Thursday, June 23, 2011

One Year Ago Today - I had an accident

It has been a year today. A year of change, a year of being blessed, a year of learning so much about myself and those around me. My life now is pretty much back to "normal" - I do just about everything I did before - No getting out of chores around the farm, no special treatment. And that is all ok with me.

If you had asked a year and a day ago if I was a strong person. I probably would have said nope, I am a big baby. And yes, when I have a spinter, or a sunburn, or a scratch I whine about it and drive Hubby nuts. But actually what I have learned about myself is that I can handle more than I ever thought. More than I could have imagined.

I lost my right eye. After two major surgeries it is gone. Bungee tie down straps are BAD. And now I live a life with a prosthetic eye. That most can't even tell isn't real. That helps with adjusting. But it is cold when it is cold outside. It is dry and hard to blink when I am hot or in windy areas. And well... we won't even go into when I have a cold or allergies. Lets just say it isn't pretty. But I feel very blessed that I have it. And that my life has returned to same old same old.

There are many to thank for my strength. My getting through the past year with good spirits and not crying through the entire process. My faith in God that he was going to get me through. And the total 100% support from Hubby. He was there by my side, from surgeries to being my nurse. He was my rock. Still is. Then I have an amazing family. MIL, Mom, Sister, SIL and even my BIL working day after day so Hubby could stay home with me. And then my best buddy Tracey visiting me and keeping me laughing. A special thank you to my neighbor Mical, the Dr. that came home at that very moment she was my angel who saved me and drove me a million miles an hour to the ER (that was a scary ride in her one ton farm truck), and had all the appropriate Drs. waiting for me. And a big thank you to those Drs. as well. Then all of you - I was touched beyond words on the support I got from all of my Internet Friends. The emails, the cards and the art done to help support me. I can never express the joy this all brought to my and Hubby each day.

Ok, so I only have one eye. Things could have been worse. I am blessed that I was able to survive and get through it as I did. I am a stronger person now. I know that I can conquer more than I ever imagined before. I know that I have amazing family and friends, and I know that getting through my slap in the eye with that bungee cord will not slow me down in the things that I want to do in life. Well... maybe a little slower on stairs and driving at night... but other than that nothing will stand in my way!

Thank you again - for all of you support and prayers. You were a big reason I came through and returned back to my love of crafting.

25 comments:

StampOwl said...

So glad you are doing so well

Kittie said...

Michelle, What a wonderful attitude you have and a beautiful spirit. I'm sure you are much stronger than you ever imagined. Jugs!

Redlady said...

Michelle.
You are an amazing woman and an inspiration to others.
If we all had your attitude the world would be a better place.
Congratulations and love.
Hilda

Ann Marie Governale said...

Yes- an inspiration to us all and also, yes, that we ARE stronger than we think- how wonderful to be blessed with so many "angels" in your life.

Dee in N.H. said...

What an inspiration you are. I'm so glad to hear that you are so well adjusted and are so strong! That had to be a hard thing to go through. Sending you a hug!

Anne said...

That's an inspiring post Michelle. It's lovely to hear you've adjusted so well and stronger than ever.
hugs
Anne x

Anonymous said...

such a tragic accident, but what a blessing that it all turned out the way it did. You are amazing with your attitude and strength. I'm sure God was with you all the way.
God Bless. Ed

Lucy said...

God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I love your attitude and the fact that you came through this ordeal and know what a good person you are.

ribenaruby said...

Oh Michelle, you've been through so much but yet remain so positive, your courage and love of life is admirable Michelle. Very touching post, take care. Ruby x

Karen McAlpine said...

You had a positive attitude from the beginning. I remember when you had your accident. I am so happy to see that you are still so positive. It is great to have people around that are supportive. My husband went back to work last week after being off 6 months due to cancer. My motto is: If it doesn't kill me; it makes me stronger. Have a great day and I hope it is not windy today.

Carol Dee said...

Sweet Michelle. I LOVE you attitude. Nothing will ever keep you down. Way to go girl. You are so blessed on so many levels. I only started visiting your blog when I saw a call for cards for you on another site! And I do not think I have missed a post since. I love it here. So glad you did not give up :) BIG HUGS...

Yvonne said...

Wow, what a touching post! I agree with all that has been already written down. You are a very strong woman Michelle. Big hugs!! Yvonne

Jo said...

Michelle, your post brought a big lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. We have all followed you throughout the last year and you have been an inspiration to us all, producing wonderful cards to a standard that some of us can't match with both eyes. You have such determination that puts some of us to shame!!! And it is you that keeps us going!! Can't wait to see the next card and animal crackers. Hugs Jo x

smd46 said...

you are an inspiration and a blessing in our lives. thank you.

Heidi Brawley said...

You are amazing and your work is very inspirational! I am glad you are adjusted well to your life! I wish you the best Always!
Hugs, Heidi Brawley

Rhonda Miller said...

I'm glad you've been able to come so far after your accident. I think of you often, I don't get to visit your blog as often as I'd like, but you are often in my thoughts. Hugs, Rhonda

Jóna said...

I would like to take all what have been said here above and make it to mine as well. You are more than something Michelle and your hubby too ! I wish you both all the best in the future.
Love and hugs, Jóna

TA Carbone said...

Michelle I can't believe it is 1 year already. I will never forget it either. After getting your updates and Donkey Day updates for years there were those days you didn't post and remember I contacted your personally and you wrote back, even with all that happened, and said you were in a accident on the farm and for some reason you had a feeling it was I who would contact you fist. You then said you will make the post and when I read the post I was shocked and wished so much I lived closer to help you. Since I couldn't help you physically my heart and prayers were helping you along the way

Big Hugs
TA :)

okienurse said...

Michelle you are such an awesome person and such an inspiration to me. Last fall when I became disabled I used you as an example and would tell myself and everyone that tried to 'disable' me more that Michelle wouldn't say/do that! You are a great person, very strong, and a role model to a lot of us! Thanks for sharing your life with us! Vickie

♥...Mo...♥ said...

I would like to write so many things
but this time I will do it in Spanish:

Eres una mujer con gran fuerza en tu corazón, eso es admirable y yo se que Dios compensara tus lagrimas con infinita alegría y bendiciones.

Nunca el cielo sera mas oscuro que antes del amanecer, y cuando el amanecer llega podemos admirar la belleza de un día mas de vida, en compañía de quienes nos aman.

A thousand blessings
and a big hug from Venezuela

Teepee said...

Michelle - your positive attitude is wonderful. I remember that day and all our prayers that you would be well and thrive. And, though God's grace, you have. God bless you, my dear.

Anonymous said...

Michelle - You have been an inspiration and a blessing to me.
May God bless you always.
Thank you!! Hugs, Texas Cropper

Rufus said...

It's hard to believe it's been a year. In some ways it feels like it was last month, in others...years ago. You are an incredibly strong person. So glad that things turned out well and that you are continuing to do the things you love.
So happy for you,
R/

diane zechman said...

Hugs, Michelle! You are an awesome person!

Helen said...

Michelle, you are amazing. It is so great to see how you fought back and turned out to be so strong. I love your attitude and don't forget your inspiration and of course your furry friends. Enjoy life to the fullest! Helen