Last week I spent finishing off an essay and revising for exams due to start today (11 Jan). I had spent about four hours revising on Saturday morning when I suddenly became aware of someone calling, although I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I ignored it for a while but eventually went to investigate. To my horror I found Christine lying on the ground clearly in serious pain. The medical professional in her was still operating and she said, ‘Call an ambulance and tell them I’ve broken my right tib and fib. Then bring me a duvet, a pillow and two paracetemols.’ As I say, ever professional!
Loading Christine into the air ambulance
The paramedic who came was great but said we couldn’t get an ambulance up our drive (we’re still snowbound) and called the air ambulance. In less than four minutes from take off she was at Ysbyty Gwynedd!
Since then it’s been a whirlwind! It turns out that Christine’s diagnosis was accurate but only part of the story. It was a very bad break in several places and her knee and tibial plateau (whatever that is) has been damaged as well. She had a CT scan this afternoon and the Consultant Surgeon has decided to do the operation to pin and plate tomorrow as it will be a long job and he wants to be fresh. I’ll drink to that!
In the words of the song, What a difference a day makes. From immersion in University exam revision to hospital visits, running things at Trosgol, trying to keep everyone informed, walk the dog, and worry for Wales. Well I shouldn’t, but I do. I even managed to get lost on a 7 mile journey I’ve done hundreds of times!
One thing I am overwhelmed by is people’s kindness. From friends at Church, University friends, Facebook friends, everyone is universally caring. I can’t think very straight at present and people have spotted needs and come up with specific offers. One friend has taken our Welsh Collie Rhosyn for a few days as she is completely confused by Christine’s absence and I have to shut her in while I am in the hospital. I’ve been inundated with offers of meals – I’m torn between pretending to be a New Man, equally at home in the kitchen and accepting the offers. Actually with my fried brain at present, I think the offers win! Also, a couple of pals, Robin and Paul, have regularly rung up just to check I’m OK.
Thanks to the more than 50 people who have sent good wishes and prayers on Facebook, the 37 people who’ve sent texts and those who’ve rung. I have to say that if ever I’m asked to do one of those vacuous interviews where people list all sorts of things about themselves; when it gets to the question, ‘What is the greatest human attribute?’ – I’ll answer in a heartbeat – kindness.
