Half an hour ago, as our family was on a walk/bike-ride in the park across the street from our house, five-year-old Anna lost control of her bike and rode off the embankment of the watercourse running through the park, falling with her bike eight feet onto solid stone with hardly any water. Suz saw it coming and screamed but wasn’t close enough to do anything.
At this moment Anna in an ambulance in front of our house with Suz, wearing a neck brace and strapped to an immobilizing board. They’ll be heading to the emergency room soon. I’ll be staying here with the kids.
Anna’s left arm is broken. Thankfully, that seems to be the worst of it. She’s wet and dirty with a bloodied nose and various cuts and abrasions, but she did not lose consciousness and there’s no reason to think she has suffered any serious injury.
Anna just turned five yesterday. She’s our fourth of five, and this is our first visit to the emergency room, so you could say we’re about due.
Prayers appreciated. Updates to come.
UPDATE (8:58pm): I just heard from Suz. The good news: After the first set of X-rays, the doctor has cleared Anna’s neck, so the neck brace can come off. That’s a huge relief to Anna comfort-wise as well as a good sign overall. The not-so-good news: They haven’t decided whether to put her under general anaesthesia, which would require a five-hour wait since she last ate… so they’re not coming home any time soon.
UPDATE (12:27am): Anna is home. Her arm is in a temporary cast and a sling. She was in good spirits and fell asleep almost immediately on being put to bed. Thanks to all for prayers.
Eight feet is a really big drop — for anyone, kid or adult. It could so easily have been worse. Thanks be to God.
