I was walking, trying to get in my daily five miles when I slipped and began to fall. I tried to stop myself, but Mr. Gravity took me down to the sidewalk. So I rested a moment, and then tried to get up, but my right leg wasn’t working! What? A kind lady had just parked her car at Huddle House and she came straight over to me. She couldn’t get me up by herself so she went into Huddle House and came out with a kind man. Between the two of them they were able to get me on my feet. Another kind gentlemen stopped, pulled a chair out of the carport of the empty home and had me sit down. But the damage was done, and another kind soul sat in her car and called 911 as we prayed softly. The EMTs arrived soon, helped me into the big red vehicle and off we went to Piedmont Henry Hospital. Before we left, more paramedics arrived and one agreed to go to the Henry Hilton and find my family’s phone numbers on the fridge. He did announce his arrival as he entered so Norman would understand. As I rode to Eagle’s Landing Parkway, my son, Ron showed up to the house and then texted his siblings so they would know.

  Sadly, I was diagnosed with a broken hip. A kind surgeon arrived, did some repair and inserted a metal rod into my bone. I was still pretty achy, but he predicted that it would heal well. Soon they met with me to see which rehab facility I would like to spend my next few weeks at, so I chose Sylvan Grove in Jackson. I got to ride there in a Mercedes van on that next trip and of course the staff was as cordial as the EMTs and Piedmont Henry healers had been. 

  The folks at Sylvan Grove also had the ‘spirit’ and were warm and professional as they began my exercises and rehab. They worked on me, gave me lessons and made sure I was comfortable and with as little pain as possible. The first pain pills I took were very strong and made me very sleepy. I was eventually able to get by with Tylenol. Whew! I worked with physical therapists and occupational therapists who  were very persistent in getting me to do as much as possible. I’m glad they sent me home with a list of the exercises, and instructions about how many and how often. 

  Good to be back on my street, and get to see family, and our howling blind cat Shadow too. I’ve had some GREAT casseroles and meals delivered by kind souls and there are still a few in the freezer. I am very grateful that  daughter Sam and son Ron are spending their days and nights here. My son Leslie is stepping in to help them get home and see family. Our pastor has kept in contact and used the calling post to let my fellow Methodists know the latest on me. 

  The next interesting excitement involves Home Health Care and I have already met with one of them to give him all my information. He had me do some walking and he informed me I needed to move more, and be able to get my injured leg up off the floor too. I’m taking short trips up and down the hall, and around the living room and kitchen. I’m thankful that my adult children all came together and downsized the Henry Hilton. It is now a lot easier to move around in with me on a walker and Norman in his wheelchair.   

  I am sad that I fell, but glad I have such a wonderful family and two great medical facilities nearby. PTL!

  Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough with her husband.