In the beginning...
A call no one wants to receive.
The first 24 Hours
July 4th is a time of celebration for most people in the US. This year I found myself with just three of us at home. My sweetheart off making a living for our family, and my older children scattered living lives of their own. The three of us left behind here enjoyed a mellow day, and even went out for pizza, movies and treats. I waited patiently for a good night text from my sweet man, when an unknown number called through. The first time, I ignored it and let it got to voice mail. When it called back, I decided to answer, and thank goodness I did.
As many of you may be aware, our family had to make a big move due to a big job change. We were blessed 10 months ago for my husband to find regular work after quite some time of searching. In order to reduce his commute time home from 22 hours round trip every third week to 4 hours, we made a giant leap of faith and moved our entire clan from Montana to Wyoming. We miss many Holidays together, but have been so thankful he has a job.
This was the first 4th of July we haven't spent together in years. I was eagerly waiting to hear from Seth. When the call came in, on the line was one of my cowboy's supervisor. He explained Seth had been in a serious accident and was just about to go into surgery. Apparently he had fractures in his arm which needed attention. I was told he had a concussion, had injured the bone around his eye and had something which looked like road rash. I was able to talk with Seth just a few moments before he went into surgery. He sounded tired but ok and I now know he was down playing his injuries so as not to worry me. It had taken hours for someone to reach me because he could not remember my number. This should have been my first clue he was down playing the injuries. The second clue should have been it had taken hours for him to remember my phone number.
I received several calls that night from people at his company. All dealt swiftly with the logistics of getting me to him as quickly as possible and helped take the strain off. Then there was the task of calling all the children, family, and close loved ones. I had brief moments of panic, praying for peace as I hate the month of July. I have had several losses in this month and when something occurs in July, it can cause me to lose focus and balance.
The hardest task to undertake as a mother, is to call her children and let them know their dad has been seriously injured. I was able to get a hold of several of them quickly, and others it took days. It took several days to reach our son on the fishing boat in Alaska. Everyone took the news hard. This man I am married to is a wonderful father and all of our children have such special relationships with him.
Sooner than expected, I received a text he was out of surgery and after waiting a couple of hours called the hospital to check on his condition. Though they had my name and number from Seth's supervisor, the staff refused to give me any information. At first the nurse at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND did not seem willing to even transfer me to his room. I told her that it was poor hospital policy not to transfer a wife to her husband's bedside phone, and I would appreciate it if she could find someone willing to either transfer me or give me an update on his condition. I guess she decided it was best to transfer the call, though I now know he was unable to reach the phone at the time. After packing for the trip coming the following day, I managed to doze off for a few hours.
July 4th is a time of celebration for most people in the US. This year I found myself with just three of us at home. My sweetheart off making a living for our family, and my older children scattered living lives of their own. The three of us left behind here enjoyed a mellow day, and even went out for pizza, movies and treats. I waited patiently for a good night text from my sweet man, when an unknown number called through. The first time, I ignored it and let it got to voice mail. When it called back, I decided to answer, and thank goodness I did.
As many of you may be aware, our family had to make a big move due to a big job change. We were blessed 10 months ago for my husband to find regular work after quite some time of searching. In order to reduce his commute time home from 22 hours round trip every third week to 4 hours, we made a giant leap of faith and moved our entire clan from Montana to Wyoming. We miss many Holidays together, but have been so thankful he has a job.
This was the first 4th of July we haven't spent together in years. I was eagerly waiting to hear from Seth. When the call came in, on the line was one of my cowboy's supervisor. He explained Seth had been in a serious accident and was just about to go into surgery. Apparently he had fractures in his arm which needed attention. I was told he had a concussion, had injured the bone around his eye and had something which looked like road rash. I was able to talk with Seth just a few moments before he went into surgery. He sounded tired but ok and I now know he was down playing his injuries so as not to worry me. It had taken hours for someone to reach me because he could not remember my number. This should have been my first clue he was down playing the injuries. The second clue should have been it had taken hours for him to remember my phone number.
I received several calls that night from people at his company. All dealt swiftly with the logistics of getting me to him as quickly as possible and helped take the strain off. Then there was the task of calling all the children, family, and close loved ones. I had brief moments of panic, praying for peace as I hate the month of July. I have had several losses in this month and when something occurs in July, it can cause me to lose focus and balance.
The hardest task to undertake as a mother, is to call her children and let them know their dad has been seriously injured. I was able to get a hold of several of them quickly, and others it took days. It took several days to reach our son on the fishing boat in Alaska. Everyone took the news hard. This man I am married to is a wonderful father and all of our children have such special relationships with him.
Sooner than expected, I received a text he was out of surgery and after waiting a couple of hours called the hospital to check on his condition. Though they had my name and number from Seth's supervisor, the staff refused to give me any information. At first the nurse at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND did not seem willing to even transfer me to his room. I told her that it was poor hospital policy not to transfer a wife to her husband's bedside phone, and I would appreciate it if she could find someone willing to either transfer me or give me an update on his condition. I guess she decided it was best to transfer the call, though I now know he was unable to reach the phone at the time. After packing for the trip coming the following day, I managed to doze off for a few hours.
He was a passenger... and he ALWAYS wears his seatbelt!
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Seeing the condition of the rig, I know it is a miracle to still have him!
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Early on the morning of the 5th, I received a call from "R" at his company (real names not used) who was quickly trying to find me a flight out to Minot. I literally had moments to get out the door if I even hoped to make the plane. I dug my debit card out leaving it with my son, as there was no time to go get him cash, and knew I had just enough to get me through the day until I got to Seth... he had all the other cards. No big deal... right? Wrong. First the traffic and construction put me behind.
When I arrived at the airport I discovered something I had never seen before. In Jackson, Wyoming you must pre pay for extended parking, instead of parking and paying when you return. I dug through for my cash only to discover when I had taken out my card, I had left behind what cash I had. Sigh... miss the plane or get my car towed. I decided to run for the plane.
Though I arrived before the gate had closed, the airline would not let me on the flight, even though I explained my dilemma. He was not to be swayed, so I called "R" back at the company. At this point I can honestly say I was having trouble fighting off the tears. United decided at this point to go ahead and bump me to the 1 pm flight. It would leave me with a 6 hour layover in Denver and 3 hours in Jackson before the flight, but I was just thankful to be headed in the right direction.
There was then time to figure out my parking situation. After a good cry in the front seat of the car, I called my sweetheart, who now had made sure I could get through to him and carefully explained the dilemma. It was frustrating to worry him. He remembered rather quickly his sister's friend from high school lived in Jackson. After a quick call to her mother, who lives back in Montana, I was able to give her a call. She was so pleased to be asked to help. This warmed my heart. Here I was feeling like a burden, and she extended me great kindness, going out of her way not only to let me park the car at her home, but fixing me a sandwich and soda, before taking me all the way back out to the airport.
Of course several flights leaving Jackson were delayed. It was very confusing. The gentleman from the UNITED ticket counter was now at the gate. He was announcing things so quickly and it was hard to understand what was being said with his thick accent. Many people were confused and frustrated. I stood in line to find out how long my flight was to be delayed and if the gate was changed, when he left the counter to yell at me. This man was well aware I was dealing with a very stressful situation and chose to make things harder for me instead of having compassion and lending a helping hand. I am not kidding... he told me I "had plenty of time to make the next flight and to go sit back down". I took a moment to calm down, watching him treat a pregnant woman the same way, and then set off to find a different United employee who could answer our questions. I carefully explained the situation to the next gentleman, who gave out the necessary information. After an extra delay of two hours, I finally boarded a flight to Denver.
Upon arriving in Denver, I was tired, emotional, and hungry! I was feeling quite sorry for myself when I saw a mother walking through the airport with three screaming toddlers. In my heart I decided right then and there it was all about perspective and it was important to stay positive. While people watching, time was passed talking with my mama and sweet sister. Both encouraging me and helping me feel their love. Have I said "I love my sister"? She is fiery and defends me when she believes a wrong has been done... family is a wonderful gift. A few moments after we hung up, she let me know she had called the United Airline and complained of how I was being treated and insisted they find me, apologize, and make it right. I love that. I love knowing there are people who love me enough to be indignant and angry for me, particularly when I am just not in a place to have the emotional fortitude to do it myself. No apology was forth coming, of course, and I have to say United will be a last choice for me when choosing an airline for future trips.
While waiting for the plane, the supervisor "Horse" (they have nick names on the crew and I have changed his slightly! lol) was with Seth and able to give me a few moments on the phone and then relayed messages back and forth via text for us. This helped pass the time and made me feel at ease. Knowing Seth was talking, and even trying to laugh left a great feeling of peace. Eventually, it was time to board the plane for Minot and after a bumpy flight in the rain and lightening, we landed. Carry on luggage only and I was loaded into the truck waiting for me, and off to the hospital. There was a moment when the hospital was not going to allow me in considering it was after visiting hours, but "Horse" convinced them to give me a few moments. I would not have taken no for an answer anyways, and would have insisted on an administrator.
As I was walking into the room, Seth heard my voice, and pulled himself out of bed. I was not prepared for the condition he was in. I literally gasped " What do you need honey, Ill get it for you," thinking he was getting out of the bed for something, not considering he felt the need to get to me. He laid his head on my shoulder and whispered "I just need you." There was this moment, arms around him, feeling his breath, hearing the pain in his voice, where time stood still. Every struggle, every memory, every blessed moment together seemed to pass through my memory, and I felt deep gratitude and thankfulness for having the chance to hold him. Things could have been very different.
I knew we only had moments, and after a quick scan of his injuries and the room, I was angrier than you can imagine. He was still dirty from the wreck, having not been cleaned up at all, and it had been over 24 hours. The bedding was filthy, covered with dirt, blood and puss that had been draining from the un bandaged arm. Knowing the importance of working with the hospital staff in a cooperative manner, I calmed myself and went looking for a nurse, asking only for additional blue drape cloths in which to cover the mess of the bed for the night, knowing I would be back first thing in the am to give him a sponge bath. She seemed put out and shocked I wanted him on clean pads, but acquiesced to my wishes. When asked if he could have ibuprofin, she said would check the orders later and see if it was allowed. I explained while he wasn't keen on regular pain killers, he would like something to help him sleep. The attitude was this was an intrusion and she would get to it on her time.
When I arrived at the airport I discovered something I had never seen before. In Jackson, Wyoming you must pre pay for extended parking, instead of parking and paying when you return. I dug through for my cash only to discover when I had taken out my card, I had left behind what cash I had. Sigh... miss the plane or get my car towed. I decided to run for the plane.
Though I arrived before the gate had closed, the airline would not let me on the flight, even though I explained my dilemma. He was not to be swayed, so I called "R" back at the company. At this point I can honestly say I was having trouble fighting off the tears. United decided at this point to go ahead and bump me to the 1 pm flight. It would leave me with a 6 hour layover in Denver and 3 hours in Jackson before the flight, but I was just thankful to be headed in the right direction.
There was then time to figure out my parking situation. After a good cry in the front seat of the car, I called my sweetheart, who now had made sure I could get through to him and carefully explained the dilemma. It was frustrating to worry him. He remembered rather quickly his sister's friend from high school lived in Jackson. After a quick call to her mother, who lives back in Montana, I was able to give her a call. She was so pleased to be asked to help. This warmed my heart. Here I was feeling like a burden, and she extended me great kindness, going out of her way not only to let me park the car at her home, but fixing me a sandwich and soda, before taking me all the way back out to the airport.
Of course several flights leaving Jackson were delayed. It was very confusing. The gentleman from the UNITED ticket counter was now at the gate. He was announcing things so quickly and it was hard to understand what was being said with his thick accent. Many people were confused and frustrated. I stood in line to find out how long my flight was to be delayed and if the gate was changed, when he left the counter to yell at me. This man was well aware I was dealing with a very stressful situation and chose to make things harder for me instead of having compassion and lending a helping hand. I am not kidding... he told me I "had plenty of time to make the next flight and to go sit back down". I took a moment to calm down, watching him treat a pregnant woman the same way, and then set off to find a different United employee who could answer our questions. I carefully explained the situation to the next gentleman, who gave out the necessary information. After an extra delay of two hours, I finally boarded a flight to Denver.
Upon arriving in Denver, I was tired, emotional, and hungry! I was feeling quite sorry for myself when I saw a mother walking through the airport with three screaming toddlers. In my heart I decided right then and there it was all about perspective and it was important to stay positive. While people watching, time was passed talking with my mama and sweet sister. Both encouraging me and helping me feel their love. Have I said "I love my sister"? She is fiery and defends me when she believes a wrong has been done... family is a wonderful gift. A few moments after we hung up, she let me know she had called the United Airline and complained of how I was being treated and insisted they find me, apologize, and make it right. I love that. I love knowing there are people who love me enough to be indignant and angry for me, particularly when I am just not in a place to have the emotional fortitude to do it myself. No apology was forth coming, of course, and I have to say United will be a last choice for me when choosing an airline for future trips.
While waiting for the plane, the supervisor "Horse" (they have nick names on the crew and I have changed his slightly! lol) was with Seth and able to give me a few moments on the phone and then relayed messages back and forth via text for us. This helped pass the time and made me feel at ease. Knowing Seth was talking, and even trying to laugh left a great feeling of peace. Eventually, it was time to board the plane for Minot and after a bumpy flight in the rain and lightening, we landed. Carry on luggage only and I was loaded into the truck waiting for me, and off to the hospital. There was a moment when the hospital was not going to allow me in considering it was after visiting hours, but "Horse" convinced them to give me a few moments. I would not have taken no for an answer anyways, and would have insisted on an administrator.
As I was walking into the room, Seth heard my voice, and pulled himself out of bed. I was not prepared for the condition he was in. I literally gasped " What do you need honey, Ill get it for you," thinking he was getting out of the bed for something, not considering he felt the need to get to me. He laid his head on my shoulder and whispered "I just need you." There was this moment, arms around him, feeling his breath, hearing the pain in his voice, where time stood still. Every struggle, every memory, every blessed moment together seemed to pass through my memory, and I felt deep gratitude and thankfulness for having the chance to hold him. Things could have been very different.
I knew we only had moments, and after a quick scan of his injuries and the room, I was angrier than you can imagine. He was still dirty from the wreck, having not been cleaned up at all, and it had been over 24 hours. The bedding was filthy, covered with dirt, blood and puss that had been draining from the un bandaged arm. Knowing the importance of working with the hospital staff in a cooperative manner, I calmed myself and went looking for a nurse, asking only for additional blue drape cloths in which to cover the mess of the bed for the night, knowing I would be back first thing in the am to give him a sponge bath. She seemed put out and shocked I wanted him on clean pads, but acquiesced to my wishes. When asked if he could have ibuprofin, she said would check the orders later and see if it was allowed. I explained while he wasn't keen on regular pain killers, he would like something to help him sleep. The attitude was this was an intrusion and she would get to it on her time.
I wish I had had before pics: this is once swelling went down in half
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Left arm fractures after surgery and pins
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Day 2
41 hours after my sweet man was in his roll over, I was finally able to be with him and take care of his needs. Only three hours of sleep at the hotel, left me exhausted but the body is amazing when there is an important task to do. It was very hard for me to relax and sleep knowing the condition he was in.
I arrived just as visiting hours started. "Horse" drove me to the hospital and waited close by to help with anything we needed. When I inquired about a basin to give him a sponge bath, I was told he was in fine condition, though he was still covered in dirt and grime from the accident, and his bedding was covered with all manner of puss and blood coming from his wounds. Not to be deterred, I turned "on my southern" and sweetly asked for the needed items. (soap, cloths, basin, tooth brush, and clean bedding). The nursing staff that day was very attentive and brought in the needed items.
There is something sweet and humbling about providing your spouse with a sponge bath. This big strong man leaned on me, trusted me, and needed my care made me thankful every second for our relationship. The basin was filled with warm lavender water, and soon not only was he clean but the room seemed fresher and brighter with the scents of home filling it. It was apparent to "Horse" and I the immediate change in his energy, health, and over all attitude. He kept saying he had "just been waiting for me to arrive so he could heal." He was just waiting for me to come take care of things and felt until my hands were there, the world wasn't right.
After his bedding was changed by yours truly, it was time to let him sleep. Seth's supervisor "Horse" was a God send. That man just smiled and pleasantly took me everywhere I needed to go. I love lists and I had a list a mile long of needed items for Seth's care. While we are all for allopathic medicine when needed, we are more of the Natural and Homeopath type people. First stop was for clothing and healthy food items such as yogurt. Next on the list was to find a health food store so I could pick up homeopathic remedies for his wounds and colloidal silver.
When we returned, the change in Seth was remarkable. His swelling was down by half, his pain was decreased, and was talking of going home. The staff made arrangements for all the tests to be finished and for us to start the long trip home. Phone calls, paperwork and brief questionings about the accident for workmens comp were filled out. When I had originally spoken to the staff, it was looking as if he would be in the hospital a minimum of 4 days. After 2 nights in the hospital, I can only believe his quick release was a result of all the prayers and his being taken care of in the manner he believed in and needed.
It crossed my mind that beliefs really shape how well the body heals. Seth believed he needed me there for him to be able to focus on healing. He believed herbal and home remedies were best and needed to be balanced with his allopathic care. My faith and belief in prayer is center point and even the cowboy had to admit he was being watched over and living through the crash was a miracle. There is a focus in our relationship on love and it's ability to create an optimum environment for healing. We have been given this incredible gift in our relationship which has carried us through many hard times and I have no doubt it will carry us through this.
41 hours after my sweet man was in his roll over, I was finally able to be with him and take care of his needs. Only three hours of sleep at the hotel, left me exhausted but the body is amazing when there is an important task to do. It was very hard for me to relax and sleep knowing the condition he was in.
I arrived just as visiting hours started. "Horse" drove me to the hospital and waited close by to help with anything we needed. When I inquired about a basin to give him a sponge bath, I was told he was in fine condition, though he was still covered in dirt and grime from the accident, and his bedding was covered with all manner of puss and blood coming from his wounds. Not to be deterred, I turned "on my southern" and sweetly asked for the needed items. (soap, cloths, basin, tooth brush, and clean bedding). The nursing staff that day was very attentive and brought in the needed items.
There is something sweet and humbling about providing your spouse with a sponge bath. This big strong man leaned on me, trusted me, and needed my care made me thankful every second for our relationship. The basin was filled with warm lavender water, and soon not only was he clean but the room seemed fresher and brighter with the scents of home filling it. It was apparent to "Horse" and I the immediate change in his energy, health, and over all attitude. He kept saying he had "just been waiting for me to arrive so he could heal." He was just waiting for me to come take care of things and felt until my hands were there, the world wasn't right.
After his bedding was changed by yours truly, it was time to let him sleep. Seth's supervisor "Horse" was a God send. That man just smiled and pleasantly took me everywhere I needed to go. I love lists and I had a list a mile long of needed items for Seth's care. While we are all for allopathic medicine when needed, we are more of the Natural and Homeopath type people. First stop was for clothing and healthy food items such as yogurt. Next on the list was to find a health food store so I could pick up homeopathic remedies for his wounds and colloidal silver.
When we returned, the change in Seth was remarkable. His swelling was down by half, his pain was decreased, and was talking of going home. The staff made arrangements for all the tests to be finished and for us to start the long trip home. Phone calls, paperwork and brief questionings about the accident for workmens comp were filled out. When I had originally spoken to the staff, it was looking as if he would be in the hospital a minimum of 4 days. After 2 nights in the hospital, I can only believe his quick release was a result of all the prayers and his being taken care of in the manner he believed in and needed.
It crossed my mind that beliefs really shape how well the body heals. Seth believed he needed me there for him to be able to focus on healing. He believed herbal and home remedies were best and needed to be balanced with his allopathic care. My faith and belief in prayer is center point and even the cowboy had to admit he was being watched over and living through the crash was a miracle. There is a focus in our relationship on love and it's ability to create an optimum environment for healing. We have been given this incredible gift in our relationship which has carried us through many hard times and I have no doubt it will carry us through this.
This was his arm upon release from the hospital.
Pre clean up... the discomfort is evident
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This was his arm after I cleaned it and applied herbal remedies.
His orbital bone and nose were broken
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First Night Away From The Hospital!
After speaking with the Occupational Therapist, I was cleared to clean his wounds upon returning to the hotel. The condition in which he left the hospital was nothing short of appalling to me. I am not a medical professional but something did not seem quite right to me. I followed the OT directions on cleaning the wound, as I did not want to cause more damage. I applied colloidal silver spray only the first night!
The following morning we realized he was going to need a little something to keep the wound from getting to dried out but also something other than a petroleum product to keep it from being too moist... there is a balance to be had. I knew Organic Coconut oil was very healing, and I had also brought organic lavender oil with me. After a quick search on the internet to make sure neither would be harmful, we bought some Organic Coconut oil and I made a mixture of the oils (lavender and coconut) and colloidal silver to apply to his wounds for our long trip home. We have met a little resistance from his health care providers about the use of natural products, but when we again tried something they suggested the wound began to smell and look bad again, so at this time we are using what is healing it.
After speaking with the Occupational Therapist, I was cleared to clean his wounds upon returning to the hotel. The condition in which he left the hospital was nothing short of appalling to me. I am not a medical professional but something did not seem quite right to me. I followed the OT directions on cleaning the wound, as I did not want to cause more damage. I applied colloidal silver spray only the first night!
The following morning we realized he was going to need a little something to keep the wound from getting to dried out but also something other than a petroleum product to keep it from being too moist... there is a balance to be had. I knew Organic Coconut oil was very healing, and I had also brought organic lavender oil with me. After a quick search on the internet to make sure neither would be harmful, we bought some Organic Coconut oil and I made a mixture of the oils (lavender and coconut) and colloidal silver to apply to his wounds for our long trip home. We have met a little resistance from his health care providers about the use of natural products, but when we again tried something they suggested the wound began to smell and look bad again, so at this time we are using what is healing it.
While still following medical advice...Our herbal apothecary. Always check with your health care provider before adding herbal and homeopathic remedies. Nothing on this sight is intended as medical advice and is only meant to share what we have been doing.
The trip home was a long one. Due to his injuries and pain level, we were not able to fly home. Thankfully, again, the company came to the rescue. They had "Horse" drive us all the way from ND to WY. I have never been more thankful for help in all my life. He was such a blessing, never complained and even drove me to another health food store when we arrived in Billings. For those who have had to take pain killers, you are probably well aware it has the unwanted side effect of constipation. Just what a person needs... right? Kind of a gross subject but since this blog is about real living and helpful tidbits I am going to let you in on a little secret. There is a wonderful tea called "Smooth Move." yeah... creative huh? It is a wonderful product to use in place of chemical type laxatives and works well. ;)
Some beauty to be had on the trip home!
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Three days after the accident
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The drive back to Wyoming was incredibly painful for Seth. He slept a lot, and amazed me with his positive attitude. As a wife, seeing him in pain is emotionally draining. He was adamant he was going to keep his pain killers at one pill every 12 hours, even though 2 pills every 4 hours was recommended. He didn't like the way they made him feel, and while the pain is not fun, he said he feels he needs to be able to gauge where his body is as so as not to over do it. So far, the pain does not prevent him from sleeping, so he is able to heal.
I was so thankful for "Horse's" help. It was a blessing to receive his text back stating we had blessed him in return with our relationship with one another. Never having thought about our interactions with each other and how they are seen to the outside world, it was lovely to know that our love and kind regard for one another is apparent.
I was so thankful for "Horse's" help. It was a blessing to receive his text back stating we had blessed him in return with our relationship with one another. Never having thought about our interactions with each other and how they are seen to the outside world, it was lovely to know that our love and kind regard for one another is apparent.
Go to next section of Cowboy Chronicles: Week One Home (here)
We have had several requests on placing a donate button to help out the family during this trying time, so after much thought and consideration a paypal button has been added. The funds will be used to cover expenses not met by insurance or workmans comp, which have already started piling up. :) Please know whether someone gives $5, $50, or just prayers and good thoughts... each every one is a gift to us, so please do not feel pressured.
