Never say it won't happen to me

I think there was another reason for the nasty fall I took on the evening of Oct. 23rd other than to experience the pain of facial fractures and learn I would need surgery to put my left eye orbit and cheek (olfactory) bones back as plates and screws.  Knowing the major surgery I was going through on the outside of my eye and the inner gum/cheek flesh was the only choice I had or suffer the consequence of life without these bones on the left side of my face.  I know what I've been through is minor in comparison to many others, but it has changed my life in many ways since that evening.  It took 5 seconds to decide whether I had suffered a severe brain injury or instant death from the impact, but I believe God let me know that you don't take anything for granted and never forget to have things in order each day of your life. 

My husband was my knight in shining armor throughout this entire ordeal,  McPherson's ER did an exceptional job when we arrived, no words can show my appreciation to Dr. Gaddert, Dr. Garcia and all the other staff that assisted with my surgery.  My left temple, eye and cheek were severely damaged, but with up to date technology and exemplary surgical staff I'm getting back to the new normal.  This reminds me of the importance of our education system and the powerful influence we have on our future professional.  I wonder who influenced these surgeons to dedicate their lives to repair someone face in my case?  Who work with microscopic instruments to repair the smallest or bones and avoids destroying your facial nerves.

During the first few days of my recovery it forced me to be quiet, which gave me the time to reflect my decision to take advantage of qualifying for early retirement from the public system to make the decision to become a college professor and enroll in this first graduate masters program at the age of 56 years old.  What I found was the love, patience and graciousness of Central Christian College and my graduate instructors and classmates at MC.   During this ordeal I have confirmed my belief that I have made the right direction with my professional change and understand the sacrifice with my family time (grandma of 4...ages 20 mts. to 6 years) in order to be of better service to my college students.  I did listen, Mark,  and I'm using my list to guide my project.  It might not be anything earth shattering, but that will come later.