Inevitability?

For those who don’t know, I was involved in a bicycle accident on August 9th. Of course the idea of me in a bicycle accident is almost like Seattle and rain, New York City and tourists, or a Mormon gathering and Jello. Although these combinations are not always preferred, they happen and we learn to deal with them. (I’m sorry if I offend anyone with my personal dislike of Jello. Blech!) However, this time was different. This time, I spent two weeks in the hospital with the first 10 days or so just waiting for the swelling in my leg to subside enough for the surgeons to operate. Next up was surgery complete with a plate and a bunch of screws. After a another 4 days of recovery, I was released and am now in the DC area recuperating with family. I can’t put any pressure on my left leg for 3 months and am alternating between a walker and crutches for mobility. In addition, I was supposed to be starting school this fall yet again. That, like several other aspects of my life have been put on hold.

The last few weeks have been tough for several reasons. I’ve had bouts of intense crying and deep questioning coupled with several reminders from friends and the Lord that I “will rise to the challenge,” that I have the character to take this experience and really grow as a result. Despite the positive encouragement, its tough when so much of your identity is taken away. (When the accident happened, I have already ridden more than 30 miles that day on one bicycle or another and had totaled 19 miles of running that week.)

Once, when I was waxing hypothetically, I decided that if I had to loose either my body or my mind, that I would choose to keep my mind even if I was a physical invalid. Strange how difficult that idea can seem when its actually put to the test. Still though I am optimistic about the future and am learning to cope. Its not the end of the world, its a chance on a new perspective, its a chance to learn more about myself and my relationship with Heavenly Father, and it’s also an opportunity for me to have my weaknesses purged and my faith strengthened.

P.S. Today I had a friend reenter my life at exactly the right time. Her name is Mollie Forbes We were music majors together at BYU. We reconnected on Facebook a few weeks back and when she saw my status message (Marcus is embracing life as an invalid) and read the posts on my Facebook wall, she realized what had happened. Mollie was in a wave runner accident a few weeks back and managed to break her ankle in a few places. She’s on week 10 of crutches and can’t wait to start walking in another week or so. She understands the frustration in a very personal way and is being very supportive of me. I love these sorts of non-coincidences.