Life Lessons
7 years ago today, I was in a freak accident. I was standing next to a tight rope, stretched across a pasture about chest high. The rope was there to keep horses from entering the other side of the field while some work was being done in the barn. One of the horses suddenly spooked and began running toward the rope. My last memory of the accident was, “Is she going to jump it?” I honestly thought the horse would turn and run alongside the rope. Unfortunately, I was standing too close to the rope. When the horse ran into the tight rope, it acted like a slingshot and tossed me. It snapped against my ribcage, launching me into the air. I lost consciousness somewhere in there. I don’t remember hitting the ground.
Thankfully, I wasn’t alone out there in the pasture. My husband and daughter witnessed the accident and ran to help. I don’t know how long I laid there unresponsive on the ground. According to my family, it felt like ages. They thought I was gone. I woke up very confused. And angry!
I told them I was fine and just needed help up. Little did I know, I had a long recovery ahead. My husband insisted a trip to the hospital was in order, despite my arguing. It’s a good thing he took me. By the time I arrived at the hospital, I could no longer remember my daughter’s name or other important things. It was quickly determined I had a brain bleed and would be staying in the hospital for a few days. I felt so much confusion during this time. To this day, my memories are spotty of this time.
After getting released from the hospital a few days later, I had strict orders to take it easy and not strain myself in any way. No driving, exercising, or even watching tv. Anything stimulating would cause severe headaches. The following weeks and even months were extremely difficult for me. I couldn’t lift my hands above my head without feeling severe vertigo and almost falling. Insomnia became normal. I was irritable and wanted to get back to my regular life before the accident. The frustration mounted.
The lessons I learned during those months have become valuable to me. Patience, humility, asking for help when needed, slowing down, etc. were not in my wheelhouse prior to the accident. They are now. I had to learn to give myself grace. To slow down and be patient. Things will come in their own due time. And I certainly can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything on my own. We should rely on each other. And be humble enough to ask for help when needed. There’s something about coming to terms with your own mortality that changes the way you think. In hindsight, I am very grateful for the lessons I learned during that trial.