The Pokeberry Quilt

The Pokeberry Quilt

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

I'm Home

One minute I'm pinning a quilt to the wall and the next minute I'm not.  I fell off and then onto the step ladder, the rigid edge of the ladder fractured my femur as I came down on it before hitting the floor.

I knew I wouldn't die from a broken leg, but as I laid there on the floor, I felt like I was, just for a moment, maybe longer.  The why of things happening will never make sense, I could rage at my predicament, but I'm reminded instead of a proverb, you fall down seven times, get up eight.  And so I did.  I screamed one time as I aligned the leg and then down the stairs an inch at a time, taking hours or maybe a day, I don't remember.  In the end, I made it downstairs.  I pulled myself onto my bed, I just wanted to be comfortable, a moment in my bed, that would make it better, at least for the moment.  I wake up again.  I can hear the phone ringing.  I hear a message from a friend, we're on our way over to see you.  She's not going to believe what I need her to do.  My friend and her husband arrive at the house ahead of the emergency responders.

Nearly three weeks later after extensive surgery and rehab, I'm home, using a walker until I can bear weight on the injured leg, that will come, have to work hard on my physical therapy and be patient.  I could tell you about the worst of these past days, but instead I'll tell you about an elderly woman I met at the rehab facility.  One of those angels on earth, or maybe I'm just looking for the spiritual when things have gone awry, that seem to appear when you need them. A woman of quiet strength and grace. We watched the birds every day in the aviary.  All kinds of birds living together, nesting and providing us hours of enjoyment during an otherwise depressing day. We watched one pair of nesting doves, me telling her what I knew about doves. 
I told her Jim's story.  One egg hatched and we watched the little one being taken care of by the parents.  We caught the first time it attempted to fly from the nest, laughing that we were as proud as the parents.  She missed the moment the baby dove flew through the open door while the birds were being fed, I got to tell her about the escape and return of it to safety.  We fretted over the weekend when no one came to feed or replace the water, I went on and on that the birds will die without water, she did the same until the staff got tired of listening to us and someone was found who knew what to do.  She failed to go home on schedule due to her surgeon having to perform emergency surgery on a patient and not being able to see her.  No anger or regret on her part, simply that she was glad that her surgeon was able to take care of someone else in greater need.  I only wish to have that kind of empathy.  The day I left, she came to my room and waited with me, not saying much, keeping me company.  I hated to leave her. I hope she is home as well now.

24 comments:

  1. yeah!! glad you are home - be careful around the house and know your postings are missed - Mary in austin

    ReplyDelete
  2. You were missed. Still in our prayers though, knowing a full recovery is on its way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yay! You are back home...so good to see you posting again. A speedy recovery to one strong woman!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very good to hear from you Nancy! Hang on to that positive attitude. God does put people together for reasons. Prayers continue. Enjoy the views out your windows.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think those of us who get knocked down a lot, tend to look for the true meaning in our lives. I have learned to appreciate the little things and tonight it was watching a little skunk dig more holes in my yard, lol. I pray that your recovery goes well and you can enjoy getting out and taking photos again.

    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, I didn't know quilting was so dangerous. In all honesty though, I'm glad you are okay. I hope you heal well. And yes, angels appear where we would not expect them at the perfect time when we need them. Don't they hold just a special part of your heart ~ so that hope continues to breath? I am happy for you that you found her (& vice-versa I sure.)
    Keep well & safe, and know that we care out here in cyber space (or just a state or two away.)
    Prayers and blessings,
    JoeyLea
    http://www.thelocustblossom.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous8:59 PM

    Oh you poor girl! I hope you are feeling better and I wish you a fast recovery.

    And I love birds....many conversations have started watching them and they are very therapeutic. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  8. So good to 'hear' from you again and to see you are back home. Wonderful blogpost this. I hope your full recovery will not take too long, and the same for your friend from rehab.

    ReplyDelete
  9. So glad to hear you are home. You have been in my daily prayers. You experienced the dread of many of us who live alone and you are coming out on top. Inspiration for many of us, including me.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hope you're better ,take care of you!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've thought about you often since you've been away. It must be so nice to be home again. Keep up the good work on your healing and maybe avoid ladders for a while.
    Lots of thoughts smiles and good wishes,
    Angela.x

    ReplyDelete
  12. So glad to hear you are home! What an ordeal ~ I but what a blessing to have someone so positive put in front of you! Healing thoughts coming your way!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It is amazing how others can have a tremendous impact on us without even realizing it. We can all be used in that way, if we reach out to others, even in a small way.
    I am so glad you are home and on the mend.
    An ordeal to have gone through...
    Rose

    ReplyDelete
  14. Welcome home Nancy, that was some ordeal you went through.....Love to watch the birds, relaxing me....Hope you feel better real soon, Blessings Francine.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow-----so sorry about your accident. You were brave. Glad you are on the road to recovery and can now enjoy your wild life in your own yard. Take Care--you were missed.

    ReplyDelete
  16. So sorry for your ordeal but joy came from that with your new friend and the birds.
    God bless you and wishing you a speedy recovery!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sending good thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, Nancy!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I am so glad your home.There is no place like our home and animals all around us!

    ReplyDelete
  19. So glad you are home safe and nearly sound! Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  20. you are an inspiration Nancy......prayers for speedy healing.
    Christine

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sending you hugs from across the pond Nancy (((hugs)))

    ReplyDelete
  22. Being home will help you feel better, do take care and follow the doctor's orders. Wishing you patience & speedy healing in the days ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's so nice to hear how this angel lady touched your life when it seems you needed someone by your side to make you smile. I hope maybe you're able to keep in touch with her.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm just catching up on your news and reading about your painful experience...So glad you have people around to check up on you and get you the help you needed. Sending you ((Hugs)) for a quick recovery!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for reading my blog and taking the time to comment.
I'm not receiving email notifications of comments so I will be responding on my blog.