The Broken Ankle

*Somehow this story got told today and it made me laugh; therefore, I thought I would share it with you*

It was a nice, wintry day in January (1999 - yes, 10 whopping years ago). My friend, Chrissy Gisbson was with me. *Note: Chrissy was the epitome of bad luck. I should have known better.*

We decided to grab our cheap, plastic, blue sleds and head up to the mountain behind the Compton's house. *Note: This hill was the location of multiple sledding injuries, including a body cast.*

As we flew down the hill, over jumps and embracing the white, fluffy snow we were 2 girls having the time of our lives. The afternoon was fading away quickly and we decided to make one last run---this time from the top of the hill. It was going to be the baddest, most awesome run of the day. We hiked to the top, paused to catch our breath, then sat on the sled- Gibson in front, McCullough on back.

We must have been clocking 50 mph. We were racing down that hill at an incredible pace. The next thing I know, we hit a jump and she flies to the left while I fly forward (like Superman). As I smacked into the snow, I landed between some rocks and then I heard a pop! I layed there, dumbfounded at what had just happened. Questions ran through my head: Am I hurt? Where do I hurt? What's going on?
Chrissy comes running over as reality hits that I truly am hurt. I remember mumbling "Owwww!" Gibson thought I broke my neck. *Note: at this point I realize it's my right ankle.* I knew I couldn't move, especially hike down the rest of the mountain. I tell Chrissy to go get help. She leaps through the snow like a gazelle and gets Marilyn and Dan Compton. Poor Dan has to carry me back to their house. By this point I am freaking out knowing something is terribly wrong. Their mother is a nurse so with one glance at the massive swelling and contorted ankle, she knows it's broken. She takes me to my house down the street. This is what follows:

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Nurse Debbi: "I think you need to go to the ER. This is broken."

Dad: "Ah, she'll be okay. It's just a bad sprain."

Mom: "Tom, I think she's really hurt."

--nurse leaves--

--I get propped up on the Lazy Boy recliner with a blanket--

Me: "This hurts really bad!"

Dad: "Shake it off, you'll be fine."

Me: Crying alligator tears

Dad: "Stop crying! That won't make it better!"

Mom: "Tom, we need to go to the ER!"

--This continued for the next 10-15 minutes--

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Finally we arrive at the ER. Doc takes one look at the battle wound and concludes, "Yep, it's broken alright. Let's take you to x-ray."

*Note: not only was it broke, it was busted in 3 places, thus needing surgery the next day to put a pin in to hold it all together so it would heal.*

Moral of the story:

1. Don't hang out with Chrissy Gibson (something bad will happen)

2. Don't go sledding on Sunday (that's the Sabbath!)

3. Sometimes a father's "tough love" scheme doesn't work so well when something really is broken.

4. Having a broken ankle sucks (especially when you fall multiple times using your crutches and look like a big moron)

5. Blue plastic sleds are NOT user friendly