by Naomi from Chetwynd, British Columbia
At the end of November 2021, I was fighting with my sciatica and it was the worst pain I had ever experienced. As the days went on, things got worse, not better. We made the decision to call the paramedics after almost a week when I realized I could not stand up without severe vertigo, nausea and pain. I spent two nights in the hospital here in our small northern town before I was medevaced directly to Vancouver General Hospital for immediate spinal cord surgery. I was in the operating room within 2 hours of arrival.
There they found my herniated disc had swelled to a massive size — my surgeon told me it was the biggest disc she had ever removed from a patient in her career to date — and it had been squeezing my spinal cord and the nervous system roots in and around my tailbone causing quite a bit of damage. I was then diagnosed with Incomplete Cauda Equina syndrome.
I spent 7 days at VGH and at times it was terrifying as it was unknown whether or not I would be able to return home or would have to remain in Vancouver for months of rehab to learn to walk again. Thankfully, I was able to return home. Recovery was going to be long and arduous, but I’m on my feet.
But the point of this story is this — one Saturday evening I had a surprise visitor to my room who brought me a gift. A gift in a bright blue box. A gift in a bright blue box that contained a pair of bright purple Wanderers. That visitor (who trudged to VGH after the store closed for the day) was none other than our favourite store manager, Patrick.
I was flabbergasted to say the least. As it turns out, a friend of mine called the store and instead of flowers, purchased the Wanderers for me. And instead of having them mailed, Patrick took the time out of his busy day after the store had closed to bring them to my hospital room personally. I was so incredibly touched and amazed. You have no idea how such a gesture has aided in my goal to heal. I look at those shoes every morning as inspiration to get back on my feet! To some, it may be weird, but to me it’s different. I don’t know how to explain it. I promised myself that as soon as I could, I’d “Wander” through the doors of Patrick’s store with my own two feet to thank him personally.
In October 2022, after 14 hours of driving and a few hours before an epic Sir Elton John concert in gorgeous Vancouver, BC, I fulfilled that promise. (Unfortunately, Patrick wasn’t there, but I met with the equally awesome and amazing staff and purchased a new pair of socks to match my Wanderers.)
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