On May 21, 2023, I fell and broke my hip, after a local dog attacked one of my leashed dogs. We were on our way to Joaquin City Park, and I fell behind Feed Trough Cafe.
To make matters worse, I fell on a fire ant mound, and they were none too pleased. I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t move. Within seconds, people from the park and the cafe came to help. Someone called my wife, another good soul grabbed the leashes holding my two dogs, and one sweet lady went to get the mayor, who is an experienced EMT and ambulance driver.
So many people—many former students of mine and/or my wife’s—were there to help. One fellow took off my socks and started squishing fire ants. An EMT propped me up. The mayor and several others were able to immobilize my hip and called for an ambulance.
Everyone was kind, caring, and thoughtful: I so appreciate all of you who helped, even though many names are a blur, caused by old age and the pain of the fall. I want to thank everyone from the deepest part of my soul for your help that day.
I had surgery the next day and now have a complete new hip. I told my wife in the emergency room that I would try to be a good patient, following orders and being optimistic.
That turned out not to be very hard, even though I am not naturally prone to patience or optimism.
I had my very capable wife Sue looking after me—and everyone from friends, former students, and strangers at the park, to the EMTs on the ambulance drive, to the medical folks in the emergency room and hospital, to my surgeon and the operating staff, to all those folks at Garrison Nursing Home, and visitors (family, friends, and canines) to both hospital and rehab—all made my unexpected journey as pleasant and productive as possible. My wife visited with the deputy sheriff who investigated the incident and came away with a settled feeling, even though having no leash law anywhere in Shelby County hamstrung the deputy’s efforts on my behalf.
When I got home, my physical therapist and nurse were former students of mine—it was wonderful experiencing their capable help. The evaluating PT had treated my mother- in-law at her assisted living. All those who came or called from Accent Care were great, and their hard work is certainly appreciated.
Many folks have inquired after my health, showing me the benefit of living in a small town. The first time I returned back to walking my dogs downtown, for example, I was stopped several times by people congratulating me on being back to normal. Each time a well-wisher stopped, called, sent a card, letter, email, or text, my spirits rose.
Sometimes our little communities cause us to question why are living here! Then something like what I described happens and we are reminded of why we chose to live where we live.
Thanks. ------- Randy Smith is a retired Joaquin educator and United Methodist minister.