Okay, I have learned a lot in the past month that I have been out recovering from my surgery, and I have decided to share my "wisdom" with you, our readers.

Myth: Knee surgery is not that big a deal.

Truth: Balderdash! Knee re-placement surgery is a big deal. It takes a lot of pain-bearing, patience and perseverance to recover.

Myth: The only people who use walkers are old.

Truth: Wrong! I have used a walker now for a month, and I DO NOT consider myself old in any way, shape or fashion. I have been very grateful to have that walker to depend upon when trying to do something as "simple" as getting to the bathroom.

Myth: People who use canes are older than old.

Truth: Wrong again, woman! I just graduated to a cane this Monday, and it is a real source of joy to me! It has given me freedom and security and I love my cane--for now!

Myth: I can bounce back now from surgery as well as any young person.

Truth: Nope! I was wrong again. I never anticipated the amount of pain, hard work and frustration that I would encounter on the road to recovery.

   I am still not 100% recovered. It will be an ongoing process for a while, and I'm okay with that. I have learned much and am continuing to learn each day. I've discovered that I can deal with a large amount of pain and still function. Also, I am astounded each morning that I wake up and discover that the pain is a little less.

   At one point I felt that I was ready for a little bit of a vacation from the "news" thing. Once again I was wrong. I have been "chomping at the bit" to get back to the office.

   I will still continue to be at the office on a part-time basis. I am in therapy three times a week, which includes physical therapy and pool therapy. That will limit the amount of time I can work - in terms of time available and also in strength. The combination of the two drains you! To this I can emphatically testify!

   It is good to be back.