One retrospective benefit of my progressive hip arthritis and the first few weeks of my subsequent hip replacement?

It was a good reminder of what it felt like to be physically vulnerable—something I haven’t had to contend with since my “being-bullied-days” of junior high.

It’s a rich source for me for future writing and character development, and—although I would have preferred not needing to hobble around in pain with a cane for two years—I’ll take what life lessons I can get from this experience.