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I wasn’t even sure how to spell the word “metatarsal” correctly, but I still managed to break one. Fifth metatarsal, left foot. All it took was one wrong step. When the urgent care doctor pointed out my fracture on the x-ray, it looked so small that I figured I’d be in an orthopedic boot for a few weeks and that would be that. But no. I was referred to an orthopedist who determined that I needed a hard cast for six weeks. Non-weight bearing.

The phrase “non-weight bearing” is a game changer, when it refers to your foot. And the doctor was serious about it. As the technician applied my bright green cast, she angled my injured foot slightly downward, so that even if I were tempted to put my weight on it, it was literally impossible for me to do so.

A medical technician applies a green orthopedic cast to a patient’s lower leg, symbolizing the beginning of a journey of healing, patience, and gratitude

As the realities of life with a non-weight bearing injury set in, I began to feel sorry for myself. Ordinary tasks such as making the bed, getting in and out of the shower, and going down two or three stairs to leave my house were now complicated and time-consuming. I took several spectacular falls in my home as I adjusted to my crutches and knee scooter.

However, due to the injury, I had much more downtime than usual, with many quiet hours for pondering. After initially having a rather poor attitude about my circumstances, over the long summer I began to recognize several important lessons from my broken bone—some of them practical, some spiritual. Here are a few:

There are always reasons to be grateful 

  1. My cast was waterproof.
  2. Grocery delivery service is a thing!
  3. My husband ordered a knee scooter for me which was far easier to use than crutches.
  4. The basket on my scooter allowed me to transport items from room to room.
  5. I received many visits, texts, meals, and other acts of service from family and friends–and even the smallest shows of kindness lifted my spirits.
  6. My lower back, which is often tight and sore, didn’t hurt all summer because I wasn’t doing the usual lifting and twisting that aggravates it.
  7. After being cooped up much of the time, one of the bright spots of each week was riding my knee scooter home from church. Thanks to the slight slope of the parking lot, it only took me a push or two to build up some serious speed, sailing along with my dress billowing behind me. (My husband claims that I looked like the Wicked Witch of the West riding her broomstick!)
  8. Although I was temporarily unable to fulfill my duties as a temple ordinance worker, family members made time to pick me up, load my scooter in their car, drop me off close to the temple doors, unload my scooter, and attend an endowment session with me once each week until I could go on my own again. This was a particularly sweet blessing.

I have gained a new appreciation for friends who are dealing with life circumstances far more serious than a broken bone. Many of them have testified to me through both word and actions that in spite of the difficulties they face, they are genuinely grateful that their trials have brought them fresh perspective about what really matters and have drawn them into a much closer relationship with the Lord.  Some people have recognized in hindsight, that their most difficult experiences actually put them in position for unexpected future blessings. Developing feelings of gratitude during serious trials rarely happens overnight but may occur gradually as time passes and hearts are softened.

Our wounds may affect other areas of our life

An expected complication from my broken left foot, was the damage caused to my right knee as my right leg often bore my full body weight and was required to push the scooter. As weeks passed, the knee became stiff and inflamed, later requiring a cortisone injection. This injury actually took longer to heal than the broken bone.

Personal trials of chronic illness, financial crisis, death of a loved one, faith crisis, or betrayals may also have unexpected side effects. The stresses of difficult situations may bleed into our family relationships, affect our ability to work, to focus on even small tasks, or fulfill a church calling. They can trigger or exacerbate anxiety or depression.

Healing cannot be rushed

Six weeks after my injury, my cast was removed, and new x-rays were taken which revealed that the fracture wasn’t fully healed–not even close. When the doctor had me put weight on my foot, it felt as painful as the day I broke it. I was given an orthopedic shoe and told to stay off the foot for a few more weeks. I was seriously discouraged, having expected to start walking again. It is difficult to exercise patience when healing comes slowly.

Many factors affect healing time, whether the wound is physical or emotional. In my case, the expected six to eight weeks for healing turned into five months. This was partially because my fracture occurred near the end of the metatarsal, an area that gets limited blood flow, thus increasing the time needed for healing. Also, according to my orthopedist, bones often take longer to heal in women of, ahem, “a certain age.”

Speaking spiritually and emotionally, some wounds, some losses, are so profound that it is unrealistic and insensitive to expect those who are reeling from shock and grief to simply pick up where they left off, just because a certain amount of time has passed. Although healing may gradually come, the landscape of their lives may be forever changed.

When a friend’s adult son lost his long battle with depression, the family was understandably devastated. Two years after he died by suicide, Andrea* became very emotional when the topic of her son came up while conversing with a friend. “Shouldn’t you be over this by now?” the friend asked. That question was like a knife to this grieving mother’s heart. Over this? Andrea later told me that would be like having one of your limbs cut off and then walking away like nothing happened–as if that loss wouldn’t permanently affect your life.

When healing comes slowly, we can trust the Great Healer

Two months after my injury, the pain in my foot and knee when I attempted to take a few steps was so severe that it was difficult to imagine ever being able to walk normally again, let alone run. My friend Steve, sensing my discouragement one day, looked me in the eye and said with fervor, “I promise, this too shall pass.” In spite of my doubts, months later I was relieved to discover that he was right.

Occasionally, miraculous healings occur through great faith and priesthood blessings, but the healing of most physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds is a process. Yet, that we can be healed at all, whether soon or late, is a miracle in itself.

In the words of Elder Neil L. Andersen, “We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away.

“… the Healer of our souls, in His time and His way, will heal all your wounds. No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, no heartache, no suffering, no wound—however deep, however wide, however painful—will be excluded from the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Him whose open arms and whose wounded hands will welcome us back into His presence.” (1)

I’m grateful for Elder Andersen’s reminder that Jesus Christ was wounded too. When healing comes slowly, we can be certain that in Him we have a friend who perfectly empathizes with our pains, our trials. As we turn to the Savior, we can be know that, however long it may take, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

*name changed

Notes:

  1. Elder Neil L. Andersen, Wounded, 2018 general conference.