Getting back into the swing

Dear Everyone.

It seems like an age since I wrote my Temptation to Spend post last Tuesday. Little did I know what was about to unfold. Hanno's accident was shocking and frightening for us both but we got through it together and we feel like we have a new beginning.  Before I go on, Hanno has asked me to pass on his sincere thanks to everyone who sent a message. He said he was humbled that so many took the time to let us know you were thinking of us and praying for us. I thank you too. It was pretty grim bringing Hanno back home after his stay in hospital to see where it all happened again. The memory of it came flooding back and it was quite upsetting. Having all those messages of love and hope to show him lifted our spirits and got us back on track again. So, thank you, friends, even though a mere thank you doesn't seem to cover the appreciation we both feel. To tell you the truth, we both feel loved.

 The first run through the garden with Opa after sitting in the car for two hours.

Hanno said he thinks his accident happened because he knew the chain was a bit loose at the end of the work he was doing last Wednesday. He'd chopped what he needed to chop and the final thing he did was to cut a long thick vine that was hanging down. It got caught on the loose chain and that was that. He should have not continued, he should have stopped, tightened the chain and continued on another day. He is very lucky he's still alive to tell that tale. He also said he would never use the chain saw if I wasn't here, and if you use one, or someone in your family does, they should always have someone within calling distance in case they need help.

One thing really struck me when I got to the hospital and was waiting to go into the ER to see Hanno - I was definitely not prepared for an emergency. Oh yes, I had a stockpile and freezer full of food and a backyard capable of feeding us but there were so many things I didn't have. I had a mobile phone, but it was barely charged. I had to quickly phone the kids and I couldn't stay on the line to reassure them. That had to wait until I got home. I didn't have up-to-date phone numbers in the phone memory. I had Jens's old mobile number. The car had almost no petrol in the tank. I had to fill up driving home in the dark after I left Hanno at the hospital. It really taught me a lesson, but a lesson too late to help me through that crisis. I have promised myself to always be better prepared in the future.

Kerry did a few jobs while he was here so Hanno can relax. He watched from the sideline though.

So when the dust finally settled, Hanno had severed his radial artery and the tendons going to his thumb, there was ligament damage and the muscle was sliced right down to the bone from the base of the thumb right up to about a quarter of his arm. He also damaged his index finger and that is sutured along its length. And yet even with all that I can truthfully say he was so lucky. He was a fraction away from death, and he knows it. There are so many things he can't do now. He isn't allowed to use his arm and hand for 6 - 8 weeks but he's starting occupational therapy today, so at least he's on the road to recovery. I'll have to stay close by him for the next month or so. There is no way he can look after himself apart from making a cup of tea or pouring a glass of water. It's going to be a busy few weeks ahead for me but I'm a tough old bird and I'm sure we'll get through it.

Harvesting fresh vegetables with mummy.

Putting them in the delivery truck.

It's okay, Opa, I'll drive.

This crisis has really shown me the power of the family. The kids were on the phone constantly after the accident and Jens and Cathy came over on the weekend after he came home. Shane and Sarndra called repeatedly. Kerry and Sunny came up yesterday and stayed overnight and of course, Jamie was here with them. Watching him get out of the car when he arrived and take Hanno's finger to walk with him through the garden boosted Hanno's morale more than anything else could have. Hanno has some important work with those two grandsons and as Kerry said, we need him here for a long time.

In the next few days I'll be busy in the kitchen making yoghurt and tomato relish, pickling beetroot and making up a couple of batches of soap. I'll take you along with me if you care for a journey into the kitchen. Oh and BTW, Aldi has Australian crushed tomatoes in big tins - almost 3 kgs, for $2.95. I bought two cans to use for the relish but I want to go back and get a few more cans to have in the stockpile cupboard - I didn't have the strength for them today.

See you tomorrow. ♥