I was glad to put 2013 behind me and venture into 2014. A friend told me she really doesn’t like the odd numbered years and finds that the even numbers are much more pleasing. So here’s to 2014…

But before I get rid of all the 2013 calendars, I want to share some valuable lessons I learned after breaking my leg in March.

1. Guardian angels are real. Mine was John and he was an off-duty ski patrol who happened by within minutes after my accident. My biggest concern wasn’t if I would be able to ever walk again. No, my biggest concerns were that he help make sure they save my brand new pants and that he get my age right when he called in the accident.
2. I learned if you break your leg it’s really comforting to have a doctor with a Biblical name like Moses. And if he asks if he can pray with you on one of the scariest days of your life, that helps too.
3. I’ve always been able to remember people’s names and how I first met them. This came in pretty handy at Norman Regional with my favorite nurse. Felicia Whitworth was a nursing student when I was the marketing director at Moore Norman Technology Center. I remembered her name and featuring her in marketing materials as one of our best and brightest. She still is among the best and brightest. She actually took two extra shifts when I was in the hospital for my second surgery just to make sure I was taken care of according to her high standards.
4. What is one of the ultimate marriage tests – breaking your leg and having your husband care for you for the ten weeks you can’t put weight on your leg. His care was flawless and his patience never ending. Every night he would say “I’m here for you” and as we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2014, I know he always will be.
5. Friends and family matter the most – I was showered with flowers, gifts, cards, meals, visits, calls and even my favorite deep dish pizza straight from Chicago. This experience has made me a better friend. I send more cards. I cook more meals. I’ve learned caring for others, even in the smallest ways, can mean the most.
6. Everyone has scars but most of them we can’t see. I now have two great big, beautiful scars on my leg. When I look at them I see so much more than flaws in my skin. I see life lessons that have brought me to this place, to this time, to this life. And I am thankful for every bit of it.

May 2014 bring all of us many opportunities to look for and listen for God.