A friend emailed to ask how my back is doing. While I am still wary of bending, it is much better.

"Can I come over to look at it?" she asked. Look at it? What is there to see? Dubious, I agreed. 

I had no idea what she knew, or could find out about my innards with a simple inspection. She had me move my legs and hips and started spitting out words like spinal and pelvic and... well they came so fast I forget. 

"Your right shoulder is headed for trouble. You need to get the blade back in place with these movements." 

She invited me to do six or seven simple exercises, though that word actually feels like overkill. In my mind an exercise involves athletic shoes, sweat, and being outnumbered by truly fit bodies and I did none of that. It actually felt... satisfying. Not like eating chocolate, but like scrubbing the lid of the garbage can. I have been meaning to do it for some time now, since it is pretty gross and the first thing you see when you enter my kitchen. Today I washed it. But I digress.

Laying on the floor, stretching in new ways, I tried to exhale and inhale when she said to, while moving my legs and knees. I was as clumsy as a four year old riding a bike. But my back actually whispered to me.

"Thank you! I have needed this for a long time." She taped my back with something warm and strong, which I cannot see but I do sense. It's nice. In contrast to most failed efforts to pay attention to my body I am eager to do this routine several times a day. In fact I did some before I made Benjamin breakfast. 

It amazes me that I am actually better off than I was before, and yet because of, last week's injury. 

John and I try to offer exercises to couples that are easy enough to avoid a cold sweat. Appreciations, I statements, five yeses and brag time can fit in the little cracks of a busy day, and can strengthen a relationship like tape on your back. It can stave off future pain. Your partner may even whisper to you.

"Thank you! I have needed this a long time."