A Tale of Resilience and Farm Life
Healing and New Beginnings at LivingBookPress
Life often presents unexpected challenges that test our strength and resilience. At LivingBookPress, we recently faced one such challenge when my oldest child experienced a table saw accident. In this blog post, we invite you to join us as we share the inspiring journey of healing, the unwavering support of our community, and the joys of farm life.
An Unexpected Accident
It was shortly after our last sale when an accident changed everything. My oldest child had a table saw mishap, resulting in the loss of half his thumb. Searching for a missing digit was a surreal experience that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. In a momentary lapse of concentration, he accidentally moved his hand into the blade, which he usually keeps just above the wood during his cuts.
During this challenging time, a friend who was helping shear the sheep became an incredible source of support. While Missy tended to the bandages and contacted the ambulance, our friend engaged Dexter in conversation, talking about books and his pony, to distract him from the pain. Thanks to the swift response of the paramedics and their communication with the surgeon, we were able to find the amputated thumb and ensure the best possible care.
The Power of Community and Farm Life
Throughout our journey, we were amazed by the support of our community. The kind words and well wishes helped us tremendously. Missy stayed with Dexter at the hospital, while I stayed home with our other boys. The bond between siblings was truly heartwarming as they provided assistance and comfort during the ordeal. In the evenings, we would watch monster movies together, allowing them to express their thoughts and fears. Sleep came fitfully, as closing my eyes brought back the rush of adrenaline from finding the severed thumb. But through it all, Dexter’s resilience shone brightly, even finding humor in the situation by joking about winning the “worst workshop injury” award.
As Dexter’s recovery progressed, we made regular visits to the surgeon and hand therapist, witnessing his remarkable healing process. With time, he regained his activities and started molding his thumb to improve its shape. Although he hasn’t returned to woodworking yet, he accompanies me to the workshop, facing the challenge of being there during the same evening hours when the accident occurred. To ease his mind, I cleaned and reorganized the workshop, creating a fresh start and fewer mental hurdles.
Embracing New Normals
Each day, Dexter continues to impress us with his progress. While playing the guitar is still on hold, we are confident that with time, he will overcome any obstacles and resume this beloved hobby. Adjusting to a shorter thumb has required him to adapt his finger movements, even for simple tasks like picking up Lego. His brothers, always there with their unique sense of humor, quickly switched gears and created a heartfelt drawing to support him.
Supporting Dexter emotionally has been a priority for our family. We want him to know that it’s okay to feel upset or frustrated. In solidarity, I committed to playing basketball left-handed and promised to write with my left hand if he needs to work on his writing. These may seem like minor challenges, but they serve as a reminder that he is not alone on this journey.
Animal Updates and the Joys of Farm Life
Amidst the challenges and healing process, life on the farm continued to evolve, bringing us moments of joy and new beginnings. Our beloved friend who helped distract Dexter during his recovery also looked after the farm while we were away. Her kind gesture allowed us to focus on our family without the added worry of the animals. Although some aspects of farm life were put on pause during that time, we are now catching up and embracing the vibrant energy that our animals bring.
The farm gates reopened, welcoming visitors to join us in farm activities once again. One highlight was the annual Harvest Festival organized by our local council. Despite the curious timing in winter when there’s not much to harvest, we hosted delightful animal petting sessions and organized fun farm games. From lassoing a plastic cow head on a bale of hay to tin can toss and cornhole, laughter and excitement filled the air.
As we embraced the spirit of new beginnings, our farm welcomed adorable additions to our animal family. Day-old chicks found their way to us, providing us with endless cuteness. However, we also learned a valuable lesson. Some of these chicks had undergone a beak laser treatment, a practice we were unaware of. Moving forward, we made a note to source our chicks from different places.
One frosty morning, amidst freezing temperatures, we received an unexpected arrival. Missy had been breaking ice in the animal water troughs when a call came through about a wallaby that had been hit by a car. To everyone’s surprise, there was a tiny joey in its pouch. Quick action saved her life, and after warming her up with heat packs, Missy connected her with another carer who could provide the overnight care she needed. It’s heartwarming to witness the lengths our community goes to protect and nurture the vulnerable wildlife around us.
In addition to the chicks and the rescued joey, our animal family grew further. A local daycare center generously gifted us with ducks that had hatched under their care. These friendly ducks quickly became a source of affection, following us around the farm, eagerly seeking cuddles.
We couldn’t resist adding baby guinea fowl to our farm. These captivating creatures hold a special place in our hearts. In the past, we had guinea fowl that unfortunately fell prey to foxes while attempting to brood eggs on the ground. With the arrival of the new guinea fowl, our surviving elderly male bird found newfound joy and companionship, strutting around their cage and brooder.
No farm is complete without a rooster, and our favorite breed is the Buff Orpington. These magnificent creatures are not only visually stunning but possess an equally remarkable personality. Our roosters, typically segregated due to bullying, find solace in their own space. Buddy, a rooster given to us by Missy’s brother, has become a cherished member of our farm. Remarkably, he responds when called, adding a touch of whimsy to our daily interactions.
While Dexter’s recovery took center stage, Missy dedicated her efforts to tending the farm and planting bulbs for the year. Despite the challenging circumstances, she managed to plant a variety of garlic, tulips, daffodils, and other exquisite bulbs. In due time, these vibrant blooms will entice visitors to come and pick their favorites, creating a colorful tapestry across the farm. Missy’s unwavering dedication and ability to achieve so much amid adversity continue to inspire us all.
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us. For a few weeks, we were graced with the presence of a black swan residing on the dam in front of our house. Although we often spot swans down the back during flooding, this was the first time in nearly two decades that a black swan had visited our dam. Witnessing its grace and elegance brought a sense of serenity to our days.
Exciting Updates and Special Offers
At LivingBookPress, we are thrilled to announce a range of captivating new book releases. Our shelves are brimming with literary treasures waiting to be discovered.
Clearance Sale
To make room for our exciting new releases, we are offering an exclusive opportunity to reclaim our shelf space. For a limited time, we are providing discounted prices on books from other publishers. These books, carefully curated to meet the highest standards of quality, are now available at and below cost prices. Take advantage of this unique offer and add exceptional titles to your personal library at an unbeatable value.
Simplified Ordering Process
We understand the challenges of managing separate orders and paying extra freight fees. That’s why we’ve streamlined the ordering process for books from other publishers. During our sales, simply place your orders for these books, and we will ensure a seamless experience. Once the orders accumulate, we will send them out together, saving you time and effort. By opting for this streamlined approach, you can continue enjoying the best prices while alleviating storage concerns on our end.
50%-Off Charlotte Mason Audiobooks
As part of our commitment to providing enriching educational resources, we are excited to offer a 50% discount on audiobook sets featuring the wisdom of Charlotte Mason. Immerse yourself in her teachings through professionally narrated audiobooks. You will experience a friendly voice that makes learning enjoyable, avoiding the feeling of being lectured to. For your convenience, each chapter is accompanied by a downloadable PDF. In addition, if the book includes study questions in the appendix, we have included them with each chapter.
Moreover, the chapter titles include page numbers from the original books, allowing you to easily switch between the audio and physical editions. This comprehensive approach empowers you to embrace Charlotte Mason’s insights in a way that suits your learning preferences.
Don’t miss out on these incredible offers and opportunities to enrich your reading experience and educational journey. Visit our website today to explore our new releases, take advantage of the shelf space clearance discounts, and delve into the wisdom of Charlotte Mason through our discounted audiobook sets.
As we reflect on our journey of resilience, we are grateful for the support of our community and the strength we found in the face of adversity. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has shown us love and consideration during these challenging times. At LivingBookPress, we are committed to providing exceptional literature and educational resources that inspire, inform, and entertain.
Join us as we embrace healing, celebrate the joys of farm life, and embark on new literary adventures. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and create a brighter future filled with stories and knowledge that enrich our lives.
