No More Chicken Chasing

It finally happened.  I fell again.  A bad one.  Loose gravel on road
going up the hill across from my house,  I hit the gravel and the foot
on the ground went flying and so did I --up in the air--then falling
hard on my back.  The chickens came running and gathered all
around me.  They were making "keening" (distress) sounds.  I tried
to reassure them I was OK.  (I really wasn't) and they all wandered
off except for Blondie.  Me sitting on the road wasn't "normal" and she
knew it.  She stayed close by for about 15 minutes, and then she went
with the other chickens and I was alone.  And I tried.   to get up, but
couldn't due to loose gravel/sand.  I was stuck there--without a coat--
and it was quite cold.  So I cried--like that would help.  I could try backing
up the hill or moving down the hill.  Going up would be more difficult.
And more difficult to walk back down, assuming I was able to get up.

I chose to go down the hill.  I rationalized that it wasn't that far really.
True, it wasn't.  But this is how I had to do it.  Both knees were
sprained--or so it felt like.  I had to raise my body with my shoulders,
and move forward one butt-length at a time.  And rest after three of
these very awkward movements.  I finally made it to the corner; the
street sign was quite sturdy but if I missed, I would end up in a ditch,
one that was quite deep.  I prayed and went forward, then grabbed
for the pole the street sign was on for dear life.  I swung back and
forth for a while.  Just couldn't get my balance.  My knees wouldn't
work.  Finally, I re-gained my balance and was able to stand.  I made
my way slowly across the highway and down my driveway and into
the house.

I was quite shook up.  I probably will be for quite a while.  I've never
felt so stranded in all my life.  Settling into the recliner with my feet on
a warming pad, I took a pain pill which didn't touch the pain.  Even now,
two days later, my back and neck, shoulders, and legs continue to hurt,
and it's difficult to even walk around inside the house.

So no more chicken chasing.  I thought the walking was helping me
get stronger, but not so.  That is the worst fall I've had.  This is definitely
a "blue" Christmas.  I feel as though I'll never truly have a life again.


All for now--

Kate Thorn