Writing With One Hand

For 29 years I’ve led a writing Workshop where we write by hand. Now I find myself only able to write by hand as I broke my left wrist in a fall and cannot type with my left hand. 

A complication in the first surgery led to a ruptured tendon impacting my index finger and middle finger. My arm and two fingers are in a temporary splint until I see a specialist this week for a cast. In two weeks I will start physical therapy for the fingers, then a few weeks later I’ll start therapy for the wrist. 

Meanwhile, I need to write for work and for creative projects. 

I’m thinking of the Zen Buddhist kōan, “Two hands clap and there is a sound. What is the sound of one hand?”

What is the sound of one hand typing? The sounds are not so clickety-clack. It’s slow and inefficient. After decades as a speedy typist I now hunt and peck with my right hand . 

I use voice-to-text typing as much as possible, but it really challenges my patience. I find myself over enunciating and almost yelling at the computer when it gets things wrong. 

People have been there for me with flowers, cards, texts and calls. Friends and family have also  given me rides to multiple doctor appointments and two surgeries. They’ve helped with house work and errands. I’m so grateful. 

I also can’t drive. I’m thankful for the Walworth County Connects VIP service. It’s like an Uber for residents with medical appointments who can’t drive. But the price is much cheaper than Uber at $6 one way. 

My emotions range from frustration to sadness. But I balance it out with gratitude because, like with most things, it could have been worse. And I have plenty to be thankful for. Like I’m thankful it was not my right hand. I’m also thankful it didn’t happen during winter. 

I’m so thankful for my long time writing practice of daily morning pages and first drafts by hand. There is a journey of healing ahead of me. I’ll write my way through it.