I am eleven days out from a knee replacement, my second in three years. My job everyday is to do my physical therapy three times a day. Why? Because I want to regain my mobility but that involves pain. I hate pain but my desire to walk is stronger than my fear of pain. So I willingly do whatever it takes.

It's gray and snowing outside but my neighbor's trees are filled with Christmas lights. Inside it's golden and warm, but I can't hold back the tears as I count each painful movement until I come to 15. I breathe deeply and start another series.

Strange how good it feels to gain strength by doing the right thing even though there's so much pain.