I was shopping for a few Christmas items at Walgreens and my mind was on how this Christmas would be different from any other. It would be just Larry and me. I was a little sad about that fact. Since in Christmases past we have had the Dickinsons, the Grams and once in awhile part of the Fay family. But not this Christmas. I wanted to have some of our refugee friends join us but that wasn’t going to happen until December 28th when our friends from Ukriane were scheduled to join us for dinner. As those thoughts were swirling in my mind, I crossed the street toward the Fox River Grove post office and did not see a car coming from the North. It slammed into me and the bags explosed but not the one by the steering wheel. I was in semi shock when I realized what had happened.

Soon a very kind FRG police officer came to the window and as I reached for the glove compartment to get my insurance information he said, “Don’t bother with that now.” The next thing I knew, I was on a stretcher going into the ambulance. Now I go to Good Shepherd hospital once a week to play piano and I have even volunteered at other times so I was familiar with the location of the Emergency room. What I didn’t realize is that my rather new Apple phone sent three messages to those who I had put as contacts in case of emergency. Cleora called and Michele came to the hospital all dressed up for her Christmas party that night. It took awhile to get in touch with my husband Larry since his phone was off. But soon he showed up at the hospital also. I told Michele<“Go to your party,” and I told Larry to go get a cup of coffee at the Starbucks in the hospital. After an hour or so, the nurse wheeled us into a room where they prepared me for an MRI which showed that I had a tear in my sternum.

Finally, we were dismissed to go home with a prescription for pain. I developed a cough which exasperated the pain in my already damaged chest. Lemon and honey were my most soothing drinks. I dreaded getting a coughing spell so the Dr. gave me a pill to supress the coughing. it was not a Merry Christmas but I was so thankful for the friends who came by with flowers and food. I’m so blessed to have support. We got the news that the car was totaled and now we have another vehicle, but I have not driven it yet. I want to stay away from cars for awhile.

Larry drove me to Good Shepherd hospital for my Thursday afternoon piano playing session. The Bensons and Hitts, who are wonderful friends, came to the hospital with their grandchildren, and Lindsey, the Hitt’s adult daughter, sang beautiful Christmas songs with her angelic voice. After exploring the lobby, the children gathered around the piano to sing Santa and Rudolph songs. It helped me to forget the pain.

I woke up today and the pain was more intense especially in my back. So after taking care of business with a new car and insurance, I rested on the couch. I felt like the elf on the shelf. I’m normally a high energy person.

I am so blessed to have Larry as my husband. He has helped me in so many ways. Most of the time, I am taking care of Larry who has had numerous surgeries in the past.

i have lived a relatively blessed life with very few bumps in the road. But this one was the worst. I will now remember to have more compassion for those going through difficult times. Fortunately, I will get a little better each day whereas my dear friend, who has had MS for 45 years, only gets steadily worse. Thanks for those who have been praying for my emotional and physical healing. The pain will pass but the lessons I have learned will be with me for the rest of my life. They are to seize the day and to hold on to our loved ones with joy and forgiveness. “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15.

Happy New Year 2025