Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Lawn mower wont start, compression stroke, compression tester

Question
Murry/42"/14.5 HP OHV
I think I did a really dumb blond thing. I ran my mower with out oil. Of course I didn't know it at the time.I know better too. I was mowing and then she quit. I THEN checked the engine oil and surprize. I added oil but it won't start of course. How bad is it? Time for a new one or can this one be fixed? My husband is going to be sooooooooooo mad.
Help!!!  

Answer
Do you have a compression tester?

If not, rotate the engine by hand.  You should be able to place your hand on top of the engine screen and rotate it by hand.  Try to rotate it slow at first to see if it completely spins around.

If it does then spin the engine a little faster.  You should feel some resistance, the compression stroke.
If you do not feel any resistance then a connecting rod or piston may have been damaged.

Let me know what you find.
Eric