Today started out exceptionally well. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and I decided to take the dogs to the beach early. I’ve been babysitting for Jack’s cousin-dog, Sydney, for a couple of weeks. The two of them work like a team of miniature ponies, each appreciating the other.
I rode my bike while the dogs ran enthusiastically through nearby trees and dunes. Fifty white seagulls were a springy surprise at the beach, since we hadn’t seen them since last fall. The dogs dutifully cleared the area, chasing them into the sky.
Although the sand was like concrete after temps in the 20’s last night, the scene was striking, each rock sparkling with a thin layer of ice. But all three of us were wearing heavy coats and spent an hour walking the water line, appreciating the visual feast of wild waves and glistening dunes. I filled a Zip-Loc with spectacular stones but wondered how I’d get them home on my bike.
Each day as we fly down the road toward home on the back side of a dune, the dogs cooperate with biking etiquette, running parallel with each other and me. But today, as we were speeding downhill at a fast clip, Jack suddenly broke stride and made a sharp turn in front of my bike without warning. Our collision stopped the bike cold and tangled me in the front wheel as the bike and I tumbled down the hill to a stop.
In that split second before my face hit the pavement, all I could think of was my bag of rocks perched on the handlebars, hoping I wouldn’t lose them. Looking up, I saw the dogs racing side-by-side as always, chasing the reason for Jac’s abrupt turn, a red-tailed squirrel.
I sat up on the pavement to assess the damage, which didn’t seem too bad. But the rock-baggie had split, scattering my treasures everywhere. As I was debating what to do about it, I saw my cheek begin to get in the way of my vision, and blood was dripping on my coat. Thankfully I had two tissues in my coat pocket and used them while riding the rest of the way home.
As today’s hours have passed, my body has “described” to me exactly what happened, yelling about two toes, three fingers, two knees, four teeth, one back and my prize-fighter face. Finally, at Mary’s urging, I agreed to go to the emergency room. Compassionate next door neighbors donated six hours to the cause, chauffeuring me to the hospital and bringing me back home afterwards, along with three prescriptions, a water bottle and a warm blanket.
After arriving home with a broken toe, torn tissue around one knee and a “developing” face, my mind was flooded with reasons to be grateful. Despite an eye full of sand and gravel, my eyeball wasn’t cut. I’m also glad Jack wasn’t hurt and that my bike still works. I’m grateful my neighbors were home and willing to give so generously of themselves, and I’m thankful Nate didn’t see this face. If he had,a lecture would have been forthcoming for sure.
Jack, Sydney and I were planning to load the Highlander and head for Chicago to spend tonight with Louisa and Birgitta before the five of us began another road trip to Florida early tomorrow. But with only one eye looking through the windshield, I decided the girls should come to me instead. I’m thankful to have capable drivers willing to clock the 1400 miles to our destination while I chill out doing other things in the back seat. As for my rocks, I’ll go back in the morning to gather them up.
Today I’d had the perfect Plan A with a well-ordered to-do list, but God had pre-arranged a Plan B. And in his plan, I found many reasons to be thankful.
“The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.” (Psalm 138:8)
Glad you survived the fall and thank you for taking it in such good stride. I recently came across your blog.I’ve been encouraged by your postings – some of them are confrimation of how I exeperience God’s work in my life. …and as I read some I think “that one is for me” You wrote in one of your blogs that you are praying for your readers. Thank you. I pray that God will continue to bless this ministry of yours. Lots of blessings
Margaret – I’m SO sorry for your fall! Sounds like you got banged up really good, but I’m glad it wasn’t even worse!! I’m so thankful that God provided that your neighbors were home and available to help you out. At least you have a little while to recover before you head over to England!! Have a restful ride to Florida with the girls and a fun time while you are there. I’m glad you get to go visit Linnea’s family again so soon. Love you lots!
Oh my goodness, Margaret. You are just going to confirm to everyone in England that Chicago really is populated by gangsters- they’ll never believe the bike thing. 🙂
Wow- no lecture, just so thankful you are in good enough shape (despite the picture and assessment of damages) to blog after that one.
Love,
Terry
Praise the Lord for no broken hips or arms or a concussion. Look forward to seeing you Easter weekend.
“And He shall give His angels charge over thee . . .” Knowing how bad it could have been, if you look closely where you fell, you might find some angel feathers. How nice that the colors on your face match the colors on your jacket. Hope you packed lots of deep purple, dark blue, and green and yellow outfits so you can look color-coordinated no matter what your face is doing. Seriously – may you heal quickly and have minimal pain.
Oh my, Margaret, you are so right, we plan and then we adjust! So glad you are OK and that in time you will look like yourself again. And yet, He is in the middle of it all, so glad! Enjoy your trip.
Weird – I found myself tearing up with this post… maybe it’s because you remind me so much of my mom… maybe it’s because I’m starting to feel protective of you somehow! Not sure, but so glad you are okay and that your plans for your trip won’t be thrown off too much. Take care and thanks as always, for sharing your Christ-like perspective.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your presence with Margaret all the time. Be especially close as she goes to visit family in Florida, and then on to England soon. May she truly enjoy the time with everyone, see Your hand in all the circumstances, and grow to be more like You with each passing day! In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Dearest Margaret….my heart almost stopped as I progressed through the reading of your blog! It appeared that your head/mind and arms were intact or you wouldn’t have been able to write. Your picture confirmed my fears of injuries which could have been so much worse. Am so very thankful that you survived your fall and will be OK within time. God protected you from more catastrophic injury, but you sure look banged up. So glad your neighbors could help you in this crisis. PLEASE be careful and not so adventurous. My prayers are with you for a safe and non-adventurous trip to Florida. Much love,
Rebecca
I am so glad you had no damage to your eyes. I hope the swelling goes down soon.
I find myself with a warm feeling of excitement any time I get ready to read your blog. It is the anticipation of being abut to find a new treasure of wisdom. This morning I saw your photo and the feeling immediately changed to concern. However, by the time I finished reading I had a smile on my face and I was counting all the blessings in my own life that God had brought out of unexpected change of plans and bad situations…Bless you!!!! And THANK YOU for your daily commitment to bless others! Love
Thank God, Margaret, you were not hurt any worse…altho it looks like you’ve been in a fight…and you were..with the bike and sand. A blessing that your neighbors were home and helpful.
Hope you and the girls have a safe trip to Fla…and I k now Linni is looking forward to your visit. We look forward to seeing you all Easter weekend.
God bless.
Marni, I am so thankful that the damge is not worse, and thanks for listening to Mary. How God provides, with neighbors, doctors and caring sisters. Will be praying for you as your on the road. I’m sure Sky will have lots of questions about Grandma Midge’s owie. Have a great time in Florida Love you
Now that you know you’re okay, (and we’re all glad you are), I can tell you that if you’ve seen the movie “UP”, you’d know exactly what was going through Jack’s mind when he spotted that red squirrel. Actually, I think you’d love the whole movie (especially the first few minutes when you see what commitment means and how you are such a wonderful example of that. (I’m partial to “UP” because our son-in-law wrote, directed, and got an Oscar for it.) As Pete has said, “commitment is not a burden; it’s an adventure!
You are covered in prayer, dear friend.
The Lord is more than enough.His healing hand is covering your face with His healing power.Be safe and the Lord bless you on your trip.Karin -friend of Marge Bryant.
Hi Margaret:
It made me hurt to see your picture! Rememberances of falling off my bike came zooming back as I read your blog. I’m so grateful that God is in the Plan Bs of our lives. Thank you for your thoughts today, and I’m praying for a speedy recovery.
Kathy
Wow that is quite a shiner! I am thankful you are OK–but you will still be feeling this one for quite a while. A broken toe heals so slowly and there is so little they can do–experience talking–It was a frozen whole chicken falling out of my overly stuffed freezer. Thank the Lord for His care from your neighbors and good advice from your sister. Lovely ouchy photo.
Hi Margaret – I am just catching up on your fall a few days ago. Ouch!! I hope that it is healing and that you will enjoy your time in Florida.
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