This is a long post, if you want the condensed version, feel free to scroll to the bottom :)
We assume that when things fall into place and the road is smooth ahead, all we need to do is just keep traveling along and all will be well. But then, in an instant, being completely taken off guard, the brake is slammed against the floor and there you stand stock still wondering what happened to that smooth road and question why did I have to stop.
It has become an annual event - some crazy people thought it was a fantastic idea to jump into freezing cold water to celebrate the New Year. “It’s great for your immune system!”, “It’ll be fun!”, “You gotta try it, at least once!”. My swim team gathered together to take a plunge into the waters of Lake Macatawa on New Year’s Day. Out of stubbornness, I hadn’t worn a suit to the event the previous year, even though I was one of those crazy people who suggested the event - other people could be brave, I would watch. I was NOT going to be talked into doing it. Alas, I regretted it, not participating that is. So, I was determined and wore my suit this year, convincing myself that yes, it is great for your immune system and it would be fun and hey, at least there is no ice on the lake like there was last year.
Standing on the dock with the other 19 polar bears waiting my turn, I debated - do I jump and get it over with quickly or do I take the slower route and go down the ladder. I decided to jump. Why not? I’ll be in and out in no time. Caught up in the excitement and adventure, my brain wasn’t processing the check list of: ok, how high up are we on this dock, what is the depth of the water, is it safe, can I see what’s underneath me? I mean, really, I was a recent graduate of the Red Cross Water Safety Instruction Certification Class, of course I would be going through those questions in my mind right? Nope.
1, 2, 3….. I jumped.
Instant pain shot up my right foot. Determined to fully submerge in the water and do a true polar plunge, I ignored the pain and ducked under the surface. I came up and held my ankle and attempted to put weight on it. It wouldn’t hold me at all. I’m in trouble….. I thought maybe I had just twisted it and hopped over to the awaiting ladder. One foot on, then the right foot… Nope that’s not happening. Ok, hop. Hop. Hop. One rung at a time. A friend of mine who was waiting for his turn looked me in the eye seeing the pain in the grimace of my face and said, “Shanna, are you ok?” I shook my head and simply replied, “No.”
After getting off the ladder and up on the dock with the help and support of many, I hopped and hobbled to the house. I was placed next to the roaring fire that was already going to help warm up the athletes that decided to brave the water. I was immediately surrounded by people, offering help. Ice was applied and warm drink was given. Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to drive home I called Travis and told him he’d have to come pick me up and to bring ice and cabbage leaves :) I love cabbage - it helps with the swelling. He came. We went to the ER. Scans were done. It is a fractured right heel. WHAT?!?! Really? I hit that hard? Alas, it was so.
I would have to wait one more day to find out that the fracture was bad enough that I would need surgery, so today (Friday, January 5th) four days after my big adventure, I was wheeled into the Zeeland Hospital Outpatient operating room - having marked my toes with a smile to designate the correct foot - and 3hrs later it was done. The surgery went smoothly for the most part. I have plates and screws that will remain in place to support the heel. It took a bit longer than expected as the specialist spent an hour just repositioning the pieces of the bone before setting them with the screws. They gave me a nerve block to help with the pain, which has been so helpful. We returned home around 7pm and have since taken over my son’s bedroom, as Travis and I have our bedroom downstairs. Bad heel and stairs, not a good combination.
I was given hope that after about 5 wks, I'll be able to swim again, though I will be restricted to no load bearing on that right side for a total of 10 - 12 weeks. So I'll have swim coaching withdrawal, because I love to coach. But God has blessed me with an opportunity to focus more on Him, to work with and prepare Barend for his graduation this June, to sit and listen to Tiller tell me all about what he has found out about forging and to listen to Juniper practice her music and Japanese.
To all those that have supported me from the moment you recognized I was in trouble to all those that have sent texts, emails, food, hugs, care packages, loaned me items that will help in the recovery process and most of all prayers, words cannot express how much I am deeply and truly thankful for you all!!!!!
The prayers were heard and answered.
I had to stop, because He wanted me to - so that I would grow to trust Him more, to learn patience, and to be reminded of His faithfulness in His provision.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:4-9
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
Polar Plunge Time
Jump or Ladder
Jump
Instant pain in the right foot.
The hop, one rung at a time up the ladder
“Are you ok”
No.
The hopping along the dock
Ice
Warmth and fire
Smiles
Crutches
Support of friends
Cabbage and more ice
ER
Scans and waiting
Fractured heel - thankful. It could’ve been much worse
Phone call to specialist
No sleep first night
Next day news, surgery is required
Phone calls and emails to HAC, clients, friends and family - no coaching for 10 to 12 weeks
More support of friends
God continued to provide and sustain
Answered prayers and peace of mind
Little to no pain
Waiting
Surgery Day
Smiley faces and talks of how great cabbage is to the nurses
Sleep
Awake
Ready for home.
Resting.
Continued peace.
Hopeful.
Next time, I'll use the ladder :) :) :) :)
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