The Big Race

The day after.

I've been training to have a big race with Everett for months now. I have been very hopeful that I just might win. We are in South Carolina for the week visiting Brad's family. The big day finally arrived yesterday while we were playing in the courtyard. It's the perfect distance for running a race. I was so excited. The entire family was there, so that gave my little legs extra incentive to run their fastest!

I remember Brad yelling, "On your mark, get set, GO!"

I sprinted for my life. I recall keeping up with Everett and processing a little anxiety that I was running too fast.

What came next is a blur.

I lost control at the finish line, and I skidded face first into the pavement. 

I remember being turned over. I could feel the blood running down my face. My sister-in-law, Meredith sprinted home to get the car. Later that evening she joked that she wasn't sure if she sprinted as fast as I did, but she did her best. That really struck me funny.

I do not remember getting into the car, but I do rememeber looking into the bathroom mirror. There was so much blood. My mother-in-law was assisting me. I am so thankful for her calm soul. She is a nurse and knew instinctively what to do. I was shaking and crying uncontrolably. All I could say is that we needed to have a prayer.

Brad gave me a priesthood blessing with the assistance of Bill and Sam.

That gave me comfort and strength.

When I walked out of the bathroom, Everett was sobbing, Kayleigh was crying, the cousins were distraught, Meredith had tears in her eyes, and I knew I had to say something.

"Well, did I win?"

Everyone burst out laughing.

Then we headed to the urgent care center. I am very grateful the x-rays showed there is no damage to my face, and I did not have to have any stitches. Cleaning out all of the wounds to my hands and face is an experience I would never want to go through again! I need to mention that it's a miracle that my teeth were not knocked out, and that I did not break any bones. This terrible ordeal was bearable because of the tender care of my dear family.

Last night at dinner I told Everett that when I was at the urgent care center, I had a memory flash of  him crossing the finish line first. Someone added, "yeah but only by a hair."

Then Meredith chimed in, "Jeannie, I think we can safely say you won the race!"

Brad teased me by suggesting we have another race.

No thanks.

I believe my racing days are over!