Hey,

Thank you all for responding!!! Some good comments and good advice and empathy. I expected no less from this site. What wonderful women you are. I feel like I have long-distance friends here.

Veronica, I had actually thought about making sure the kids know I had a helmet on without which I wouldn't be back at school today and most likely still in the hospital. I went back to the scene to check it out ......... lots of blood (ick!) and the wooden post that my head ran into to stop my forward slide. There could be a dent in my head without a helmet. Not that I would EVER ride without one, but kids need to know how important a helmet can be.

Steph, I can guarantee mine won't heal in a week. Maybe some of the smaller scrapes, but my chin is one raw mess. I suspect months till it's all gone, if even then. I'm glad your husband's healed well. I feel very lucky that I didn't break anything. Hope his bones heal fast, also.

Kim, We'll probably have matching chins now. Can you believe it? What's the karma there? This is certainly going to be a lesson for any vanity that I might have. I have to admit, I dread going out in public and being seen like this. But I'm going! I'll be at work today and teaching spin tonight. Can't hide out at home. It's not me. ------ Longer e-mail coming soon......

DM, I am worried about infection! That'll slow down the healing process, I know. When I was at the hospital, the nurse used a scrub brush to clean my face of all the debris that she could see. Sounds like fun, huh? She had put on some type of numbing cream first so it was bearable. When I got home and checked it out in the mirror (scary!) I found a couple little pieces of stuff and got them out. From here on, besides staying smeared with antibiotic ointment, I am going to make a huge effort NOT to touch my face at all unless my hands are really clean. I am also going to check in with my regular doctor and see what he has to say. Then, when it's starting to heal more, I plan to go to the dermatologist and talk to him about scarring and discoloration. I know, in time, it will be okay, it's just this initial period that is going to suck! It will give me an appreciation for people who actually have real disabilities that others stare at and bother them about.
Oh, and yes, they gave me a tetanus shot. So I have a sore left arm along with my face today. I know, better that than the alternative!

I've gone on long enough here. Thanks again for everyones advice and concern. I am off to work. Can't wait....