Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom (And Whimsy)

Posted on April 9, 2025 under Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom with one comment

Time for some new threads

 

This is a humorous story, but it is no laughing matter.

When you’re older you tend to be more cautious. Getting in and out of the shower is a balancing act. You pay more attention when you’re walking up and down stairs. Even getting out of bed is an act of faith. Many seniors are prisoners in their own home in the wintertime when the sidewalks get icy. Once we were young and surefooted. Now we are old, and the only certainty is that we’ll make at least one trip to the bathroom during the night, being careful that we don’t trip on our slippers or the cat.

Having had three knee surgeries and one shoulder surgery, I tend to be extra cautious. I survived two, 800-kilometer walks across Spain, occasionally over rocky and mountainous terrain. I walked to and from school all winter on snowy and icy sidewalks with nary a spill. For an old fart, I consider myself reasonably agile.

Or so I thought.

Last Saturday, was like many others. I was on the go early. I had my morning coffee and a slice of raisin toast and watched a sports recap. Then I stood at my computer and wrote for nearly three hours. I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. Walking along the new walkway that runs parallel to the former Trans-Canada highway, I got a call from Lawton’s Drug Store to go and pick up a prescription for a friend. I told the pharmacist that I would be there in two minutes as I was just about at Sobey’s.

I stubbed my toe on the curb in Sobey’s parking lot, and before I could say ~@#$%&* I was on the ground, writhing in pain. Of course, my yelping instantly drew a crowd of curious onlookers. The moment I hit the sidewalk, I knew I had broken something in my upper arm. Someone called 911. The manager and two staff members who had first aid training were on the scene quickly and did their best to quell my screams so as not to frighten off customers! Seriously, they were wonderful and kept me warm until the ambulance arrived.

When I look back on this day, there are many things for which I am grateful. First of all, I was extremely grateful that it only took the ambulance 15 minutes to arrive. Secondly, I was attended to by Greg Gilroy and Colin Greene, two of the nicest and most competent paramedics one could hope for in trying times. They scraped me off the sidewalk, and put me in the back of the toasty warm ambulance. They were incredibly professional and went through their well-rehearsed procedures. Of course, I was salivating for some good drugs to alleviate the pain.

They had no choice but to cut off my winter coat and my long-sleeved running shirt which I’ve had for more than 20 years. Both of these items were due for replacement so now I have the impetus to get of my arse, and make these purchases.

They put a port in my hand (no, not that kind of port, silly!), and within a few minutes, they were administering pain killers.

Greg and Colin warned me that the worst part was to come – the drive to the hospital. The streets aren’t in the best shape in spring and every little bump radiated sharp pain. When we were about to cross the train tracks, they told me to take a deep breath.

They delivered me in one piece to St. Martha’s Hospital. We had a few laughs during this whole ordeal. They were great guys, and I owe them a debt of gratitude.

The third thing for which I am grateful is that we have a Regional Hospital in our community. The level of care that I received from the moment I was wheeled into the building was nothing short of exceptional. I will spare you all the details, but I could not have received better care. The diagnosis was a broken humerus bone in my upper arm. If that doesn’t tickle your funny bone, nothing will.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the help and support of my daughter, Betsy and her partner, Terry. They stayed with me the whole time.

The fourth thing for which I’m grateful is that this accident could have been much worse. We older folks have very few fears. Breaking a hip would be near the top of the list. A concussion might be tied for first. Running out of red wine, a close third!

I’m not going to suggest that this was a picnic. Anyone who has suffered an injury knows that the second day is as bad, if not worse when the adrenalin rush and the effects of morphine have worn off.

I certainly wasn’t looking for a pity party when I posted the picture of me in the hospital, but your messages of support were very much appreciated. I am grateful to have so many friends.

I won’t be strumming my guitar any time soon and won’t be back in the classroom until I can dress myself!

Have a great weekend.

P.S. Having to use my left hand is challenging. A bidet might be my next purchase!