49 Days Later: When Life Took an Unexpected Turn

Forty-nine days after our wedding, life threw us a curveball we never saw coming. My husband, my stepson, and I were heading to one of the first races we’d been to in what felt like forever. This race was special—not just because my husband was racing, but because it was also the first race his son would compete in. Just the one class this time, but it was a big deal for all of us.

The moment we arrived at the track, something felt…off. My husband and I were tense, on edge, and overwhelmed by the people who were there that day in the pits. It wasn’t like us. But we pushed through the bad feeling and got through the practices. When it was time for him to qualify, I wasn’t worried—he’s experienced, and I’ve seen him do this a hundred times. So instead of watching, I went to check the board for his son’s results. He qualified! No LCQ! I couldn’t wait to tell him.

That’s when it all changed.

As I was standing behind the grandstands, I heard his name over the loudspeaker. The words are etched in my memory: “I’m glad to see Cody back up.” My heart dropped into my stomach. Something was wrong.

I sprinted to the track, and before I even got there, someone reassured me, “He’s fine, he’s back up.” Relief hit for a second, but when I saw him, it was clear he wasn’t okay. He came around the turn, his foot dangling awkwardly off the bike. I ran toward him, yelling, “Are you okay?” but he rode right past me—so close I had to jump out of the way. He didn’t even see me, standing right in front of him. And to this day, does not remember me standing there. So….I am left to run after him as he rides away.

When I reached the truck, his bike was tipped over, leaning against it. Cody was frantic, pushing everything off the table and yelling for me to take his boot off. The unsteadiness in his voice broke me. He wasn’t really make any sense. We finally got the boot off and stuck his foot in our cooler full of ice. It did’t look “that bad” but his sock was still on, but he wasn’t making much sense while trying to explain what was wrong and what just happened, so we convinced him to let the medics take a look.

The paramedic didn’t think it was broken but suggested an X-ray just to be sure. We opted out of the ambulance (thank goodness for our incredible riding community who took care of our things), and I drove him to the hospital just minutes away.

By the time we arrived, his foot had doubled in size. When the doctor touched it, Cody winced and muttered, “Oh, it’s broken.” The doctor not officially confirmed it: a break, by saying “oh, did you feel that?”

Reality hit hard.

The next hours were a blur of questions and panic. What did this mean for Cody? For our family? For his season? And what about his son, who was crushed that he couldn’t race that night? Watching his disappointment only added to our heartbreak.

The next 24 to 48 hours would decide the next four months of our life and marriage. Four months filled with challenges, adjustments, and lessons I’m still learning today.

This story is far from over. We’re living it even now, and the road ahead is still uncertain. But as much as this time has tested us, it’s also shown me just how resilient we are as a family.

Stay tuned. This is just the beginning.

Chelsea