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REVERIES...By Edna Foley

ACCIDENTS

There are occupational accidents associated with all work, but one wouldn't think about it being associated with farming. Since machinery has replaced manual labor, accidents occur.

On the farm the repair work is usually done by the farmer. Sometimes one falls off the barn roof while repairing it. Then some are gored by bulls or attacked by a vicious sow who has little pigs. There are minor accidents too.

My dad had an accident which could have been fatal.

We had a young filly, gentle and mild, altho she was not "broken" we would ride her to the mail box. One day my brother-in-law decided to ride her. He saddled her but did not get the saddle on tight, so when he got ready to mount her, the saddle slipped. The filly became nervous, kicking at the stirup which dangled loose against her leg.

At that time dad was coming in at the gate with the team and wagon. The frightened filly ran down to the team. Dad tried to stop her but she turned and kicked him. The blow landed on his face just in front of the ear.

Dad fell bleeding very badly. My brother-in-law and I carried him to the shade in the yard. He lay there in the shade. My brother-in-law jumped into the car and went to get a doctor. The telephone was out. We could get the neighbor, but not the operator. Our family doctor said he would have to have a surgeon.

The surgeon was picked up and brought along with the family doctor. Dad recognized them altho he was still weak from the loss of blood. The doctors decided he couldn't make the trip to the hospital, so decided to operate at home.

An oil cloth from the kitchen table was spread upon the folding bed and dad was placed upon it. A neighbor woman held his hands so he wouldn't move. The operation was performed without sedation. I held the lamp for awhile. A storm was coming up and it was getting dark. My sister-in-law relieved me after awhile.

The doctors found barn yard dirt in the wound. The artery and a nerve were severed. This had to be repaired by the surgeon, a tube was inserted for drainage and the wound closed.

Dad was very low when the operation was complete. The doctor looked grave as they left, with instructions on caring for dad. Dad slept well. The doctors came out early and found him better. He was to get plenty of water. He improved steadily.

The doctors came out frequently to check him. They said there might be some paralysis as a nerve was severed. He told dad to message that side of his face.

The filly was duly broken and became a fine work horse producing nine colts. We were all so happy that it ended the way it did and dad was restored to us. We didn't try riding anymore horses until they were properly "broke."

Published by THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Thurs. Aug. 21, 1980.