The dictionary says that attitude is an opinion or a way of thinking. I guess I agree and after thinking about it, I think the world is run on attitude.

You meet the lady dispensing coffee at your favorite kiosk. You ask for your morning caffeine fix and she smiles at you, when you order and when you pay. “Nice attitude” you think.

You observe the paper carrier and when you mention your paper is being thrown in the bushes instead of on the porch … what kind of attitude do you get? Here in Hansville we get, “Sorry. I’ll try to do better — but sometimes in the dark I miss my target.”

Okay. We understand and think this is a decent attitude. I’m sure I couldn’t do any better. But then you are on the interstate and you have to contend with getting the international half-a-peace-sign and you wonder about that drivers attitude. Was that really necessary just because I got a little slow in the lane change?

All that attitude.

But what I really think attitude is, is your capability to cope. There was never a master plan passed out for “how to act in any situation,” but oh, if only there had been. Then we would know how stiffen an upper lip has to be during those loss of loved ones, and we would know how stiffen our backbone has to be to address those family or business situations that occur all through out lives. And we would know how stiffen your resolve has to be when repairing after a major surgery.

Many of you know I have just had bi-lateral knee replacement ­— yes that means both knees fitted with replicas made of titanium. My surgeon and physical therapy team all think I am repairing very much faster than anticipated, and I do too. Why do you think this is?

I think it is my attitude. I went into this knowing that I would do well, that I would be up and walking sooner than expected and walking unaided sooner than anyone thought with no cane or walker. I’ve always been a goal setter and this was a goal. Get it over with, and soon.

As I write this it has been one month since the new knees came to live in my legs and I am doing well. I’m about three or more weeks ahead of the anticipated recovery and I expect to be fully up-and-running — well maybe not running quite yet — by the time you read this.

So … sif you see me our walking down the street, or in a store striding the aisles, stop me and ask me how the knees are doing. I’m sure I’ll tell you “just fine, thank you”, and if you are really interested, I’ll even show you my zipper scars.

Donna Lee Anderson can be reached at WellToldTales@aol.com.