Ouch!
December 20th, 2009 | by Ed |Wednesday evening started off like any other Wednesday evening. I was jotting down some thoughts regarding my upcoming message “Cosmic Christmas,” when I remembered that I had to bring the trash out to the curb. Whenever I take out the trash, my dog Wendell comes with me. Wendell is a souped-up version of a Welsh terrier who ricochets around the front yard like a pinball in a pinball machine, only at warp speed.
So, after bringing the trash out, I started running up the walkway to my house, calling for Wendell to come. All I saw was a blur streaking toward me from my right side as Wendell darted between my feet, tripping me up. Falling forward, I instinctively tried to do a shoulder roll. But, because my feet were tangled up with Wendell, I could not get enough of a push off to do a shoulder roll. Instead, I landed squarely on my shoulder!
The pain was…well, if you can imagine all the pain you’ve experienced in your lifetime compressed into a moment of time, you’d come close to what it felt like. I laid on the sidewalk for some 15-20 minutes, not daring to move. Wendell came by a few times and licked my head. Finally, driven on by the cold, I managed to get up and into the house.
Despite my vehement objections, I was taken to the ER at Mountainside Hospital (actually, my objections weren’t that vehement; I pretty much knew something was broken…because it felt like everything was broken).
Did you know that Mountainside Hospital no longer has an ER (Emergency Room), It now has an ED, which presumably stands for Emergency Department. I waited in the ED Waiting Room, got x-rays in the ED X-ray Room, etc. It felt like personalized service.
On my way to the ED Treatment Room, the nurse grabbed a…that’s right, a hospital gown. I turned to Janet and said, “I feel a blog coming on.” They made me put on the gown but at least they let me keep my pants on. Then it was off to the ED X-ray Room.
The x-rays revealed a fractured clavicle (isn’t that some kind of musical instrument from the baroque period?). I baroque my clavicle?!
In the common vernacular, I broke my collar bone. Unfortunately, it was on the side I write with, which severely limits what I can do. I never realized how many things we do that requires the use of both hands.
My thanks to pastor Korey, who preached today, despite such short notice.
And finally, if anyone is interested in buying a dog…I know someone who’ll give you a great deal.
7 Responses to “Ouch!”
By Barbara Ruglio on Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
When I heard about your injury, I also felt a blog report was in order too and I am glad to hear that you did not brake your sense of humor! Also glad you have that pretty girl helping you in the office.
We will pray for a quick recovery!
Barb
By Michael on Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Sorry to hear about your injury P. Ed. I broke my collar bone when I was five after my brother pulled me down the sliding board by a rope I was holding.
Please continue to display grace to Wendell. He so needs it right now.
Blessings to you and the family.
By Jessica on Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Hope you heal quickly, P. Ed! I’m glad to see you didn’t injure your punny bone!
By Arlene on Dec 21, 2009 | Reply
Pastor Ed,
As soon as I saw the words “hospital gown” I started laughing– and that comment “baroque my clavicle” — it’s a good thing I’m the only one in the office today; I was hysterical with laughter.
Praying for your speedy healing.
By Brenda Huggins on Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
Ed, you and I are accidents waiting to happen. Thank God for Janet and David, for what would we do without such wonderful spouses to take care of us clutzy, crazy people. And…thank God for a wonderful pharmaceutical industry that makes such terrific drugs.
Love you guys.
By Joy Vincent on Dec 22, 2009 | Reply
Although I’m just an MCC adoptee who’s been hanging around the periphery for a few years you, Pastor Ed, are undoubtably my favorite pastor. This blog made me giggle uncontrollably. Since your last medical blog I think of you every time I ask a patient in the “ED” to put on a gown. I’ve been praying for pain relief since Barb Ruglio told us about your accident. Hugs to Wendell. After all, he did lick your head a few times….
By susan baumbach on Dec 23, 2009 | Reply
Sounds like you have a solution to any writer’s block that may come your way, Pastor Ed. Just buy a hospital gown and keep it in the closet for when you need it. It’s great to read this,though I’m a tad jealous that ER rooms are ED rooms. On the other hand, you don’t want them expecting you.Breaking a collar bone is one way to end the year, though there is something to be said for popping champagne. Maybe in 2010? We’re praying for God to deliver quick healing and that you and Janet and the family remain upbeat. Thank you for all you do for us at MCC. Merry Christmas to the Bangharts. Yes, including Wendall.