So, it's over 2 weeks now since Duncan trapped his finger between the pick-axe handle and a big rock while helping my brother build a wood-shed.The pick-axe apparently sank further into the ground than he expected and he not only ripped the nail right out of the nail-bed but also fractured his fingertip.
Luckily(?) it was on his left-hand but, because of the fracture, he is supposed to be 'resting' it. This makes everything hard; using the computer, washing up, putting crockery away, vacuuming (apparently it's a heavy vacuum), digging the garden, bringing in logs for the fire.
Actually Duncan has been doing a pretty good job of most things, but I am finding I have a few extra chores to do around the house. AND I had to do all the manual labour when we put the raspberry canes in last week (which was well worth it as I LOVE raspberries). Luckily we had dug all our other plants in the previous weekend or I would be completely knackered!
Still, it's made us both realise how much we take for granted. Not our 'health' per se – although I think that's true for most of us until we get sick. But we take for granted our physical mobility and what truly amazing tools are hands actually are.
Also we think it's the same fingertip on the same hand that Duncan's mom lost in an electric window 'accident' a few years back. Could be a spooky-family-thing…