I fell this week and did a face-plant in the parking lot. (The first thing I did after extricating my face was to look around to see if anyone had witnessed my klutz act). Let me tell you something, a broken nose isn't one of those attractive, socially acceptable type of mishaps - you know, the kind where no one can actually see the damages, but can be effusive in their sympathy. Nasal fractures are the yucky kind of injury, and and the yuckiness is out on full display. Plus, every single person who expressed their horror and concern about my injury did so through poorly suppressed laughter - even those people that I brought into this world! Something about splatting your face on the pavement is apparently very funny!
But, in a rare moment of Pollyana-ishness, I've realized that even busted noses have a bright side. I've been blessed with some great friends, wonderful kids (the above-mentioned laughter infraction notwithstanding) and a supportive Captain who made this unpleasantness bearable. The Captain waited on me, shuttled me to various appointments and brought chocolate goodies when he thought I had reached the end of my tether! I've been showered with all kinds of well-wishes.
My friend Fran sent a box with these directions:
And inside, all kinds of goodies for pampering - tea, cookies, eye mask (actually a fantastic idea for any eye/nose problem needing the power of COLD), manicure stuff and some great sunglasses to hide behind.
A big envelope came from Boston daughter that made me laugh out loud when I opened it :
What do you get for someone who has busted their nose? Some replacements, of course! And glasses, complete with noses! And chocolate, because she knows her mother very well.
Gift certificates, fancy flowers from coworkers - a girl could get used to all this attention!
While I love all the goodies, I'm most happy that I have such kind and thoughtful people in my life. Acts of kindness make us all better people and the world a better place. Me and my poor nose are feeling the love.
A sense of humor goes a long way!
ReplyDeleteHang in there Deb!
oh, you have my sympathy! i did the same thing, at work. i give anesthesia at a moderately large hospital. yes, somebody saw me go down and hit the pavement, leading with my nose. and all of a sudden, i found my embarrassment surrounded by the "crash team: the security truck, the ICU nurses, armed with resuscitation equipment and a wheel chair, the orderlies, the aides, the e.r. staff...and me, claiming to be "fine", all while leaving a liberal donation of my hemoglobin in the driveway. i eventually wore an "altered badge" i made, with boxing gloves on it, for the better part of a month, while i healed. still have a scar from the divot of skin lost from the bridge of my nose. the broken nose eventually got better, but my clumsiness lives on. and the ICU staff still ribs me... be well. rest, wear your groucho glasses with pride. and remember that chocolate cures nearly everything. (marilyn d/ann nonymous/ghengismom, from the altered books group)
ReplyDeleteMarilyn - In a previous life I was an ED nurse, so I can absolutely picture the scene you described! I also know that these are not people who would ever let you forget it! at least I was spared an audience, especially one with a defibrillator!!!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Marilyn - In a previous life I was an ED nurse, so I can absolutely picture the scene you described! I also know that these are not people who would ever let you forget it! at least I was spared an audience, especially one with a defibrillator!!!
ReplyDeleteDeb