A week ago at this time I was in Paradise looking forward to a sweaty week of getting the ranch pretty for a wedding. The next day I was in a
helicopter over Flathead Lake. Not much sightseeing on a life flight however.
Blood
Not much use in going over the gory details. X-rays of
the compound fracture will be kept for the scrapbook but my mental image was of
a Far Side cartoon called the Boneless Chicken Ranch with my foot draping over
at a strange angle. (For the younger generation; think of Harry Potter in need
of Skele-Grow)
Sweat
I had already invested a lot of sweat
into making the ranch look pretty for the upcoming wedding. If asked if I would
be ready on time I would say ‘no sweat’ knowing that things have a way of
working out. I sweated out anesthesia chemicals in the days following three
surgeries and would love to attend Fred and Alice Nicol’s sweat lodge again for
some extended healing.
Tears
Physical pain is a lot easier to deal
with than emotional pain. My primary tears once I knew I would survive were for
the attention I would be drawing away from my Son’s wedding and the real
possibility that I would miss the ceremony. Tears still are coming easily. They
vary from self pity to gratefulness for Chris’ ongoing support. (today is our
30th anniversary)
Grace
It’s not my head. Actually that is among
a list of things that I am grateful for in light of the fall but it not what I
mean by Grace. I mean the Grace by which God fills our human suffering with
divine presence.
Certainly I practiced prayer over many
years but was presently surprised how quickly and effectively I could call on
those centering meditative prayers to manage pain and maintain perspective. I
have no real fears of the future. This incident is just that little pebble in
my shoe that dares me to walk a broader path.
Watch me walk
And when we both have had enough
I will take him from my shoe, singing
"Meet your new road!"
Then I'll take your hand
Finally glad
That you are here (you are here)
By my side
I will take him from my shoe, singing
"Meet your new road!"
Then I'll take your hand
Finally glad
That you are here (you are here)
By my side
