Me in my sling... with the very kind and fabulous Scott Burroughs, who filled in for me at Spooges rehearsals when I couldn't play!
Just before Christmas, I accidentally slammed my wrist against some furniture as I was frantically cleaning my home for guests (while my mind was apparently thinking of something else). Immediately a huge, sparkly pain rushed up my entire arm. I sat down for 30 seconds and rubbed it a little, thinking, ‘Oh, just another little bump, no big deal.’ Well as I was to shortly learn, it wasn’t just a little bump at all. I had hit exactly that one specific little spot that causes big problems for the tendon and the bone. Long story short: My arm was in for a LONG break.
Problem was, I had a show to do: playing bass in the first Spooges show… just 5 days after the accident. The slowly increasing pain made me come very close to bowing out – but I kept telling myself that it was nothing a few Advil and a PBR couldn’t fix. I was bound and determined to play that show.
An hour before we went onstage I did indeed down my Advil and PBR – and I played without a hint of pain as the joy of being a musician kicked in. I HAD A BLAST! And for three lovely days after, I still felt no pain.
But then the adrenaline from the show wore off and with that, the arm became virtually useless.
As I struggled to heal it with doctors and acupuncture and icing and energy work, I also had time to ponder this setback. Although seemingly a huge drag – couldn’t drive my stick-shift auto, couldn’t wash my dishes, couldn’t open cans or jars (or wine bottles) – I also started noticing the strange benefits that came along with it: The Spooges were forced to cancel a recording session that would have been incredibly bad timing if we had done it that day… I was unable to drive to recording sessions I was scheduled to do with Stone – so he kindly offered to pick me up and take me home each day, which created a lot of time for fantastic conversations, laughter, and time to rehearse our vocal parts together during the drive… I surprised myself by becoming semi-ambidextrous with some tasks… And I was forced to ask for help (which I am not wont to do), and was touched by how my friends wanted to help me with things – washing my dishes, picking up groceries, changing sheets, and yes, opening wine bottles. Dahny Spooge even traded cars with me since his is an automatic. The unexpected benefits were many, and continually surprised me.
Slowly I have been able to use my arm more and more – and with each regained ability, I have been struck with just how much I value all of my limbs! Because it wasn’t just everyday activities that I was unable to do; I also couldn’t engage in some activities that give my life its greatest joy and meaning: writing lyrics, connecting with friends via email, and playing my beloved bass. I shuddered with compassion as I pondered the heartbreaking fate of veterans who have lost various limbs not just for a couple of months, but forever.
In two weeks the Spooges will be performing again… And as far as I (and my physical therapist) can tell, I will be right there onstage with them, healed enough to play the show – along with the help again of Advil and a PBR. I CAN’T WAIT. (And yes, I am being VERY careful!).
Five days ago I had an amazing rush at a Spooges rehearsal – because I finally got to play my bass the way I love to play it, not just the simplified riffs I have been using these past few rehearsals to protect my arm, but with full bass runs and intensity. I know the rush I experienced was because of this accident – since, as a result, I have become acutely grateful for my limbs. And in many mysterious ways, I am also thankful for this ‘setback.’ I see the value in both.
Over and out!
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