Before I begin, I want to take a moment to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone for your kindness and support over the past few days. The messages, phone calls, prayers, visits, hugs, and all the delicious treats have meant more than I can put into words. Every single one of you has made this horrific nightmare just a little easier to bear.
And to Rich… thank you for once again being my rock. Thank you for holding my hand through every appointment, advocating for me when I couldn’t, wiping away my tears, making me laugh when I needed it most, and reminding me that I don’t have to face any of this alone. I honestly don’t know what I would do without you. ❤️
#EveryoneNeedsARich
Today, Rich took me to my initial consultation with my oral surgeon. He’s the brother and brother-in-law of very dear friends of ours, so I knew I’d be in good hands.
He was kind, compassionate, and honest. He reminded me that there is still a very long and winding road to recovery ahead.
To make matters worse, last night I started experiencing a new pain in one area of my mouth. My tongue kept finding the spot, and I realized a fifth tooth had suddenly become loose. The surgeon took one look at it this afternoon and told me it also has to come out. It’s cracked and was somehow missed in the initial trauma because of all the swelling in my mouth. The plan is to remove it next week, giving both my mouth and me, a little more time to heal.
For now, the wire across my teeth will need to stay in place for at least four to six weeks. Thankfully, after my oral surgeon consulted with the surgeon I saw in the hospital on Saturday morning, he’s hopeful the wire alone will allow the fracture in my gums to heal and that I may be able to avoid that one additional surgery.
It’s one small piece of encouraging news in the middle of an incredibly difficult week.
Every day, the swelling and bruising on my face are slowly improving, and I’m hopeful that over the next few days my stitches will begin to dissolve as well. Healing is happening, even if it’s happening more slowly than I’d like.
But emotionally, that’s been one of the hardest parts. I still have a difficult time looking at myself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed to smile because I know what’s happening inside my mouth, even if most people can’t see it. It’s a constant reminder of the trauma I’ve endured, and right now I’m still trying to come to terms with both the physical and emotional scars.
The reality is… this has all been too much.
Along with the physical pain, I’m really struggling with my mental health. I know that’s a normal response after experiencing such a traumatic event, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I keep replaying everything over and over in my mind, and part of me still can’t shake the guilt of what happened. Then there’s another part of me that wishes I had never woken up from this nightmare, a nightmare that has not only left me injured, but has also placed a very large financial burden on my family.
I’m emotionally exhausted and physically drained.
I know it was an accident, an unavoidable, freak accident. I also know I need to make an appointment with my doctor to begin investigating what caused me to faint so unexpectedly. My oral surgeon strongly encouraged me not to put that off. But if I’m being honest, part of me is afraid to know the answer. Even making that first phone call feels overwhelming right now.
The next four to six weeks will bring their own challenges. My meals will continue to consist of liquids and soft foods while everything heals. It may sound like a small inconvenience compared to everything else, but right now it feels like one more reminder that recovery touches every part of daily life.
And it’s during moments like these that I miss my mom the most. I miss hearing her reassuring voice telling me everything was going to be okay. I miss the comfort that only a mom can give. Grief has a way of showing up when we’re at our most vulnerable, and right now I feel the weight of that loss more than ever.
Trauma changes you. Healing takes time. Showing yourself grace is a vital part of that healing. Recognizing your own resilience, celebrating the silent victories, and giving yourself credit for simply getting through the day are powerful ways of honouring yourself.
So today, I’m reminding myself that surviving doesn’t always look brave. Sometimes surviving simply means making it through the day, wiping away your own tears, accepting the love of those around you who want to help, and trusting that this heaviness won’t last forever.
I’m not okay today.
But I’m still here.
And for today, that’s enough. ❤️
In case you missed it, here is my initial blog I posted the other day.
https://wheredidmommyssmilego.com/2026/07/19/2026-we-are-officially-done/
YouAreEnough 