A Slice of Laughter: July 2012

On July 9, 2012 Allison broke her leg. It's something we don't talk about because it's really hard for Jason. To make a long story short, Jason was carrying Alli to the back of the pickup with the intention of sitting her down to tie her shoe so that she wouldn't fall. Somehow, he slipped and he and Alli fell down a bar ditch. Jason landed on Allison's leg and it broke in two spots. Now obviously, we all know that this was a freak accident but because Jason is such a caregiver and protector, he has really struggled with this. However, for me anyways, this event is more of a paradox.

Fast forward almost two years....

I can really see a difference in how our daughter lives her life due to this accident. She's always been so scared to try anything. In fact, she often would ask, "Will I get hurt?" But now, she has truly cowgirl upped! No longer is she letting fear control her, she's accepting her fears and doing it anyway! (Yes, as I write this I tear up but with happy tears! My heart overflows with pride in our daughter.) Her recovery journey was long, 1 surgery and three casts, equalling 3 1/2 months total to be exact. It was itchy, painful, terrifying (having a saw blade coming at you on three occasions would be a bit much for a 5 year old) and at times she was embarrassed. Afraid of what kids at school would say. Would they make fun of her? When she started Kindergarten, she was still in a wheel chair because her first cast was too heavy for her to lift using the walker. Well, she made it and it turned out better than we could have ever hoped for.

Our family was so touched and blessed by the community we live in. Our friends, neighbors, and church family rallied behind us with endless support. It gave us a real sense of belonging and acceptance. What was more humbling, was the love and compassion that these people showed our daughter. Everyone was so good to her...prayers, gifts to pass the time, words of encouragement, intentional motives to make her feel confident...And Alli herself changed so much. She finally got over her fear of the water and passed level 1 swimming lessons! That same summer, she said goodbye to her training wheels and is now quite the little speedy Gonzalez on her bicycle. She's playing machine pitch softball, climbing hay bales, working cattle, and numerous other things. I see so much more confidence in her and an inner strength that's unbelievable for a person her age. I pray that this is a life experience that she will recall and draw strength from. When I think about this time, it reminds me that God's in control, not me, and that He has plans for my girl. I trust Him. So, breaking her leg wasn't ideal but, I can see that it has built some great character in her, and I believe that's exactly what God wanted for Alli.