My Handicap Miracle
3 lessons I learned from a fractured ankle…
“Your living is determined not so much by what Life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to Life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”
My word for 2019 is Expansion. When I set an intention and consistently focus on it, the Universal Law of Attraction rarely fails me. Though I’ve learned the delivery system can answer in such a way, that at times I miss seeing the gifts, clues, and lessons all together.
A couple of weeks ago Life gave me a huge opportunity to stretch myself and I didn’t even see it coming.
I was up at the ranch, eager to finish chores and feed the horses so I could head home to finish packing. My husband and I were leaving early in the morning for our trip to Cancun, Mexico. I’d actually packed most of my suitcase already which was a rare accomplishment for me. Seems I’m usually still stressing about what to take at the 11th hour.
As I bounded down the snow path to the barn my boots slid on the ice underneath. I flipped up, then landed hard. I could hear and feel a slight snap before excruciating pain ripped up my right leg.
Slumped over I held onto the rail of the fence, willing myself to breathe and assess what had just happened. There was no one there to help me and no one but me, was going to feed the horses and close the upper gate.
So I did just that. I could feel my boot growing tighter as I limped around the paddock, filled the Porta-Graziers with hay and then made my way back up through the pasture to close the gate.
Then I got into my car and drove the 30 minutes back to Evergreen. Many times I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. The only option I knew was to hold it together, get home, ice my ankle and get to the airport in the morning.
Probably the worst part of this whole experience was that day after. I pushed my bruised, aching, swollen stump into a snow boot and then dragged myself through DIA to our gate. I propped my foot up on the back of the arm rest of the seat in front of me and slept for our 3 1/2 hour flight.
Next I stood and snail-ed forward for 90 minutes through customs in Cancun. My husband and I talked about a wheelchair while we watched several folks go to the front in the handicapped line.
Handicap is defined as…a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult, a condition that markedly restricts a person’s ability to function physically, mentally, or socially.
I certainly qualified, though identifying myself as such was a new concept.
In hindsight, I know I made the right decision to still go to Mexico in my altered state. The following morning our Concierge arranged for a trip to the ER at a downtown hospital, where I was treated with professionalism and care.
X-rays confirmed a small fracture and I returned to El Presidente and our vacation, wearing a heavy black boot and sporting crutches.
Here are 3 Lessons I learned from my fractured ankle:
1) I learned how moving more slowly offers a rich different perspective of a familiar experience.
Being handicapped -being limited in movement, awkward and obvious in my big black boot and maneuvering on crutches, I felt less than my usual self. I appreciated the attention and support people offered, yet I hesitated to actually ask for help. I experienced a true empathy for myself and for people who live in vulnerability at the mercy of others.
2) I learned surrendering to my situation allowed me to really take care of myself and be present in my Life.
I spent a lot of time in our room. I turned off the air conditioning and enjoyed the warm breeze that accompanied me through the open door. I sat in a steady rolling desk chair which I used like a wheelchair to push myself around. In between writing and doing Mastermind homework, I took naps. Real siestas. I enjoyed practicing my Spanish with Adriana each morning when she came in to clean our room. And sometimes, I’d just sit quietly, look out over the ocean, and be still.
3) I learned being grateful can attract and reveal miracles.
Many people, including my husband, truly want to help if I will just tell them how. The entire week, the staff at the hotel were graciously accommodating. The two men who pushed my wheelchair at the Cancun and Denver airports were kind, attentive, and skilled in their service.
On our way home I felt a kindred connection with all the other handicap travelers. I was even grateful for the heavy boot as it legitimized my right to move through the handicap line.
My healing has been remarkable since returning home. I am so grateful for the love, prayers, and support that continue to buoy my spirits and remind me that all is well.
When I reflect upon my experience, being handicapped was one lesson that taught me to be open and receptive to the everyday miracles of Life!
PONDER THIS:
What is one miracle you learned to recognize through personal trauma?