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From Pipi’s Pasture: Dealing with an injured finger

Diane Prather
Diane Prather
Diane_Prather

I think that we sometimes tend to take our body parts for granted. Take our opposable thumbs, for example. Have you ever tried to do something without using your thumb — like writing, for example, or grasping a glass of water? There are so many ways that we use these wonderful thumbs!

This week, I’ve been thinking about another finger, the fourth finger on my right hand. That’s because I injured it while I was mixing up a casserole two nights ago. When I was using a spoon to scoop chili out of a can, my finger came into contact with the jagged edge of the newly opened lid, resulting in a nasty cut that ran across the top of the finger — right where it bends. And for the past two days, I have been painfully aware of the number of things I do with the finger. Of course I am right-handed.

So, I’ve noticed having difficulty with these things since the injury (granted that other fingers play a part in these tasks, too):



• shifting gears in the car

• dusting Pipi with fly powder



• feeding two calves at the same time

• pitching hay with a fork

• packing two bottles, some grain, and cat food to the corral

• picking up “sections” of baled hay by hand

• hoeing and hand weeding the garden

• watering potted flowers with a watering can and jugs

• packing the watering can and jugs

• unloading groceries from the car

• writing with a pen or pencil

• writing out a check

• using the computer (though not as hard as using a pencil since I can use one hand)

• picking up cans off a shelf

• washing dishes

• sweeping the floor

• putting on clothes, especially buttoning and zipping

• putting on my shoes (ouch)

• turning a door knob to open the door

• spraying the clothes with a pre-wash liquid

• putting a pillowcase over a pillow

• slicing roast beef

• picking up a cup of coffee

• moving the garden hose

• writing on a chalkboard

• packing a bag of books

• making a sandwich

• scooping grain out of a gunny sack

See what I mean? I could go on and on. I also have found out how hard it is to try doing some of the chores with my left hand. How awkward! As I wait for my injury to heal, I’ll be thinking how much I appreciate the many things my finger helps me do!


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