Day 88: Lucky

After our morning walk I decided that instead of driving to church I would ride my bicycle. It was such a pretty day for a ride – sunny skies and not too warm. I don’t ride as often as I could, and knowing that my daughter (who lives in Copenhagen) rides her bike everywhere – in all kinds of weather – I felt there was no reason not to ride. With that decided, I got dressed, found my helmet and took off.

A short time later I was riding through downtown Ashland. I waited at a stop light and was feeling pretty good about my decision to ride. As the light changed, I took off and was riding in the right lane when all of a sudden a car came from behind and hit me and the next thing I knew I was on the pavement. Immediately several folks came to my assistance. They helped me get up from the road, called 911, and sat with me until help arrived. My heart is full of gratitude to them for all that they did – and I know one of the women told me her name but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it was. You can bet that when I find them, I will be making them a pie.

The next few hours were spent answering the questions of Dana, the emergency responder, John, the police officer on the scene, and then the wonderful staff at the emergency room of Ashland Community Hospital. What I remember feeling – in addition to the obvious pain – was such a great sense of relief. Yes, I’d been injured but I knew that I was good hands – and soon I would be all right.

As far as we know now, I have a cracked rib (#6, left side, in case you are interested). When I came home from the hospital I was still too wired (adrenaline is an amazing thing) to lay down and so (do you know what is coming next?) I baked pies. One pie was for today and one is for tomorrow because I was told that tomorrow I might not feel so good – and I just couldn’t take any chances.

I know that I am very lucky – things could have gone much worse for me today. Knowing that, it was easy to pour my efforts into helping someone else. Tonight I brought an Apple Crumb Crust pie to some friends who have been experiencing a tough time. I want them to know that their friends care about them, that we’re ready to help, and that we’re keeping them in our prayers.

Tags: Ashland Community Hospital, bicycle, Lucky