The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Sometimes things happen to us that totally rock our world.
A week ago I had an incident happen that took a third of one finger and the tip of another. As I sit here typing using alternate digits, I reflect on how this loss will effect the rest of my life.
I'm right handed and the injury is to my right hand, most important fingers of it. Though the two fingers are mangled, the rest of my hand is unscathed and, given the nature of the cause of the injury, that is a good thing - it could have been so much worse.
I had incredibly dexterous fingers, typed upwords of 60+wpm, played the piano and Crocheted. These are the things I do that will be most effected, with the piano playing being the most missed. Right now I can't even grip a steering wheel and am trying to deal with the pain via Tylenol and cool packs rather than the narcotic prescribed. Too early to say if more of the index finger will have to be taken off.
As I sat in the ER looking at my mangled fingers it was pretty strange that I felt so darn calm; seeing them ruined, knowing that nothing would restore them the damage was done, only thing to do was move forward with as much grace as possible. I know that Al-Anon was on my mind - accepting that I couldn't change what had happened, there is no button to push that takes you back three seconds to NOT do whatever caused the injury in the first place.
I don't know at this point what the outcome will be, but I'm not fretting it, it will be what it is. It just drives home to me how quickly your life can change, how in the blink of an eye (that's truly how long it took for the damage to occur) things can change. I thought about the possibility of having a stroke or heart attack from the shock and how that morning a week ago could have been my last on earth and the last time spoken to mom, kids, friends etc, would have been the last.
Life is precious and we only have now to live it, only have now to say those last words to someone we love. I will play again, still have three good fingers, and I think at least one of the damaged ones can be re-taught (not sure about the stubby one but daughter is already working on a prosthetic of sorts that may help, God bless her for trying).
I am thankful I didn't lose more of my hand; I am thankful I have more time to love the people in my life; I am thankful I am such a good typist even with my two little fingers carrying the load.
Now you know my reason for not posting much lately! Happy Thanksgiving!
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I am strong in the broken places. ~ Unknown
All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another! ~ Anatole France
(((LMH))) Courage under fire and looking for the grace in your experience speaks loudly to me. I, too, am glad that this experience didn't result in our never hearing from you again on our board. I'm grateful for your share and for you, too.
((LMH)) I am so sorry that you have been injured in such a difficult manner and am so grateful for the wisdom, courage and recovery that you have shared.
Oh my gosh....I'm so sorry but so grateful that your post was not " I lost my hand ". I also play piano though I haven't play in years but just not being able to do it , I can't imagine.
(((( hugs ))))
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Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth
Speak only when you feel that your words are better than your silence.
I'm so pleased that you are here to share your grace so generously. Thank you for the lesson.
Take good care of yourself, you deserve to be molly coddled after an injury like that. (((((MoreHugs))))))
Hugs, LMH!!! I had a friend do something similar while working with a saw. She had the same attitude and has managed to make the most of her life without a few tips of fingers. They did manage to re-attach one of them, though. I can't imagine the pain and will be praying for you to heal speedily. Love how you were able to use program and find gratitude after this event! It really touches me to hear your strength! God bless you and please take good care of yourself!
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Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be!
Thank you so much for your inspirational post
I can hear your gratitude
How wonderful I signed on just now
I am in the waiting room at the hosp in between mammogram & ultra sound
I found a large lump in my left breast and I been scared
It's been a good opportunity though, for me to do some thinking reflecting and getting serious about some stuff
Regardless of how it turns out I always have my Higher Power to turn to
And that is the most comforting thing in the world
((LMH)) You courageous and brave soul! Thank you for your inspiring post. Sending prayers for best possible outcomes. Wishing you a peaceful and healing Thanksgiving holiday.
I don't remember the last time I had someone else's courage kick thoughts of recovery up so high. Sweeeeet!! I was reading your post while at the same time hearing Dr. Bob's lesson about "Acceptance being the solution to all of my problems"...I sense your own acceptance and serenity with a comfortable gratitude like just after hearing my sponsor give me a pearl of recovery wisdom. "Courage is fear that has said it's prayers"...see another lesson unfolding. I'm not settled with the thought of your hand being damaged and I am responding with how you've let it unfold for you. Mahalo Addy....a lot ((((hugs))))
So sorry to hear about your fingers! I don't think I could handle it with the same grace and dignity! Reminds me of a friend who took martial arts with me. She was in a car accident and the same thing happened to her...she lost some fingers and tips of fingers. She still came to class and the teacher adjusted things for her. I was so impressed. You sound like you have the same motivation. I hope your pain goes away soon. Thank you for sharing.
