Step on a Crack...

We've had an event of a lifetime today all because of a little bit of ice. I was going about my usual day and as I stepped out the door to go to work, I slipped on some ice on my front step and fell. Now usually, this would be a case of hurting my tailbone or something like that but I happened to land the middle of my back on the edge of the step -- and that's when I heard the crack! I sat there stunned for a few minutes and then, like a small child that realizes it just got hurt, I started to freak out. Any movement was so painful that I decided to give screaming for help a try and when that didn't work I shifted my weight to retrieve my cellphone from my back pocket. This movement, of course, made me a little hysterical so when I finally got my neighbor on the line they couldn't really understand me but got enough that they came rushing over.

In a rush of phone calls to hubby and 911, they even thought to cover me with blankets. My mind, in trying to forget the pain, thought of the strangest things -- "wish I had a camera right now to record the event", "I just painted my fingernails and now they're probably ruined", "I just spilled my full cup of Diet Coke!! - bummer!", "I've never broken a bone before...will this be the first?", "Wahoo, I can at least move my legs so it can't be that bad"

I was glad to see a familiar face driving the Ambulance and it was comforting that he knew me by name. The shift to the backboard was painful and I'm sure he's got some marks on his arms from my hands hanging on to him. Then when we got me in the ambulance my neighbors, and hubby, gave me a blessing. It was an interesting first ride in an ambulance.

At the hospital, they took X-rays and a scan as well to see what the damage was. And the verdict - (drumroll) - compression fracture on one of my vertibrae. Nothing they can do for me except pain meds. So now I'm home and loopy from the shot they gave me in the ER.

I want to give a great big shout out to every one who helped me through my day today! Great neighbors, friends and new acquaintances! I especially want to thank God for whatever intervention was made on my part today. The one thought that kept going through my mind when I felt the pain was, "Christ knows this pain..." He helped me endure.

Case of Mistaken Identity

You know how cats love to climb on things and make it their bed?? Our Bassett, Boomer, has decided to follow the example and has made the back of the couch his bed (when we're not around, of course). He is so much like a little child because he knows he's not allowed on the couches but he insists on taking things as far as they can go. I will admit, though, that it was my Rudy who taught him the trick (Rudy is allowed on the couches because he doesn't shed).

And to trace it all the way back, Rudy learned this wonderful trick from our previous cat, Enu who made it all look so easy and comfortable.

Where's My Manual??

Recently I feel I've been failing as a mother because my almost-teen child is not doing well in school. Did I miss out when they passed out the manuals on how to deal with growing-up kids?? Did I not do well enough teaching him how to be responsible for his actions?? I just don't understand the thinking because I liked school and did very well most of the time. Sometimes I think it would be easier without this PowerSchool thing so I could be oblivious until final grades and then we could deal with the consequences then...but that only makes it easier on my part.

I will admit that now he is faced with a failing grade, he has made the effort to get all his work done and is caught up in math. But I haven't checked his other classes recently...

I'm guessing all of us will live through this time of life but I'm just hoping that it is a quality time of life and not something I would rather forget.