Sunflowers & Stitches Part II: Healing, Scars, & Paying it Forward
My husband Rob and I waiting at Urgent Care. Two weeks and 19 stitches later, I’m feeling much better.
Since my slow-mo fall about 2 weeks ago, I have received many messages of healing and gratitude from friends and strangers all over the world! I have been touched by stories of loss, grief, healing, and even serendipity. I appreciate each and every one of you who have reached out told me what you thought about my post, and continued to connect with me and others. It’s nice to see that social media can be used for good sometimes, too.
Well, it’s been two weeks now, and I owe you all an update.
The Update
I got my stitches out three days ago (13 days after my fall). According to the nurse who removed my stitches, I’m a “great healer” (almost too good). I guess, they should have removed the stitches a few days earlier. Trigger warning for those who are squeamish: My super-healing Buffy The Vampire Slayers skills were a little too good. My skin started growing OVER the stitches, and because of that, they were “really tight” and needed to be poked, prodded, and lifted in order to be cut.
Did it hurt? Hell, yes!
I felt like I was right at the beginning again (lidocaine shots at Urgent Care). I’m talking level 8 pain for moments. I was even resorting to some yogic breathing to help me get through it. The deliberate breathing also helped me NOT scream and swear at the top of my lungs.
After the nurse removed my stitches, and I caught my breath. I went home, took a nap, and noticed that the healing seemed to speed up. The scabs started falling off (eww and fascinating at the same time), leaving new pink skin. The scar looks pretty cool still, all jagged and, yes, shark-bite looking.
It will be a conversation starter (not that anyone needs much to get me involved in a conversation, I can talk about almost anything). I’m not posting a picture of the scar because I think a photo doesn’t really capture its beauty. If you see me in person, feel free to ask me to show it to you. I won’t mind :).
So, that is the update on the physical healing.
A few days after I posted my story, I received a message in my inbox from Pierce, the EMT that was first on the scene:
What’s next?
A bike ride, of course!
A bunch of teammates from "Team Breath & Push" and I plan on doing that same Hamden to Milford bike route AGAIN this Sunday! I am looking forward to getting up early, riding along the coast, taking a dip in the Long Island Sound, and arriving back at home in Hamden a little wet, but thankful for my ability to heal, to bounce back, and to make a difference with a lot of help my friends, my community, and mother nature.
Paying It Forward
A few days after I posted my story, I received a message in my inbox from Pierce, the EMT that was first on the scene:
How cool is that text? When I shared Pierce’s text with my teammates, we all agreed that we wanted to help Pierce pass his Firefighter Agility test and you can, too!
That is Pierce in the gray t-shirt next to me.
BIG UPDATE! As of 3:30 pm 9/28/21 (approximately 3.5 hours after I posted), we hit our goal of $355. Any donations beyond our goal will go to Smilow Cancer Hospital and be donated in the name of Kaycie Begley (Fire Chief Begley's daughter who battled brain cancer for 15 years and passed away in November 2018).
Pierce is the EMT who was first on the scene to help Julie Baiils after her bike fall on September 11, 2021.
He is presently working hard to prepare for the Agility Examination: The Candidate Physical Ability Test (C.P.A.T.) because he would like to be a firefighter for the town of Milford.
Because as "Team Breathe & Push" we like to pay things forward, we would like to help raise funds to help ensure Pierce's success on his exam. The $355 raised will go towards a 6-week physical fitness program at CrossFit True in Hamden, CT. The community there is supportive and family-like, and the coaches are top-notch.
Any funds raised beyond the funds requested will go to Smilow Cancer Hospital and be donated in the name of Kaycie Begley (Fire Chief Begley's daughter who battled brain cancer for 15 years and passed away in November 2018).
You can also make a donation to our team at https://www.rideclosertofree.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=6242. Please include a note that you are donating in honor of Kaycie Begley, Firechief Begley’s daughter. Those funds will go towards The Smilow Cancer Hospital and Cancer research and patient care.
We will be accepting payments until Thursday, September 30, 2021.
To learn more about the events of that day, check out Julie's blog post about that day at: https://www.mountainviewwellnessct.com/blog-3/2021/9/12/sunflowers-amp-stitches-how-a-slow-mo-bike-fall-led-to-connection-amp-community
The Takeaway
What could have ended as a pretty frustrating day, a day of disappointment and injury ended up being a day where we, according to Teresa our team captain, “had the opportunity to check all of the emotional boxes”.
remembering the horrible events of 911. and recognizing the pain that remains even 20 years later
feeling the joy and power of riding to help raise funds for cancer research and patient care
feeling supported by my team and community
swimming in the ocean
days later, discovering a different, yet equally mystical version of the same day from another perspective
That unfortunate fall, brought about so many opportunities, too. We were given the opportunity to share stories, to listen to and to connect with friends and strangers, and we were also given the chance to come together as a new community to lift each other up.
Thank you to everyone who has followed this story and shared it with others.
Thank you to all who have donated your time, energy, and dollars to any good and worthy cause this year. Special thanks to those who have donated to help Pierce and The Closer to Free Fundraising efforts.
The world needs more light these days. Thank you for sharing your light.
About Julie Bailis
Julie Bailis is a public speaker, retreat leader, wellness writer, and owner of Mountain View Wellness LLC. Through Mountain View Wellness, Julie creates in-person and virtual wellness programs that help her clients create and sustain healthy lifestyles using weight training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), yoga, and meditation.
Julie’s programs empower her clients physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether your goals are to improve posture, increase balance, or land your first pull-up, Julie can help you.
You can train with Julie in one-on-one and small group classes in North Haven, CT. She also offers weekly live HIIT zoom classes, and you can also learn with her virtually through her online wellness programs (Meditation for Beginners, 21-Day Whole Health & Wellness Program, 14-Day Core Program)
Julie is also available for public speaking events, workshops, and seminars.
Email Julie at julie@mvwct.com for more information on specialty programs.