Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving approaches for my American family and friends I wanted to catch up with you all and give you some life updates ! I’ve been recovering from my accident which happened back in October . It’s been a process to recovery but I’m doing remarkably well and full of gratitude for my family , friends and fans who’ve been so incredibly gracious to me throughout all of it. Living in Italy for almost ten years now I’ve forgotten most of the “American Holidays” . Thanksgiving is obviously not celebrated here and when I lived in the US I only celebrated with my sister or certain friends when I’d come home around that time. So many years on the road feature dancing ,expos and trade shows holidays became an afterthought . That’s not a bad thing and I have so many wonderful memories of these times I just celebrated a bit different …
My Accident
I’ve gone forty seven years on this planet without ever breaking a bone or being involved in an accident but that all came to a screeching halt (literally) this October . It was late at night and I decided to take an electric bike to get home faster as I was still a distance away and I wanted to get there quicker! I’ve ridden one of these bikes many times before and they’re convenient so I got one and was on my way! I wasn’t riding too fast but realized I was riding on the tram tracks so I wanted to get off and cross over to the sidewalk / bike lane. These bikes are different because they’re a little bit heavier and can accelerate kinda fast . As soon as I steered left I felt the bike accelerate , spin out and bam I landed on my left side smashing my face. I didn’t feel any pain I was just really in shock . A woman started screaming and it took me a second to realize she was across the street and it wasn’t me LOL I felt arms reach under me and carry me off the tracks onto the sidewalk . He was really calm , helped me compress my face , called the ambulance and kept talking to me . My husband and daughter spent the next twenty- four hours with me in the ER and on a Saturday night man this is not the place to be…
Surgery and recovery
A team of Doctors did head , brain and neck scans to determine the extent of my injuries. There was an invasive eye exam to check for cuts and tears since it was determined I had fractured my Orbital floor. The left side of my face took the impact not my head so I was moved to The Oral , Maxillofacial center to being surgery and treatment . Swelling from the multiple fractures within my orbitol floor and cheek bones had surgery delayed until it was safe to operate. I don’t remember pain honestly. I passed the days before the surgery journaling , meditating , and moving around when I could. The night and morning before surgery I meditated and prayed . It’s humbling to go through something like this and you just have to pull yourself through . I thought of my husband and daughter . My last words to her she told me were ” I’m going out ” then an hour later she gets a call from two strangers who tell her ” your mom told us to call you , we found her and she’s had an accident can you come ? Coming out of surgery is not fun and anesthesia is wild . That was the most painful part for me but after a few hours I was fine . I had no idea what my face was going to look like . I have three titanium plates under my eye socket , and cheek with mesh for support . I could go into more detail but after one month I’ve mostly healed with minimal scaring and bruising and feel fantastic.
Aftermath
I also feel immense gratitude. For the people who helped me , the doctors , my family , friends and my health. Through this experience I’m reminded of how life can change in an instant. There is some damage to my nerves that is impinging small facial movements but this shall pass. As I heal day by day I know that I will recover and the scars will fade. I have the resources and support I need to get through this and realize how incredibly fortunate I am. Our perception shapes our thoughts and actions. When something happens that feels overwhelming or crappy my mantra becomes “it’s happening FOR me not TO me. This allows me to grow from it and becomes beneficial in some way. There are days where no amount of positive euphemisms , yoga , or good vibes that can make you feel better . Some days just suck and you feel like you’re stuck . My husband was so good at bringing me back to my good place when I’d get down . Pouting , crying or self pity isn’t always intrinsic for your healing but it feels good sometimes. We all have different methods. On the harder days I just give in and allow myself some grace . I watch something that comforts me , make tea , and let it pass… That’s all you can do sometimes and it’s enough …
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and If you celebrate I hope it’s a memorable one for you . I may just whip up some traditional American favorites here in Italy and celebrate it over here … I’ll put it here if I do ! Please leave me a comment if you’re celebrating and food pictures please!!! XO Tera
