Yesterday started out lovely. While my husband readied our boys for school, I noticed a dense fog outside. As soon as the boys were off, I began preparing to set out with my camera. I rushed to gather my equipment and dash out the door to capture a few cool pictures before the fog vanished. I debated a moment on whether I should go to a hilltop or a river valley. Finally deciding that if I hurried, I might make both. Grabbing all of my equipment in both hands and dashing out the door, I had no time to tie my shoes or stop to turn off the lights. For a moment, I thought my husband will be mad about the lights, and then just as quickly thought, "oh well, whatever, he'll get over it!" As that last thought crossed my mind, I turned, walked quickly down the first garage steps and then felt the most unnatural leg strain imaginable. I'm not sure whether I tripped on a shoe lace lace or fell on my karma.
I sat on the bottom step groaning for several minutes, not able to reach for my equipment; just praying that nothing, neither my equipment nor I was broken too badly. And, wondering whether I could still drive off to catch the waning mist. Wisely, I chose instead to pick up my camera, replacing the SD card and re-hinging battery doors that had popped open and with the slightest pain, I went out to my yard to capture my 365Project photos. I truly do lose all sense of time and space AND pain when I'm photographing. I walked around the yard until it became clear that something was wrong.
I broke my left fibula and the combination of bone and tissue damage is bad enough that I will have surgery next week. I should share that I have a relationship with stairs. To help clarify, when we came home and one of my children asked what happened, my husband said "guess" to which my son replied without breathing, "mom, you fell down the stairs!" Yes, it happens often, though it has been a while and usually, the result is not so painful. There was that time when I was home alone and leaving for a business trip. My driver was waiting outside and again I was rushing. I had my suitcase in one hand and a coffee cup in the other as I was rushing down the house stairs. I slipped and both the coffee cup and the suitcase landed upright, while I landed with a deafening thud on my bum. I sat for a moment, praying, "please Lord, let nothing be injured nor bruised nor broken. Let me get up and go as though this hasn't occurred and I will slow down." I was fine, but I believe now, I must slow down.
Today I offer a 2fer: "Be Still" - The first photo was taken during the first few minutes after my fall! The second was taken between the GP and orthopedic visits (my attempt to stay calm). Both are from my garden - because where else could I roam? Enjoy and best wishes! Happy Halloween!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
