UP Themed Party Part 2: Three Bones Broken

Josh is going to tease me for publicly stating this, but I have to admit, he's an important part of my life. (Josh, you better not bring this up in the middle of an argument.)  We have been together for 11 years now, so I think I was guilty of taking my husband for granted, and not appreciating him as much as I should have... until one fateful May evening when a friend threw an UP themed birthday party. (Read about Part 1, here.)

The party was coming to an end, and Josh, Jacob, and I had made our way to the upper parking lot with a bunch of Josh's coworkers. I had been in the middle of a conversation, when all of a sudden I saw Josh dash behind me towards the lower parking lot.  Little did I know that dash would be the beginning of four months of craziness and learning experiences for our family. Even as I reflect on that moment now, everything still flashes back in slow motion.

1. I felt a gush of air as Josh dashed behind me towards the lower parking lot. (Later, I found out that a friend's baby had let go of his balloon, and he ran to catch it.)
2. There was a 3 foot drop between the two parking lots, and I watched him jump for the balloon, and land on the lower parking lot.
3. Then, I watched him disappear from view.
4. Turning to a friend, I said, "Haha. Josh fell."
5. Josh didn't get up.
6. I turned to the same friend, and I said, "Uh oh. Josh FELL!"
7. The hair on my neck rose, as I yelled out, "JOSH! Are you okay?"
8. After the longest pause of my life, he calmly stated, "Nooo."

===This was when I ran down towards him.===

I wish I could say that the rest of the story was a blur, but I remember everything from that night so vividly, that it would end up being a 20 page short story. To summarize, there were emergency vehicles, a long night spent at the ER, 3 broken  ankle bones, surgery, and 4 months of recovery. 

This is the non-gross version of what his ankle looked like. I'm sparing you from the gross picture.

Yes, you read it right. Josh broke three bones in his ankle. I knew something was wrong when I reached Josh, because he lifted his leg and his foot was dangling upside down. It was gross, and I am so lucky Jacob was in the car watching a Netflix movie and not paying attention to the chaos around him.  I must say that the Lahaina Fire Department, EMTs, ER staff, and Josh's co-workers were incredibly supportive, and I am so glad I did not have to go through it alone.

Josh was bedridden for close to a month, and he's still using his crutches and boot today. He has had to endure so much pain and frustration in being immobile, and I admire his strength in persevering through this challenging time. Since Josh broke his ankle, he couldn't drive and do little things to help around the house. Even the little things like taking out the trash can or mowing the lawn were impossible for him. After this incident, I grew a new sense of gratitude for him... I didn't realize how much he helps around the house and with caring for Jacob. Jacob, too, has been incredibly helpful and helps his daddy with chores. It's been a challenge for our entire family, but we now see the light at the end of the tunnel. He took his first step without his crutches the other day and is almost out of his boot! The last step is driving again, and we will be all back to normal. We can't wait!

Oh... and he caught the balloon....