Many of you know that I recently had an accident. It was not a life-threatening accident, but rather what I would call “serious” accident. Two weeks ago yesterday, I crushed my right index finger in the log splitter. Stupid Kris. Rule #1 in using the hydraulic log splitter would be “DO NOT PUT YOUR HAND IN THE MACHINERY WHILE THE PISTON IS PUSHING FORWARD.” Oops. My bad.

The bone at the end of my finger was crushed (1st time I ever broke a bone!). However, worse yet was the damage to the flesh of the upper half of my finger. The extreme pressure on it as it was caught between the flat edge (thankfully!!!!) of the splitter and the slowly moving log caused my soft tissue to just kind of POP open in several big, gaping gashes. Think popped grape or squashed banana. There was very little bleeding (compared to what you might expect), leaving the injury very open for detailed viewing. One should never have to view the pink flesh inside of one’s own body. It was very gnarly and unexpected. (The incident itself was over and I was free from the splitter in a mere fraction of a second. Afterward, although I was afraid to remove my leather glove to inspect the damage, I honestly expected to find nothing worse than a purple fingernail!) The orthopedic doctor on call basically pulled it all back together with stitches, both internal and external, and reassembled my poor finger in the ER. The nail was put back in place in its bed and sewed on to (hopefully) keep the bed functioning and growing new nail.  It was an unpleasant process. The bone will either mend or be absorbed by my body. Most of the damaged flesh will survive, and with some luck, any area that does not will be small enough that I will not require a skin graft. Wish me luck with that, folks, please.

Worry not, for I am on the mend, and I have learned a lot since then, besides the obvious NEVER BREAK RULE #1 WHEN USING A HYDRAULIC LOG SPLITTER. I have learned compassion for those who are injured or have experienced trauma. I have learned how very disconcerting it is to not have your body whole. I have learned that our bodies are very soft and vulnerable. I have learned that index fingers are very useful, especially for tasks required for personal grooming and also when cutting vegetables or doing any food prep in the kitchen. I have learned that take-out food and processed foods are not my cup of tea. I have learned that ibuprofen can be my friend. I have learned to be grateful in times like this, for it could definitely be a lot worse.  I have learned that I love my index finger. I have learned that when I am not able to fully perform my job as a stay-at-home-mom that it makes me very sad and frustrated.   I have learned that when things are going great, we sometimes don’t realize how lucky we are and how fragile is the balance that keeps these things going great.

And I am now struggling to learn patience with my body as it very slowly heals and faith that it will heal.

Incidentally, I have also learned that pictures of a gnarly injury may not really do it justice. It has been difficult to capture this thing on film. We did not take any photos until day10, although John wanted to snap a picture in the ER (after I had received a good dose of morphine (aaah…) and been nerve-blocked [OUCH!!!!!] and was somewhat relaxed) but was for some reason dissuaded by the doctor. Here is a link to some pictures, if you dare to click.

The series of pictures was never posted. Be thankful.

Many things have kept us from the trail…starting with  this in late October:

followed by my mother’s acute gastric volvulus surgery at the end of December, her recuperation throughout January and February, and then my dear sister Nancy’s unexpected passing in February.

Our beautiful life has seemed, at times,  to be a series of trials of late. Let us hope the hard times are behind us and many happy trails lie ahead.

Speaking of trails, Amy and I hit our most recent one bright and early on Saturday. (The last time I went this way was when I was mighty pregnant with Evan in the fall about 4-1/2 years ago, and before that, in January of 1997!)

We made quick work of the first stretch of trail, the Hancock Notch Trail to the Cedar Brook Trail.

From there, the Cedar Brook Trail led us to the Hancock Loop Trail.

We chose to ascend South Hancock.

The climb was steep, but we kept at it. Soon we were at the summit!

After soaking in the beautiful views and relishing being back on top of a mountain, we set forth toward our next goal, North Hancock.

Once we made our way over to North Hancock, we stopped again, making the most of our long-awaited adventure.

All in all, it was a great day. I am so blessed to have this lovely hiking partner and so blessed to have selfless, giving helpers who stay at home making it possible for me to get out for the day without Evan.

Last year’s event is here.

is four years old today.

I adore this boy.

They left for their own home this morning, and we miss them already.

The proverbial Christmas dust has settled, and now it’s just us Cotters…

Christmas came and went in an absolute flurry of activity, as is the tradition. It was wonderful to spend time with beloved family. We missed Paul and Jason dearly. We gave thanks for our many blessings. We watched proudly as Jake narrated and Amy played the part of Mary in our church Christmas pageant.

We ate well. And much. And often.

Unfortunately, we did not take many pictures, but here are a few…

And a few more…

Thank you to everyone who helped make this a very special Christmas. We love you all!

I just HAD to stop my ferverent preparations to kiss this adorable little guy of mine and snap his picture. Isn’t he the cutest thing???? He is my forever Christmas present. Almost exactly four years ago he put me on that exact couch for a WHOLE MONTH awaiting his arrival.