Breakthrough
“What a gorgeous day to take a walk,” I exclaimed to Barbara, my walking partner for years as we ambled down the streets of our neighborhood.
“Yes, and isn’t it great: 65 degrees in December, and we don’t have to wear jackets” was her reply. We both pride ourselves being physically fit—she with swimming classes at the “Y” and I with Pilates sessions several times a week.
“And we are so fortunate even at our age . . . !”
The next thing I knew I was sailing through the air, both arms extended to break the impact of a fall. Landing on the asphalt, I felt my knees graze the pavement as my glasses went flying off.
The city yard waste truck apparently had not come by to pick up the pile of crèpe myrtle branches stacked in front of a house along our street. Walking, I believed that I had cleared the huge pile but apparently stumbled over a rogue branch sticking out far into the asphalt, a branch I did not see.
Barbara and a nearby worker helped set me right side up, and a kind neighbor I’d never met stopped by to take us both home in his black VW crossover. Adrenalin probably masked the pain in the palm of my left hand at first. “I’ll cleanse the injury with alcohol and stick a big bandage over the cut,” I thought, “and that will take care of it.”
When we arrived at my front door, friend Barbara, a retired nurse, took a look at my bleeding hand: “Hmmm, that probably needs stitches. You should have it checked at the emergency room just to be sure.” As I stepped into the house, I showed Cliff my hand. Back in the bathroom, I poured alcohol over the wound and let the shock of it all sink in. My husband and I decided what to do next. Seconds later he said, “This is a horrible gash. We need to take you to the ER. There’s one off Baymeadows Road only five miles away.”
For some reason, my mind has a tendency to minimize bad stuff. “Maybe I’ll need stitches and that will take care of it,” I concluded. At the ER, a series of medical professionals entered the room. Next came check of vitals, X-rays and a diagnosis. Finally, a benign-looking doctor wearing green surgical scrubs entered with the disappointing news. He pointed to the image on his computer screen, “You broke a bone in your left hand—4th metacarpal, and we’ll need to treat that right away. First came a tetanus shot. Then the next step: stitch the laceration with ten stitches.” Yes, I did have injections of anesthetic to minimize the pain. Still, it hurt. A sister who saw the photos said she thought the pattern of stitches looked like Grandma Longenecker’s blanket stitch. (I’ll spare you the photo,)
Then, another nurse arrived with piles of gauze and a splint. After the continuous winding of gauze, I looked like a snow-woman with an immobile arm. My thought: “It’s just a hand—why wrap all the way up to my elbow?”
We left the ER with instructions to change the bandages in three days and also make an appointment to see a hand specialist.
Reflections
- It could have been worse. My injuries certainly could have been considerably more extensive: broken arm, broken hip, cracked head . . . !
- Our bodies when injured tend toward healing: My hand, fingers, and lower arm reflected the healing process with gradually changing hues: My skin tone which looked ebony at first soon turned into the color aubergine, like eggplant, and then lightened into lilac, taupe—and finally my natural flesh tone. Now, the skin on my two hands almost matches, a very good thing.
- Miraculously, although I had scrapes on both knees, the fabric on my slacks did not rip. And although my glasses flew off my face, both lenses and frame were intact. I visited Lenscrafters to get the bent temples pushed back into place–almost good as new!
After the cast and splint, two fingers with buddy bandages
- I’m not superstitious, but the accident did happen on Friday, the 13th!
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand, take heed lest he fall.” (KJV)
- “For I will restore health to you and I will heal your wounds,’ says the Lord…” Jeremiah 30:17 (AMP)
Last year, I chose the word Breakthrough as my Word for the Year. I wasn’t planning to choose a signal word for 2025. But maybe I’ll just stick with Breakthrough again and hope for a breakthrough of a different sort this year: psychic, social, or spiritual.
All photos: ©MLB
***
Can you relate to my experience?
What were the consequences?
Lessons learned?
Good morning, Marian! I’m glad your injuries weren’t more serious and that you’ve healed. Perhaps your Pilates sessions and physical fitness helped with the way you landed and recovered. I fell sometime last year, too, in a similar type of incident tripping over a branch or something. I walked home with blood dripping. 🙂 Like you, I was thankful my injuries weren’t more serious.
I have no doubt that efforts to stay physically fit paid off. At least my reflexes prevented a face plant. Reading about your injuries, I wonder if I read about your fall in a Monday Morning Musing last year. “Blood dripping” is never a good sign.
Yes, it could have been worse. But I don’t think either of us to going to stop walking even though there are risks. Thanks again for opening the conversation here, Merril! 😉
You’re welcome, Marian.
I can’t remember if I wrote about falling or not. 🙂
There are risks everywhere. My husband broke his toe once on the coffee table (it attacked him). 😉
Oh dear, poor you. Yes, it could have been so much worse. I see it is your left hand so at least that was a good thing. I’m rereading Pollyanna right now. She would have said, “I’m glad it wasn’t my right hand.” I broke my ankle while in Spain 12 years ago. Like you, I kept saying it wasn’t so bad, went on a river cruise down the Danube and came back home to Canada before getting it fixed. It sounds like you are on the mend and almost back to normal. Wishing you all the best for 2025!!
Darlene, you are a brave one–going on a river cruise before taking care of the ankle break. I think you would have had pain and swelling. Pippi Longstocking would probably join Pollyanna with assurances that “it could have been worse.” Take care! 😀
I’m not sure if it was being brave or being stupid. But I was not missing my river cruise that we had planned for over a year!
I know the feeling, Darlene. Going on a cruise represents lots of planning–and money!
Is it Summer yet, I am cold and my foot with the broken bone
is blocking my progress. Prognosis 2 to 4 more weeks restriction.
Could have been worse, praise the Lord is was not.
Diane
Yes, praise the Lord,
Here’s to healing and restored health for both of us– “It could have been worse!”
It’s nice to hear from you, Diane. 😀
I’m glad you’re OK, Marianne. You’re right: It could have been so much worse. In the big scheme of things, you were lucky. Here is to a happy, healthy and accident free 2025. ❤️
I wish the same for you and Peter, Fatima.
Happy New Year! 😀
Oh my what a scare. You are blessed to have a walker team–and that you had good helpers analyzing your needs. Thanks for sharing your story, we all need to be so careful. Prayers….
Yes, I’m so thankful for the team of helpers. To be down and helpless all alone would be terrible. Thanks for your prayers, Melodie! 😀
Hi Marian, I am so sorry to learn of your fall. How very unfortunate. You didn’t mention when this happened. From the picture with the Christmas serviette, it looks like it may have been pre the big day. I hope it all heals up well and you don’t have any issues with your hand. My oldest son fell off a small wall at school. He landed on his hands and fractured his wrist. It was near a growth plate and he was 9 at the time so he also had a cast for some time.
Good morning, Marian. I can relate. I fell a couple years ago after stepping off a concrete curb the wrong way. Before I knew it both front teeth were loosened as my head and face hit the curb. Three stitches in my forehead and two root canals and a frozen shoulder from the impact. And just like that it happens. Small tree branches are particularly hazardous. I tripped on one a couple weeks ago…it lay on the sidewalk in front of my neighbors’ house and I didn’t see it. We never know what life has in store for us and sometimes we luck out and sometimes we don’t. I’m glad you’re healing and bravo on being able to one-handedly put together another beautiful blog post.
💗
SUSAN, as I read your kind comment, I wonder if you wrote about it–I remember something about loose teeth and other injuries. I hope you have completely recovered!
You say, ” And just like that it happens.” Yes, accidents are unexpected and throw a curve into our daily routine. Right now, I have the use of my left hand. The cast is off and stitches came out yesterday. Still, I have to have therapy. . . several sessions of rehab. It may take months for the bone to heal, the doctor says.
Here’s to an accident-free new year for both of us! 😀
ROBBIE, the accident happened on Friday, December 13, and the photo with the cast was taken before Christmas. We are eating pumpkin pie at our dining room table with a neighbor, probably on the 18th. From your description I don’t think it was Michael who had a wrist fracture, which I hope has totally healed.
Right now I am doing hand therapy at a rehab close by. I believe it will heal properly in time.
Thank you, Robbie!
Hello My Dear,
Believe me, I can so relate to your fall, but mine was not a fall. I was washing dishes, specifically my wine glasses. I put my wet dish cloth into the wine glass and the glass fell apart right into my left hand. Blood was everywhere. At first, I stood at the sink looking at the blood gushing out of my hand in a sort of awe. It happened on a Saturday evening, after I had finishing listening to a couple I was counseling in my church on Zoom. I finally grasped that I had to get something to wrap around my hand and to stop the blood. I contemplated going to the doctor, but it was late and I didn’t want to go to ER. I managed to get the blood to stop, but didn’t know how deep the gashes in my hand was, so I went to church the next morning with my hand wrapped and bloody and one of the members I know who was a nurse, cleaned my hand and wrapped it in clean gauze. He didn’t think I needed to go to ER because of how I had handle the situation that Saturday evening. But the situation scared me later that Sunday evening after I got home from church, not because I was hurt, but because I was alone when it happened.
So, I very well understand your bruised hand. I am thankful that you didn’t hurt your head or your hips. It could have been worse. Take it easy and take time to let that hand healed. You’re in my prayers.
Shalom shalom and Happy New Year!
Pat, I remember our health teacher in high school saying: “When there is bleeding, think first of pressure.” So, you did the right thing.
When an accident happens out of the blue, we are in shock. That’s probably why you felt so startled. I am thankful that your story included the help of a kind nurse at church.
I wish you a happy and HEALTHY new year, completely free of accidents or sickness. (((( )))
I’m sorry to read you had a fall, Marian..that was some bandage…and those fingers look very bruised…It’s good that you had someone with you to make sure you got safely home..I took a tumble the other week while crossing the road my flip flop must have caught on something the roads here aren’t great …Luckily the lights were red and stayed red untill a nice man helped me up and to the other side of the road…Unfortunately with a broken sandle I couldn’t walk so had to call my grandson to bring me another pair…Luckily I didn’t hurt anything apart from my dignity-smile-Happy New Year, Marian I hope you have a tumble free 2025…
Carol, I’m glad that your story included have help at just the right time. So, you broke your sandal but not a body part, a good thing. I too wish you a tumble-free 2025. 😀
Thank you, Marian 🙂
Oh my goodness, Marian!!! I’m so sorry about the fall and that broken bone. I’m glad you got it treated and are on the mend. I also have fallen in the street. It was embarrassing.
I’m grateful for those who stopped to help you!
I hope you didn’t break anything when you fell and had help getting back up—unless you scrambled up by yourself, L. Marie.
Let me assure you, I was too shocked to be embarrassed. Accidents happen to the best of us, and so I wish for all of us an accident-free 2025. 😀
Well, it was not my finest hour. I couldn’t pretend it hadn’t happened. But I was mostly okay.
“Mostly okay”–Good!
Nice post 🌅🌅
Thank you, Satyam. I checked your website; it looks as though you have a keen interest in science and outer space. 😀
Glad you are OK, Marian, and healing!
Thanks for the good wishes, Jack. Yes, I am healing–it may take a while though. 😀
Fascinating that you remembered your word and how it might relate to this incident. I’m guessing the fall got you seeing and doing things differently, which could have been a breakthrough. I’m glad it was mend-able.
Dolores, you are the first to mention the break-breakthrough connection. I shouldn’t be surprised because you think like a writer. Thanks for the good wishes! 😀
Wow, Marian. What a story. I’m so glad that you are o.k, but you did not get off easy here either. Yes, you didn’t break your arm, but a broken hand, and the way it was wrapped meant little function. I’m thinking no cooking for Christmas and no writing..or very awkwardly. Healing wishes for you (although it looks much better.) 🙂
The cast has restricted my movement, that’s for sure. At first, dressing myself was hard with just one functioning hand. But even before the cast came off, I could type, make simple meals, and play the piano with bass notes missing–ha! Yesterday my stitches came out and I have rehab twice a week. I expect full recovery in time. Thanks for the good wishes, Melanie!
😄
I’m so sorry this happened to you, Marian! Life is interesting—one moment all is as it should be, and suddenly your world as you’ve known it falls apart! It could have been worse!
I’m dealing with a sore upper leg muscle these days, probably due to overexertion on a walk over a bumpy, rather slippery path.
Praying for healing for us both!
Elfrieda, I noticed the pun you made here: “suddenly your world as you’ve known it falls apart!”
Best wishes for complete healing of your sore leg. ((( )))
OH, DEAR! Forget “The sky is falling,” Chicken should have cried, “Look out, the street is rising!” Wishing you a speedy recovery and hoping you mend F-A-S-T!
Clever comment, Laurie!
I too wish never to see the street rising again. Thanks fo the good wishes. I like the idea of F-A-S-T, but healing may take some time. 😀
Yes, although bad I’m thankful that my wife’s injury wasn’t worse.
After the doctor stitched Marian’s hand, it looked as though her hand could have played a part in a Frankenstein movie. (She should have shown a photo of that with this post)
Although I was a quiet bystander and supporter, I watched from only about three feet away on a chair a male nurse come and bandage the hand over the wound, tape a buddy bandage together with the little finger, then wound gauze over and over, over and over…then make a partial cast, push and hold it for another few minutes to let it harden…then wrap more gauze around and around from the hand to the elbow…and then a final more protective bandage over that! I felt a bit dizzy.
Marian is a trooper. The next day even being in pain and her big beautiful bandage arm, she played some Christmas songs on the piano, missing only a few bass notes.
Thanks for filling in the details, my dear. Also, I appreciate your checking all my posts with squinty-eyed precision. And thanks for all your extra help since December 13th! 😀
Ouch, Marian, that photo of your bruised hand looks painful. And sitting at your computer with that huge bandage was impressive. I’m glad you all took the injury seriously, and it’s good you’re on the mend. Yes, a different sort of breakthrough in 2025 would be nice! Take care!
Thanks for the observation, Diana. I’m not one to sit still after the injury was addressed, so I stayed active without over-doing it.
Readers, you need to know about her books, so here is the link: https://dwallacepeachbooks.com/
Awww. Thanks for kind link! Hugs.
Oh, no, that hand looks painful! I broke my wrist when the dog pulled me into a creek, and I put out my wrist break my fall. Lesson 1 – The dog is stronger than I am, and I can’t control him. Then, the bone I broke healed sideways because I insisted on typing with bone hands for work before the bone healed. Lesson 2 – Don’t put my job above my own health and wellbeing.
Lessons learned: Yes, indeed, sometimes we have to learn them the hard way.
Even though you did fall, you must have good reflexes: a face plant could be much worse.
Thanks for the good advice, Liz! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! You’re so right about a face plant. Lots of rocks in that creek!
Yikes!
Oh no, Marian! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thanks for the good wishes, Liesbet! 😀
I hope my message comes through Marian. So sorry to hear this. I wish you swift healing. I could hardly believe my eyes. I’ve just got back from emergency at the local clinic. Tripped and fractured my radius on left wrist. Back slab of plaster of Paris and possible op tmrw. It could have been worse –
We are optimists, Susan. Yes, there is shock and horror at first. Your break sounds painful too. However, I agree, it could have been worse.
At least, we are fixable. P.S. I believe you are married to a doctor!
Wow, Marian. That was quite a fall. Glad to see the little bandage now and to know you will have therapy to get back into full ten digit strength. Funny you should focus on falling. Stuart walks about four miles/day on average. Three weeks ago he fell while returning from the grocery store on some black ice he could not detect from above. His hands shot out and his whole body hit the pavement. At first he gathered himself up and thought he was OK. After a trip to Urgent Care and then ER, he got the diagnosis of three hairline fractures in the ribs. We were worried that he might have damaged his spleen, so we were relieved that it was “only” cracked ribs. The pain of breathing deeply and turning the body is subsiding now. The only therapy is time. Should be back to normal in three weeks. Thankfully, our family trip to PR was not delayed or canceled! We elders are vulnerable and can’t be too careful!
Oh, my, cracked ribs are painful, I’m told, but they do heal over time. And I’m glad he was mobile enough to go to Puerto Rico.
We are among the “well-derly,” I say. Since Stuart had good reflexes, his hands protected him from a face plant, or worse. Happy, healthy new year to you both!
Oh Marian, I am so sorry that happened and very happy to know that you are healing. Wow, that fall sounds so painful. I am praying now for your complete healing.
At the end of this riveting post, you asked: Can you relate to my experience? What were the consequences? Lessons learned? … Yes, I can relate. In June 2004 I was rushing to work, walking much faster than usual because I was running late. I slipped on a sidewalk that was wet from the lawn sprinklers, fell and broke my left wrist and several ribs. OUCH!!
The consequences: I got married! I was afraid to ever get married again, so I kept telling my coworker NO, I just want to be friends. As I was rushing to work, I was mentally working on a plan to leave New Mexico for California, with no forwarding address, as soon as I got my next paycheck at the end of that week, to escape the situation. Instead, while I was recovering and taking pain pills that numbed my fears as well as my pain — I said yes and we were married!
Lessons learned: Today, after more than 20 happy years of marriage to my former coworker, I am so glad that I fell and broke my wrist and ribs! Also, I now avoid walking fast on wet cement. 😀
THAT is quite a story, Linda Lee. After the pain comes the gain: in your case good health and a marriage partner. I’ve heard that a broken wrist is extremely painful, but I believe your body has healed now.
Have a happy and healthy new year! 😀
I eventually needed surgery on my broken wrist. Since I am right handed, I’m glad it was my left wrist. Hmm, left wrist, left hand, wedding ring… I never put that together before!!
Hmm, not too much typing for a while. At least you can still turn pages in a book or click your Kindle. Ten stiches is certainly more than a little cut. It only takes a split second to have an accident.
I imagine people do the same thing in your part of the country, but one of my pet peeves is when people stick out their junk (often things they hope someone will take for free preventing them from a trip to the dump) on the sidewalk. One of my mom’s friends was taking a walk and stepped off the curb to avoid someone’s stuff that was blocking the way. She fell and fractured her wrist.
Yes, Pete, I have been typing since the cast came off, so no problem there. You’re right: The diagnosis was way more than a cut, “laceration” more like it.
About the pile. Our city has a yard waste pick up once a week, but this particular pile languished for more than a week. The main problem: The lawn service my neighbor hired put the branches too far out into the street. They should have lain on the grass; otherwise, drivers have to aim around the pile OR cause accidents. Anyway, I’m on the mend, and that’s a good thing. 😀
My goodness, I am so sorry to read that this happened to you. And you don’t even have the ice to slip on that we do! It truly is amazing how quickly life can turn from what you expect to something completely unexpected. The residents of Los Angeles know this well right now.
But I love your positive attitude. Heal well and quickly.
Thanks for your caring note, Arlene. Yes, life can change at an instant, so I guess that moves me to be especially grateful for “normal” days. Happy and safe new year in Ottawa, my friend. 😀
Ouchee Marian. I’m so sorry to hear about your fall. That’s a lot of damage done to your hand. I’m happy to hear there were no other broken bones, such as hips or knees!!! Keep healing. <3
This was bad enough but could have been much worse! A hip or knee would have really taken me DOWN!
Thanks for the good wishes, Debby! 😀
Healing hugs. <3
Ouch ouch OUCH! I hurt just looking at your photos. I do think “attitude” helps us heal, and you have a great attitude. I broke my foot when I was 9 months pregnant (playing hide and seek with may almost 2-year-old). It could have been worse – I made sure to NOT fall on my belly. But I don’t think that bone every really healed. My guy lost part of his finger when closing a door in the house. I found the ‘lost’ part and rushed him to the ER. Guess who reattached it? Dr. Hand (for real). The power of laughter and the attitude of “it will heal” helps. So glad you’re feeling better and bit more ‘pinkish.’ 🙂
You are kind to commiserate, Pam. Today I hurt worse. Maybe a sign I’m healing!
Your “ouchee” stories are amazing. A favorite line: “I made sure to NOT fall on my belly.” And then your husband’s finger re-attached by Dr. Hand. Wow! You just can’t make this up.
Thanks for the good wishes. And, yes, my hand is looking a big more pinkish! 😀
I’m so sorry. I hope you will heal quickly. If it’s suggested that you go for hand therapy, do it. I found it to be like a spa treatment and loved it!
Well, here we are–getting better together. Ha!
Yes, I have had one session of hand therapy and “played” with various objects. I can see the value and will continue.
Best wishes for your complete healing as well, Linda. 😀
Marian, I’m sorry to be slow in responding to your post about your fall in December. Chemo was rough on me then and I paid little attention to many things other than rest. I’m also sorry to hear of your injuries, especially to your hand, and will pray that your healing has been successful and that God has blessed you with his loving care.
God HAS blessed me with His loving care.
Two things have happened since my fall: 1) I got “back on the horse” too soon and now feel fatigued. 2) I have empathy for all those who suffer one way on another. This was my first serious injury. Living in the world of the recovering is unfamiliar to me and my heart goes out to you especially, living with the effects of chemo.
Thank you for commenting here. Your reply came at a good time. Prayers for you, dear Sherrey!
Black bruising. That speaks volumes. What a bandage!
Oh, Jacqui, you are in the midst of launch, and yet you take time to visit me.
Update: I’m getting hand therapy now, the better to weave some yarns.
I am in awe of your work–and the research that goes into every volume. 😀
Hello Marian–Alex sent us all the link to get us here, and I enjoyed your illustrated account–but I’m very sorry your accident happened. Your hand looked much improved today. My only bad fall was in the Costco parking lot. My right arm was shredded in an area near my elbow, so while I was filling out a report with one of their people, we sat in the eating area. My shirt was bloody, even the front. They brought something to wrap my arm, and I went on with my shopping. I know people wondered about my shirt–if they even noticed!
By the way, your friends posting look like lovely people–do they all have such nice headshots?
Thank you, Sarah, for such a kind and detailed reply. Your accident sounds awful. I wonder how recently this happened. Did Costco offer any compensation? You are a brave woman to go on with your shopping.
About my friends’ postings: Many of these friends are also authors and use these photos in other venues. Thanks so very much for caring and sending a note here. 😀
Oh. my. goodness. What a thing to happen and could so easily happen to any of us. I enjoyed your photos of your progress, nice manicure. Hoping you continue down the path to total healing. Also I’m laughing out loud at the Corinthians verse. Nice quote, so timely.
I use Lily & Fox nail wraps ($2.99) which held up during the crash and fall. Since then, I switched to a lipstick red for Christmas and Valentines–ha!
Today, I got an X-ray which says my bone is mending nicely. Still, it will take 6 months for complete healing. Thanks for your caring comment., Ally. 😀
I just came across this post…It is so easy to take a fall. Yesterday, I slipped on the ice by our front porch, but I managed to grab the railing just in time. I was bringing the dog back in the house from a walk in the neighborhood. It happens so quickly!!! I am glad you are alright, and hopefully each day will be better. Praying for complete healing!
Linda, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I visited yours just now and recognize we both love nature and walk with the Creator. I appreciate your good wishes. The X-Rays today show my bone is mending but it will take a while. 😀
Oh Marian! I’m so sorry you had a fall. And on such a beautiful day for a walk. I’m glad you rewarded us with pictures of you smiling as you go about your day. And I’m really glad to hear you are on the mend. Take care of yourself 🧡🧡🧡
Thanks, Barb. The scar is fading and I’m benefiting from physical therapy. Still, it will take 6 months for the bone to knit completely, says doc.
Thanks for your concern! 😀
Marian, OMG! You are so lucky you didn’t break a hip! Several years ago I fell several times but luckily didn’t break anything but ended up in PT for my shoulder. My hubby kept saying you need to pay attention. I kept saying I didn’t see it. So I had my glasses checked and the last prescription was off so my depth of field was all screwed up! Haven’t fallen since then. Glad you’re on the mend.
My lens prescription for glasses was probably okay; I see a retina specialist every 10 weeks.
I’m glad your story has a happy ending. Like you, right now PT is helping regain complete mobility. Thanks for your concern, Lynda. 😀
Spot on with 1 Cor 10:12, Marian. Glad that by His stripes you have been healed.
Thanks for chiming in, Grant, and emphasizing the truth of I Cor. 10:12
Ouch, ouch, ouch. I’ve never broken a bone. I’m sorry this happened to you and I’m glad you got immediate care. Plus I’m glad you’re a person who heals and smiles while healing. You’re a trooper, Marian, and I’m glad the helpers arrived. Love and safety.
Thank you, Elaine.
This is a first for me, breaking a bone at age 83. Of course it could have been worse–a cracked head, for example. Today I go for hand therapy, a rather joyous experience except when the therapist insists on scrubbing off dead skin from the palm of my hand, another OUCH! 😀