A Lifetime of Staying Active
I grew up in Brookwood, Alabama, and was always on the move. As a proud Brookwood High School cheerleader, I spent my younger years flipping, tumbling, playing softball, and mastering plenty of stunts - some pretty wild ones. Somehow, through all those years of activity, I never broke a single bone.
That love of sports carried into my family. My daughter played volleyball and softball, and my son went on to play football at Hillcrest High School and later at UAB. Staying active has always been part of our lives.
Now as a grandmother, I often look back and realize how fortunate I had been to remain injury-free through all of life’s adventures.
Until one unexpected evening changed everything.
An Unexpected Fall
In September of 2025, after a day of shopping with my mom, my husband and I stopped by Hobby Lobby to pick up some beautiful wooden carts for our grandchildren.
While loading them into the car in the sloped parking lot, one of the carts suddenly began rolling away. Instinctively, I ran after it. Before I knew it, I was flipping through the air and landed hard on my backside.
My husband jumped over me to stop the runaway cart while several kind strangers rushed over to help. They loaded our car and stayed with us as I realized something wasn’t right.
I couldn’t stand, and I couldn’t move my leg. For the first time in my life, I knew something was seriously wrong.
Turning to Andrews Sports Medicine
At the emergency room, I was told I needed to see an orthopaedic surgeon. I immediately knew where I wanted to go - Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
From my very first visit, Dr. Christopher Garrett and his team treated me with compassion, professionalism, and reassurance. They explained every step of the process clearly and made sure I felt confident about the plan for my care.
Delaying Surgery for an Important Moment
Just days after my fall, my son’s wedding was approaching. Dr. Garrett worked closely with me to delay surgery until after the wedding, allowing me to be there for one of the most important moments in my son’s life.
He also fitted me with a brace that stabilized my leg and kept me comfortable so I could celebrate with my family. My long dress hid the brace perfectly, and during the mother-son dance, no one even knew it was there. That moment meant everything to me.
Surgery & Recovery
When the time came for surgery, the experience was incredibly organized and reassuring - what I jokingly describe as “the Disney World of surgeries.”
The surgical team walked me through every detail, provided clear instructions, and made sure I felt comfortable and prepared. I left the hospital with minimal pain and complete confidence in my recovery.
Rehabilitation & Setting Goals
My rehabilitation journey began near the University of Alabama with my physical therapist, Jeremy. He encouraged me to set ambitious goals that would keep me motivated during recovery.
One of those goals was something simple but meaningful: walking around on Black Friday. Thanks to Jeremy’s encouragement and determination, I proudly achieved that goal.
The Power of Support
Looking back, what helped me come back wasn’t just excellent medical care - it was the people.
From the strangers in the parking lot, to my friends and family, and especially the team at Andrews Sports Medicine, I was surrounded by kindness, expertise, and encouragement every step of the way.
A Message for Others Facing a Setback
If there’s one thing this experience taught me, it’s this: Never underestimate your resilience.
Life can change in an instant. But with the right medical team, the right support system, and the right mindset, you can overcome the unexpected.
And if you ever need orthopaedic care, take it from me - Dr. Christopher Garrett and the team at Andrews Sports Medicine are the best.
