There are times in our lives when we are thrown curve balls that are difficult to hit when we don’t have the skill. However, in that failure, we are given a front row seat to that which we knew inside, but get to experience first hand. Such is the case with me regarding a recent injury event.

One would expect that a visit to a cabin in the mountains with friends would provide an opportunity for relaxation, peace, reflection and fun. That was the plan when I started out on this journey. However, the first day was far from what I expected it to be.

As I woke around 6:30, I was excited to get my morning cup of coffee, go out into the screened area of the cabin, it was raining, and take in the morning sights and sounds as I waited for the sun to rise. Coffee cup in hand, I left the deck, opened the door to the screened in part of the house, and failed to realize that there were steps down into the area. In a split second, I fell down the stairs, coffee, phone and iPad flying and landed square in the middle of the floor. It took a bit to realize what had happened. Later, I would find out I broke the three bones at the joint in my right foot.

As I lay there in the dark alone, wondering what the extent of my injuries were, adrenaline kicked in and somehow I made it back to the sofa in the house to wait for my friends to awaken. The events that took place when they arose from their sleep cemented what I already knew, that the bonds of friendship know no limits when it comes to taking care of one of our own.

The mothering instincts within my friends Bonnie and Judy kicked into overdrive. Without a plan, one instantly was created that would make the next four days not only bearable, but heartwarming to see just how deep one can be cared for. Down inside I knew I was important to them, but to see it displayed with such affection validated that knowledge more that I could have ever imagined.

I believe that life presents us with events that, no matter how unpleasant they are, have purpose for their occurrence. It could be to remind us to be thankful for the things that we have. Maybe they are to remind us that we are truly loved, and that even in those times when we think we are alone, we aren’t. It could be that we need to know that our true friendships have no limits, and in our times of need, those needs will be met. Maybe it is all those things.

On that cool rainy morning, I learned lessons. Our primary extremities and our health in general are to be honored, not taken for granted. Life will never give us more than we can handle, even though we feel overwhelmed at the time. Most of all, the people who are our true friends prove themselves to be just that, especially when we need them most.

#morningswithron