First I must tell all Happy New Year and may your 2020 bring joy, happiness, blessings from God, and a lot of quilting.
If you are one of my contacts that usually receive a Christmas or New Years greeting and have missed the Happy New Year card, I have a little story to tell.
In my last Post, excitement was in the air for the coming New Year! That was before I received another phone from Apple. About 6 that evening I started to set up the new phone (a replacement). I will condense this part – They sent the wrong phone (an AT&T carrier phone versus my Verizon carrier). That call ended at 11:00PM. Then up at 5:30 AM. I spoke to Apple again from 7 to 10:30 AM and things were looking up but we were exhausted.
NEXT phase – Tuesday afternoon adventure. Clay had ordered another American Arms 22 mag gun for Christmas. The Firearms Dealer in LV called and advised that the gun had arrived and we could come pick it up. We did and arrived home about 4:30. We headed to the Studio as I had left the new phone updating to IOS13 – of which it is reminding me of why I do not like a black cat to cross my path!!!!!!!! Remember, we were both exhausted from lack of sleep as I tell the story.
Clay was in one of his rooms and I went to my room and stopped to fix me a pot of coffee before I sat down to finish the updating of the phone and my Apple Watch. I THINK I was heading back to the other room to get my coffee when I heard the gun go off and smelled the black powder. I ran into where Clay was and he kept telling me he was sorry that he had accidentally shot himself in the hand. It was like the twilight zone. HORRIBLE
I immediately called for an ambulance. Clay is a retired SAFD Lieutenant so he knew to apply pressure to stop the bleeding. CLAY IS NOT ONE TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN – HE IS THE OVER CAUTIOUS TYPE BUT HE WAS TOO TIRED TO BE DOING WHAT HE WAS DOING! When this happened I did things that were evidently programmed in my mind, but all I could do was cry, shake and try to get him to the ambulance. Of course we had just locked the gate and my worry was that they could not get in without bolt cutters. Clay was probably in shock, and was determined to walk to the Gate (about 800 feet) to the road to meet the Ambulance!
He was taken to the Trauma Center at Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC) in San Antonio. BAMC is the premiere trauma center in the USA as far as we are concerned. He had the most wonderful Orthopedic Team to take care of him. By 10:00 PM they had decided that he would be admitted and that surgery would be on New Years Day. The surgery was successful (Surgery Number 1) in cleaning out the wound and accessing damage. He had shattered the 5th dorsal in the left hand (the bone between the small finger and the wrist). There will be another surgery in 6 weeks for reconstruction and bone drafting. We are so blessed to be so close to BAMC (about 40 miles) and to have all those angels taking care of my Clay. I never left his side, and they allowed me to spend the night with him (we went 24 hours without eating and sleeping). Because the surgery went so well (they did a block on his entire arm) we arrived home by 5PM on New Years Day.
We experienced the dedication, talent, and caring of some very young military doctors and nurses that serve our country – PLEASE REMEMBER TO THANK A PERSON SERVING IN THE MILITARY THE NEXT TIME YOU SEE ONE! THEY ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE ALONG VETERANS THAT YOU KNOW – THEY ARE PROTECTING YOU!
We had a follow up appointment yesterday and the Doctor was so pleased with how well the surgery went. It appears that he was able to close the wound up and Clay will have the 2nd surgery in 6 weeks. Then the massive therapy will start.
Yes, it could have been worse, God was watching over Clay. For me I am slowly getting over the trauma of witnessing all of this but at times, tears come. We are fine, Clay is a trooper, more worried about me, just like I am more worried about him. This is what has made us a great team for 24 years (even if the Irish guy and the Cajun lady can butt heads every now and then). LOL. It was an accident and it is not for him to carry guilt around forever. I am fine, he is going to be back to normal sooner than later, and our year will continue to have blessings!
So now you know why I have been silent for the last 4 days! I am not in a hurry to worry about any of my 2020 goals, and if I happen to miss commenting on some of the posts of others, please forgive! I will slowly go over them. I am glad that I have a lot of hand work ready to be completed. I will stay close to Clay. I am just not ready to go back to the Studio as of yet.
Hugs to all
Nanette
Chopin - A Passionate Quilter From Texas 
Thank the Lord it was only a hand, Enough though I’m sure it is still painful. Take good care of your mr special ,nothing will ran off from your studio while your busy . It is true that our military folks could do with more “ thank you “ for all they do for us.
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Yes and the doctor feels that it will be fine – might have some stiffness at the first knuckle on the little finger! We are watching football and it is the first time since Monday I feel like I am almost caught up with paperwork. Hugs
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So thankful everything went well. Take it easy yourself and remember, Clay can still vacuum with one hand! Sounds like a good time for hand work! Happy Stitching.
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I know that we owe the BAMC team a lot. I want to do something to let them know how thankful we are to the BAMC team! I will give him about a week and put that right hand to work vacuuming! LOL! Finally starting to do a little handwork. Each day is getting better for both of us. Hugs!
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You and Clay know how to bring in the New Year with a bang! I am thankful that our Lord was watching over you! May the both of you be blessed with a full recovery, and a happy, healthy New Year! 🙂
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Thank you Laura! I would not know what to do without Clay. We have spent the last 24 years totally together all the time! I used to go to the Fire Station after I left work and stayed with them until 10 PM. It was long days for me, but I wanted to be with him every minute. We were 51 when we got married and I wanted to make the most of our time together.! May you and yours be blessed and Hope they do not overwork you this year! Hugs
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Oh Nanette! Praise God that Clay only hurt his hand, and that you were able to make the necessary call! While the surgery and therapy are not how you wanted to start 2020, it puts everything in perspective, doesn’t it! Praying for you both during this recovery time.
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There is only one door into the Studio – Clay’s room. For the first time that I can ever remember I never went to see what he was doing. I just cannot let myself go with how bad it could have been. He is a person with a great immune system and heals fast. I appreciate the prayers so much. I had my quilting friends helping me. Jan stayed on the phone with me while I followed the ambulance to the hospital! She is a jewel of a friend. Hugs
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Bless you!
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OMGGGGGGGGGGG, Nanette. I can’t even read every word you wrote. THANK GOD he is okay. How incredibly scary that moment was – all the blood drained from head just reading the words. Oh holy cow. {{{HUGS}}} a bunch for both of you. There’s nothing I could say that you haven’t already thought of. Going back now to read the rest of the story. OMG, Nanette. Give him a big ‘ole hug and kiss. Thank you, Lord. Roseanne
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I tell you God wants us to hang around together awhile longer! Clay told me today that he knew I wanted to get us into a new year where we could get away from the stressors. That is why he kept telling me he was sorry. I have told him that he must not carry that burden, that we will be fine. I am very protective of him as he is with me. God blessed us both when he found me in DC in 1996! Such a sweet soul my Clay is! Hugs!
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I am glad Clay will be all right and you got through the trauma without falling apart!! Well done!! When we are tired, it is definitely not the time to be doing anything but resting!! My step-son shot a hole in his bedroom wall (it exited into the hallway and ended up in the opposite wall somewhere!) when he was cleaning his deer rifle. He’s a careful kid (adult, but still a kid to me), knows how to handle and care for a weapon…should not have happened, but it did. Glad I wasn’t home at the time!! Accidents can happen to anyone at any time and there but for the grace of God go I!! Happy New Year…now that you have the ick part defined, I hope the rest of the year is blessed.
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I know that God had his arms around us for sure! I am glad your steps-son did not get hurt and that you were not at home. One lesson out this is that as we get older, planning is great, but then be ready for those darn “ unforeseen requirements” that life can give us! Clay has finally learned to quit when tired! Thank you for your kind words. Hugs
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I am just sitting here with my mouth open. . . I’m so glad Clay will heal and the damage wasn’t worse. Take care of each other.
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Thank you. We are so blessed to have each other! It was a shock that Clay did not take the bullets out of the gun before changing grips. God loves him!
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Wow, that was definitely not the way to start the new year. So glad to hear the damage was not worse and he is recovering nicely. Take care of yourselves!
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Thank you – we are trying to add some levity so we now call him “the Shooter”! We are truly blessed that it was not worse! I feel that he will make a full recovery with little problems afterward. BAMC will provide the best care for him. We really like his doctor! This is where the soldiers came when the war started in 2003 for care! They are wonderful. Clay is a Vet but not retired. He served 6 years in the late ‘60’s. Hugs
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Oh my gracious!! What a way to ring in the new year!! I sure hope Clay heals successfully, with little pain and discomfort. Blessings to you, my friend!
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Thank you – Yup went out with a ‘bang”. He is not having any pain now and doing well. The time will pass fast and we will be back to our normal life…. Thank you for the blessings. Hugs
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I am so grateful that both of you are doing well. That had to be truly terrifying for you.
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Yes Mary, it was traumatic, but I am better than yesterday and tomorrow I will be even better. Neither one of us are ready to go out to the Studio – not yet! We are enjoying relaxing in the house for awhile. Have a great year – Hugs
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Wow sorry to read you two went through that and I hope he keeps healing.
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We will see how well he is doing tomorrow at checkup. I am dealing with trauma, but pushing forward! It will go away soon – I am praying that the hand is going to be 100% good!
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Prayers are coming your way. Please take a rest-both of you. Just sit and enjoy the day. Happy thoughts. I live around several military staff and they are the best. They never hesitate to help.
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Thank you Nancy – Clay feels so stupid and is really upset with himself. Hope you are fine!
Love those military – I always preferred working with them rather than another civilian!
Hugs
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Oh my word Nanette! What a bunch of things to happen all at once for you all… I hope your phone, watch, husband, and yourself are update and relaxed today… I am glad he was able to have surgery quick at the medical center near you. My honey is a veteran but our “local” med center for him is almost 100 miles away. So they tell him to go to our local hospital instead which is poor unfortunately… we would have to have driven him the 100 miles… and my honey would have gone to meet the ambulance too… lol! Take care and rest well. You are gem and I am glad you hubby is in healing condition now with no further surgery needed until this heals some. So new years day now … and around Valentine’s day for his other surgery???!! Hope 2020 simmers down for the two of you!
Kathi
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Thank you Kathi! Looking like a February surgery date! I really feel for him – so difficult for either of us to have to be recuperating……It is hard for Type A’s. The phone was a small problem, it was the eye surgeries and my problems after surgery then problems with idiots. But we are blessed that the damage was only done to the palm and little finger bone!
Have a great 2020
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Nanette,I am so sorry to hear about Clay! What a horrible few days y’all have had. Praying for a quick and full recovery.Thank you for calling me before my surgery. I had every intention to call you back when I left work that day, but ended up working until 10 that night trying to get everything done before I left. I am still home recovering. Hopefully will be able to start going to work for a few hours at a time next week. I’m sure missing my momma!I hope the rest of your 2020 goes better!Carol Koenen Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S9+, an AT&T 5G Evolution capable smartphone
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OH Carol – so good to hear from you! I miss you Mama more than ever. It has been so hard without her – she was my rock to go to when things went bad! Love ya
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All I can think of is blessed! Tragedy averted with a blessed outcome to this accident. I suspect a bit of PTSD may follow but quilting therapy may just be the ticket to get you through this when your ready 🙂 Yes yes – thank you to our actively serving and veterans ~ Hugs Nanette
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Thank you Sharon – yes I do have PTSD from this… But I am trying to not let Clay see it. He feels horrible that it happened as he knew that I wanted a good 2020 after all we have been through! But we are blessed because we love being close to each other! His ex would have hired a nurse and left! NOT ME! LOL. Hugs
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Whew, Clay is so fortunate. It could have been so much worse. Thank goodness you live near an excellent trauma center, and that things will be back to normal before too long.
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Thank you Sheryl! It is a blessing! By April/May all of this will be in the ‘recycle bin’ and can be dumped! Have a great day and thank you for commenting.
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Such a terrible accident. I am so glad he is doing well. Sending healing prayers.
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Clay is doing well. ME? I am working on how to overcome a traumatic event in one’s life! Hugs
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Sending prayers to you. Glad both of you are doing well
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I’m glad Clay is doing well. Please take care of yourself as well. I hope you can get back to some quilting therapy as he heals.
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This process will take 4 months – So watch for us to go on a vacation in May!
He is doing great – will remove the hard splint to check the hand and then on the 13th of Feb they will do reconstructive surgery on the hand and bone draft – He is limited to one arm!
We are finally back in the Studio today – my new iMac came in Tuesday = I may take a peek at it today but tomorrow is filled with Doc apps. Well, maybe 2021 will be better! Hug and thx for commenting.
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Things do happen when we are tired! I’m so glad that the accident was relatively minor, though I know it was horribly frightening. I’m also glad Clay is a veteran, and that that wonderful trauma center is so close to you! What a way to ring in the new year! I hope your phone gets updated. I’m having my own issues with that, and I was only going from a 5 to a 7! I’ve about decided I will just do everything manually and let Instagram go. Really, in the great scheme of things, it’s no big deal.
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Thx Susan – good thing I dropped out of the group as I would not have the time – this is a 4 month ordeal Take care! and thank you!
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What a shock you have had! I join you in relief that the damage from the accident was not worse.
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Thx Karen – looks like 2020 will not be a quiet peaceful uneventful year – at least until May! Second surgery scheduled for 13 Feb (reconstruction and bone graft on his hand). I am trying to settle in now and work on MB and other hand projects! See what next week brings Hugs
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Not the start to the New Year you were expecting. So glad Clay is healing well and hope both of you are coping with the mental side of recovery (which I think is harder than the physical recovery). Hope the rest of your 2020 is much, much less dramatic.
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Hi Kate, you said a mouthful on the ‘expecting’! The traumatic event was horrible. I finally got my mind back in working order after they changed splints on his hand. The military have some fantastic Orthopedic doctors. They take excellent care of our soldiers, and Clay is a vet (not retired though) and they did a miracle on this hand problem! We are looking forward to the 2nd surgery for them to do a bone draft where the bone below the little finger was shattered!
God was with us! Hugs
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2020 will still be great for you. It just started off heading down a different path than expected. St. Catherine of Sienna “Nothing great is achieved without much enduring”. I always run that through my head when things don’t go as planned.
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