Unplanned Adventures

Almost three weeks ago, Kayli was trying to quickly open a package for aerobics class. The plastic ties were thick, and the scissors didn't work.  She was in a hurry, and grabbed a knife.  She knew at the last moment that it was a bad idea, but it was too late to stop, and the damage was done.  She had cut her left pointy finger.

Poor Kayli was alone in her apartment and she couldn't get her parents to answer their phones (I was visiting teaching, and Derek was in a meeting).  Kayli prayed, and had the idea to call her roommate Abbie, who had just gotten out of class and was headed for her next one.  Abbie heard Kayli's voice and knew something was wrong.  She ran all the way home.  I love Abbie because she took really good care of Kayli, who was in shock.  She took her to the clinic, sent me multiple messages (which went to my email -- so I didn't see them!), and came up with the idea to call Trisa for insurance information.  When Kayli was done having the finger temporarily sewed up and her hand wrapped, she took her back to the apartment and stayed with her until I arrived.  It meant a lot to me that she helped Kayli when I could not -- and so well too!

Kayli cut through one tendon, half of another one, and half of a nerve.  I brought her home and took her to see a surgeon the next day (a Wednesday).  Because of the rules of our insurance, she had to wait until Monday to have surgery -- but it went well.  She started physical therapy that Friday.  That was hard for Kayli, and painful, and she fainted, but she has done well since then.  She got her stitches out and went to physical therapy again the next Friday.  Her finger is still swollen, and has its own Harry Potter type scar.  She has a lot of therapy ahead of her but they expect her to be better in three months -- hopefully with full use of her finger.

Kayli had to drop out of college for the semester, which wasn't a part of her plan.  We are happy to have her home, but I know she misses her roommates and her busy life.  Here is a picture of Kayli in the hospital.  She probably won't thank me for putting this on here, but you will see that she looks gorgeous even in a hospital gown!

I like the look she's giving her Dad in this picture.  The nurses had just said they wouldn't take her picture
and wouldn't let anyone else take it either.  I think that reminded Derek he had a camera on his phone!

I have had to smile at the nice things people have done for her.  Most involve chocolate!  Chocolate cookies, brownies, fudge, and a chocolate shake.  Pretty smart gifts for someone whose old email address included the words brownies, fudge, and chocolate!  She has been the recipient of prayers, cards, and a gift basket with a balloon.  Lots of people sympathize, and wish her well.  I am thankful for such kind and thoughtful friends and family.

Sometimes things just don't go like we plan, and sometimes the change of plan hurts!  Thankfully there are good things too -- at least for us.  Kayli's brothers are super happy that she is back, and so are her friends that live here.  I get to have another girl in the house.  YAY!  We love our Kayli and hope that her unplanned adventures will have a happy ending.