When I was 9 or 10 years old, I was living in Allentown, PA. I was helping my friend put together a mini ‘carnival’ for Muscular Dystrophy that consisted of games, snacks, etc. I don’t remember exactly what all, but I’m sure there were some ducks in water involved!

Anyway, in the shared basement of our apartment, I was working on things and there were boys down there with my friend’s brother. They were older and were playing with a pellet gun. From what someone else said, he pumped it 14 times. Out of nowhere, he shot it, it bounced around the concrete walls and before I knew it (on my side of the basement) my finger had been hit. Doesn’t sound so bad, but it went in one side of the finger and out the other, shattering all the bones inside. I’ll never forget the feeling I had as I ran up two flights of stairs to my Mom with blood shooting out both sides of my finger! It was pretty damn scary! She knew everything, though, so I felt safe once I saw her face! I ended up with a huge bandage held on by a metal brace to keep the finger still and straight.

It was very painful, so I held my hand up, which made it appear I was flipping people the bird! I quickly learned to use this to my advantage when someone was getting on my nerves, or just to other kids I didn’t like! I was scared to death I wouldn’t be able to play my flute anymore, though, which would have been a serious hit.

Flash forward, it got me a scholarship to go to college, so I got very lucky! Besides, it could have been an eye!!! We all know THAT warning from a very famous Christmas movie!

I am almost scared to look at everyone else’s stories, because I’m sure they are quite horrific! Lucky for me that’s the only bone I’ve broken.

I’m so sorry for you in advance!