Wednesday, August 21, 2013

It's a Lemony Snicket kind of week.

So, as of the first of last week I was feeling pretty good about my life in general.  We were ahead of the game as far as getting Teri and Tina (of Shepherd's Bush fame) ready for market.  Then, everything started to deteriorate.

My air compressor decided to give up the ghost  but in it's dying breath decided to break the foot off my computerized mat cutter.  My loving husband galloped in on his white horse and not only found me an amazing new air compressor but took my cutting head to the repair shop and had it back to the studio within the day.  Of course, when I put it all back together it still wouldn't work so we were down another day while we had to have a service call.  Thankfully, we had a willing, timely, and skilled repair man.  Finally, after a little re-calibrating we were running again.  Whew.  I finished up the market samples.

It was almost this exact moment that my Courtney decides to break the news that she's too busy with life in general to work for me any more.  Heavy sigh.

Saturday, as I'm leaving the studio I see that I'm closely following an ambulance.  I'm wondering to myself what the appropriate following distance is for an ambulance as I pull up to my own house.  My first thought was, " No, it's at the neighbor's house.  Don't panic."  My next thought was, "Oh, dear.  My husband was working on his car engine and it fell on him!"  Closely followed by, "No, he got the engine back in the car a couple of days ago.  That's not it."  I look through the crowd of EMTs to see my
husband deeply in shock - as white as a sheet - huddled on my neighbors porch.  (my poor neighbor didn't look much better!)   He had been cutting something with his table saw and his hand got pulled under.  I held it together long enough to make it to the emergency room and then I went into shock.  I cannot begin to describe the sickening feeling of watching someone you love so dearly go through such physical and emotional pain -and the odd euphoria of knowing he was going to live.

After a six hour wait for an operating room, I'm pushing the call button to have someone release us so we can go find another hospital and this rockstar of a surgeon walks in. (Dr. Barnett, you are a dream!)  At that moment I knew everything would be ok.  We poured ourselves into his capable hands and everything instantly started getting better.

I won't go into the gory details, but after lots of re-attaching of various bits, it looks like my sweetheart will keep all of his fingers.  I have already made the transition from horror to gratitude.  I suspect it will be a little harder for my husband to get there as he goes through the painful process of healing.

The long and (horrifying story) short of it...
I've had a change of priorities.

As I try to keep running the business while nursing my man back to health I'm finding that I have reached my breaking point.  I know that I'll make it through the next few weeks with the help of my close friends and amazing co-workers (who happen to be one in the same) and my loving family.  I just want to apologize in advance for the professional slippage that looms in my near future.

As I spend time by my husband's bedside, I have time to ponder the blessings of my life.
I want to take this moment to say a heartfelt thank you to my steadfast and loyal Lois, my positive and unbelievably capable Amber, my talented and uplifting Kari and my witty and amazing Kelly.  I am eternally grateful to have you all in my life.  Last but not least...I want to thank you, my dear readers, for your patience
with me as you witness my ups and downs.  I am filled with love for all of you and deep gratitude as you buoy me up through this difficult time.

With gratitude,
Jill

29 comments:

Keeper of the Crowes said...

Oh my goodness, Jill. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Unknown said...

Shaking my head. Such a lot for you to deal with in such a short time. You are a strong person though. We don't get pictures of the gory hand? lol

Daffycat said...

Ow, ow, ow! My DH tore the tip of one finger off in some machinery at work a couple years ago. That was a long, painful recovery...it made me literally sick to see him in so much pain.

Your poor husband. Take care of him and yourself as well!

Kevin said...

Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your husband. Thank goodness the doctor was able to operate on his hand. Your priorities are in the right place, of course. Health and loved ones always come first, and I'm sure your customers will understand this. Hang in there, Jill!

Cari said...

Oh Jill...when it rains, it pours. Please take care of yourself, your sweetie and the puppies...IN THAT ORDER ! You are dearly loved and you simply must take care of your sweet self. Hugs, hugs, and more healing hugs. <3

Cath said...

Hope your husband heals well and quickly .Take care xxx

Andrea said...

My heart was in my throat when reading about your husband. I'm so sorry he had such a horrifying accident. You're right, there is NOTHING worse than seeing your loved one in pain or suffering....been there with my husband, so I feel for you.
Sorry to also read you're losing some of your help.
Stay strong and trust that there is more help out there somewhere for you, things will get better.
Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

woolwoman said...

OMGosh - I am so sorry to hear that awful news and also all the discord this is adding to your already taxed schedule. You'll get thru it all with prayer and understanding. Best wishes to you and your DH - Melody

Melody said...

Oh my, something like this sure puts things into perspective quickly! I'm so sorry to read about your husband's accident. Here is hoping his healing time goes well. Best wishes to you both!

valerie said...

How scary Jill! I am so glad that your hubby is ok and recovering. Please take care and get some rest. It sounds as though things have been very hectic for you lately.

Rita said...

Praying for your DH and you.

I'm sure you're hoping for a boring upcoming week. Way too much excitement in a short time!

Cathy Lloyd said...

Love you Jill! Take good care of everyone important in your life!

Tatkis said...

What a terrifying story!
Stay safe and calm! It's just a black period.

Hugs,
Tatyana

Katrina said...

OMG, your poor DH and poor you!!!! Hope he heals quickly, lots of prayers.

Christina said...

Sending good thoughts your way. Hope your DH is on the mend soon.

The Nebby Needle said...

Please, please don't worry about my La D Da (Zippity Do Dah) piece...NO HURRY AT ALL! Family first.
Bonny ~*

Carole said...

Warm, healing thoughts coming your way from
California....put your business on the back burner on a very,
Very low flame and take wonderful care of your hubby!

Teresa said...

You have your priorities right....you will do what you can and your customers will understand and wait as long as needed. Prayers for a speedy recovery and therapy for your husband. Take good care of him(as I'm sure you will).

Terri said...

Hugs and prayers!

Julie Harvey said...

Oh Jill, I'm so sorry to hear of all that's happened! Any one of those things would have been enough all on its own!. At least your hubby is ok & they were able to save his hand. My thoughts & prayers are with both of you as he recuperates. Be sure to take care of yourself as you take care of him. We'll all still be here waiting for you when things finally get back to normal.

Elisabeth said...

Oh Jill i know what your going thru.My DH has been going for about 3 years with ankle surgery.So sending prayers your way.You will need all the prayers as the care taker.Bless you and your Husband
Ellie

Anonymous said...

Sending hugs and healing prayers to you and your DH. Take care of yourself and him. Everything else will take care of itself. Dixie

Laura said...

Sweetie...! Oh, my gosh....! Sending major prayers your way...

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

What an awful experience for you both. Thank heavens the doctor was able to save his hand. I hope he recovers well.

I'm sure everyone will be very patient while your nurse YOUR patient.

Anonymous said...

so sorry about the accident, it sounds like a great deal of pain.
sending you all lots and lots of hugs,
I'm sure everyone in their right mind will understand what you're gong through and wait for their turn to come.
your family and loved ones have to come first. take care of yourself too, it matters just as much.
love,
chiara

Anonymous said...

Best wishes to your husband for a full recovery. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Denise in NJ

Sandy said...

My prayers for you and your husband. I'm so glad that you have a great doctor. Just focus on taking care of your husband and don't forget to take care of yourself also.

Jenna said...

Jill, of course you need to reprioritize your life to focus on your husband! I'm sorry to hear of his ordeal but so glad that you have the support of a competent surgeon. Their skill makes all the difference. As a customer of yours, I think that your work is so amazing that I would be more than happy to wait. It is worth it to have my precious handiwork handled with the utmost care and respect and turned into a vision of beauty. I wish you and your husband all the best as you proceed through the recovery period

MysteryKnitter said...

Oh no! That's terrible! I mean your DH. I wish you both all the best. Do not panic about your customers. They can wait. You and your DH are number 1 at the moment.