On Tuesday, June 17th, my mom stepped off a curb wonkily when a gust of wind blew hair in her face. She twisted her ankle as she fell to the ground, landing squarely on her right knee and hand. She heard a loud pop and knew she was in trouble. A woman driving by saw her crawling to a curb and stopped to ask if she needed help. My mom said, well yes. The woman went into the business my mom had just left. They called 911. My mom didn’t have her cell phone with her because it wasn’t holding a charge. The woman called my dad and told him to meet my mom at the ER.
She broke her kneecap into chunky bits of bone and needed surgery the next day. I drove to Grand Junction, alone, Wednesday and stayed until the following Thursday. For eight weeks, she will be casted and will require either a wheelchair or walker, depending on how far and where she wants to go. I stayed until my sister was able to fly out west from Charlotte, an adventure which took her over 24 hours of travel and bags lost for three days. Also, I had to pick her up in a neighboring town.
I was glad to be able to help out. My awesome husband managed to work from home and care for our gang, making it look easy and fun. I missed everyone terribly, having no idea when I waved goodbye it would turn into the longest span away from my husband and children we’ve ever had. It was a surreal experience for all, especially my mom.
These photos are a fraction of what I took in her gardens and around the Grand Valley, my hometown, when we/I managed to get outside. I plan to write out some thoughts later as they come because, well, seeing your parents in a new light is pretty revolutionary for everyone involved and a lot to wrestle with. It all comes down to love, though.
The view from my mom’s hospital room
Her orthopedic surgeon’s office is on this street.
My dad at the hospital
My mom has gorgeous gardens she works really hard to maintain. She won’t be able to for weeks.
Palisade, Colorado, with the Bookcliffs in the background
The south side of the Grand Mesa from off Highway 50, running through the desert.
On Thursday, I drove that way. Home.
You poor poor mom… my heart goes out to all of you… well done for a successful… wishing the quickest recovery.
Glad she’s ok, that you were able to help, that your family survived, that she’s on the mend. I hope she heals quickly and thoroughly! 🙂 Also, love the Fracture Lane sigh juxtaposed with the stop sign!