Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Kindness of Others



Every once in a while something happens in each and every one of our lives when we realize how fortunate we are to have the love and support of the people around us. Usually, it's after tragedy, illness, misfortune, loss, or some kind of emergency situation. It really is gives reason for a time of reflection.

I am thankful every day for the family, friends, and neighbours we have in our lives. Thankful every day.

A few days ago, my husband fell down a flight of stairs with the baby. His leg gave out beneath him and he and the baby tumbled down the stairs. His Daddy instincts made him fall in a way that he would protect the baby and not crush her. As a result, he fell in a way that caused him to injure his ribs and spine. The baby is fine. She managed to escape with just a bruised face and bruised legs. Hubby is not fine.

Hubby is unable to move. This is a problem, because our livelihood depends on him being physically active on the farm. There will be no bouncing on tractors, lifting heavy objects, or doing what he is used to be doing. At least, not for a while.

He is now able to get around with the use of a cane or walker for a few minutes a day. He can now sit, but not for long. I don't foresee him hopping on a tractor tomorrow or loading bales of hay onto the wagon.

This whole Hubby being out of commission thing has been a real eye opener. On my way home from work, I thought of all the wonderful people who have helped out. I've been overwhelmed with having to get up at 5 something in the morning to get to work, plus all the deadlines I have for some of the freelance writing gigs I have, plus the farm, plus the baby, plus the housework, plus errands, plus taking care of a husband who can't do anything at the moment. After a mini meltdown, I thought of how hard it would be to manage everything I already do and take care of the farm if Hubby cannot do anything. It would be impossible. Not to sound negative or anything, but I cannot manage a farm on my own AND do everything else. I can't.

Living in a small rural community, word gets around quickly. We've had phone calls and visits from neighbours offering to help out in any way, shape or form. Some people are aware of me working out of the home and from the home and have tried to make the load less heavy by bringing meals to us. My parents and mother-in-law have been tag-teaming to watch Little One when I'm at work or performing at the theatre. My amazing friends have helped out too. My lovely friend, the Carpenter's Wife brought over lunch for us when I was at work the other day. She offered to help either watch the baby, help me with farm chores and laundry, etc. I'm kind of stubborn and a little bit proud. I thanked her tenfold, but told her I could do the chores and household stuff on my own. It is nice to know that we have the support of our good friends and family though.

I was completely floored. I wasn't expecting this kind of generosity. Many, many thanks go out to everyone. We certainly are blessed.

Good news: Hubby is now walking (sort of)! He can't take long periods of sitting, standing or walking, but he's slowly coming around! I now have a dog with a crushed pelvis, a husband with injured ribs and spine, a toddler with bruises all over her body, and the fun just never ends! :)

Just a few photos of Little One. Just because Mommy's busy with work and chores, doesn't mean she doesn't have time to play with Little One!

4 comments:

Marilyn (A Lot of Loves) said...

OMG That is just horrible. I do hope your husband's back heals to the way it was before. Chronic back problems are terrible. I'm glad to hear you're feeling some love and that Baby is okay. Still, so sucky.

Unknown said...

Marilyn:
Awww! Thanks! Yeah, I'm feelin' some love...but let me tell ya, I had a meltdown earlier! O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-E-D!!! Hubby is now able to walk! Crazy guy...he told me when I got back from the theatre (I'm in a musical) that tomorrow he's going to bale hay!

merinz said...

So sorry to hear that your husband is suffering from a bad back. I have had back problems from time to time and its miserable!

But, knowing what farmers are like you will have to tie him to the bed to stop him from going out and baling hay! Good luck on that one!

caninecologne said...

C - My goodness, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's condition. I really hope he gets better soon - it must be killing him to feel so helpless and out of commission.

i'm glad to hear that you are getting help with watching your daughter and with meals. every little bit helps and people mean well with their generous offers, i'm sure. sometimes you have to swallow your pride. hopefully this is temporary and that your husband will heal quickly. thank goodness the baby is okay though.

word ver:
fleedi

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About the Blog Author


City girl moves to the country, falls in love, and marries a farmer. She tries to incorporate her city ways with her new country lifestyle and blogs to keep in touch with friends, family & students who live far, far away :) Can this city girl go country? Watch as she learns all sorts of exciting things about life on the farm and in a small rural community. *UPDATE* We are now parents! Our baby girl was born on Nov. 11, 2008 (at 28 weeks gestation- 12 weeks premature, but she's quite the trooper)!!!
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