I'M FREE!!! I did it. Got my neurosurgeon's blessing to start bicycling, again. Normally, he would require waiting another week after taking off the neck brace for the neck muscles to strengthen backup, but I told him I've been cheating this past week or so and have already been taking off the brace for long stretches to do just that. He tested my strength and mobility, then shook his head and smiled. Said, okay, we'll skip that part. You have my blessing to start riding.

Got home too late to jump on the bike and, besides, kind of an emotional wreck, so will wait till tomorrow when I'm fresh and alert. Will do a morning ride with my hubby out around the neighborhood and see how it goes.

It's over, though, and I'm going to do everything it takes not to go through this, again. One close call was enough.