You are correct, the throttle control has been bent, or a spring has been stretched, or a part of the throttle is now missing. Is there a small engine mechanic nearby who can look at your mower?

Happens all the time. In your case the bracket that holds the right side of the long spring was bent outward when you pulled the mower out of the bush. Bend it back inward to a 90 degree angle as shown in this picture.

Thanks, Eric and Baymee! I will look at it today and hopefully finish mowing my backyard.

It's an inexpensive mower, but it works great for me. When I started it for the first time this season, it ran for a few seconds and then died. I called around to see about repairing it, but the repair was going to cost almost as much as I paid for mower. After some research and watching You Tube videos, I changed the air filter and the spark plug. When that still didn't solve the problem, I cleaned out the gas tank, and cleaned and replaced the diaphragm on the carburetor. First time for this lady ever doing anything like that, and it was fun! So, I'll certainly see if I can bend the tab so it looks like your picture. Thanks again.

I didn't know about this forum then. While searching for the answer to my question yesterday, I came upon a post from the Tractor forum. Since I am very familiar with the Tomato, Pepper and Rose forums here I thought I would check to see if there was a Lawn Mower forum. Now I know the place to go for my questions!

You both were right! Lawn is finished, thanks to your great explanation and photo. Saved me much distress and $$.

Glad to help.