The X Ray was very difficult to look at. Two of them actually. You see, he had broken both legs clean through mid-way down the femurs in a toboggan accident. That was over 18 years ago and it happened to Andrew.
I can still remember the evening. On my way home from work, told that Andrew was in emergency with broken bones. Dam...we were 2 weeks away from a planned vacation. Maybe we could get him in a cast and on the plane.
It was not to be.
I got to the hospital and rushed to the emergency ward. Things were eerily quiet around Andrew but he was scared. I'll never forget that face. There he was in bed with both legs inverted. He was in pain but he was gritting his teeth.
The doctor took us to the X Ray screen and showed us the results: both legs broken clean through. What? He would have to spend 6 weeks in traction with his legs inverted then a further 6 weeks in full leg casts. How?
He was admitted later that evening and his brother's came to visit. They were scared as hell. I know each had his private feelings but Court, his twin brother was really affected. And you know brothers...love/hate on the best day. This was not one of the best days. When time came to leave the hospital for the evening they did not want to leave. I believe some gentle force was required.
I did not leave. I spent that first night with Andrew in the room with him not sleeping on the only chair in the room. The pain of seeing him in pain was unbearable. "Please God, break my legs and fix his...anything to take his pain away". It was a long night.
Questions, questions: would he ever walk again? Play baseball, the game he loved. Oh, and let's not forget school...
I am reminded of all this as I deal with the bone fractures I suffered recently (
Is this the day I no longer run). Nowhere near as severe as Andrew suffered those years ago. What keeps me going is knowing that bones do knit, injuries do mend and the memory fades away. I keep that top-of-mind.
Andrew's bones did mend. Even stronger than ever. He went on to play rep baseball throughout grade school, high school and into university where he and his twin brother Court won the Provincial Championship while at Western. Additionally he led the Iona Football team for 4 years as the starting Quarterback. The highlight for me was watching Andrew, Court and Holden all playing high school football together.
Oh and school...his teachers and friends rallied around and made sure he kept up with his work and not spend his days idly watching television. He graduated last year from DeGroote with an MBA.
Those 6 weeks in the hospital were tough. We visited him every evening. We've been tight ever since.
Broken bones do mend.
Until next time..ThatRunninGuy
