Life really isn’t fair.
I know I sound like a petulant child for saying this, but sometimes it’s true. Here’s my reasoning: My mother is the most amazing woman in the world. (Of course I am biased, but I’m not the only one who thinks so. Many of my friends agree; my fifth grade class actually threw her a birthday party… it wasn’t even the teacher’s idea!) But this summer, as she was trying to be helpful (she’s always trying to be helpful) and tie my uncle’s boat to the dock, he slipped and crashed into her. Now, her leg is broken, she’s on crutches, and she probably will need knee surgery. To make matters worse, my incredible mommy works in special education, which means her job entails pushing wheelchairs and looking after children who need a lot of physical care (i.e. she doesn’t just stand up in front of a room and lecture all day). Obviously, her co-workers and boss are having to come up with creative ways to help. And my mom has kept up an astoundingly positive attitude throughout the ordeal. But I’m just so upset at the unfairness of it all; someone who is so kind and generous to everyone ought to have only GOOD things happen to her! For my part, I’m trying to give her those good things she deserves.
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In true CCK form, the good things are also good for her. Like a Banana-Coconut Sundae for dessert.
Insanely-rich, chocolate-and-raspberry-topped Banana-Coconut Sundae
She just kept repeating, “This is healthy?!”
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Healthy? Yup. And apparently, the banana sundae—topped with healthy PMS chocolate—was tasty, too.
My mom’s perfect diet.
Do you remember your perfect diet plan?
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Question of the Day:
Have you ever broken a bone? Or been forced to stay off your feet for a prolonged period of time?
Does anyone have any recommendations for ways I can cheer my mom up? PMS chocolate can only do so much, ya know? It’s not a miracle cure. I just keep wanting to sit there and wave a bone-growing wand, like in Harry Potter!
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{ 73 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe if you have any free time from school you can help her out with a class or two
Oh! I am so sorry for your mom! We never really know what life is going to throw at us, do we? I hope her leg heals soon! (Maybe green leafy vegetables can help with the bone-growing process? and almonds)
I’ve never actually broken a bone before…But in elementary school I wanted a broken bone!!! Oh so silly of my little self. I just wanted a cast so that the other kids could sing it and draw pictures on it
Holy cow! I thought I was the only one!! My friend got a rainbow cast in 1st grade, and I was soooooo jealous! A few months later, I broke my finger… and I cried when the doctor told me I didn’t need a cast!
Oh girls, you’re not alone! My dear daughter is going through that stage now. I broke my arm as a young girl, and I keep trying to tell her that the cast is hot, it hurts to sleep, it ITCHES LIKE CRAZY, and it smells. But all to no avail.
Life is about both the bad and the good, the ying and yang. I know it’s frustrating, but both are part of a balanced, happy life. Your mom is a good person, so she’ll recover from this and move on with her life as normal. Don’t let the unfairness get you down – it’ll pass. And remember, you can’t fully appreciate the good unless you experience the bad.
Your poor mum – hope she feels better soon! That Banana Coconut Sundae looks amazing!
As clumsy as I am, I’m surprised I’ve made it 22 years without breaking anything. Hope your mum feels better soon!!!
Send my get-well wishes to your mom, who sounds like a truly amazing individual.
Praying for your beautiful Mama, Katie!!
wowwwwie katie that sundae looks good! “best daughter ever” award? give your mom a hug for me. and feed her lots of chocolate!
Oh your poor mom! Crutches are HORRIBLE! When I had them, a few years ago, all my friends wanted to try them and thought they were so cool. I thought they were cool too, until about an hour into using them when my arms became SO SORE. They’re not so fun when you HAVE to use them!
I’m so sorry about you mom Katie
When I was 18 I tore my ACL in dance practice and had to have reconstructive knee surgery. It was not fun, but having something like that happen to me showed me how tough I truly was. I was on crutches for many many months and was bedridden for 5 days after the surgery on lots of painkillers with an ice machine strapped to my leg! But I was never negative and tried to get through everything with a smile on my face… because what’s the point in being negative right!
Less than 2 months after the surgery I was swimming in the ocean in Mexico with my family
And I’ve been dancing and running and jumping around like normal ever since! So I’m sure your mom will be good as new in no time!
Thank you so much, Janna. That’s really encouraging! My mom is trying to stay positive, but just the thought of surgery is so scary!
I am so sorry!
My mom broke her leg a year ago, she had the surgery and couldn’t work for more than two months. She was also on physical therapy in a hospital nearby, all alone :/
I know how hard was that to her, but I did my best to help her. Just keep her occupied, give her your attention, but don’t do it too much. I know my mom doesn’t like the feeling that she needs to be taken care of.
A lot of chocolate, hugs and good books are always helpful
i hope your mom feels better soon and doesnt need to have surgery thats the worst. she is in my thoughts but i am sure your taking god care of her espcially with the chocolate treats and ice cream and gossip girl marathons i love gossip girl!
xoxo
Aw that is frustrating. Hope your mom isn’t in too much pain!
Get well soon, CCK’s momma!
I’m so sorry about what happened to your mom
Life is unfair sometimes…but I try and look at it this way: sometimes fate has bad things happen to people that can handle it. I hope she gets better soon!!
I’ve never broken a bone [officially]. I’m pretty sure I broke my nose ~5 years ago but I never went to the hospital for it…so I don’t really know!
I’m so sorry that your mom had this accident, but I’m amazed of how she handles things! She’ll probably end up stronger after this, there’s a moral to every single thing that happens to us
You’re so sweet to have made this for your mom! Last time I wanted to make her a yummy recipe (I think it was banana chocolate oatmeal?), she said she didn’t wanted ”garbage” and that she didn’t like chocolate anyway. Poo. Can we share your mom?
I didn’t broke a bone, but twisted my ankle doing cheerleading (my team dropped me). The day before the competition, haha. It was right during holiday break.
I think simple things that may make your mom happy could be:
1) Breakfast in bed
2) Buy her perfume
3) Do her nails and a mud mask (there’s chocolate flavored mud mask xD)
4) Bubble bath
5) Good books (I like Anne in Green Gables)
xoxo
Sending healing vibes to your mom!
Nope, never broken a bone. Knock on wood!
Just don’t knock too hard!
Oh, your poor mum!! The world really isn’t fair, but your mum has you and your family to keep her in good spirits and help her out so much. She’s a lucky girl!
I have never had a bad injury or broken beone before, but my brother broke his femur two years ago and has a whole bunch of tips… Since your mum won’t be in hospital for a long time, thank goodness, some of the tips dont’ apply, so here’s the ones that do:
- Lots and lots of yummy meals cooked by other people – that one is super easy – she has you!
- someone to help clean the house and do the dishes (my brother had a broken wrist too)
- going for short walks with other people – never dismiss someone witha broken leg as entirely immobile – my brother was itching to get out at every opportunity but he needed someone to go with him, just in case he dropped a crutch or something
- a teddy bear for surgery – even my tough as nails brother held his teddy tight (actually, it was a stuffy puppy)
- always keep positive, smiling, and laughing (comedy and Disney movies help on bad days)
– guys night, or in your mum’s case, girlie nights!
Best of luck to your mum! I hope the surgery goes well, if she needs it, and she is back on her feet again in no time.
Thanks so much, JCD. I definitely have to keep reminding myself to do the little “cleaning” things I always took for granted, like sweeping the kitchen floor!
I wish your mother a speedy recovery. I am sure she will be better in no time with such a wonderful daughter taking care of her! I have never broken a bone before, which is shocking seeing as I am super clumsy and always falling down.
Aww, your poor Mom! That is terrible!
I have broken just about every finger and toe, but the only major bone has been my wrist. I am right handed so when I broke my right wrist the week before AP testing in high school… it kind of sucked :/
Oh wow, that must have made essay-writing in the time frame almost impossible! I can’t even imagine!
Katie,
So sorry to hear about your mama, and I hope she is up and about soon. Knee surgery does not sound like fun, but if she does have to have it, I know you’ll be there to help. You have such a good heart, and your love for your friends and family is so apparent in all you do. Love that about you.
Sundae looked great…how about some fresh flowers for the house. Flowers always cheer me up!
Hope you and your mom have a good weekend. I’ll be thinking about you both!
I was also one of those people who thought it was cool to break a bone and wear a cast when I was younger…then I broke my wrist when I was 17 and realized how NOT COOL it is. It was horrible! The pain was the worst I’ve ever felt, the cast smelled bad and my arm itched like crazy, I had to wear a bread bag over my arm to take showers, and do all my classwork left handed. And, my wrist has never been as strong as it was before.
So sorry to hear about your mom! Best wishes for her speedy recovery!
I am so sorry to hear about your mom Katie. I highly reccommend happy, funny movies and great books and magazines. I was a competieve snowboarder growing up-broken bones/injuires you ask? OH Yeah. It is all about resting with good company, positive surroundings, ANIMALS, and yes CHOCOLATE. I reccomend the movie Chocolat(Jonny Depp) and The Counte of Monte Cristo they both always cheer me up.
Here is to a fast recovery for CCK mom. 
The only bone I’ve actually broken has been my tail bone and that’s no fun at all. But that keeps you from sitting and moving..but not from standing..at least for a few minutes lol. I’ve had a hairline fracture in my foot before, too as well as runner’s knee..so those kept me on the sidelines for a good while.
I’m sorry your moms going through so much! You’re the perfect nurse, though. All other patients out there wish they had nurses to bring them such delicious and healthy goodies!
Aw, poor Chocolate Covered Mom!! I hope she heals okay. I bet your coconut banana sundae certainly helped her feel better anyway. Get better soon, CCM!
I hope your mom feels better soon! I’ve never been immobile or had a broken bone but I can imagine how difficult it would be.
I love doing things to make people feel better when they’re down, but its hard to do things that don’t cost $$. What about a movie night? When my mom has a bad day we’ve been known to watch her old favorites, like Gigi, Gone with the Wind and whatever is playing on the classic movie channel. I also give her manicures because she likes to have her nails done but doesn’t have the time and she’s terrible at doing her own.
I hope your Mom gets well soon! She sounds like a great woman.
Poor chocolate-covered mom!
I broke my arm once when I was about 9, and my parents didn’t take me to the doctor for 6 weeks! Oops…I still tease them about it.
I have HBP and was really afraid of being put on bed rest while pregnant. That would have been awful! I can’t imagine spending months in bed like that…
i was just talking about why life throws obstacles at people with such beautiful hearts, that is one thing we will never know! sending love to you and your momma!
talking about it with my bestfriend**
Your poor mom! You are such an awesome daughter for making her that sundae!
Just keep her laughing and spending time with her. Also try to do things for her without her asking….. like making sundaes for her
Hope your mom gets better! That’s so awesome that she has a positive attitude still.
Tell your mom to get well soon. And to keep eating the chocolate! Chocolate gives you endorphins
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Aw, I’m sorry about your mom’s leg! But you’re awfully sweet to treat her to that sundae
And I know you live to scrapbook; maybe you could make a special page for her to help her feel better!
Aww what an awesome idea!!
I am so sorry CCK-Mama. I have actually broken my arm twice and last year I broke my finger and had to have a pin put into it-yuck.
I agree with other posters that doing small things, like helping around the house, grocery shopping etc is all helpful-then CCKM won’t be stressed about the house while she is recovering.
Also, go buy Phase 10 if you don’t have it. Super fun card game. and Bananagrams if she likes word games….we got it for christmas and my siblings and I play every time we are home. So fun!
Ooh she loves card games. I definitely put “Phase 10″ on my grocery list to check out! Never heard of Bananagrams either… must find out more! Thanks!
Katie, I’m so sorry about your mama. It’s no fun to have the people you love around you get sick or hurt. I totally understand– I get heartbroken when my family (or close friends, on that matter) get pretty sick or have to get surgery. And I also completely understand about it NOT being fair– Why DOES bad stuff happen to good people? I’ll never know
Movies, whole made cookies (or fudge babies!), or maybe attempting to get your mom out of the house may help…. I’m sure she’ll love whatever you may do
!
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom! She does sound like an amazing lady, and it also sounds like you are working hard to take good care of her. I have only broken a finger, but back when I was 11 I had to have surgery on my knee and was bedridden for a few days and then on crutches for awhile. I don’t remember a whole lot about it, but I know that it helped a lot to have people around to do nice things for me (although, no one ever made me PMS chocolate…). Some nice things I can think of to do for her are to get her lots of books from the library, and to maybe talk to her fellow teachers/principal and see if it is possible to have the kids send her get-well cards. Good luck to both you and your mommy!
Hehe I broke a finger once too… it’s actually much more of a big deal than people realize!
Best to your mum. :[
I've never broken a bone, but I did spend about two weeks in a splint near the end
of this summer. I was working out at my parents' barn in August,
and one of the horses accidentally stumbled and fell on top of me. >_<
SO not fun. So, bright side: I finally got to be driven around in a wheelchair
at urgency care (dare I say in between all the tears and pain
I had fun being wheeled around? haha) and using crutches for
a couple weeks wasn't horrible either.
Ideas? Well~ most of the other commenters have already said what I would suggest!
Haha, so...yeah. Movie nights with your fam, maybe,
and find some stories you'd both enjoy and you could even read together.
If your mom likes crafts, you could do something artsy together.
Whatever you decide to do, your mom will love you for it
because you're thinking about her and cared enough to try to do
something she'd like for her. :]
Wow, a horse?! Thank goodness you weren’t hurt worse!! Horses are much bigger than my uncle
.
Please give your mom my best wishes for healing. I have never broken, fractured, or in any way injured a bone in my body. Never even had a cavity!
As for cheering her up, your mom will probably be happy just by virtue of you trying! Other than that, I don’t know. Perhaps you could go to the special ed school and do all the wheelchair pushing, and other leg requiring jobs for her while she does her thing.
Best wishes,
VEGirl
Oh gosh, broken bones. I will be full of advice on this one. I have broken 11 bones haha how’s that for clumsy? What helped the most was…well actually I was forced to get a waterproof cast a lot of the time since I was a competitive swimmer and my coach wanted me to be able to train still. But when my leg was broken I loved inviting my friends over for lunch/dinner dates, just to talk, movie nights, just always be busy doing something! I was so antsy so I always made sure I was occupied! How about taking up a new hobbie? Like knitting? lol or something like that
oh no
get better CCK mom! that looks so delish! i’ve only broken toes playing barefoot soccer 
Oh man, that is hugely unfair for your poor mom
I broke my arm as a kid doing a CARTWHEEL off my friends bed……… needless to say I pretty much deserved it :p
Your momma, however, does not, at all. So good of you to make her treats like that. Maybe a massage could be nice? I feel like a physical impairment like that can really put strain on the rest of the body – a massage might be a nice relief for her.
What a shame:( I hope she is feeling tip top again soon! It sucks when something happens to someone you love! But they do say the worst things happen to the BEST people, and your mummy does sound amazing!!!
I broke my toe once and that was bad enough!xx
I’m so sorry for your mom! Its sounds like she’s a wonderful person. You’re so sweet to make her a sundae. I’m sure she feels better already.
So sorry to hear about your mom’s injury! She is to be commended for maintaining a positive attitude through it all!
I’ve never broken a bone, but I did have to wear an ankle brace for several weeks (translation: no running allowed), and it was pretty torturous.
Aw, that’s sad.
Maybe the good, strong, positive people get extra helpings of crappiness so those who are less able to deal with it won’t have to. Hope your mommy feels better soon! She certainly sounds wonderful… hmm, possibly because she reminds me of *my* mom – selfless, caring, and a special education teacher. 
I’ve never broken a bone. When I was a kid I desperately wanted to break my leg so I could use crutches or a wheelchair, but I would’ve settled on anything as long as I could have a cast! I used to make faux casts out of toilet paper and water… they’d harden onto my fingers and I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
…wow, that sounds ridiculous!
Oh gosh, so sorry to hear about your mom. I wish I could give you some advice but have no idea. We are dealing with a family issue as well that is all new to us. But we will keep you and your mom in our thoughts and prayers…wish her a speedy recovery ; )
Oh no! I hope your mom heals quickly. I hate hearing stories about horrible things happening to such good people. It is so frustrating. I am sure the sundae helped…besides, she has you for a daughter! I had a piano fall on my foot my senior year in high school. It crushed my big toe and the other two next to it. That was no fun. I don’t really remember anything that really cheered me up other than maybe playing games with my family. That is always a good time! I hope you guys have a good weekend.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, I hope she doesn’t need the surgery! I remember I broke my arm when I was in kindergarten and opted to get a bright pink cast. Then I refused to go to school because I was embarrassed! I sure could’ve used a banana coconut sundae then, but I guess I’ll have to settle for one later tonight. It looks so delicious, especially with those raspberries!
Take her to the movies or rent a good movie! always cheers me up
Dana xo
http://happinessiswithin.wordpress.com/
I just watched that movie the other day
I always get my mother some chocolate and plan a girls night: cooking dinner, wine, and movies orb just talking and she I feeling better already. I think some kids don’t realize how valuable that time is from the parent’s point of view.
I hope she gets well soon! My wonderful mother has some chronic health problems a well. I dont feel that it is fair at all either. Mothers shoul never be I’ll!
Aw, poor mama! I’m sorry she is having to deal with this during the start of school…and she really does seem like such a kind soul. Life isn’t fair, you’re right. At least she has a daughter that will make her yummy and healthy food.
I’m so sorry for your mom! I hope she has a speedy recovery; probably more sundaes are needed.
Ohh yikes!
I’ve never broken a bone so I couldn’t empathize with the pain, though my full sympathies go out to her! How tough it must be to have something like that happen… but wow your mom is amazing! And um yeah?! I can see why so many people would say your mother is amazing – she sure seems that way! All the best for her and hope she was a super speedy recovery! I agree with radioactivegan, more sundaes are needed. Delicious healthy food gives your body energy to rebuild, no? 
Oh Katy sorry about your mom. Accidents happen to all of us, good or bad people. That must have been so painful for her, give her my best! I’t sounds like she has so many good people who care for her around, that I’m sure she will have a good and quick recovery.
That banana coconut sunday…..looks so good.
It sounds a little quacky, but comfrey compresses help with broken bones…(the stuff is often called bone knit for a reason). You can buy dried comfrey, steep it in hot water and soak bandages/cloths in the mixture before placing it over the affected area. Herbalists swear by the method, and I’ve used comfrey time and again to mend my own fractures – if it works on ribs and collar bones, it might just speed up the healing process with your mom’s leg!
My idea would be to rent all your Mom’s favorite movies and be couch potatoes for one day!
)
(At least, that’s what I do with MY Mom
… how about making sure she has all the household goods in she needs- does she need shopping done? Is there any thing you can set up near to where she sits or relaxes so that so doesn’t need to get up too often or ask for people to fetch for her….
Hugs to your mum, I hope her recovery is speedy and she need not have the knee operation.
A few years ago I broke both my feet in a car accident. I was off my feet for three months. My best advice for your mom is to be diligent with her physical therapy. Sometimes it’s painful, but it’s so worth it! For you, I would say just remember to include her and consider her in activities. When you’re hurt, it’s hard to watch everyone leave to go have fun without you. And definitely keep making her sundaes.
I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s broken leg. Hopefully it heals up well, and surgery isn’t needed – or at least isn’t a hassle. I’ve never broken a bone in my 30+ years, and I knock on wood every time I say that! I have, however, sprained my ankle and pulled tendons in my knee which left me semi-immobile for awhile. Very frustrating.
Maybe this isn’t how you meant it, but it sounds like you said non-special-ed teachers just stand and lecture all day. As a teacher, I find that assumption offensive- it’s a lot of work, and a good teacher wouldn’t stand in one place and talk. Regular education teachers work hard, too.
No, that is definitely not what I meant. My mom’s job entails that she LIFT kids up, change them, push wheelchairs, etc. I no way did I say or mean that her job was more difficult than another teacher, just more PHYSICALLY demanding.
Awww CCM! I hope that she heals up quickly and is back on her feet (literally) soon. And you are so very right- life often is not fair. Hope that you had a wonderful summer!!
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