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Cast Away Creativity

  • Writer: Tara Obner
    Tara Obner
  • May 22, 2025
  • 4 min read

After my hip dysplasia surgery, I was determined to return to college although confined to a bulky body cast. The roads between Rochester and Yankton were covered in hazardous ice, making travel particularly daunting. Nonetheless, my father, always supportive and empathetic, braved the slippery conditions to collect me from the hospital, carefully placing me into the car. After settling into the backseat, he guided his Chevy onto Second Street and proceeded toward US 63.


During our cold winter journey, we paused at a rest area. Upon entering the parking lot, we realized a dangerous layer of sheet ice covered the sidewalk, turning each step from the car to the restroom into a risky endeavor due to my cast and crutches. Every move demanded meticulous attention to avoid falling, which could severely damage my surgically repaired hip socket. Clutching my right arm to support me, Dad held me firmly while I gripped my crutches tightly; together, we advanced slowly, our muscles tense and eyes searching for the safest route.


Once inside the building, I discovered that using the toilet presented a new challenge. Since we hadn’t yet acquired my ortho elevated toilet seat, I had to maintain delicate balance over the toilet. Somehow, I managed by gripping the toilet paper dispenser on my left and the adjacent feminine napkin disposal on my right. Exhausted and weak, I rejoined Dad by the entrance, and together we cautiously made our way back to the car to resume our trip to Yankton.


Our trip to Yankton took significantly longer than anticipated—lasting seven hours instead of the expected five, so we felt an unmistakable sense of relief and achievement upon finally arriving. The additional hours on the road provided an opportunity to mentally brace ourselves for what was to come. Upon arrival, we promptly collected the wheelchair and other vital equipment that would make daily life in the dorms so much more manageable. Maneuvering the walkways connecting the dorm, dining hall, and academic buildings posed a considerable challenge, but being equipped with the necessary tools instilled renewed hope and preparedness. With newfound optimism, Dad helped me settle into Corby Hall before returning home to Ethan.


At that time, I roomed with Mindy, a committed nursing student. Since I required special care and support for several months, the college allowed Mindy to earn clinical hours by assisting me. Eager to translate her classroom learning into practice, Mindy took on daily tasks and closely monitored my health—an essential aspect of her nursing training. Her kindness, patience, and meticulous attention not only supported my recovery but also enriched her hands-on experience with patient care. This uncommon circumstance strengthened our friendship, intertwining personal connection with both her educational growth and professional development.


Although trapped in a cumbersome body cast that would have sidelined many, I was determined not to let it hold me back. After discovering that Marsha’s station wagon had enough space for my reclined cast, my friends and I embarked on several weekend escapades. Almost every Saturday, we all eagerly squeezed into the massive old car. Despite four girls being cramped together in the front seat, the journey was alive with laughter and stories as we maneuvered through winding roads and picturesque landscapes. The restrictive cast never dimmed my adventurous enthusiasm or the joy of friendship. These outings became unforgettable celebrations of resilience and companionship, showing that with determination and a bit of ingenuity, even the most challenging barriers can be overcome.


After my cast was finally removed, my artist friend Dave proposed displaying it at the MMC art show. At first, I found the suggestion surprising and somewhat off-putting. However, Dave shared his perspective that the cast was more than just a medical device; it was a distinctive canvas representing a period of vulnerability and strength in my life. Reluctantly, I agreed to give him the cast once it came off. When I asked the doctor to carefully cut the cast apart and then reassemble it with tape and plaster, he raised his eyebrows in amusement and laughed aloud. When he was through, I placed the smelly cast into a garbage bag to hand over to Dave.


Once Dave had the cast, he transformed its plain white surface into a vibrant artwork filled with abstract patterns and evocative symbols. What was originally a sign of physical restriction becoming a captivating piece of modern art. The exhibition eloquently highlighted the convergence of healing and creativity, encouraging spectators to see how ordinary objects can carry profound personal narratives through an artist’s vision. Dave’s creation beautifully merged the realms of medicine and art in an unforgettable way.


The art show was a resounding success, drawing a crowd that lingered not just to admire Dave’s colorful transformation, but also to hear the story behind the cast. Many visitors expressed how the piece inspired them to view challenges as opportunities for growth and creativity. For me, the cast had come full circle – from a symbol of limitation to a testament of resilience, friendship, and hope. Standing beside Dave as he accepted compliments, I realized that my journey through pain and healing had unveiled new dimensions of strength within myself and the people around me. With renewed confidence, I looked ahead to the future, ready to embrace whatever adventures awaited next.



 
 
 

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