Inside: I’ve been away from this space for a few weeks, and this is why. ~
I had big plans for April.
Projects to do. Words to write. Weeds to pull. People to see.
You know how it goes.
Then on March 25, I ate breakfast and hopped on my bike for my morning ride. The next thing I remember is being in a hospital room a few days later.
According to eye witnesses that Tuesday morning, I stopped at an intersection, pushed the walk button, waited for the signal to turn green, checked to make sure no cars were coming and started across the road on my bike.
I never saw the Subaru that ran the red light and hit me in the crosswalk.
No, my plans for this spring did not include spending 19 days in various hospitals with brain trauma, skull and neck fractures and a broken leg that required emergency surgery.
That statement seems so blunt and dramatic. But sometimes, I’m learning, you have to say what happened before you can say anything else.
I’ve missed being here every week. At the same time, the healing process has been far more taxing than I ever imagined it could be.
The good news is that I am improving. I don’t always think so, but the friends and family members who see me regularly assure me that I am.
I haven’t done much of anything these last few weeks at home except read books on the couch, receive loving care from Randy, eat meals provided by neighbors and struggle to accomplish tasks that seemed second nature before.
I don’t know how all this is going to turn out or how long it will take.
I do have peace, though. I do believe God is with me and has gone before me every step of the way.
Perhaps more than anything else, I’m incredibly thankful.
I’m guessing each one of those sentences will become its own blog post at some point. Until then, I’m resting in the words of the old hymn I heard over Easter weekend, and I invite you to join me too.
“I hear the Savior say, thy strength indeed is small, child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.”
♥ Lois
I don’t know how all this is going to turn out or how long it will take. I do have peace, though. I do believe God is with me and has gone before me every step of the way. Share on XNote: The beautiful yellow flowers in the photo above arrived at my home on April 25, one month after the accident. As my mother-in-law said in the accompanying card, “It could have been so bad, but God is so good.” Amen to that!
P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
46 comments
Keeping you in my prayers – praying that immense goodness come out of the pain and overcoming! I think I love your MIL for her beautiful note!
Thanks so much, Maryleigh. 🙂
Lois I’m so sorry to hear all you’ve gone through with the accident. Praying you recover fully. Thankful for Randy’s loving care. Hugs, Marilyn & Derl 💓
Thanks so much, Marilyn. We miss you and Derl! 🙂
Dearest Lois,
I just now read about your horrible accident! All I can say is “WOW”!!! I am so truly grateful you have lived, although it sounds like you’ve had a challenging past almost 2 months of recovery. I will be praying for you, now that I finally know about the pain you’ve been experiencing. I am truly praising our Lord that you survived. 🙏🏻❤️🩹🙌🏻
Aw, Jen … I am praising God with you for the same thing. The recovery process has seemed slow at times, but I can see progress week to week and that is encouraging. I am so thankful for your prayers and concern. ♥️
dear one, somehow i missed this post, but glad it popped into view this morning. God keeps you on my heart each day and i am so glad to see you writing and moving forward slowly but surely. we’ll never know why He allows so many things in our lives. but we are sure and steadfast in His love for us.
sending you a hug this morning. praying even as i tap away here.
xo
Aw, Linda … I am so grateful for your concern, prayers and faithful encouragement. It means so much to me! ♥️
Lois, I’ve not been blogging or reading others’ blogs for a while, but I read your post today, and I’m so sorry to hear about your accident! I’m glad you’re on the mend. Praying for your continued recovery and sending love.
Thanks so much, Lesley! ♥️
Oh, Lois!!! I’m just now reading this post tonight. I had no idea this happened to you. I’m so sorry to hear that you were hit, but I’m glad that you are recovering now. Sounds like you’ve been on quite a journey!
Aw, Lisa … thank you for your kind words. I never expected anything like this to happen to me and you are right, it has been quite a journey! Hugs, friend!
Lois, precious woman of God, I was so shocked to read your letter regarding your terrible accident. Bill and I will pray for you during your time of recovery. Scripture that I have clung to and noted in my Bible, is a prayer that I turn to frequently. May I share it with you?
Psalm 90:14-15
Satisfy LOIS in the morning with your faithful love so that she may shout with JOY and be glad all her days. Make Lois rejoice for as many days as You have humbled LOIS, for as many years as we have seen adversity.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name trust in You because You have not abandoned those who seek you, Lord.
Psalm 7:24
Though LOIS falls, she will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord holds her hand.
This is a prayer I turn to for one who is suffering, one who needs the closeness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
You and your family hold a special place in our hearts. We love you!
Aw, Mary … it’s so good to hear from you. I love the scriptures in your prayer and am SO thankful you shared it here. We need to catch up soon … much love to you and Bill!
Oh my friend, I’m continuing to pray for you as you recover. Praise the Lord you are home, recovering, and have peace in the Lord.
Thanks so much, Bethany. Sending love to you today, friend.
Keeping you in my prayers, Lois, for continual healing and rest! Thanks for your words here, and letting us know how you are doing. And yes, God is good.
Thanks, Lynn! Did I see you are back in our writing group? I hope to join this session at some point, but holding those plans loosely. 🙂
Oh my. I’m so sorry. Praying for a full recovery.
Thank you so much, Annette.
I’m so glad you’re on the mend! Praying for your full recovery.
Thanks, Cricket! ♥️
I’m praising God for your healing and recovery, for the strength and resilience He has given you. At the same time, I’m so sorry that this has been your experience. May His peace cover you as you continue to heal.
Thank you for your kind words, Brie.
I’m so sorry to hear of your accident!! It’s stories like these that sometimes make me worry about my husband when he rides. (He likes to ride gravel.) I’m glad to hear you are recovering. Give yourself all the time it takes to fully recover. Praying for your recovery.
Thanks so much, Grace. ♥️
Lois, I’m so glad to hear from you! We’re still praying for you, for continued healing and patience. You know, as I write this, I see your welcome message to the right. You say, “As long we’re here on planet Earth, God has a purpose for us. This is true no matter how old we are, what we feel on any given day. . . .It can be a struggle, though, to believe this and live like it. It requires divine strength and eternal hope. And so I write, one pilgrim to another, in an effort to encourage us both as we navigate the long walk home together.” In a way, this seems prophetic. You are still using your hard to honor God’s work in your life. Thank you for that.
Aw, Ashley … thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. Your words were just what I needed this afternoon. ♥️
Welcome back !
Thanks, Barb!
Lois, I haven’t been a very good friend these past few years. I read your posts and leave it at that. I’m sorry about your accident (you didn’t say whether the driver stopped or drove away), and I’ll add this to my specific prayers for you.
Randy deserves extra stars in his crown for being such an incredible partner and leader. Hugs to him!
So good to hear from you, Suzy! Yes, thankfully the driver did stop, along with several other witnesses. And I agree about Randy … he has taken such good care of me this whole time. Hope you are well!
Lois, I am so sorry this happened to you. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.
Thanks so much, Shanna. ♥️
I am SO happy to hear from you personally in this space again. We’ve been praying for you since we first heard of the accident. I shared about it with my Bible study ladies, and they ask about you every week.
I am thankful, as well, that the accident wasn’t any worse–though it seems plenty bad enough! Healing is so often an up-and-down journey rather than a straight upward trajectory. But I am grateful for the progress you’ve made and pray it continues. I’m especially thankful for your peace of heart–I’ve prayed for that for your family as well.
Aw, Barbara … thanks so much your prayers and for sharing with your Bible study ladies. You’re right about the up-and-down aspect of healing … I’m trying to hold my expectations loosely and take one step at a time. I know all the prayers have made a huge difference. ♥️
Covering you in prayer for healing and peace through this healing process! So much love coming your way!!!
Thanks so much, Laura. So good to hear from you! ♥️
““I hear the Savior say, thy strength indeed is small, child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all.” Now you have me singing that song 🙂 I am continuing to pray for your full recovery!
Thanks so much, Joanne. So grateful for you, friend. ♥️
I have been waiting for you to appear again because I wanted to tell you that I am praying for your recovery!
And this sentence is so important: “ But sometimes, I’m learning, you have to say what happened before you can say anything else.”
Thanks so much for your prayers, Michele. It took me a while to figure out what to include in this post, and the sentence you mentioned definitely helped me figure it out. 😊
I thought you had gone on an extended vacation. So sorry to read about this unfortunate accident. I’ll be praying for continued healing and strength.
Thanks so much, Anita. ♥️
Oh no, so sorry and so relieved that you are recovering. God is good.
Yes, He is! Good to hear from you, Carole.