Two weeks ago I learned firsthand how everything can change in a split second. One minute I was jogging down the dirt road in front of our property, the next minute I turned ever-so-slightly to answer my tagging-along grandson’s question and the following instant I was on the ground with a broken hip. (I didn’t know it was broken at the time, but I suspected something was more wrong than just a bruised ego, which I also had.)

I yelled for little Cassidy and his sister Annabelle to go get Granddaddy, then waited in a singularly uncomfortable position, while a few enterprising mosquitoes took advantage of my inability to swat them away (I was holding myself up with both hands).

Ed came to the rescue, called 911 and thus began a saga whereby I learned to appreciate in a completely new way those who help in emergency situations.

A Very Long Wait for Help

Since we live in the boonies, it took about an hour and a half for an ambulance to reach me. My darling husband (talk about living those marriage vows) made me as comfortable as he could and held me up with his back against mine, swatting away the bugs and being a reassuring presence. When the ambulance arrived to take me to the hospital in Albuquerque (another hour and a half away) I was relieved and admittedly scared. (I am NOT a big fan of pain.) The transference from the dirt road to the gurney was excruciating, and I probably sent some coyotes and birds scattering with my yells.

Saved!

Finally, I was on my way. I made small talk with the paramedic seated next to me in the back of the ambulance ( a sweet, quiet young man named Sean) as he took my vital signs and typed on his laptop while we zoomed along at 80 mph. I made sure that Ed was following (he was, barely) and finally got to UNM (University of New Mexico Hospital) where they did all those things they do with a patient who has foolishly injured herself while trying to get healthy while jogging. One of the nurses assured me it was not the most ridiculous story she’d heard of a self-created accident, and for the first time since my fall I laughed.

X-rays were taken, the break was confirmed and the next day I was in surgery being fitted with a brand new hip. (What?! I swear I never intended to have a hip replacement. I was proud of my strong bones and joints, which were apparently no match for our rock-hard dirt road)

My New Heroes

The day after surgery, the powers that be (my surgeon) decided I could go home! I rolled out of the hospital in a wheelchair feeling so grateful to every doctor, nurse and aide who took care of me during my incredibly brief stay, and wished I knew what their favorite animals were so I could shower Magic Zoo gifts down upon them all. (Wouldn’t that be a surprise? None of them ever knew what I did for a living, nor would that have made a bit of difference. These beautiful people do what they do because their calling is to help others.) What a rich life they must have!

It has been two weeks since I broke my hip, and every day is so much better than the last. I’m been off all pain medication for many days (so good to eliminate that accompanying mental fog!) and I’m getting back to getting around on my own (though I still rely on a walker). So if you have possibly wondered why you haven’t had any news from me for a while, that’s because The Magic Zoo’s very strange August has been one of a kind.

Now, tell me what your August has been like! (I hope it’s been more fun than mine!)

Your Animal Loving Artist,

Merry