hope and appreciation.