| Monday morning began with Suze and I walking to view a piece of land available for rent. That went really well, and it looks like a concept I’ve been working on for roughly two years is finally becoming a workable plan. All going well, it should be up and running by the end of the year, with work commencing mid-to-late October. But more on that another time. The first job of the week was a complete shrub cut with one of my new grounds and maintenance trainees. For the first 45 minutes, everything was running smoothly—until they asked to use the hedge trimmer. I passed it over, but in a moment of complacency, I was still holding the blade with my gloved left hand. Just as I said, “Be careful, this hedger has a trigger finger,” their hand found the trigger. The blades sliced straight through my glove into my left thumb and index finger. [It was the index finger that was scratched] At first, I thought I was lucky. There was no pain, so I assumed it was just the glove that had taken the damage. Unfortunately, luck had very little to do with it. In less than two seconds, the blades had removed the entire flesh pad of my thumb. Now I’m left with what looks like a small moon crater, a hair’s breadth from the bone. Another second and the whole top of my thumb would have been gone. It’s classed officially as ‘a partial amputation of the left thumb’. As it is, I’ll be permanently scarred and have lost sensitivity in that thumb pad. It’s easy to say “all that happened,” but not so easy to accommodate. My thumb is heavily bandaged, still bleeding, and yet I’m still gardening. With new staff to train and a busy client list, I don’t have much choice. This morning, I’ll be off to Deal walk-in emergency care for fresh bandaging. |
| What are the negatives of this – mishap, are there any? Oh yes, several! Physical cost – I’ve lost the sensitivity in my thumb pad, and the scarring will be permanent. Gardening is very hands-on work, so this matters. Slower, clumsier work – A bandaged thumb is not the most practical tool! Simple tasks are slower and more awkward. Ongoing discomfort – Pain and bleeding are not ideal companions during a busy week of gardening. Risk of setbacks – With any hand injury there’s always the chance of infection or delayed healing, which means I have to be extra careful. Emotional toll – Knowing it took less than two seconds is a sobering reminder. It’s not always easy to carry on while managing both discomfort and responsibility. Business vulnerability – As a small business, even a minor accident has the potential to disrupt work, training, and income. |
| So, are there positives to take from this? Surprisingly, yes. A huge learning curve – Complacency with tools is dangerous. I assumed the trainee understood the sensitive trigger, but assumptions can be costly. Tetanus up to date – A small but important silver lining! Perspective shift – Only a few posts ago, I wrote about the need for mindfulness around accidents with new staff. Life clearly decided to underline the point. Resilience check – I’ve always thought of myself as resilient and practical. This incident proves it—but also reminds me I’m not invincible. Humour intact – Even with a cumbersome bandage and a throbbing thumb, I can still laugh. Hence the title: The Case of Ultimate Cumbersome Thumbersome. Accidents happen in a flash, but the lessons last. This one has reminded me, quite literally, to handle with care. |
Earthly Comforts 
Ouch, ouch, ouch! Perhaps the sensitivity in your thumb will comeback as you heal.
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Well maybe so Grace, one can certainly hope 🙂
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Oh no! An injury that wasn’t needed at all. But it did teach an important lesson- be very careful around tools. Heal well dear friend. Hugs and prayers
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Hey Sadje, yes, sadly a quick error that cost dearly.
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I’m sorry my friend.
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Oh, no, Rory! Speedy healing, my friend!
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Thanks Eugenia 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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