The Surprise
Let’s start with the good news…
So, I had this crazy idea to buy Jer a motorcycle for his Birthday this year.
But… I know nothing about motorcycles, I had no idea how to buy a vehicle on craigslist, I didn’t know what specs Jer was looking for, and I had no way to buy the thing or hid it without Jeremy finding out.
But where there is a determined wife, there is a surprised husband;)
Jer had been wanting a KLR Kawasaki Motorcycle for a longgggg time. The little Honda CB 360 that he has (that you’ve probably seen photos of us cruising around on) is just not as safe, or reliable. It’s barely big enough for both of us to ride tandem, and it’s not powerful enough to haul camera gear, camping gear, ect. Over the past 6 months, Jer has been gradually talking me into selling the Honda for something that we can take to the lake, drive on logging roads, and fit our tent and picnic on the back;)
A couple months ago, he finally sold me on the idea… but I resisted his desires to purchase one and gave him the “we don’t need it” shpeal. He finally let it go and stopped asking me about it.
All the while… I was communicating with his trusted “mechanic” and “bike guy” buddies to help me find the perfect KLR for Jer. Most of these guys had received texts from Jeremy containing photos of motorcycles and information on exactly what Jer wanted. These old text messages between Jer and his buddies, helped me figure out how many miles he was looking for, capabilities of the bike, fixings ect. One of his friends, Brian, helped me find the golden ticket! It was an add for a bike listed in Scappoose, Oregon (only about 25 minutes from Roloff Farms). And it was a smokin’ deal!!!
Since I know nothing about motorcycles, nor how to ride them…. I needed someone to go test drive it for me. However, the seller wanted to have cash in hand, before allowing people to test drive it. Fortunately, one of Jer’s trusted (mechanic bike guy) friends, Mott, lived close to the seller, so I had him go check it out to give the stamp of approval. When he gave me the green light, I began crafting up a plan to get the bike from Scappoose, back to Roloff Farms. Then, I had to figure out how I was going to hide it in the wedding barn so that I could surprise Jeremy the next time we were at the farm for filming stuff (Little People Big World).
Long story short, the seller ended up offering to deliver the bike to the farm (fist pumps!), so I just had to get Jeremy off the farm for his arrival. Thanks to my father-in-law, that was easy! Matt took Jeremy to go see this old barn that they had just purchased to restore. They went to breakfast afterwards, so I had all morning to hide the bike in the wedding barn, buy it, get the seller off the farm, and prep for Jer’s arrival!
When the seller showed up at the farm, I waved him down towards the wedding barn where I wanted to hide the bike. He walked me through all the features of the bike, I paid him, and it was a done deal. Relief!
I went to the store and bought a happy birthday balloon and ribbon to tie on the bike. Then I stole Jer’s iPad and recorded a video on of me in the wedding barn, explaining that I got him his birthday present early, and that he needed to come down to the wedding barn to retrieve it! I gave the iPad to our Producer for LPBW, and I had him text Jer and tell him to come to the production barn when he got back to the farm.
Of course I had to record the whole plan/surprise…. so I found Jer’s vlogging camera and figured out how to charge and change the batteries so that I could film the whole thing. I recorded a video of me hiding it in the barn, explaining the surprise, how I acquired the bike ect. (Full video coming soon to our YouTube).
When Jer’s dad texted me to let me know they were on their way back to the farm, I rushed to the wedding barn and anxiously awaited his arrival. I sat in there waiting for A FULL HOUR (apparently Jer decided to mow the lawn before going to the production barn – per our Producer’s request….) before I got a text from our producer saying that Jer had just watched the iPad video, and he was on his way to the wedding barn.
I set up the vlogging camera on a chair in the wedding barn and pressed record. Then I paced the barn waiting for Jer to arrive!
The rest of the story is better to watch than read… you can watch the short version of the surprise below!:)
Here is Jer, grinning ear to ear and SOOOOOO surprised that I pulled this off for him:)
Here we are posing for a first picture together on the bike. Photo credit to Amy Roloff who came out to hear to story!:)
The Shock
Ok so now for the bad news… (which is actually good news, because the bad could have been much worse).
Two days after giving Jeremy his birthday surprise, we decided to take our first tandem ride together. It was a cold a morning ,so we bundled up in our boots and Carhartt’s and headed out to breakfast. We were no more than a couple miles from the farm, when we were hit by a car, and thrown off the bike into a farmers field. Praise the Lord we were only going about 10 mph…. By the grace of God we are both ok. The cargo boxes on the sides of the bike saved our legs and the bike, and our Carhartt’s and jeans saved our skin.
It’s one of those moments that shocks you to the core….
I felt like everything happened so fast, but in slow motion at the same time. I had did not see it coming at all because we weren’t doing anything risky, and we were going so slow because we had just accelerated out of a stop sign. After I realized that we had crashed, I was terrified that the bike had fallen on Jeremy… But before I knew it he was at my side. When I realized that he was ok, I became aware of how much pain my shoulder was in. Jeremy helped me try to sit up, and that’s when I knew that my shoulder had dislocated… (which I had experienced before in a ski racing accident) As I sat up, it popped it back into place, and a laid back down. The pain doubled, my vision blurred, I was rolled into the ambulance, as I prayed fragmented sentences.
>>HERE<< is a link to my Instagram post.
We are relentlessly thankful…. It could have been much worse….
We were going slow, we had reallllyy good helmets that didn’t come off, we were wearing good clothes and shoes, we landed in the grass and blackberry bushes, the woman who hit us was a believer and I remember her praying over me before the EMT’s arrived, the boxes on the bike saved the bike and kept it from landing on us, and Jeremy was completely ‘ok’ other than a few scraps and bruises.
I had a doctor’s apt yesterday to examine my shoulder. Grrr.. I have to wear a sling (night and day) for 4 weeks, and then I will come back in for a follow up to determine if I need surgery (50/50 chance right now) *praying*
I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty discouraged, exhausted, emotional, and just bummed out.
The gift that I was beyond excited to give, wound me up in the hospital. Emotional high, to emotional low. I’ve had my fair share of health downfalls (
I’ve had my fair share of health downfalls (surgeries, broken bones, tumors, blown out ankles, stomach issues) and I just thought this was gonna be the year I escaped the ER and the MRI room…
In the ER, I remember thinking, “thank you Jesus that we are ok, that it’s just my shoulder, that you kept us safe.”
But a few days after the accident, reality began to sink in, I am still so thankful, but I started to think of all the things I can’t do, instead of being grateful for all the things I can do.
I can’t run
I won’t be able to the half-marathon in June
I can’t teach Barre3
I can’t swim (we are going on vacation in a week)
I can’t do my hair
I can’t change my clothes
I can’t cook
I won’t be able to sleep
I’m gonna look ridiculous with this crazy sling brace…
I can’t afford this
I can’t wear a sling for my speaking engagements coming up
I can’t be excited about Jeremy’s gift anymore
I can’t get back on a motorcycle…
I can’t handle this on top of everything else going on…
If I need surgery, I can’t do any of the things just listed for another 12 weeks:(
Heavy sigh…. I am human.
But then God whispered into my ear. “Audrey, all the things you can do far surpass the things you cannot. I was with you, and I am with you.”
After many tears, I am reminded of this verse: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
This verse comforted me through one of my big injuries in college. I rewrote this verse in my Holy Spirit led words (as I sometimes do with scriptures that stand out to me):
I am attacked on every side, but not defeated. I shed tears in solitude, but they do not go unseen. I am hurt by oppression, but not without the hope of healing. I fall, but am not left to crawl. I am carried. I am cracked and crippled, but not crushed and crumbled.
Always remembering that in my body, I am subject to suffering just as Jesus, but not without the gospel of grace renewing my body through revival. ??
Honestly, I am pretty bruised up physically and emotionally. I’m sore, traumatized, overwhelmed, and bummed out. If you feel so inclined, please join me in praising our God for protecting His children, and asking Him to heal my shoulder quickly and completely. Specifically, that I would not need surgery. The Lord has healed me from worse, and I trust that He can make me brand new again.
His past faithfulness demands my present trust.
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Broke my shoulder and was in a sling for 8 weeks and then physical therapy for several weeks. It is hard to be unable to do regular things. But it does pass and I have a better appreciation of my husband for all the help and support he gave me. Gave us a new dimension on our marriage. I am in my 60’s, full recovery, so hang in there. I slept in a recliner for weeks due to not being able to lay flat.
I broke my foot in two places moving into our first apartment 2 weeks after we got married… so brutal. But yes you grow an amazing appreciation for your husband!
So glad you and Jeremy are both okay. As you said, it could have been so much worse. Focus on the fact that you are still able to be together. My husband and I were in a similar situation recently. We had a side by side off-road vehicle. On Christmas Day, as my mother-in-law and I were cooking our Christmas lunch, and our 3-year-old son was napping, he decided to take the vehicle out. As in your situation, he had just turned out of their driveway going about 5 MPH. He skidded on ice and was hit head on by a pick up truck going about 45 MPH. He busted open his knee and we spent time in the ER that day getting him stitched back together. The side by side was totaled. But luckily we are still an intact family unit. And I praise God every day that my son and I were not in that vehicle with him. Because usually we are. So scary, but also a way to put things back in perspective. I hope you heal quickly and that you do not need surgery.
SO SCARY!!! I am so glad he is ok. I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been.
I know how you feel! This happened to my boyfriend and I on his motorcycle on one of our first trips. We were going 25 mph and someone hit us from behind while stopping. So glad you are OK!! That’s such a scary moment and everything goes SO fast and yet so slow at the same time. Thank god it did’t turn out worse <3
I hope you are both ok!!
Praying for you, Auj! This entry reminds me of something I talked about it in my last blog post. It’s still so hard to have “cant’s” even when you know how fortunate you are.
-Bridge
I am glad . You both survived. I hope your misery passes quickly and that you can accept the gamble motorcycle riding hands you. Jeremy is still gonna want you with him sometime down the road. God be with you.
Thanks for sharing your story Audrey. So sorry you’re going through this difficult trial, but like you said, so grateful that the accident wasn’t worse. I know angels were watching over you! Praying for complete recovery for you, without needing surgery, and for peace and comfort in your and Jeremy’s heart, as you deal with all the up and down emotions and physical limitations during this time. All my best to you always and God bless you guys. Hope I’ll get another chance to visit with you on the farm again someday!
In Christian love,
Jack
Thank you Jack!!
So glad your ok it could of been so much worse.my son has a bike .he’s had one bad wreck.not his fault.and he got another bike much to my dismay.but he don’t get to ride it often which is fine with me.
Once again your beautiful transparency has touched me. I will definitely pray for you, God is in control, He has a plan, just keep trusting Him! Perhaps your body just needed a rest. Regardless, praise Him that you are both okay, it could have been much much worse. I have always found such encouragement in those verses in 2 Corinthians and love how you personalized them. So true! Big hugs and prayers for you both, from a friend in Ohio.
Believing and praying with you for a complete healing! God is in control!
Father God,In Jesus Name we speak and declare Audrey Roloff whole and healed! We praise you and give you thanks for keeping her and Jeremy safely tucked in your arms because your word declares, “For you have given your angels charge over Auj and Jer, to keep them in all their ways. You shall bear them up in your hands, lest they dash their foot upon a stone. They shall tread on the lion and the cobra, the young lion and serpent shall they trample under their feet.” Psalms 91 Audrey” CAN DO ALL THINGS THRU CHRIST who strengthens her”~Phillip 4:13. Lord use these 2 young kids of yours to make a huge impact on the world because of their faith. Build them up as they seek your face and seek your will for their lives. USE THEM both mightily IN JESUS NAME. They both are whole Spirit, Soul, and Body! In Jesus Name~Amen!
Revs. Keith & Rhonda Wilkins
Arkansas USA
Well. .Consider going to see someone Like a Holistic Healer that can work Energy Medicine on your Shoulder…I hurt my shoulder in a bad fall a few yrs ago. went to see my Friend Diane here in San Jose,CA…at the Next Step. her business…she did some of her “Magic” on me…I went home,really not expecting Anything ..was sitting on my Bench out front,listening to the trees,closed my eyes and suddenly saw this Lavender,purple light…with hundreds of sparkles of energy go into my shoulder…I felt heat. Next day …No Joke…My shoulder healed. Am a believer…this is not the 1st time Jesus & the Angels have shown me their Power!!!
* I meditate a lot …do that too,pray on it,I will pray for you also. MaryAnn
Oh Audrey! So sorry to hear that a moment so joyful turned into something so scary. Thank God you are both ok. It is amazing how life can take a turn in one second. In those time I have really been able to rely on God more than ever. Almost like He was turning me to Him through difficult circumstances! I will pray for your complete physical healing as well as emotional. I pray that you will not be left with remnants of fear. God bless ya’ll. ?
So thankful you both are safe. Praying for quick healing.
Sending Prayers
Praying for you!
I am so so sorry that happened to you both. I will be praying that for a quick and complete healing of your shoulder. I can’t imagine how scary that must have been for you both. I am glad that you draw to God in all your strength and I know he is drawn to you. I am new to your blog and I sure am loving it! Hugs Kelly B
I am praying for you for complete healing so that you will not need surgery. Praying also for the safety of you and Jeremy when you do get back on the bike and be not afraid.
Something you said in this post reminded me of the “normal vs common” conversation you and Jer have started via your marriage blog…you mentioned that after a while, the “reality” began to sink in of all the things you won’t be able to do. Audrey, I pray that in this season of difficulty, you would be reminded that the list of things you can’t do aren’t the reality (true, it’s real that you’re physically limited, but your reality is so much more) – they are the foothold of the enemy trying to steal your joy. Your reality is a full portion given from the Holy Spirit that will never cease to be more than enough. My heart goes out to you; in the first 6 months of my marriage, I was diagnosed with a chronic disease, found out I had tumors growing in my feet that made it painful to walk, and my husband dislocated his shoulder and found out he needed surgery. It was incredibly stressful emotionally, financially, and physically, and it wasn’t until I read this post that I realised we had allowed ourselves to think the negative sides were our “reality,” when it truth, our “reality” is the same now and forever. It’s common to sink into a spirit of despair, but it’s normal to be reminded, through our suffering, of the sacrifice of Christ. My prayers are with you and Jeremy. x
Good attitude. That’s why I read your blog. And unrelated, but have to say it anyway…happy LPBW is coming back on the air!
Auj & Jer
So sorry this has happened! So glad you are ok. Many Blessings to You through the healing process & that no surgery is needed.
Much Love
Jenn
My 9 yr old daughter was born with one arm and she CAN do anything! She can even tie her shoes! Determination and faith will get you through this!
Glad you both are ok…Thank God!
Praying for you and a speedy recovery god bless and keep doing what you do Audrey it doesn’t go unnoticed?
Jesus heal her quickly so she can again!! You can do all things through
Christ who gives you strength!
It’s bad luck to buy a motorcycle as a gift. Queen Latifah bought a motorcycle for her brother and he died riding it. A friend of a friend son died in a motorcycle accident. You never buy a motorcycle for someone else, only buy one for yourself. Lesson learn.
If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say it at all.
You are in my prayers. Trust the Lord to heal you and you hold onto as many healing thoughts as you possibly can.
So glad you both are OK God was with you both will pray your shoulder heals God Bless you both Amen
Praying for fast healing for you!
Praying for a speedy recovery and thanking the Lord you were both okay! It sucks not being able to do all the things you were doing before but you’ll be back to your old self before you know it 🙂
Sending good vibes Audrey- that’s so scary! Sometime when things are rough, I like to think about how in the context of my whole life, this will be just a minor blip years or even months down the road. It’s tough in the moment, but it’s only a small chunk of time- you’ll get through it!
Praying for the healing hand of God to be outstretched on you, dear sister. My younger sister, Grace, has gone through something so similar and tomorrow hears about her surgery news. He is faithful and promises comfort to those who ask. Thank you so much for your transparency. I was moved to tears and related so much with all that you said. Again, praying for you! And remember, there are “always more” ways to serve God with just one arm. 😉 <3
Praying and sending you love, light and healing thoughts! God has a plan for you and try to learn what he is teaching you! I know it’s hard, I really do, but you are strong and you will come out of this with more compassion and a better understanding of those suffering long term?!? be thankful and grateful for this chance to learn and grow!!!! (after you kick rocks and stomp your feet for a day or two because you do deserve that and this is frustrating! :)) xoxoxoxo
What a tremendous testimony Audrey. Very glad that you are ok . . . this too shall pass. Keep the faith!
I am go thankful that you two are okay (for the most part). You are so right Auj, HE was with you guys and I am so thankful he was, because who would help us beat 50%!!! Just kidding, seriously, so glad you are okay.
Praying for complete healing! Thanking Jesus that you are both safe.
Audrey, I’m glad you and Jeremy are for the most part OK, I hope your shoulder heals and gets completely better quickly.
I have a question about something you said:
“But then God whispered into my ear. “Audrey, all the things you can do far surpass the things you cannot. I was with you, and I am with you.” ”
The next time God whispers in your ear, can you try to get a recording of it? Or take video with sound while this is occurring ? Thank you
Forgot to say, and then post the video or recording ? Would love to hear this. Thank you again.
I’m happy you both are OK. I hope this is the last of your motorcycle riding days. Bikes are dangerous. Thank God you are alive.
In all probability, prayers will not help you, helmets will ! Please wear helmets if you are going to continue to ride motorcycles ( which is dangerous and not advisable ). Hope everyone stays safe.
Much love
Audrey and Jeremy pour out your heart to God unload every emotion that you’re feeling. God can handle your doubt and fear, grief, confusion and questions. Did you know that admitting your hopelessness to God can be a statement of faith? Trusting God but feeling despair at the same time, David wrote “I believe, so I said I am completely ruined!” this sounds like a contradiction I trust God but I’m wiped out. David’s frankness actually reveals deep Faith. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the Promises of God not your emotions and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity.
I understand your anguish. As a wife a three children and a friefighters wife there are many “close calls” that could have been much worse but really make you bummed out as well. I will be praying for both of you and your family. Please know that you and Jeremy are an inspiration to me. I may be in my early 30s and have been married for almost 9 years, it is refreshing to see young married couples putting faith first in their marriage. It really keeps me in check.
Take care,
Angie
Audrey, I’m glad nobody was seriously injured. Do you wear helmets ? You should ! The pictures you posted show you riding with no helmets. I don’t mean to insult but seems odd that you are posting this story about how you had this accident yet showing all the pictures riding with no helmets, not too bright
I just broke my shoulder in 2 places and also might have to have surgery…praying i dont have to…
Praying and believing for a quick and total healing. Nothing is impossible with God! Also, something I’ve always taught my children and in youth groups is the prayer of protection every morning and evening…pleading the powerful and precious Blood of Christ over my family and friends for protection every day releases any fears of destruction. No weapon formed against us will ever prosper! And Psalm 91! We win!
Your such an inspiration Audrey, praying for you both:)
Praying for you. So glad you are both ok. God will get you through this.
no, medical treatment will get them through this
Bless your heart, glad it wasn’t serious. Prayers for a fast recovery…Enjoy your vacation <3
It’s been 3 weeks since your accident. How are you healing ? My older brother almost lost his life 2x’s riding his beloved motorcycles. Back in the mid 80’s. Neither time was his fault. The 2nd one was the most frightening, as his helmet suffered quite a crack. Both arm and leg on his left side were badly broken, severely bruised kidney, and a severe concussion. The helmet saved his life. People can be careless when it comes to motorcycle riders, but I’ve also seen them be pretty irresponsible themselves. Don’t be afraid to get back on and ride though. You come across being a strong woman, and not letting life beat you down. Thanks for sharing yours and Jeremy’s adventures. Have watched the Roliffs since they first aired. Love and strength to you. Aunu
You write so eloquently Auj, I like your perspective on life, refreshing. I am a sixty year old mother of Four daughters and have four grandchildren who I love to the moon and back. I am so blessed and thank god everyday for my good fortune. I will continue to read your blogs and look forward to buying some clothes for my kids from your shop. I have always watched the Roloffs and admire how they let us into their lives.
but what you can do far surpasses what you can’t. Think of all the people who only have the one hand or arm to do things with . think of the challenges they live everyday. My daughter has spastic cp on her right side. and she can cook, do her hair, and swim, and swim, and change her clothes all by herself. Never ever let CAN”T be in your vocabulary….
Should’ve spent the money it cost to buy the bike to the clean water campaign …..you would be much better off and God would be much happier. He just taught u a lesson.
Didn’t know about it until after I bought the bike, but giving up my birthday is one thing, I can’t give up someone else’s though:) Want my husband to feel loved and surprised:)