Warning labels, flash fires and the importance of being true

 

A quick update to say thank you for the notes, texts, messages and kind gestures you have sent our way.  We are grateful for the kindness extended to our family.  I will eventually get around to responding to them all but for now this update before I fall asleep again!  I have slept most of the past 11 days and my body is healing slower than I would like especially my right arm and hand.  My left hand and face definitely look like they’ve been through an ordeal but it is my right arm that is the source of pain and the focus of Lawson’s concern and vigilant care.  So, here’s what’s been going on.

It has been an extremely painful week and a half since the flash fire that burned me.  It is absolutely the last thing we needed as the deadline for leaving for Australia nears.  In spite of everything, I am so incredibly thankful.  I could need plastic surgery.  I could have lost my eye sight.  And, the very worst…it could have been Eve instead of me.  Let me back up a bit.  I did something I should not have done.  I was multitasking and distracted!  I sprayed ScotchGuard in a poorly ventilated space – the bathtub.  I usually have the door to our outdoor shower open for ventilation or spray things outside but for some reason I forgot on this occasion.  I later went to clean that space so Eve could wash the dogs there.  I almost asked her to do it.  I almost exclusively use organic cleaning products so just forgot what I was dealing with.  Never again!  The fire happened so fast.  All I truly remember is Eve’s terrifying screams and pain on my face and arms like I have never felt before.  It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced!  After that it is all a bit fuzzy.  I was in shock and frightened.  It frightened us all.  Lawson raced me to get medical attention and well….it’s hard to remember past that.  The thing I know though from the years where my parents were sick and my children were younger and I was constantly on the road in between my parents home and ours, juggling time with my children and time with my parents, is that when we have major life transitions, or trauma’s going on it is easy to not think straight.  Accidents are far more likely to happen during times like these.  While we work hard to practice mindfulness in our life, sometimes life can get overwhelming.  This has been one of those times.

My beloved Lawson is the one to whom I owe my greatest thanks.  He has been my nurse, lovingly changing my dressing, which I have to say would have me passing out if I had to do it myself, several times a day, bathing me and shouldering not only his load of the work toward this Aussie adventure but mine as well!  One of the qualities I was looking for in a mate all those years ago was someone who I felt would be true.  I think it is one of the most important traits anyone can possess.  I also think it is incredibly rare.  I pray everyday that our girls future husbands will have this quality!  I believe they will because they will know what to look for because of their dad, just as I did thanks to my sweet papa!  When there has been an accident and you are in pain, when the long term impact of an accident is unknown, when you face the possibility of being disfigured and you wonder how your mate will respond, being married to someone who is true is the most extraordinary of gifts!  My Lawson is so true!  I never, ever, ever take this for granted!  A true soul is so hard to find but worth the time and wait it takes to find them!  As e.e. cummings said…

FullSizeRender (19)

 

 

 

Indeed you are all those things Lawson!

Now, back into hibernation to continue to heal!  Loving thoughts to you all!  Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and again, for your thoughts and prayers!

 

 

 

 

Facebookredditpinterestlinkedinmail

10 Comments on “Warning labels, flash fires and the importance of being true

  1. Oh my! I had no idea ScotchGuard was so flammable. I haven’t used it in awhile and now won’t. So glad it wasn’t “worse.” My healing thoughts are being sent your way!

    • Thank you so much! Yeah, neither did I. Thanks for your thoughts! They have really helped! I am healing nicely!

  2. I cannot even bring myself to understand or think of you in pain. I cannot for the life of me accept that this happened to you… all you have written and all I have read from Lawson has not clicked until now – I am myself clueless as to how it could’ve happened knowing you as I do. My heart is broken as I feel your agony but it swells with pride to know Lawson is by your side… he, as my Bill is, is a once in a lifetime mate. I love you both and only see positive from this ordeal. Not today and not tomorrow, but soon. I love you dear friend and hope that the pain is but a memory where the love of your family is the eternal “flame” that lingers. Your friends always, The Lowery Family

    • Thanks so much dear friend! I am healing nicely now! The first week and a half were brutal but I slept through most of it! I am slowly easing my way back to life again! Yes, we both have the best of husbands! Sending you much love today!

  3. Dear Susannah…. what a terrifying ordeal you have had to endure. I am so very sorry. The pain from a burn is unlike no other. And yes, you are so right…when our stress levels rise, it’s one of those times where it is easy to be distracted. Omg, I can only imagine the horror. Thank God for your husband and family. And your ability to appreciate the gifts you have been given in life…..despite this latest setback. Hoping and praying that you can heal and continue on your way to AU in May. And that your pain heals quickly. You may have a long road ahead, but your strength prevails. Xo Mamacita_Stone

    • Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. I will be praying for your recovery. You have truly found a gem of a man! Eighteen months ago my 85 year old mother fell on the door of a hot oven and severely burned both her arms. She had surgery on them and you can barely tell anything every happened. From her experience I know you are in a lot of pain but pain means healing! Please keep us updated on your health and move. Love to your whole family, Kay

      • Thanks so much Kay! Oh bless your sweet mama! I am so glad she has recovered so well! That is wonderful! I am improving very swiftly and so thankful for that! I slept through most of the first week and a half but that no doubt assisted the healing. It could have been so much worse…especially if it had been my daughter instead of me. I can’t imagine seeing her in such pain. Thanks again!

    • Thank you so much Judy! Yes, it was terrifying! Just something I had never thought of happening unless there was a house fire or car accident… The first week and a half were brutal but I slept through them and am healing nicely now and almost off all pain medicine. I look a little rough but that will improve! Thanks again for your kind thoughts!

  4. Thanks for the update, Susan. Rest and heal. Father, bless and heal your daughter.

    • Thanks so much Roger! I am so grateful for others thoughts and prayers! They have helped so much!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *