On the day of my accident, I'd planned to launch this video from our departure back to Europe, on February 23, 1989
But on the 21st of February when I got T–boned by that woman, there was no chance for managing that...
Planned to bake my Amaretti cookies and had already zested 2 large Costco lemons, they're the best for zesting as well as for taste and juice.
I needed eggs, so Pieter said, I ride my bike to Walmart...
NO, I said WE ride our bike to Walmart, the sun is shining it was warm and I felt so happy for having caught up entirely with laundry and my housekeeper Nasha had just cleaned the house—perfect!
Feeling so grateful, for her starting on February 1st.
My life was getting more routine and relaxed with time for biking available.
But it didn't work that way...
I ended up in the ambulance after being thrown off my bike onto the highway—this happened all in front of Pieter's eyes!
My Roam Road Bike Helmet (from Amazon.com) bounced so nicely when I hit the asphalt—felt so grateful for always wearing it and in a soft neon green color for safety, just as my jacket.
Did not wear the magnetic goggles... only the adjustable visor...
Wearing my black biker shorts and Asos shoes.
X–rays showed two leg fractures, right knee cap and top of left Proxima fibula and cuts and bruises...
Landed on my right shoulder and right thigh where I got a huge hematoma.
Shoulder hurt like hell... Had an MRI done on Wednesday at Ortho Georgia in Macon and my Big Sis drove us.
Her lawyer husband graciously insisted she take his brand new Cadillac as it would be more convenient for me. Forever grateful for his gracious offer to give me this royal ride in the utmost comfort!
After my MRI and some check up due to my extremely swollen left leg, painfully red and almost ready to burst...
The NP at Ortho Georgia sent me to our local ER for having ultrasounds done, in order to rule out any deep vein thrombosis.
So they checked my left leg's vein and artery and no problem!
Our own car that we used yesterday, for a follow up with my primary care doctor after those ultrasounds, was rather hard to get into.
Long legs and having to wear that stupid knee immobilizer does not allow you much flexibility.
Getting into our Infinity QX50 I sat sideways on the passenger seat, left leg in and right leg straight up to get it past the door, then down in the open pivoting area...
My primary care doctor noticed my rather shallow breathing and some sore spots that he found when touching my ribs. I told him that by breathing normal—it hurt like hell.
So, he sent us to the Imaging Center for having lots of x–rays taken of my chest to rule out any problems or risks for pneumonia.
I was on my walker and got so exhausted for being on my wounded legs for the entire session!
Collapsed in bed with legs up by 5:30 PM but slept sound.
This morning my doctor called, no fractures and nowhere any trapped air!
So it must be just painful superficial bruises...
Oh, he prescribed me some over the counter meds for getting rid of that nasty, itchy rash I got as a side affect of the Medrol Dosepak to reduce the swelling in my body.
That are by now, 11 days in excruciating pain and otherwise. Due to my CKD stage with only 25% kidney function (at least that was December!) I cannot take painkillers.
On March 22nd I will hear the results from my MRI for the right shoulder, on which I landed...
Just have been praying for strength!
Got another sweet lady from our Church helping me out with ordening things and doing laundry.
ANGELS and I must accept this as I'm really floored—literally!
And now this video and our Exodus from Pennsylvania, USA to Italy
Don't forget to click on closed caption...
On February 23, 1989 Aron took this photo as we were about to depart for the airport...
Pieter took this from our host couple with me...
~
Boscov's Business Travel arranged our tickets—round trip! As that is far cheaper than one–way.
With TWA from Philadelphia to New York City
But see MY INCREDIBLE ROUNDTRIP TICKET FROM NYC/KENNEDY TO BRUSSELS FOR $ 17.85
From New York City with Sabena Airlines to Brussels in Belgium which was only a good hour away from my Parents'
So there we left, checking in 5 pieces of luggage.
Mom & Dad would have their 40th Wedding Anniversary on the 25th and that was our reason—nobody knew we'd already shipped everything across the ocean for starting a job in Italy...
Little did we know that the containers would be stuck in the Port of Genua, Italy—due to strike!
Read that story here below—our life never has been boring...
Looking so forward for having this Bed–Backrest for use on the bed, delivered tomorrow...
It is HARD to work on my MacBook without!
Hello Mariette, We are so sorry for all your difficulties, but are glad you are getting better, and if anyone has the fortitude to undergo this, it is you! Yes, airline fees have always been crazy and unpredictable. The only difference is that now there seem to be no more bargains!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteThank you and yes, with fortitude and perseverance I will come through this—with lots of prayers for help.
So often we've been seated next to a passenger who asked about the fare and it never matched with ours! Very unpredictable indeed.
All the special service, including bargains like companion ticket or whatever, seems to have vanished...
Hugs,
Mariette
Italia es un gran país, con grandes obras de arte. Ese respaldo para la cama, tiene muy buena utilidad.
ReplyDeleteBesos.
Querida Antónia,
DeleteItalia es históricamente una tierra fantástica, pero no pudimos hacer ninguna visita turística mientras trabajábamos y vivíamos allí. Más tarde lo hicimos con nuestros amigos. Sí, esa silla para la cama es perfecta, escribiendo desde ella ahora ...
Abrazos,
Mariette
Remote hugs to you Mariette!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteThank you!
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh, gosh, Mariette, I didn't realize your accident had been THIS bad. I'm so sorry for all the pain, suffering, tests, etc. I'm glad you have good people around you to help you (and Pieter too) and am sending up prayers for your recovery. That back rest looks fantastic! I have a large memory foam wedge bed pillow, but it's nothing like this. I hope it helps you greatly.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly are correct in that you've never had a boring life! But this accident was a bit too much "adventure." ♥
Dearest Kim,
DeleteYes, it was and still IS very BAD. Never in my life, not even after having had surgery for removing my adnexal tumor (had a total hysterectomy done) have I had such excruciating pain.
At times it is hard to believe that this is already day 12 and still.
My left leg will never look the same as before. So grateful for the photos taken on Sunday, two days before, wearing my altered Escada body.
Hugs,
Mariette
PS that back rest arrived around 11:00 AM and what a God sent!
Thank you for the update I have often wondered how you were coping and healing.
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteYou're quite welcome and it has been tough living through the pain this far without any painkillers. Healing goes oh so slow. If ONLY the swelling would go down. Cuts are not healed yet and bruises will take a long time.
But with lots of prayers from others and by me, asking God for giving me the strength to live through this, I've managed this far.
Your Tim knows all about being hit by a car while on a bike... Hope he is healing slowly as well.
Hugs,
Mariette
That's awful!!! Prayers for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteDearest Martha Jane,
DeleteYes it sure is but I'm moving on and with God's help and of all the Angels above, I will overcome this most painful period of my life.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette
ReplyDeleteI am praying that you will have a speedy recovery. And may our Blessed Mother and St Joseph obtain for you and Pieter the graces you need at this time.
Father Seán
Dearest Fr Seán,
DeleteThank you so very much—much needed and indeed we ought to obtain those graces.
Hugs,
Mariette
So sorry to hear about this accident. I'm sending positive healing thoughts your way, and hoping you have a full recovery!
ReplyDeleteDearest Peter,
DeleteThank you for your thoughts and wishes for a full recovery.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh my gosh on the bike accident. I have had a couple in my time but nothing that took me to the hospital. I am glad that it was nothing life threatening for you. Wow...seems like you have been traveling all around. San Diego, love that place, my son lives there.
ReplyDeleteDearest Pam,
DeleteSo grateful for always wearing a helmet! Otherwise I might not be around after that impact.
We certainly have been around and a total of over 1,500,000 miles in the air.
Hugs,
Mariette
Thank goodness you are okay and with time the bruising and pain will subside. The accident could have been so much worse. It's insane that it takes so long to get MRI results when someone is in so much pain. Sending you blessings of strength and hoping you can find comfort as you heal. Take care.
ReplyDeleteDearest Tammy,
DeleteWithout wearing a helmet I probably would not have survived. The police report reads that her posted speed was 35 mi/hr.
Yes, the waiting for the MRI results is rather long at a full 3 weeks but meanwhile I hope my pain will diminish.
Thanks for your comforting words!
Hugs,
Mariette
So sorry for your accident Mariette...I hope you will be fine soon :)
ReplyDeleteLots of Love from from Titti
Dearest Titti,
DeleteEvery day I hope will be better—pain wise.
The rash did bother me a lot last night and the medication does not seem to have much of an impact so far after 3 days. And also those constant night sweats are tough to deal with...
Thanks for your love.
Hugs,
Mariette
Lieve mariette,
ReplyDeleteVan ver hier uit Nederland stuur ik jou beterschapsgroeten.
Ik hoop dat het een beetje mag helpen.
liefs,
Hilly
Beste Hilly,
DeleteDank je well en lieve wensen helpen altijd! Ik doe mijn uiterste best maar vrees dat het heel lang gaat duren.
Liefs,
Mariette
Praying the pain will subside soon and The Good Lord will grant you the strength and courage to soldier on.
ReplyDeleteHang in there!
Hugs and blessings, dearest Mariette.🙏
Dearest Veronica,
DeleteThat's what I'm praying for as well, that God gives me the strength to live through this and also the patience for handling this long haul to recovery.
But since yesterday morning I'm able to go back and forth to the bathroom on my own—painful and exhausting with my walker but I manage. Also for changing my shirt (Pieter's...) for the nasty night sweats. Wish the rash and the night sweats would stop...
Hugs,
Mariette
Praying for you and for Pieter, Mariette. Take a long rest and take it easy. Wishing you well now and always my friends.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteWell, so far on day 14, the worst pain that made me feel nauseating so often, has gone down enough to be able to make my trips to the bathroom. Swelling is a lot less also.
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh Hilfe, welch ein Schock. Fahrradunfall.
ReplyDeleteEine große Umarmung zu dir liebe Mariette. Ich sende dir viel Energie
und Kraft und hoffe, dass du schnellstmöglich wieder auf dem Posten bist.
Alles gute für Euch Beide und viele positive Heilungswünsche für dich.
Sei lieb umarmt Viola.
Liebe Viola,
DeleteJa ein Schock war es wirklich—und Gott sei Dank trug ich mein Helm weil so ein T–Bone Aufprall bei 56 km ist nicht gering.
Die Schwellung geht runter und damit kann ich mich etwas besser bewegen, mit meine rechte Kneee immobilizer.
Danke für deine liebe Wünsche!
Eine Umarmung,
Mariette
From Helen in Bend OR … I read your post several times marveling at how very fortunate you are to be here with us. My goodness what a terrible ordeal … Sending every ounce of healing energy I have within me. Please keep us updated on your progress … we care.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteYes, it is quite a miracle that I'm alive. The police report states posted speed 35. When I saw my orthopedic surgeon for my two leg fractures, he said, if this had happend at a speed of 35–40 miles I would not be alive... My helmet saved me.
Will try to resume to more routine, this weekend I've slept deep and a lot—was so exhausted.
Hugs and thanks for your love and support,
Mariette
Just checking in - I do hope and pray you are feeling better and there is some improvement.
ReplyDeleteDearest Debby,
DeleteJust ate my lunch after I woke up from a deep sleep—got so exhausted from using the walker to and from the veranda where I replied to those 4 comments above.
Also called my Ophthalmologist's office to cancel my appointment for the 15th. She rescheduled me to June 21. Don't know yet what the outcome of the shoulder MRI will mean on my upcoming appointment with Orthopedic surgeon on the 22nd.
The awful swelling on my left knee and ankle, both on the inside of leg, are going down and so is the pain.
Hugs,
Mariette
Sending you healing prayers Mariette. Horrible fall. So good you are able to at least get back and forth to the bathroom. I just can't imagine how painful this must be. You will get through this and you will get better sooner rather than later. You are strong and always looking forward.
ReplyDeleteI keep telling my granddaughter she needs to wear her biking helmet. Sometimes she is hardheaded. I plan on showing her the part about how you were wearing yours and it surely helped. God Bless you, Betsy
Dearest Betsy,
DeleteThank you very much and yes, I will persevere.
But please show your granddaughter that wearing a GOOD helmet and wearing it properly fitted, no loose straps, is a MUST. I would not have been alive otherwise. The police report reads: posted speed 35—what that lady hit my bike with. No helmet—I'd be gone!
Being on the road it is not only about our own actions but the actions (uncontrollable by us) by others surrounding us...
Hugs,
Mariette
Querida Mariette, que terrível esse seu acidente,
ReplyDeleteque pena você ainda sentindo dores, que passe logo,
muita dor é algo desumano, muitas melhoras rápido!
Grande abraço!
Prezados Taís,
DeleteObrigado pelos seus desejos e espero que daqui a uma semana a dor diminua...
Abraços,
Mariette
🌹🌼🌷🌺🙏 vai diminuir, sim!
Delete💕
DeleteOh Marriette, you've been through so much. I'm sorry you have had to go through all of this. That's so nice of the lady from your church to help out during this time. I hope you heal quickly - I do not like to see people in pain. It's good that you were wearing your helmet that day. Sending you thoughts of comfort and love, and I just said a prayer for you, dear friend.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Dearest Sheri,
DeleteThank you so much for your words and prayer—Pieter needs prayers as well!
This was such a shock indeed and grateful for ALWAYS wearing our helmets.
Pain is tough, it wears you out totally but I'm eating well and hope to slowly get out of this discomfort.
Hugs,
Mariette
Buona guarigione e buona giornata!
ReplyDeleteCarissima Olga,
DeleteGrazie e una volta che sono fuori da questo dolore, la vita sembra diversa... Il sole splende.
Abbracci,
Mariette
I am so sorry for your accident. Hope you get well soon.
ReplyDeleteDearest RTC,
DeleteWell, with patience I will get well but it will be a long road to full recovery.
Hugs,
Mariette
The accident was most upsetting and your injuries serious. Thank the Lord you were not killed dear Mariette. Bob, having spent a lifetime in insurance claims, is wondering how/where exactly it happened, and was the driver charged. We both send get well wishes and hope you will have a full recovery. You are a most stalwart lady, a fighter for sure, so I know you will do well. Hope dear Pieter is managing - you are such a good housekeeper I know he will have to pick up the slack somewhat, but glad to hear there are people helping out too.
ReplyDeleteBless you and may you feel much better very soon.
Mary and Bob XX
Dearest Mary and Bob,
DeleteYes, this was a shock and injuries will keep me inactive for quite a while.
As of today, we have not heard a single word from that female driver.
The police report states that her posted speed was 35...
When my Pieter picked up the police report, he then went to our State Farm agent and he started a claimant.
An agent called on the 28th and call got silenced on my iPhone but he'd left a message on the voicemail to call back at my earliest convenience.
Still felt too nauseated from pain and in order to better focus I waited till March 3.
Told the agent that I got my accident rather well documented due to us always using the Strava App. Used those enlarged satellite images to mail him later on.
Including my bikes left pedal with marks of her car's paint. That's where she literally T–boned me and knocked my 54 pound bike down and me flying onto the Highway.
Her story to the police was not the truth...
Pieter's Strava app also shows exactly the spot where he had to stop in order to avoid her vehicle...
Don't want to publish more on Social Media but rest assured that I got my accident well documented as I turned Strava off right there and Pieter took some photos from police and Fire Department truck.
Yes, the help of those 3 ladies is fabulous and Pieter is a little better in this 3rd week of being caretaker... Not easy for his age!
Hugs,
Mariette
Veloce guarigione!Un abbraccio.
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteGrazie cara.
Abbracci,
Mariette
I pray to God for your get well soon.
ReplyDeleteDearest Rajani,
DeleteThank you for your prayers!
Hugs,
Mariette
Li com atenção sua postagem, Mariette, e fiquei surpreso por
ReplyDeletedois motivos, pelo acidente em si, um fato ruim pra você e o
segundo motivo pelo excelente tratamento médico e pelos
cuidados com os exames realizados. Felizmente tudo vai indo bem.
Melhoras rápidas!
Abraços pra você e Pieter.
Prezado Pedro,
DeleteObrigado pelas suas palavras e nós dois precisamos disso!
Até agora é uma questão de tempo e cura e tenho sorte de estar em casa com o meu imobilizador de joelho. No dia 22 saberei o que há de errado com o meu ombro. Longa espera!
Abraços,
Mariette
How horrible. Fortunately, you are being treated well and have the best people on your side. I hope you recover quickly.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Dearest Christina,
DeleteYes it sure is horrible to be robbed from all mobility and for having to endure such pain.
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeleteoha, beim Lesen wird mir ganz mulmich und ich kann es nicht fassen, wie schnell Dein Leben plötzlich und unerwartet ganz anders geworden ist. Wie gut, dass Du einen Helm getragen hast. Ja, Du wirst gut versorgt und Dein Pieter ist bei Dir. Ich wünsche Dir, dass die Schmerzen einigermaßen erträglich sind und umarme Dich aus der Ferne. Herzliche Grüße an Dich und Pieter von Traudi.♥
Liebe Traudi,
DeleteJa, so eine Person die einfach versäumte links und rechts zu schauen...
Mein Leben ist ganz anders und noch eine ganze Weile.
Die schlimmsten Schmerzen habe ich hinter mir—so weit.
Oh, ohne Helm hatte ich es nicht überlebt.
Liebe Grüße,
Mariette
💗Alles Liebe von Herzen💗🥰
ReplyDelete💕
Delete