My Thursday was supposed to look like this: CC Community Day (Foundations, followed by Essentials), return home to greet arriving in-laws, heavy snacks for kids, get husband and 17 year-old son out the door for Civil Air Patrol Event, get everyone else dressed and ready for same event, head to event, shoot staff portraits, watch my son shine as newly installed Cadet Commander, serve cake, return home and serve dinner, and bundle everyone off to bed extraordinarily late but terrifically happy.
What happened instead was this: C Community Day (Foundations, followed by Essentials), return home to greet arriving in-laws, heavy snacks for kids, get husband and 17 year-old son out the door for Civil Air Patrol Event, get everyone else dressed and ready for same event, step in small hole in yard as heading out the door, immediately begin screaming and alarming five children who suddenly realize they have no adult assistance on hand, watch shockingly level-headed 11 year-old spring into action by calling his Dad and planning how to move me back inside, sob while the capable 9 year-old herded siblings back inside and prepared ice and elevation for my already-swollen ankle, wait for both my husband and mother-in-law to come to my rescue, leave five kids to eat chili, watch movies, and read books with their grandmother (who had driven 4 hours for completely different reasons!), and visit the orthopedic after-hours clinic.
No, it was not the evening I had in mind. But, praise the Lord, it all worked as seamlessly as possible, given the fact that instead of doing head shots of CAP cadets, I was receiving X-Rays of my foot and ankle.
Nothing is broken. I’m incredibly grateful for that, even though the words “severe sprain” and “torn ligaments,” really don’t convey the magnitude of the amount of pain I’ve experienced, in my not so humble opinion. I was sent home with a boot and a pair of crutches, as well as orders of no weight-bearing until such a time as my pain level indicated it was a good idea. My husband has enforced that, and my family has taken on all of the tasks for which I am usually responsible.
Leaving me too… knit.
Seriously, much of my weekend was spent knitting. And reading. But mostly knitting. I am a much faster reader than I am knitter, so I finished The Maid by Kimberly Cutter (affiliate link) in a day, whereas I have plugged away on Tin Can Knits Rye Socks for hours and only last night felt like I might just finish these before the week is out.
My Friday plans had included spending time with my in-laws exploring a local museum, popping in to a small ice cream shop, maybe even taking a trolley ride. Instead, they made a tour of downtown highlights with my husband and kids, and I… I knit.
Life has been unexpectedly interrupted, reminding me yet again of Proverbs 16: 9: “The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” In this case, my step was directed into a hole that rearranged the priorities of my next few weeks in an instant. I can only assume that God has a reason for ensuring that my butt is firmly planted on my couch. I’ll probably never know the reason, but I am immeasurably thankful for the circumstances that allowed a family member invested and appreciative to attend Jack’s special evening (my father-in-law got to witness it on behalf of us all), a comforting, familiar face to smooth over the trauma of the evening and enjoy my younger crew with laughs and love, and friends who immediately offered to pray and provide whatever else was needed. I’m even thankful for the hard working kiddos who took the opportunity to temporarily fill the hole, assuring that no one else gets hurt before we can level the ground there.
I’m rearranging and reimagining the next few days. Life will go on. I just need to get a bit creative to keep things flowing here, and lighten the load my husband and teenage son are carrying in my time of convalescence. I’ll do what I can from my station on the couch, but they are the ones overseeing the bulk of the day to day.
Now, if you’ll excuse me… I have to knit.
Ouch. Glad the bone is solid and praying that the ligaments don’t take too long to heal properly, as well as for good pain management. Your kiddos sound like such smart, level-headed children. What a blessing! Heal well!
Thank you so much!
I hear the sprains and tears are more painful than the breaks. Hang in there! Glad you had such competent help!
This has been no joke! I’m praying for quick healing!
Oh sweetie, I’m sorry!! Yes, those best laid plans. 😢 I’m thankful your FIL could go to the ceremony. I hope he knew to take a lot of photos! Thankful they had come! 💕
He was came back with photos and videos, and rave reviews. And my mother-in-law even had an apple tasting contest with the younger kids. It truly was best case scenario!