Now that Dad has recovered his equilibrium, I just wanted to say a huge THANKS to everyone who expressed concern about my daughter the last couple of weeks. In the great scheme of things this is a minor matter but it sure affected me! I guess my family has been pretty lucky compared to others.
Anyway, Julie (that's the daughter one, not the wifely one) recovered so fast that she returned to school this past Monday. She was pretty tired by the end of the day, but was going stir crazy the previous few days and you can't keep a teenager down. She's just about back to normal now except for having to favor the broken ribs.
I took her to the doctor on Thursday and it seems the broken ribs and compressed vertebrae are healing perfectly. Julie has to wear a heavy, stretchy cloth around her waist, called a binder, until the bones are mended enough not to be painful. At the rate she's going that should be within 3-4 weeks. I'm just amazed how quickly a young, healthy body can heal.
For those with kids, who have seen them badly injured, this is old hat. For those who've been lucky enough for the kids never to have been hurt, be prepared for a shock if they are. It makes you crazy.
Again, thanks to everyone who expressed concern!
AlanF