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
Patty Groncki-Meninger & David Meninger says
Hi Merry, So sorry about your accident but we are glad you are on the mend. I am a Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner and can certainly understand what you have been and are going through. I am sure there are others out there who can really empathize with you as well, having suffered in some way or another.
We wanted to leave a review after our last order but the order was erased after we received the wonderful doggie name tags and could not figure out how to leave you a message. Anyway, the name tags were just wonderful and it was so kind of you to mention the discount code with our last order. This is this third time we have ordered from the Magic Zoo and have been “doggone” tickled with everything we purchased. I am the one with the “Puptitioner” on the tag since we have cared for so many abandoned and abused doggies as well as those that just needed homes.
We attend 4PM Mass every Saturday (being Catholic we can go Saturday after 4pm instead of Sunday). We will light a candle for your each week for your healing as well as continue to pray for you, your husband and family and the medial people who cared for you as well.
Take Care. Hugs and pooch smooches, David Meninger, Patty Groncki-Meninger and our Puppsty doggers, Brody, Blooper and Flurry
Merry says
Aw, Patty, what a wonderful comment to open up to! Your prayers must be working well because I am already on crutches, WAY less pain, and can even walk a bit without any aid whatsoever (although I am not rushing it!)
Thank you for leaving a review…I’m not quite sure what happened but if you don’t see it, feel free to try again!
Have a wonderful week…Hugs back at you, from Merry
Leslie Elliott says
Oh Merry! I didn’t know about the “jogging mishap” and was so sorry to hear you’ve been through all that. I am surprised and tickled to hear you are recovering so well.
My August has been thankfully very happy. We sent our oldest son off to college (West Virginia University–he’s our first “Mountaineer” of the family because all the rest of us went to Ohio State) and he loves it and is doing great. We then received our foreign exchange student (our 5th to host) and he is a lovely, funny young man. My mom (82 yrs old) had a knee replacement and convalesced very quickly, after 10 days of therapy she is back home and doing fine. My 7 doggies (all rescues) continue to provide unfailing love. Finally, my little veterinary clinic has a new vet (3 counting me) and she is friendly and kind and the clients love her. Take care of yourself! Love from West Virginia.
Merry says
What a sweet lot of comments and thoughts! It sounds like you’ve had the best and most interesting of all my customers’ Augusts! I am glad all is going well. I am now stumping around with a cane (instead of a walker) which is a huge improvement! Merry
Judy Sneed says
Deepest sympathy for an unlooked for adventure but glad for all the new good people who came into your life. You do look like you are recovering wonderfully. May lots of good karma continue.
Merry says
Thank you so much, Judy! Yes, I am doing really well now, and mending beautifully. I appreciate your kind thoughts so much.
Merry says
Thank you, Judy! I appreciate the kind thoughts!
Merry says
Thank you, so much, Judy! I apologize for the delayed reply!
Mona Moore says
Oh Merry, what a horrible thing to have happened to you. That’s only one reason that I’ve decided to stay unfit. LOL!
My August was bad as well. While driving with my friends, a guy hit me square in the middle of my car. The guy was driving while on his cell phone. He did over $9000.00 damage to my car. It was a total. At least we all were okay.
I agree a second can change your life forever. Keep Healing Merry!
Merry says
Oh gosh, Mona! I am so relieved you weren’t hurt, but am sorry you had to experience that. I hope the rest of your August is much, much better!
Merry says
Now that is awful! But I am so glad you were not hurt! And thank you for the healing thoughts!
Merry says
Mona, so sorry you had that accident! But very glad you are OK.
karen michaels-fahlsing says
I too am so sorry about your misadventure. Your positive letter is so heart warming and encouraging for those that have (or will have) horrendous mishaps. You are a shining light Merry. My best wishes for a quick recovery. Many blessings
Merry says
OH, that is so kind of you to say, Karen! And I am most definitely recovering well.
Merry says
Thank you so much, Karen!
Betty Carleton says
Oh my gosh, thanks for letting your fans know! So glad you are up and about but knowing you, we expect nothing less! You are amazing and your story painted an exacting and colorful picture of your adventure. Carry on and give Ed a big hug from me!
Merry says
Hey Betty! So nice to hear from you. Saw my surgeon post op today and he was very impressed with progress, so all is well! And I will give Ed a hug from you for sure. (Any excuse, you know)
Gayle Swetow says
Merry, you have made me feel sooooo guilty. Here you broke your poor hip and was in dire pain and all I broke was my big toe and thought the sky fell lol..You may have another calling, “author”..You are very funny. I”m so happy you’re on the mend. Please do what they say and go slow, I must keep you forever . hugs, me
Merry says
No need to feel guilty Gayle! About 18 years ago I broke my little toe and made a huge mountain out of that molehill! I think pain is kind of relative. Hips are just bigger, so I guess they are more dramatic than toes. But even toes can have their troubles.
Barbara (Kupperman) O'Connor says
It is crazy how quickly life can change. That must have been very scary in addition to painful! I am grateful that the children and Ed were close enough to come to the rescue. I hope your recovery continues to go well!
Merry says
Hi Barbara! SO nice to hear from you! Anyway, recovery goes very well. But email me sometime and let Ed and me know how you and your hubby and child are doing!!! It has been so long…
Ileene Shanahan says
I’m sorry you had to go through this!! Just one unexpected movement and bam! I wish a speedy recovery for you. On a positive note, I have an aunt who had a hip replacement years ago. She was jitterbugging with my uncle at his 75th birthday party! Keep up your positive attitude.
Merry says
Love the story of your aunt, Ileene! So cute. I hope the jitterbugging was worth it. And yes, I am most definitely recovering well.
Billie Edwards says
Thinking about you, Merry. I have had a right knee replacement and new parts are no fun at first. Do the therapy and heal well. Sorry that you are having to go through this. I am sending good vibes as I wear your beautiful jewelry.
Merry says
Ah, thanks so much, Billie! And yes, it is a bit irksome at first, but I am determined to heal quickly.
Jimi Hummel says
So Glad you are recovering. Hip Fractures are so painful. Follow all of the Physical Therapy it does work. Do take care.
I Love the Mountains but the main draw back they are so far from everything.
Merry says
Hi Jimi,
Thanks so much for your kind thoughts!
Maybelle Barton says
Speedy Recovery, Mary!! Glad you got the TLC you so deserve! Hope to see you at VMX nex year!!
Merry says
Why, thank you Maybelle! Yes, we will be there with bells on our toes, and my walker will be a thing of the past.
Linne Girouard says
Sending you dachsie healing rays from all of us at All Texas Dachshund Rescue! Take care and get well soon!
Linne’ and the weens
Merry says
Oooh…I feel those little dachie rays doing their good work already! Thanks so much for the kind thoughts, Linne!
Martha Littlefield says
I am so glad you are better, but remember to continue some (even if it is at home) Physical Therapy. Louisiana sends you it’s best for a quick recovery!!!
If it makes you feel any better, I stuck my forearm with a necropsy knife to the bone Tuesday and am dealing with the infection from that….
Merry says
OUCH! No, that does NOT make me feel better! So sorry about your accident. Sounds like you had a bit of an unusual August yourself, Martha!
Cheryl Dodes says
So sorry for your accident! Hope you feel better! As someone who has had both hips replaced, I can tell you that you’ll be as good as new in another week or two. I was back in the gym exercising three weeks after each hip surgery. While recovery is different for different people, I am sure that a fighter like yourself will do fine.
Merry says
WOW!!! That is super encouraging, Cheryl! And super amazing. I hope I recover as fast as you did. Doc looked me over today and was pleased, so that is a good start.
Julie Sexton says
Feel better and listen to your therapist!
Push through the pain!
I have had three knee replacements….
The right one twice…..
you will heal but it takes time and patience!
Also, eat protein however you wish.
Protein helps heal !
Prayers being sent you way from Greensburg, Pa!
Merry says
Oh, thanks so much, Julie! Encouraging words for sure. And yes, I am doing my pt as well as eating a super healthy (no sugar, lots of protein and vegies) diet.
Lori Parcells says
Hi Merry,
So very sorry to hear about your fall and all that followed! My husband, Reg, broke his hip a few years ago so we can relate. Take good care of yourself and get well. I practice Reiki and will send some good, positive, healing energy your way for the next while.
Loving kindness to both you and Ed.
Lori
Merry says
Lori, than you so much for sending over that healing energy! I think it’s been working very well!
Clarence George says
Delighted to hear it. Not about the injury, of course, but that you’re well on your way to a full recovery. Dempsey sends his best.
Merry says
Thank you so much, Clarence! And tell Dempsey I appreciate his kind thoughts as well.
Larry Koscielniak says
Sorry to hear about your accident Mary. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Your fellow animal lover,
Larry
Merry says
Thank you so much, Larry! And I am definitely healing well.
Noreen Pazderski says
Hope you feel better soon! And I wanted you to know that I have had several compliments on my new name tag. Thanks!
Merry says
Ah, thank you Dr. Pazderski! And I am doing great now!
Tricia in Western Australia says
Merry
It sends horrible shudders down my spine to attempt to even imagine the pain you experienced and I’ve only pre and post op nursed people with that injury & given first aid to a neighbour with a broken hip.
So many things in your letter though stand out as delightfully admirable and a credit to yourself and the others involved:
Your bravery, resiliance, repairability, gratitiude, sense of humour and the loving bond between yourself and your husband and grandchildren.
The high quality of ambulance service, hospital care, advanced high standard or surgery and rehabiitation in relation to hip repair or replacement and the quality of care and dedication of the healthcare staff in your country and locality.
Congratulations to the photographer involved. Included are such beautiul and personality enlightening photos I feel as though I’ve met you now .
Less admirable but worthy of acknowlegment through the humor in your tale, is the obvious determination of mosquitoes & biteys to take advantage of such situations regardless of their country, location or nationality (and no doubt of ants – remembering the unfurtunatel result of being sat on an ants nest when I’d had a bushland accident in Australia many years ago. Also, in Australia you would have no doubt had a chorus of Kookaburras to laugh at you throughout in your predicament – Hopefully to try to reassure and cheer you up abit though they certainly don’t sound as if that’s their intention!)
Wish we had hummingbirds in Western Australia!
Sorry to hear of your injury but thankyou for sharing your positive account of it and so glad you are homewith your family and back on your creative journey so soon.
Best Wishes
Tricia
Merry says
Tricia, what a great comment! I would go so far as to say you must be a writer… And who knows, maybe someday we WILL meet! I hope so!
Gretchen Ochsenschlager says
So glad you shared with us, your fans, so we know how it all happened. Sounds like you had good care, starting with your sweet husband, and then all the medical folks who got you on the mend!! So glad you are coming along so well.
Take care and thanks for checking in with all of us!!
Merry says
Thank you so much, Gretchen!
Julie says
Wow!! So sorry you went through all that. I’m glad you’re on the mend. It’s a good thing you have a good support system at your side. That definitely helps. I had a major surgery last year and it was a very long tough recovery but my family definitely came through. Hopefully you can still do what u love cause being laid up can really mess with your head. Lots of well wishes!!
Merry says
Oh, thank you so much, Julie! I am absolutely on the mend now, back at work and going strong!
Kenney says
Hi Merry. So sorry to hear about the accident. We simply must NOT have any more tumbles at this stage. Mine was a face plant on the asphalt when chain came off bike, don’t remember it; the old right knee has a dime size purple spot that’s gonna be a scar. A pair angels stopped their SUV, loaded my bike in & took me home, dazed. (She was a nurse & decided i didn’t need the ER, thank Goodness.) Really sore & Minor ER next day for tetanus shot & antibiotics. Well, we survived!
Merry says
Oh Gosh, what a spill! So lucky those angels came along to help!
Brenda Rion says
I’m very sorry about your broken hip but am glad you are doing will with your new hip. May you be able to jettison the walker before long. PT will get you there. Best wishes.
Merry says
And now I’ve even jettisoned the cane (for the most part) PT really does do the trick! (That and a few other helpful things)
Nan Schmalz says
You’re a marvel – and I adore you! Glad you’re healing well. Love the picture, too! I remember meeting you at the Yuba -Sutter fair about 97 decades ago. The hair on both of our heads has “lightened” – and you still look great! Love your humor and optimistic spirit! Love you, too! Oodles of warm hugs and sweet wishes are being sent your way! Nan : )
Merry says
Ah, what a nice comment, Nan! Somehow I missed this one. I hope we can meet up again one of these days!
Janet Quilligan says
Heal! I’m so sorry to hear about your unexpected event, but it sounds as though you have a great support team, and that you’re well on your way to recovery.
Merry says
Thank you, Janet! That is certainly the truth. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Diane says
Oh wow Merry! What a story! So sorry about your misadventure but I admire how you turned it into a story of love, kindness and helping others. Get well soon!
Merry says
Thank you, my friend! Maybe one day I’ll make a comic book adventure from this one. There were many interesting components…
Debbie Loveland says
I understand about the frustration. Two springs ago, I was cleaning up a puppy play area. I had items in my right arm. I went to step over the puppy playpen and my flip-flop didn’t quite make it over so down I went with left arm straight out to catch my fall. I could feel it come out of the socket but although it went back in, something wasn’t right. Long story short, a sling and many months of PT, things seemed still not quite right. The orthopedist said I had an undiagnosed fracture but it likely had healed at that point. Continued the physical therapy and with time things have improved significantly. My lesson learned: Do all the pt you can. Hope things heal well for you and you are back at your art ASAP. 🙂 I had a hummingbird encounter today as well.
Merry says
OH gosh, what a mishap you had! I’m so glad it finally got sorted out. My main pt is just walk, walk, walk. And boy does it make a difference! Speaking of hummingbird encounters, I counted FIFTY of them in my backyard at dusk. The babies from last year have nested and reproduced mightily What kind of hummers do you have?