Yesterday/Chili-Cheese Fries, a Landmark in my Recovery

Some people might say that getting past 6 months or 9 months or 15 months are landmarks in jaw surgery recovery, and they are, if you feel better on those days.  Well, I have 24 more days until my 9 months is up, and I am supposed to get to chew five minutes per meal.


For almost two years now, I have been craving chili-cheese fries, or any type of fries, but I just wanted the extra of the chili and cheese, and ultimately ranch sauce.  They have them on the menu in the café at the school I am now attending and they have taunted me every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before my class.  Instead I always just get my strong 65 cents coffee out of the heavenly vending machine, like the New York part of my heart tells me.


However, today was different.  Something was different.  I had originally promised myself about 2 years ago when I stopped being able to chew that seasoned fries or some type of fast food would be my first meal eaten properly.  


The café was about to close, and I wavered, as they were only serving items they had left from the day.  They probably were out of them anyway, so I decided to give it a try.  I timidly walked up to the counter and asked in a quiet voice, "Do you have any chili-cheese fries left."  And the   kind woman said to me, "I can make some for you."  I didn't know what to expect as I waited on them, getting my knife and fork ready to cut and mash the fries.  I got them to go.


"Order up!"  Here they were.  Finally, but was it too early? Was I going to ruin my moment by having to cut the fries and just swallow them?  I immediately ordered some ranch to put on them as well and did not even get out of the lunch room before starting to devour the fries like a wild animal.  Everyone who walked by did a double-take, and I didn't care.  I nearly felt tears running down my face, as I used my hands, and NOT the fork and knife to properly tear and swallow the messy, greasy fries.  Every emotion was surging through my head, and I just ate the fries like I had never tasted food in my life.


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Life is different now.  I now live in an apartment, hopefully have a job I will love secured, and will be supporting myself fully, even though I am still not fully recovered.  I am making headway towards my life goals.  Everyday has its challenges, but no one said it would be easy.  I always find a way.


My first exam, returning to actual classes after graduating university in 2009, is Friday and I bought index cards to use to study for the first time in my life.  Knowing me, I probably bought them because they were colorful and will end up making my own notes on paper like I always have.


Once again, thank you to all my readers and supporters.  Your encouraging words and prayers have gotten me this far, but I will still need them, as in 24 days, I will enter into the next phase of this arduous recovery.