Post Accident - Month One

Today is one month since my canoe accident. My family has experienced such an outpouring of love and support from our friends, church and community. I had a long list of people who would drive me or the kids everywhere. Another list of people bringing in meals for my family. We were well loved by many.

Volunteers have worked in the shop for me, doing everything from making ice cream to running the cash register and cleaning. My employees, Sammie & Madi, have been nothing short of amazing, basically taking over the entire day to day operation of the business and leaving me to do nothing but heal. They both leave for college next week and short of their families, I think I'm going to be the sorriest to see them leave town. Those girls are THE BEST!

I think I've been healing remarkably well. I'm going to attempt to go to work today ~~ and for the next two days. So far, I've managed to work about a total of 6 hours, so if I can pull this off, I'm going to consider myself practically healed. My shoulder is looking great, considering it did look like I had a garter snake sewed to my skin a few weeks ago. I'm able to move my arm in all directions and lift 5 pounds. I had an x-ray Friday and it's healing great. I have to go back to the orthopaedic doctor in 2 weeks.

My eardrum has healed and although my ear remains very sore to the touch, the plastic surgeon did a great job and it looks wonderful. Andi told me the other day that in the hospital my ear looked like a huge, dried apricot, so I'm really happy not to have that image attached to the side of my head.

Where I had a puncture wound on my chin line, there is a scar that ends in what feels like a BB under my skin. Jacob, always that optimist, tells me not to worry about it - you can't hardly see it for all the fuzzy hair on my face.

My jaw hurts when I open my mouth wide, so I've tried to give up yawning by making sure I get lots of rest. So far I've managed to do this by taking about 3 naps per day. Not sure how that's gonna work out when I go back to work.


I go back to the neurosurgeon in Louisville on Friday, where I suppose we will discuss my neck and head. I'll be asking some questions about why I have a large black spot on side of my head. This may be what finally leads me into wearing make-up.

It is not a bruise and not dirt - so don't try to wipe it off. Especially if you lick your thumb first. I'm past that age. Although I'm probably approaching the age where I'll be needing it again, I'm not there yet.

And my face is dented. I suppose that will be permanent, but from what I'm told, considering how dented it was when I was pulled from the river, I'm good with tiny dents and one side of my face flattened. How flat? Let's just say -- One of these sides is not like the other and leave it at that.
I was just goofing off when Jacob made this picture and when I saw it, I will admit, it threw me for a loop. I can run my hand down the side of my face and feel multiple dents but I don't guess I realized it was quite so flat. Then, when I asked the kids if that was what it really looked like now, I got an immediate yes from them.

And just about the time I was getting ready to feel sorry for myself, Sophie kissed the side of my face and says, "Mamaw, I love the way you look now."

And that folks, pretty much sums up just how blessed I am. Immensely.