Leg braces have come a long way since the early 1960s since the days of Forrest Gump red orthopedic boots, which I did wear, and bars from under your feet to your thighs that would get hung up and bang into everything. Being a bad boy, I didn’t wear those, and I’m paying for that now with a bar inside the leg (at least for now).
Meanwhile, back braces have come a long way since the early 1970s, when there were metal bars and straps and a thousand adjustments to make. I’m sure there are still those must wear such things. I feel for them. I was supposed to wear just such a contraption at eleven years old. Being a bad boy, I didn’t. My scoliosis has only gotten worse. A few weeks ago my doctor thought I might do well to wear a back brace. So, now I’m paying for my lackadaisical attitude as a kid.
But we settled on something that would give me total torso support with no metal bars, but with straps for for self-adjustments. I didn’t expect those to be elastic, but this was well thought out. Perfect. It’s fits perfectly and is featherlight. It even floats. Couldn’t ask for something better. Very comfortable. Don’t even know it’s there… until I try to sit down or bend over or do anything calling for agility. But that’s good too. Standing and walking is now going to be perfect posture. I hate that. But finally sitting down, it’s perfect support.
From the front, you’d never know I had on a full torso back brace. But from the back, it’s like I can feel people pointing and whispering already.
- Why is his back like that?! Is he wearing some kind of brace or something?
- Just eat your veggies, or you’ll end up just like him.
Those tough little kids, my classmates, who did have to wear that huge contraption 50+ years ago, they were rewarded with an opportunity for character building that I missed, and still do miss. But – hey! – now’s my chance.
And should someone slap me on the back, it’s their hand that’s gonna sting!
The annoying thing for character building is that you have to explain your health situation to everyone. I had this experience for a couple of years being in a wheelchair and years more on the famous Canadian crutches.
I wonder if Jesus will let me offer this not-much-of-a-penance for Aussie Mum. I will ask Him though. Some chaplets and Rosaries for you just now, Aussie Mum.
ARISE! LET US BE GOING! 
Re: “Feather-light”
A business slogan comes to mind – “you’ve tried the rest, now try the best!”
Congratulations are in order here, Father. Hope this brace does you a world of good.
The ole Milwaukee brace. I wore one myself for a few years for my scoliosis. Recently went to an orthopedic for medical advice as it seems in my older years, my scoliosis has progressed along with osteoporosis. Physical therapy recommended. Strengthen those muscles as much as possible! Glad you are finding some support, Fr. George. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
My sister sent me a question about Matt 19:12. It seems the transgender lobby is seizing on “born eunuch” to further their agenda. I thought my answer pretty useless. What say you, Father?
What does that have to do with trans anything?
I have no idea what they think, but none, of course! But they think the words “those who can accept it, should” means accept transgenderism – I guess.
I wonder if that Jesuit came up with that.