I had a freak accident on March 17, 2016, when I went to watch our son, uNkosinathi play piano at the school concert. It had been raining for two days before.
Cautiously, common sense dictated that the cobble stones at the school would be slippery, so I didn't wear my six-inch Louboutins, but rather a relatively short heel in my world.
I left the office and told my CFO, Clifford Elk and Management team, that I would be back in an hour.
But I was not back at work for two months.
In a split second, your life can change, it's how you deal with that sudden turn of the tide that will determine your your future, your destiny.
I had never, for a second, thought I would be bedridden for a day, let alone a week or a month. I was bedridden for two months, under strict doctor's orders, to only get out of bed to use the bathroom and take a bath. I had to be in bed, elevated on three pillows 24/7, in a cast and could not put any weight on my right ankle.
My personal GP, Dr Tshidi Gule, had to explain to many exactly what kind of injury I have.
I often say to my sister Johanna that I could go into labour for 55 hours and have five caesarean sections, the pain I felt and still do is beyond debilitating - but this too shall pass, that I know for sure, as Ms Oprah would say!
"Mrs Kumalo suffered a complex comminuted fracture and dislocation of her right ankle. Her injuries involved a spiral fracture of the fibula and lateral malleolus, an oblique fracture of the medial malleolus and a transverse fracture of the posterior aspect of the tibia. Her surgery included an open reduction and internal fixation with insertion of a titanium plate and eleven screws".
My life changed for the better. I am grateful for the accident. I thank God that this chapter visited my life.
I am all the better for it. I appreciate the sanctity of life. Of-course the God, Abba Father, that I serve doesn't harm His children, like #fatherofthetribe (my husband) will never harm his children, but the Word that I live by, says, "All things work together for good for those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
When evil forces tried to harm me, God in His magnificence showed up for me, protected me. It could have been worse, it could have been my spine, then I would not be able to walk.
I am on a journey of healing and recovery. Yes, I can't run for a year, I can't wear heels for 6 months, but it is well with my soul. Out of a trial, you will triumph, out of a test, you will have your testimony! I serve a God who not only heals the broken hearted, but the broken. I celebrate each day, I have the joy of life (joie de vivre).
I smile, I cry and I dance, ala Judith Sephuma. I am grateful for each day I see the sunshine, I breathe. After having to be resuscitated, every breath I take - is a gift.
I choose my battles, I don't suffer fools, I laugh out loud, I love much and I work hard, and hopefully each day, I am making a difference.
I have spent an inordinate amount of time with my husband and our children while I was convalescing at home. I got to know my children so well now. As a working mother, I often felt guilty that I didn't see them enough, I didn't read them the bedtime story. I am so glad I did make it to the school concert on March 17, because it changed my life for the better.
Whatever you are dealing with, remember this. this too shall pass!
