Recovery Timeline Continued...

Stories in the news are catching my eye more than ever before.  Have there always been this many traumatic accidents and I am only just now being more conscious of those who are suffering?  I had some remarkable people reach out to me when I was healing - people who didn't know me but could empathize because of their own experiences in life.  I hope I can help lift others the way so many lifted me through that difficult time.

What do you get when you cross COVID with an infection in your leg? A lengthy Facebook post.

Over a week ago my youngest daughter got really sick. As a precaution we COVID-tested and for moral support I got tested as well. I was surprised to receive a positive test result when I had nothing more than some headaches, lightly scratchy throat and tiredness.

Fast forward a little more than a week later…

I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain EVERYWHERE in my body.  It really shook me up and I ended up in the Emergency Room.  I’ve been diagnosed with a serious infection in my already-bad foot and things escalated quickly. I was admitted to the hospital and was placed in the COVID wing because of my still-surprisingly-present positive test result. The last few days have been exhausting, but I’m not nearly as tired as these doctors and nurses.

These folks are incredible. They have to change outfits and PPD every single time they enter and exit a room. They are dealing with very sick people all day. They are working in under-staffed conditions through long and odd hours. You guys. They are SO TOUGH.

Based on what I’ve observed, I felt compelled to share my gratitude for their willingness to work through discomfort, grateful that my vaccinations and booster appear to have spared me some physical pain, and grateful for my awesome husband who is caring for kids while I watch tv from a hospital bed and WAIT.
I’m grateful for the hospital staff that have worked hard to keep me cared for and comfortable as we closely monitor the infection to make sure it doesn’t travel anywhere close to my ankle-replacement hardware.

Thank a medical worker. 

They’re working their tails off for all of us.

Happy Explod-A-Versary!  Three years ago today my life was forever changed by that crazy home explosion.  Today really is a celebration.  I am so very happy to be here, and so VERY grateful for the three gentlemen who ran into a collapsing burning home that day to see if there was any opportunity to help.  Looking back on the events we’ve experienced since that time, the overwhelmingly dominant thoughts are:

1.  We felt so much love.  Never in my life have I felt such a concentrated amount of love beaming towards our entire family.  It was like a “Care Bear Stare” of goodness coming our way and it most sincerely was the biggest impact in our recovery.

2. I have never felt God’s presence in my life so constantly and so dependably as I did during that time.  I wish I could shout from the mountaintops how real and how empowering His light is. 

Thank you all for the wonderful support you are to our family.  Every one of us has commented on the generous acts of love that we will never forget.  Because of you, this accident is something we have learned from and are growing from, not something that is too traumatic to discuss.  I’m deeply grateful to be here.  I love this wonderful life of mine.  The opportunity to be with my family is something I will never take for granted.

 This was an emotional time for me to reflect on.  Worse than the pain of surgeries, worse than confinement in casts and wheelchairs, worse than not eating solid food for 40 days…detoxing from opioids was the most difficult thing I experienced in my recovery.  When I remember the anguish of it, I am motivated to be more patient with others in their struggles, and I am encouraged to rely on God more fully.  In the link below is my testimony about His awareness of me, folded into that terrible series of events back in 2019… 

 I am exceptionally proud of my oldest daughter.  She has started branding clothing to send important messages.  Her first project is a sweatshirt that reads "I hope you heal from the things you don't talk about."  This home explosion and recovery has allowed us to connect with a number of people in a variety of trying circumstances.  We have learned that EVERYONE is struggling in some way and that we have a responsibility to be kind and be a helper in any way possible.  This sweatshirt concept is no small endeavor.  When I wear it, I just want to hug everyone I see.  

 We love our family, and we love this wonderful life we get to have together.  We have spent 2022 trying to make the most of every moment together before our oldest launched to college.  My favorite memories of 2022 generally involve hearty laughs around the kitchen table together.  We are so lucky.