Back Problems

Back Problems

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

2 Corinthians 1:4

When the car skidded out of control while heading around the curve in the gravel road, careening onto its side in the ditch, I knew on impact that I’d broken something. As I hung from my seat belt in the rear of the car, sharp pain knifed through my back, and I wiggled my toes in panic, praying that my legs hadn’t been paralyzed.

As sirens wailed in the distance and faces peered in at me, I felt profound relief at knowing I would be rescued. After I endured a couple of ambulance rides, a surgery, a week in the hospital, and three months wearing a back brace, my life settled into a new normal. But as a seventeen-year-old, I mourned the loss of experiences I’d never get to have. Marching band that summer—as well as the band trip to Kentucky with all my friends—was out of the question. So was football cheerleading in the fall. I was thankful for my restored good health, but I felt the deep ache of missing out.

A couple of years ago, a teenager I knew was diagnosed with scoliosis and told she would need surgery to correct her spine. Having had the experience of back surgery as a teenager, I felt keenly the pain and hardship she might encounter. So I made it a point to send flowers to her in the hospital. I also snagged magazines, nail polish, and treats to send her way during her recovery.

As children, we’re often taught the Golden Rule, that we should do to others whatever we would like them to do to us. Although I would never wish the pain of a broken back on anyone, I was grateful that my experience could give me an insight into someone else’s struggle. After all, I was able to use my knowledge of our shared experience to help our young friend through the challenge of her own recovery, even in a small way.

—Kristin

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Think of someone who could benefit from your shared experience. Use that experience to bless that person.