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I Wanted to Be in the Best Shape of My Life at 60. Then I Lost My Leg.

By The Artful Woman
  Before my accident, I kept saying the same thing to myself: I want to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 60. I meant it. I was hiking, walking, going to the gym. I was building strength in my body and imagining a future where I kept getting stronger, not weaker. Then the accident happened. I was still 59. I turned 60 in a hospital bed. I lost a leg. I fractured my other leg in multiple places. I broke ribs. I had vertebrae injuries. My body went into heart and kidney failure. Pain became constant, not occasional. Everything I thought I was building… was suddenly gone. And for a long time, I couldn’t understand something: If I was focusing on health, strength, and vitality… how did I end up here? I used to think maybe I did something wrong. Maybe I thought wrong. Maybe I “manifested” the wrong thing. But I’m starting to see something different now. Life isn’t a formula where good thoughts guarantee safe outcomes. Bodies exist in a world where accidents happen, s...
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A Miracle Rescue at the Jetties

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By The Artful Woman


One day, my niece, nephew, and I were at the beach enjoying the tide pools—a favorite spot of mine in Laguna Beach, CA. My brother-in-law joined us, and I suggested he try sitting between two rock jetties where the waves would wash over him like a natural Jacuzzi. It was a refreshing and relaxing spot I thought he’d enjoy.

He decided to give it a try, but before long, he got swept away by the powerful waves. At first, I wasn’t sure if he was struggling or just playing around. But as the waves kept pulling him deeper and deeper, it became clear he was in real trouble. I yelled to him, “Are you okay? Do you need help?” He nodded frantically, signaling that he couldn’t get back to shore on his own.

The situation was dire. The narrow space between the jetties was lined with jagged rocks, and the waves were relentless. None of us were strong enough to swim out and bring him back, and my brother-in-law was a big man—far too heavy for any of us to manage on our own. Plus, I was with my niece and nephew, who were just kids at the time.

The only solution I could think of was to form a human chain. I had my niece and nephew lock hands, anchoring themselves firmly on the sand while I extended myself as far as I could toward the water. Inch by inch, I leaned further out until my brother-in-law was close enough to grab my hand. With the kids holding onto me and pulling with all their strength, we managed to drag him back to safety.

Honestly, I don’t know how we did it. The waves were so strong, and the situation seemed almost impossible. Looking back, it felt like nothing short of a miracle that we pulled him in without anyone getting hurt. My brother-in-law wasn’t scratched or thrown into the rocks. When we finally got him onto the shore, he collapsed, breathing heavily and completely exhausted.

My niece and nephew, who were maybe 10 or 11 years old at the time, showed incredible bravery and strength for their age. It was a moment I’ll never forget—a harrowing experience that turned out okay against all odds.

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