Oh, guys. Just as we were getting ready for our most amazing spring ever (we have so many plans!) Jonny had an accident snowboarding with the big boys on Friday, and he broke his right collarbone. We spent most of that day just trying to figure out the extent of his injury. Jonny was really hoping that he didn’t have a break and didn’t want to go to the E.R., but it was unavoidable. After some x-rays and bad news, we were sent home with instructions for Jonny to see an orthopedist on Monday. The next twenty-four hours were rough. Jonny was in a lot of pain and we were both kind of reeling as the reality of all our unfinished projects were literally “maaaa-ing” at us from their crate in the living room. I hardly slept that night. Every time Jonny shifted in the bed or made a sound I jumped myself, worried about him. And then Job, who is used to sleeping with Jonny now (night weaning) needed to be with me instead, and literally spent most of the night nursing. I didn’t want him to cry and wake Jonny up from his already fitful sleep. As I lay there in the dark, I did a good bit of crying myself. As sorry as I felt for Jonny and his pain and his new reality, I will confess that I felt a little sorry for myself as well. This injury changes so much for the whole family over the next couple of months. We’re all going to have to work harder.
But things have already started to improve. It will be weeks before Jonny can use his right arm again, but his pain is significantly less than it was over the first two days.
Over the weekend a good friend called, asking if we needed her family’s help with the barn. It’s so hard to ask for help, but we need it (and our goats need it!) so Jonny said “Yes!” The next day they came and worked all day, making a lot of progress. Jonny and I are both so very grateful to them. Our barn has a roof and walls! But more importantly, their help gave us hope.
We ran out of siding that day, so the loft isn’t enclosed yet, but we went ahead and turned our kids loose with red barn paint and they had a good time painting. Jonny tends to be a perfectionist when it comes to his projects, and I don’t know if the kids would have gotten the chance to paint the barn had Jonny been able to do it. I’d say that is a positive result of this misfortune.
And that is what Jonny and I are doing, looking for the good in this. It’s good to know that our friends care enough to help us. It’s good when kids have to pitch in and help more than they are used to. It’s good to have to stop and really examine your life and your plans, and to determine what is most essential. It’s really good that Jonny broke his collarbone, and not his neck. It’s even good that I have more work than usual to do. I suspect that it will improve me.
Today we saw the orthopedist, while another generous friend babysat our kids. The great news is that Jonny’s break is very clean and won’t require surgery. He will be out of commission for about two months though. He will gradually be able to do a little more as the pain lessens and the bone should begin to heal in a few weeks. There will be absolutely no lifting and no “farm” work until May. That’s going to be very hard for him, but I am going to be an enforcer of the rules because he really must take this time to heal.
When the nurse at the E.R. said to us Friday night that “These things happen for a reason,” I don’t know if Jonny was yet able to see the truth in that and all I could do was fight tears. As much as I knew that her words were ultimately true, there was a little voice inside my head shouting, “Are you kidding me? We’ve got seven kids and two goats in our house!” But in all honesty, we are both pretty good at playing “Pollyanna” and we believe that everything will come together. In the meantime, we’re glad that Jonny put so much work into our chicken coop, years ago. It’s making a nice temporary home for our goats. We moved the babies out with the big girls and they are settling in. This wasn’t part of our original plan, but that is okay. Our goat housing project won’t be finished in the time frame that we originally planned for, but it will be finished in its time.
We are confident that everything will work out for good.
Such a great outlook–everything will work out for the good. I have a really hard time seeing that in my own life…I often find myself asking, “Why am I so unlucky??” when in the middle of some mess or another. So glad you have friends to help you out when the going gets tough. Swift healing!
PS WOW, your snow sure melted fast! I wish our 12+ inches would go away like that! 🙂
“This wasn’t part of our original plan, but that is okay.” Oh Ginny, these are the words to live by. Thank you for reminding us all. Several years of our lives have been lived this way, and we’re still learning the “but that is okay” part. Praying for health, healing, and continued help for your family at this time.
Oh so sorry to hear about Jonny’s bad break. This will be yet another learning experience for your children and it is unfortunately all part of life. Jonny will heal and farm life will go on. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry! Many years ago my husband fractured his elbow and all he was doing was skipping across a parking lot with our daughter (who is now 24!). He hit a patch of black ice and braced the fall with his elbow so he wouldn’t drop her. He was in pain (definitely not as much as Jonny), but I think the hardest part of his recovery was having me drive him everywhere!
This will definitely be an opportunity of growth for your older boys. The year my husband had to take more long business trips, I relied heavily on my eldest son and he really came through as the “man of the house”. It was a blessing to him and the family.
I am so sorry but I am so glad that it will be able to heal without surgery. Last year my husband had a heart attack and was out of commission for several months. We are empty nesters and it was SO hard because I had to do EVERYTHING by myself so praise God that you have many pairs of hands to help and do what your husband cannot. Praying for you all!
Just…prayers! Going up right now!
BONE BROTH!! brings speedy mending to broken bones. Several cups a day of long simmered bones (with a splash of vinegar to get the minerals leaching out) works miracles. I’d happily share a recipe if you don’t already have one.
Praying for patience and joy for you and yours.
Big hug for you! Prayers for your family and cheers to your kids! Things like this CAN and DO help children; gives them a better sense of responsibility and accomplishment. That is a good blessing. Will pray for you, especially, Ginny… seems like another trial among many.
Oh Ginny! I am so very sorry! Sometimes it is so hard to see the “light” or God’s plan! I would feel the same way that you do if I was in that situation. I will be praying for a swift healing for your husband and that he can take it easy. I am sure it won’t be easy!
Going with the flow can be difficult but we do know that it’s all in God’s plans. Things like that make me crazy but I have been thinking about these kinds of bumps in the road a lot lately and how to relax and not get upset. It’s not easy. But you guys will do great. You are a wonderful, loving family and that is what matters most. Wish I was close enough to help in some way. Prayers for a quick healing and relaxation for the rest of you.
Dear Ginny,
Have hope dear friend! I thought I would share our story and that it might encourage you. Six years ago we were in a horrible car accident and my husband broke his back. I broke my sternum and as I was seven and a half months pregnant went into labor. My husband was in the Triage ER and I was moved to Labor and Delivery ICU. Thankfully, my labor was stopped with drugs and the baby was fine. I was so worried about my husband all night long. But, the next morning a sweet nurse came in and told me that she wanted to help me to know what to expect. She said that she had checked on my husband for me and that the doctors thought he would not walk again. Later that morning, I was discharged and they wheeled me down to Triage ER and I was able to see my husband. The day was a blur of surgeons, doctors, nurses, etc. We were told over and over that my husband would not walk again. He had an eight hour surgery the next day and his back was put back together. After surgery, we were told that nothing would be the same- we would not be able to have any more children and my husband’s life would have to adjust to being unable to do so much. But, the Lord had other plans. The day after surgery, my husband could wiggle his toes. He eventually was able to stand up. Before he left the hospital my husband could walk with a walker to the bathroom. Such joyous baby steps! When our baby son was born my husband was able to come for part of the time. We worked together over the next six months (along with our newborn baby boy!) to allow him to walk better and better. Today he walks almost normally. Although he is still numb from the waist down and we definitely still have struggles God has been so gracious to allow him to walk. Even more wonderful, the Lord allowed us to have more children. We are now expecting our fifth child in August and have such joy at our precious little family. (Our fourth little girl is very close to Job’s age- she was born on Halloween.)
The part that I wanted to encourage you with is that, if we could choose, we would go through all of that again. It grew our faith in the Lord and our marriage like nothing else. There is something about “being old” together before you are really old that just grows you. I think we appreciate little things (like being able to pee on your own!) so much more because of our accident. Our relationship with the Lord has grown amazingly because we have experienced His faithfulness and know that He is altogether trustworthy. The sweetness of our marriage is so beautiful as we have learned to laugh together at even the worst things. Even though things are still hard somedays, He is bring His beauty for our ashes. The Lord used this very awful thing to produce such beauty and thankfulness in our lives. Although your husband’s accident is scary, frustrating, and inconvenient, the Lord will use this for your good and to create beauty in your lives. Just wait and see! 🙂
Oh dear.
Ginny. My husband shattered his knee exactly a month ago on the second day of his much expected and deserved skying holiday. Emergency 3-hour surgery and immense pain, organization headaches for children, travel etc. Coming home in UK to a building site as our kitchen extension that started in October is still not finished. So… I can honestly say that I know exactly how you feel, you have all my sympathy.
Friends and family help, stores of strength and patience found inside ourselves, and above all, prayers and thanks that the injury was not worse than that. And I don’t know for what reason this thing happened. All I know is that the biggest lesson for us is patience, and our lent resolution became ‘don’t complain, enjoy our time together’.
We are not always successful, and I do have my crying moments, hiding in the bathroom, but it gets better, I promise.
Thinking of you…
Remember, J’s injury is just part of your family’s cross… God’s path. Isn’t nice that your friends called… I love the Almsgiving and charity of friends. Those 3 theological virtues – faith, hope, and charity! Say the acts – and remember they are God’s gift to you, girl. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and asking Mary to guide you. Simply… I love that everyone from our parish came after last year’s tragedy. They just showed up and each used eat here own special gifts… Cooking, cleaning, hugging and talking to me. I was knocked over. No agenda. Just love!
It’s all about that. And your wee babe will wean when he is ready. Stress and anxiety are not from God. Have you met a 20 year old who nurses? Now he needs you. Sleep in a ball around him as he nurses.
I will pray for you all… And the goats :).
Sam Lehmann
I know this well. Last year Jason cut part of his thumb off with a tablesaw. Ugh. I felt sorry for him, and me, and it was a struggle wanting to get things done and just have our “normal” routine, but so much had to get let go. Hugs to you!
:)Lisa
I broke both collar bones at age 16 in a car accident. One of them actually displaced and healed that way, overlapped. Very painful. Especially the first week or so. Then I started feeling better and wanting to do more things, but had to be reminded that the healing was still very fragile and I had to be forced to let people help me. Always difficult to have to ask for help, but good to remember that by saying yes to help you are blessing that person. Romans 8:28
Ginny,
My love to all of you! I’m so grateful, like you say, that Jonny’s injury wasn’t worse than it was. And also that the pain has gone down! It’s so incredibly hard to see someone you love in pain. If he’s anything like Jeff, you will definitely have to be the one to enforce that he doesn’t do that farm work so he can heal. Jeff tends to ignore those things and it can make it take longer to get better. I’m glad you accepted help, it’s hard to do yet so good for us, and that you have such caring friends. And your kids will always remember painting the goat’s house. 🙂
Love,
Taryn
I am saddened re Johnny’s broken collar bone – God is always there for you. So lean on him. I pray for Johnny’s complete healing and that his recovery is quick. You are strong !
Oh, these things never happen at a good time, but it seems that there is always a lesson to be learned. Hugs and prayers for all of you!
prayers for quick healing, happy spirits and good rest for Jonny and all of you. SO great that friends have gathered round to offer support. Blessings.
Ohhhh,so sorry to hear about Jonny! Many prayers are coming your family’s way. My husband got thrown from a horse on Super Bowl Sunday while we had a houseful of people ( right before the big game) and ended up watching it from the emergency room with a broken collarbone! It was a very longggg two months of healing and because he didn’t wear his sling the whole time now has a big lump on his shoulder! It never really healed properly. Make sure Jonny takes it easy & wears that awful sling! Love to you all!
I just wanted you to know how much you and Jonny and you friends inspired me this morning. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. Heads up!
I saw Jonny with the sling on and then raced past all your photos to read what happened.
I also believe things happen for a reason, good or bad.
He’s very lucky to have such a good family that will take care of him.
Oh no. I’m so sorry. I hope and pray for smooth healing for Jonny and a return to full strength and function!
Very intrigued by your reference to “big girls” in the chicken coop? Did I miss something? Sheep? Older goats?
{{hugs}} Ginny. One day at a time.
This story is heartwarming is so many ways. I love that you love your hubby! I love that the kids pitched in to help with the painting! I love that you are looking for the “good”. I hope this spring with surpass your expectations!!
Oh dear! It can be so hard to accept help, yet can be so good for us when we do. Poor Jonny, its so hard to watch things be done from the sidelines when we are used to being more capable. I was just reading ‘What Katy Did’ to the children – perhaps when the pain subsides he’ll be the place anyone can go to for a snuggle and story. I wish I could come help!
I always worry about my boys on the mountain, but they love it and won’t dream of giving it up. I do hope Jonny heals quickly. He may be out of commission for spring, but I guess you could look at it as a forced relaxation.
I have enjoyed getting to know your family over the past few months. Thanks for sharing your sorrows and your joys.
Wishing Jonny a speedy recovery and sending loving thoughts to you all. I am so sorry your plans have been thrown into the air but your acceptance and determination to see the good in this is inspiring.
Happy thoughts for a speedy recovery 🙂
Oh, Ginny, oy!!
Such timing! Then again, is there any good time? You are right, in all of it, of course: the priorities rise to the top like cream; the tribe that sustains us; the finding capabilities in kids we (and they) didn’t know they had. And the tears. Good, hard days ahead, and so good. I’m confident that so much will surface in this slow, steady process of healing. Maybe suitable for this march toward Easter…
Sending strong, healing thoughts your way–toward the collarbone, of course, but most definitely, toward you, too.
xx,
Molly
ps: The unspoken line about the 7 children and 2 goats in the house? Reminded me of one of our favorite books, a recommendation from you! “It Could be Worse…” 🙂 Small enough to be read one-handed while recuperating on the couch, perhaps? 🙂
praying he heals quickly and that you take advantage to all of your friends helping out. You would do the same for them!
speedy recovery, Jonny!
I agree wi5h being a Pollyanna! So glad his pain is diminished and you have those new babies out of the house ;), I have had farm animals in my house and know how hair raising it can be. I send you wishes for easy spring weather.
So sorry to hear about Jonny. I’ll be praying for you. The barn looks great though!
Over the years, I have to confess that I have found very little comfort in “everything happens for a reason.” What I have found comfort in is “God works everything for our good,” as it doesn’t require me to try to see the bad thing that’s happened as a good thing! More that even in bad things, God can use them.
But the goats look happy, the kids look like they had a great time with the painting, and hopefully you’ll all find a new normal for the next few months.
Wishing Jonny a speedy recovery!
This has given me succour today Ginny! Praying for Jonny’s speedy recovery
Love and peace to you, as well as prayers for laughter and healing.
I can relate, my husband has been experiencing some health challenges since December and while he is better than he was, he’s still nowhere near his normal level of energy and activity, which has meant a lot more for me to keep up with. As you said in your post, it probably has improved me. It’s definitely made me more efficient. 🙂 Hope Jonny heals quickly and feels better soon!
Many hugs for this stressful time. So proud of you, Ginny! You have taught your children well, and they will be of great help to you and Jonny during this time. You are so strong yourself, and your faith and your character will be a great testimony to many. It’s okay to cry too. 🙂 Tears are healing.
A friend was just telling me, “that God often picks your Lenten penances for you”…..You will all grow abundantely from His Grace. Lots of prayers for you and yours! And a rapid healing for Jonny.
You call it Pollyanna, I call it good sense. If you can’t change it, make the best of it. Thinking of you!
Oh dear. Praying for a speedy recovery, and abundant community around you to help out where needed.
Oh dear! I’m glad you are working to see the bright side, but so sorry for all the pain and difficulties. Sending prayers for rest and quick healing and peace.
Oh no! Big bummer, but glad you’re already finding positives! I remember always wanting to help paint things when I was young and not being allowed to–looks like your kids had fun! It’s so hard to ask for/accept help, but so great to have friends who offer! Chins up!
Oh man, you poor things! It’s really good to find the the silver lining, but goodness gracious, that is not what y’all needed right now. God bless you all. xo
Poor Jonny, he looks very sad in that photo. I hope his recover is smooth and quick. I’m really happy to know you have friends who are willing and able to help. Your attitude is wonderful, too. It will be okay.
You are doing a great job playing the glad game, Pollyanna! You and your family will be in my prayers. God is good, thank God it wasn’t more serious!! Xoxo
I love this post. “God has a plan” are the words I’m saying tonight. I was laid-off today due to a financial crisis at the school I work at. Of course, like anyone, I have bills to pay and I’m immediately worried about that.
But, it is the unknowable that is difficult.. will things get harder? Will I get a new job, quickly? Is there a better, more wonderful job that will better fulfill the needs of my family?
“God has a plan,” is what I tell myself and my kids tonight. It is a great comfort. And, it is the truth.
oh no! so sorry! that is painful. But you are right, God is with us in all things. And saying ‘yes’ to help is a very Lenten discipline; we will be praying for you all about this and THANK GOD it was not his neck and was a clean collarbone break. Hang in there. I will keep a candle lit by my icons for you all.
Oh, to see that photo of Jonny looking so downcast. I guess the collar bone is better than a broken leg. Maybe Jonny needs a season of rest this spring. I do hope your friends gather round and keep up with helping out!
Oh, no. I hope he had some fun before he crashed and burned. I work at a pharmacy below a ski hill and once two men visiting from the Midwest collided at our ski hill. Both broke a leg. It was the birthday of one of them. That is why they were here. They had driven out and someone had to come get them. I doubt they come back. It was their first run.
What happened to your snow! The goat kids look great and the human kids look like they are having a wonderful time. Isn’t life just like this.