Abundant Blessings Homestead

So much to blog about...

This past week has been a whirlwind...and not a good one....

Saturday evening, I was talking to my Mom on the phone. Thomas had gone out to milk Gentle. He came back in because he needed help getting Gentle into the barn. Rebecca went out to help him. About 10 minutes later, they both came in to ask me to help them. I went out and Gentle was in the pasture. We have a creek in our pasture and have recently put up high tensile wire to keep the beef cows out of the creek. Gentle was on one side of this fence, which is about 20 feet from the creek. Beef, our beef cow bull, was on the other side of the fence. She was not ready to go in to milk. This was not usual for Gentle.

I tried moving her along. Rebecca went down further in the pasture, to turn Gentle into the creek to cross where Thomas was at the gate to lead her into the barn. I was behind Gentle and slapped her on the rump. She moved some. Beef moved some, so Gentle moved some more. We did this two more times. Then, Gentle turned around, looking at me. I told her it was time to be milked, so let's go. She then put her head down...not a good sign. So, I started backing up....and this is where it gets fuzzy for me....I now think she pushed me down with her head...the next thing I remember was looking up and seeing her reared up on her hind legs, above me...fixing to come down on top of me. I saw those huge legs and that big flap of skin between her two legs....and then I remember rolling over a bit and standing up.

At that point, I started screaming...a scream I've never made before. The pain was incredible. I moved my head and saw blood. I started running back to the creek area to get out. The only way out of this section of the pasture is to cross the creek or go to where the driveway is and climb down the concrete bank and out from under the wire. Toby was out mowing..and saw me. He said I was screaming and running back and forth and sideways..holding my head. Thomas and Rebecca were at my side in an instant. Rebecca was holding me and praying. Thomas was keeping watch to make sure Gentle was not following us. (She was not...I was an annoyance and she had taken care of that annoyance and gone back to "talking" to Beef). I was scared because I couldn't see straight. It wasn't fuzzy or blurry...it was as if one eye saw at one level and the other saw at another level. I couldn't see well enough to climb down, so I just stood there screaming. Toby ran to see that I was in good hands for a moment...then ran into the house to call our neighbor, James. James is a First Responder for our city. Toby knew help would be quicker in getting here with James.

Toby then came out to help me out of the pasture. He led me down the bank and up the driveway. By the time we got to the front porch, James was there. I sat down on the swing and about that time the cop arrived (our city has only one cop..) He then assessed me and my condition. Nope, I didn't lose conciousness, nope I couldn't see straight. Yep, I was swollen badly. A few more First Responders arrived, then the ambulance.

I was loaded up in the ambulance and taken to the hospital. They started an IV and gave me an oxygen mask. The EMT kept calling me Sweet Pea...and that comforted me...I told him that's what my Dad used to call me...made it feel like Dad was with me. Which was comforting...cause whenever I was up sick or hurt, Dad would stay up with me.

It seemed like forever until we arrived at the hospital. I was put in the bed..and finally my Honey arrived. I sure did miss being away from him, especially at this time. James and his family took our children to their home without a moment's hesitation. They are such dear neighbors and friends.

I had a CAT scan....and they initially said it was clear. Yeah, we were going home.... Then, nope, there was a fracture above my eye. Oh no...now they wanted to transfer me to Nashville. We asked if it was entirely necessary to transfer an hour away....more phone calls were made and the on call physician, who just happened to be my Honey's Dr, took the responsibility for my admission and I was taken to ICU to be monitored.

I arrived at the hospital about 7pm and made it to ICU about 1am. I had demerol for the pain and something else for the naseau I felt. The ER "bed" left much to be desired, so there was no sleeping there. The ICU nurses were wonderful...but ushered my Honey out about 2am. He stopped to check on our children, who were sleeping, so he left them there for the night.

Toby called my Mom when he got home. I waited for her to call. I was lonely! I'd never been in a hospital before...and sure didn't like it! She did call, but the nurses told her I was sleeping. HA! There's no sleeping in there! So, about 30 minutes later, the nurse came in and told me Mom had called...so we called her back. I felt much better after talking to her and could relax and doze some.

The next morning, breakfast was served. Ick...sure glad I only had one hospital meal! I called Toby to say good morning. He was just getting up..then I heard the children were home..so I hung up and tried to watch tv. Charles Stanley was on..I couldn't see him very well, but his voice was so comforting.

Awhile later, my Dr came in to check me over. He finally told me he was comfortable sending me home if I was comfortable being at home. Huh? Comfortable being at home? You betcha!!! Most comfortable place I know!!!

So, I called Toby and said please come get me!!! James took the children back home with him and Toby came to get me.

We stopped at Wal Mart to pick up my prescriptions and some easy food. Then home...and to bed. A short time later, my babies came home!!!! It was so wonderful to be surrounded by them again. I sure did miss them!!!!!!

I have now been home 5 days. Some days are better than others. The headaches get rough sometimes. There's pain in my jaw...there's pain in my cheek...there's just pain. And there are black and blue marks on my body. And a very black eye. But, I am home. I am on the road to recovery. And I'm surrounded by my family and friends. The Lord has surely abundantly blessed me.

Our friends...what can I say about them? I cannot even begin to thank them for all they have done for us. God sure knew what He was doing when He moved us here.

I'm tired of sitting and doing nothing..yet don't feel up to doing much of anything. I have children who take care of my every need. My Honey stayed home with me until today. He was all dressed and ready to go to work yesterday..until he saw me crying when he gave me my pills. He couldn't leave me then....he's my Honey!!

This has affected me deeper than just the physical side of me. I have imagined if Gentle had stepped on me lower or higher. I could be paralyzed, still on the hospital fighting for my life..or even dead. But, I was spared those dire consequences and only have bruises to show for it. Many prayers have been said for my speedy recovery and I have no doubt they are the reason I feel as good as I do...

Thank you all for your prayers and good thoughts. And for the suppers. And the friendship. And the offers of help. And the phone calls. And just...well, just being there.....

my sweet Laurie

{ 07:31, Thursday, July 12, 2007 } { Posted by Cathy }

Laurie,
I think of you each day and pray to God to comfort you. You and your family are wonderful and a true example of what a GREAT family is!!!
I love you my dear friend,
Cathy

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{ 08:00, Thursday, July 12, 2007 } { Posted by countrydreamn }

oh my. So sorry to hear that you got hurt. Glad to hear that God's hands were on you and that you had friends that were so quick to help and were out there at the same time all this happened.
Take it easy, and get back of the swing of things slowly.
Praying for you and your family.

Blessings,
Debi

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{ 10:52, Thursday, July 12, 2007 } { Posted by blessedmomof10 }

So sorry to hear of your accident! Ouch......... also glad to hear you are home safely - although it sounds like you are in a bit of pain and uncomfortable. I hope you are albe to heal quickly.

Blessings,
gloria