Once in a while, something happens that causes me to see the world through new eyes. It's usually a surprise event that makes me realize that the life I take for granted is not guaranteed and that major shifts can take place at a moment's notice. Such an event happened to my wife, Chris, and me on Thanksgiving Day. The turkey was in the oven and all was ready for our guests to arrive. She went out at about 2:30 pm to feed our horses before putting the final touches on the meal. After I while, I realized that she had been gone for an inordinately long time. I went to look for her and found her lying in the field. One of the horses had spooked and run over her. She was conscious but could not move and was in extreme pain. A 911 call summoned an ambulance and we took a trip to Christiana Hospital. It was determined that she had broken her hip. Early the next morning she had a total hip replacement. As I write this, it is just a month after surgery and fortunately she is doing very well. A full recovery is expected.
I learned several things from this experience. First, life is fragile and everything that we take for granted can change at a moment's notice. A broken hip is no fun, but she will mend. Had the horse hit her at a different angle, the result could have been much more severe and life-changing. Second, our current medical system takes a lot of heat from politicians and pundits but in our experience the care that is available is remarkable. Everyone, beginning with the EMS technicians and ending with the post-operative therapy staff, was skilled, caring and patient-centered. I am very glad that the accident happened here, rather than in some far-off, third world country. I shudder to think what might have happened if it had occurred in the African bush rather than at home.
As a result of all this, Thanksgiving has taken on a new meaning for me. I am approaching the new year with gratitude. I'm grateful for what we have in this country. Grateful that the accident was no worse. Grateful that we have first-rate care available to us. Grateful that, despite the administrative and funding mess that plagues our medical system, the people that provide care are able to put patients first. Grateful to be alive and healthy.
I'm not big on New Years resolutions, but I think this year I'll resolve to live in the present and appreciate what I have.
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