Miracles all Over - but sometimes we have to slow down to find them!

On January 22, I was doing story time at the Library like I do every Thursday morning.  I usually do some movement and songs with them and then a story and then some more movement and songs. The majority of them are Nursery and Sunbeam age children - baby to about 3 or 4.  This particular day we started off with an Animal March where we were clapping jumping and stomping.  About halfway through the song, I felt a little one behind me while we were jumping and  in an effort to not fall on the little, I caught my foot in the TV cord and fell very ungraciously with a very hard jolt.  I heard a snap and new immediately that something in my back had broke.  With adrenalin flowing I was able to scoot back into the corner but I wasn't able to stand up.  At first I thought the wind had just been knocked out of me but in my efforts to move - I realized I wasn't going anywhere. After an ambulance ride to the hospital - it was discovered I had a wedge compression fracture in my back (L-3).  I was reassured that I would not need surgery but I was in for a three to four month recovery.  I don't know if the tears I shed were from the injury or the worry that I would not be able to finish our mission! Elder Lowe and our friend Brother Hyrum Mitchell gave me a blessing which gave me the promise of a complete recovery.  I must admit my faith was a little weak as I contemplated maybe the words my husband spoke were the words he wanted to say rather than what the Spirit was telling him to say.  It wasn't long until I felt completely self chastised for those thoughts as I realized I was experiencing many miracles.  Let me explain to the best of my ability what I mean by that -  I was not able to move on my own the first 24 hours.  Sitting was almost out of the question, not to mention the only places I had to sit were on a very Asian low to the floor couch which I have trouble getting out of when I'm in good shape.  I had been instructed by the doctor ( and he is a miracle in this story as well) to move as tolerated and the old fashioned lay in bed with a broken back was not the advice they give anymore because of the deterioration of the muscles if you don't move.

As I am now a little over three weeks out from the injury I have been contemplating the miracles I have experienced.  

Miracle #1 - As they were loading me in the ambulance - I asked Elder Lowe to call our Elders Quorum President, he is the Orthopedic Surgeon - if you know me it is not in my nature at all to ask for help especially to impose on someones career.  As a result, he was able to come into the Emergency room and assist with care.  Since we are retired, we are only allowed a space available at the hospital on base, but he graciously made room for me. 

Miracle #2 - happened the first night as it took me several minutes to lay down with the help of my husband, I finally found a position of comfort and a warm feeling rushed over me ( I call that the Holy Spirit) and manifested to me that I would be able to sleep and be lifted up due to the many prayers that were being offered on my behalf.  At that very moment I received a message from a dear friend who told me her three year old had just said his nightly prayers and asked specifically for grandma Lowe to feel better. I actually slept very peacefully that night and was able to get up and down on my own. This was such a quick blessing as it was only a very short time after wondering if I would be able to move without the help of my husband again..

Miracle #3 - the morning before I fell I was texting a family member about the wonderful people who had touched our lives - but I wasn't sure whether I was making an impact on theirs - we have been flooded with stories from people about things we have helped them with as they have come to our home to visit and bring food and cheer.  

Miracle #4- Coming to the realization that GOD REALLY DOES PUT US WHERE WE ARE NEEDED!  Learn to take time and sit back and notice the many celestial collisions or actions of others on your behalf - and then take the time to recognize God has put them there for you!

Miracle #5- The sweet ladies in my congregation searched and found a chair for me to sit it because as I said before, my furniture was not conducive to sitting in with a lower back break.

 Miracle #6 - I guess the most obvious one is how fast I am healing.  I was able to walk on my own the second day and my balance has been pretty good.  ( I think I willed it - because the doctor was ordering a walker and I DID NOT think I should need that yet in my life, call it my stubborn nature!) My legs get tired faster which is hard for me because that has always been my strong part. But I have been able to get back slowly to the missionary work and I have been able to allow others to serve me.

Miracle #7 - I have not needed any opiods to aid with the pain. Only Celebrex/advil and tylenol.  And the miracle here is in the past my body has not ever been helped by Tylenol but it has been this time.

I could go on and on about this but in an attempt to repent of my lack of faith in my original blessing, I felt strongly prompted by the Spirit that it was my obligation to testify of the power of priesthood blessings in my life and the power of healing! 

Thanks for Reading!

Sister Lowe