THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO BROKE HER ANKKE…
TW: broken bone talk and photos, xrays, sadness
The hope of this blog post is that it helps someone, like Jess Christie’s blog post helped me when I decided to snap my ankle at an engagement session… YUP- you read that right. It was during this lovely couple’s engagement session.
Unfortunately, a lot of embarrassing shit happens to me. But yanno what, it is for the plot.
Here is the tale of my broken ankle in June 2022:
It was Friday, June 24th around sunset at a location that I shoot at near my house. I met up with Sarah and Rob for their engagement session in advance of their 2023 wedding that I am also photographing. The weather that night was perfect (we’ll get to that later lol).
We met up and immediately took a short drive to our first spot- a waterfall that I often frequent with my couples. There is a tiny, grassy hill leading to the spot. As I was walking down, my ankle gave out and I fell backwards onto my ankle when I heard a ‘POP’. I knew it wasn’t good, but as an Italian, I decided to walk it off.
We finished up at our first location, and went to the next location- a cool road with awesome 360 degree views. We walked about 1000 feet on this road when I squatted down to take another photo, that is when I heard a ‘CRACK’ and felt an insane amount of pain…. turns out that was the second break- who knew? LOL.
I swallowed my pride and asked Sarah and Rob if we could finish up at a later time. I hobbled back to my truck as the sun was setting. By the way, IT WAS THE BEST SUNSET OF ALL TIME I WAS SO PISSED OFF.
I got into my truck with the intention of driving home, when I realized I was going into shock from the pain and I realized driving was not the best idea. That is when the tears came.
I was trying to keep myself calm and assess my needs in the car, I started calling Luke (partner) and family (mom, dad, sis). Luke answered and was at work in Wilkes-Barre, he dropped everything and started traveling to me. My sister, Emily, answered and came to my rescue with a towel?? lol and a polaroid camera. Also, you can see the bomb sunset in the background of the below photo.
Luke quickly got to my location and drove me to the hospital where I was wonderfully cared for by the nurses and doctors. They unfortunately gave me bad news, my fibula was broken in two places. I was heartbroken. EVERYTHING went through my head. My photography business, my personal fitness, and my lifestyle in general.
I have to be honest- my mind went three places:
My clients, especially my brides.
My upcoming races, I was working so hard to train for a marathon.
My support system- how could I inconvenience my loved ones like this?!?
After I got home, I grieved HARD. I think I cried for two weeks straight. It was a deep, emotionally painful feeling. As a business owner, I thought I just threw away everything I had worked for. As someone who loves movement, I thought my life was going to change forever. I was a mess, luckily my loved ones helped pull me out of the gutter and get me out for lake days (in my own way).
I experienced some of my darkest days during this time. It was also during these two weeks that I found out I needed surgery which scared me. I did not really deal with my business during this time. I was processing all of the feelings, in physical pain, and I was also on pain meds lol. Soon enough, I went in for surgery and officially started my healing process.
After the surgery, my mindset shifted majorly. I called this a “countdown mindset”. I was told after the surgery that I could not walk for a following six weeks, but that was okay because I felt there was an end in sight. During this time, I got my shit together. I called brides and told them that I might not be able to shoot their wedding, I hired associate photographers for sessions that could not be moved, and I rescheduled other sessions. About a week after the session, I got my peg leg in the mail and I was officially in my #peglegera (s/o to Jess Christie for the rec).
Before I knew it, 8 weeks had passed and I got the clear to walk again. It was humbling as it was difficult for the first two weeks, but by the grace of God- I was actually able to shoot the weddings I thought I was not going to be able to. I am now 13 weeks post op. I am still in some pain, I often wake up stiff and when it rains, my ankle creaks, but I know I will be okay. I even have a cool scar now!
What I learned:
This was a transformative experience for me, I am 26 years old and I learned more about myself through snapping my ankle than I have with any other life experience. The takeaways…
Never take walking for granted, not even to get up for your phone charger. Mobility is a privilege, not a right.
The people who come to you when you’re sick or hurt, care about you. Cherish them forever. (Unfortunately, true colors show during this too, and that is okay)
Your business will be fine. Keep showing up as your genuine self, and maybe that means showing how much of a GD mess you are. Your clients will understand, I promise.
Sit with your emotions, that is the only way to let them pass.
Who I have to thank:
Luke, my partner, who waited on me hand and foot, listened to my cry, pulled me out of the gutter when I needed it, brought me food every morning and night, carried me up and down the steps, put my naked ass in the shower, and showed me unconditional love and support.
My mom and sister who laid with me in bed, helped keep the house clean, and checked in frequently.
My future MIL, Beth, who brought me dinner, took me to the lake, and listened to me complain.
Our second family, the Mykulyn’s, for dinner drop offs and quality time.
My neighbors, Fred & Liz, for latte and wine deliveries, delicious dinner, and medical supplies (knee scooter ftw)
Jess Christie, for hopping on a call with me, being so supportive, and being the broken ankle twin I never asked for.
My various girlfriends, Chloe, Ana, Becca, Mel, Chelsy, and Emmy who checked in on me and listened to me cry.
My associate photographers who kicked some FKN ass for me.
All of my clients who understood- god, am I lucky.
