Another Beginning...

I began this post by calling it Another Ending..., but that didn't seem right. To me ending is something that you're sad to see go. It's something hard with nothing good to look foreword to. But that's the exact opposite way I feel. This past year has been the most incredible year of my life. Sure I didn't end it on the best note (I'm working on that), but I've had so many great memories, new friends, new experiences, things I love to look back on and smile at. It's been a whirlwind of a year. So many trips, so many great new friends made. But I'm not sad about its passing. I can't wait for this next year, all the great things God has in store for me to experience and learn.
A year is a short amount of time in perspective, but it has thousands of tiny moments that make it a memorable year. And for these moments I thank all of you friends and family for your continual support, love, laughter and good humor. My life is going by so quickly that I find it hard to thank the people around me for just being themselves, so thank you all. I am blessed to have you in my life.
Here are pictures of a few of my favorite moments and memories from 2011. I can't wait for more in 2012 and to be able to share that journey with you all.
Wishing you a great and safe night and a most memorable 2012.
Much love.
Xxx Sarah

Out and About

I didn't realize how extremely tiring it is to be on crutches. But now that I am getting around a bit more and out of the house I find myself exhausted at about 6 o'clock, which is the normal hour the elderly go to bed, not a teenager. I mean I love getting out of the house and going shopping, what 17 year old girl doesn't, it's one of my favorite things to do, but I sure do get exhausted. And the whole part about not being able to carry anything sucks too. I figured this all out yesterday when shopping. At first I refused to use the wheelchair, thinking that I was well capable and I don't need to be pushed around in a grandma chair all freaking day and I extremely disliked the fact that everyone was making decisions for me, that does not go down well. But after the first stop I was so exhausted I just went and sat in the car by myself to be miserable and sulk at the fact that they were right all along and I should have used the wheelchair because I can't really walk. So at the next stop I surrendered, I used the wheelchair, although I still wasn't that happy about it.
It actually turned out to be quite fun, my sister got to push me around aisles and see how fast it would go, which is probably not the best idea since I already have one broken leg, but hey, I needed some form of entertainment for the day.
So lesson learned: don't be too stubborn, people are actually trying to help you. I'm going to try to remember this for my next 2 months on crutches.
Other than that it's been great getting out of the house some, I'm not a very nice person when I'm cooped up inside all day, gotta love that fresh winter air(even though it sure doesn't feel like winter outside). Every day I can feel myself growing a little bit stronger, which is a great thing. I'm hoping that this continues.
Much love to everyone.
Xxx Sarah

Sister Sister

So today would be my birthday, but I would like to dedicate this post to my twin sister Emily. Who I love so much, you are my sister, my best friend and I honestly don't know what I would do without you. You are such an amazing and beautiful, strong person, inside and out. I can not even express how grateful I am for you, thank you for everything you have done for me, especially this week. God has blessed me by putting you in my life. Even though you are crazy and weird, I love you that way. Happy 17th Birthday to the best sister ever!

That being said, I didn't expect to be on crutches on my birthday, but I'm still going to make it the best I can. Let me know if you have any great ideas on what to do! But what can beat great food and being surrounded by fantastic people, right? Thanks for all the love beautiful people. Wishing you a fantastic day.

Xxx Sarah

Home at Last

Well after a 5 hour plus car ride late last night, we are finally home. I can't tell you how great it feels to be home with my mommy. Even though I am incredibly crabby from all the drugs and just the exhaustion of recovering, I still feel very blessed from all the love and support. I'm starting to feel a little frustrated that I have to ask for help to do such simple things as take a shower and put away laundry, but I guess that's just what it is. So I'm working on it people, and if you see me remind me that it's okay to ask for help. And sorry for the crankiness everyone, this is just not my week.
Yet, I am amazed by that little acts of kindness I continue to see. For example a card that sings the Rebecca Black song "Friday" from Ryan Brady, who I must now said still my favorite older brother that is not actually my older brother. So if any of you ever feel like come visiting me (thanks Hannah! :)), come on over because I am Bored. Also just the simple hello and how are you feeling is so sweet, so thank you to everyone. Also I am greatly enjoying my iPad, body length pillows, rolling chairs, juice, my cat who comes to sit on my lap every now and then, and lots and lots of ice and water. It's funny how it's those little things that make a place home and comforting.
I'm going to go continue to soak up the time I have to rest with my family, there's even a family dinner with my grandparents tonight and have fun going in an electric wheelchair at Walmart, I know it's such an exciting life.
Much love.
Xxx Sarah

Ode to Dr. Chadha

These past few days I have felt myself to be extremely lucky. Not only do I have the most incredible family and friends who have been there supporting me and taking care of me (thanks Dad and Jennifer and all the brothers and Emily), because it is not easy getting showered and dressed with one leg, let me tell you it's challenging. But I also had a fantastic doctor. Doctor Chadha is an amazing orthopedic, he had that hospital on their toes. I was in surgery only 5 hours after the accident and then out of the hospital less than 16 hours after surgery, seriously the guy is my favorite person, because I really didn't want to be stuck in the hospital for all of Christmas, and I'm guessing he didn't either. On top of that he's also a super nice guy.
So as I'm getting the hang of this crutches thing, which by my previous lack of coordination, is going to take some practice, I am forever grateful for the kindness and love from everyone. Even though this is not the Christmas I was expecting, I have seen so much love and am so grateful for my family and friends surrounding me. This has just made me that much more grateful for the incredible people I have been blessed with to have in my life, and I can honestly say I appreciate every one of you and I apologize ahead of time if I can not get back to everyone. I will be heading back home tonight and can't wait to get there, but am dreading the 4 and a half hour car ride.
It's also my brother Grayson's birthday today, so a very special Happy Birthday shout out to him. Love you buddy, I can not believe how old and big you are getting! Thanks for everything, you're the best.
I hope everyone continues to have a fantastic holiday season filled with love and joy. I love every one of you.

Xxx Sarah

Starting This Off

Well it is now the official end of the Christmas season, and I have a broken leg. So I figured I would take this time to begin this blog with my two month hiatus from walking.
So I'll start by telling you the story. I'm in San Diego with my family for the holiday season and in Christmas Eve we decided to go ice skating at the hotel Del on Coronado Island. Everything was going well and we had about 10 minutes left before we were going to leave. Well let's just say that my leg wanted to stay strait and my foot with the 5 pound skate wanted to bend and that was it, it just snapped. So 20 minutes later I'm still laying on the ice waiting for the paramedics and when they finally get me off the ice, at which point I am soaking wet and freezing, on top of being in such pain, I get rushed to the hospital. After a few x-rays, a few splints, and the realization that my left leg has a spiral break of the tibia and a broken fibula, I went into surgery five hours after the break with a fantastic doctor and now have a titanium rod and 3 screws in my tibia, the broken fibula was left to heal itself. So after a very restless night in the hospital I got to go home on Christmas with a house full of loving people. I'm still in pain but so grateful for the love I have been shown and the blessings of my family and friends.
Although this is not the best Christmas, I am so grateful for the blessings I have had these past few days. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me and for all your thoughts and prayers.
I will keep you all updated on my recovery. Thanks again for all your support. Talk to you soon, God Bless.
- Sarah