You always think that bad things will never happen to anyone you know, until they do. I hesitate to write about the current event in my life here in such a public forum, but I really haven’t thought about much lately except this.
My friend was in a car accident Sunday as she was driving cross country and for the past three days, when I’m not on the phone getting an update on her condition, I’m sending her an email or searching the internet for information on the injury and treatment. She fractured three vertebrae in her neck and underwent surgery to stabilize her spinal column. Miraculously, she has been able to lift her arms, move her legs slightly, and has sensation everywhere.
I spent the first 24 hours in a daze and hardly slept at all, but I’ve now gotten over the initial shock. She is on my mind constantly, and I am continuously thinking of her strength and spirit and optimism and thanking my stars that she has the qualities that will help her adapt to whatever the future holds.
I am so anxious to see her, and each day I wait for the go-ahead to buy my plane ticket. Two friends are already there but are leaving Friday and Saturday, and I was holding off on visiting until the weekend, so that someone would always be there. Today news came that she may be moving to a rehab clinic as soon as two to three days from now, so it looks like I may not be going to the hospital in Utah, but instead to the rehab clinic, possibly in Kentucky. I don’t care where I have to go, I just want to see her soon, just to be there with her and talk to her and help her get started with the recovery process.
I know, I don’t think there’s anything I can specifically do to help her physically, but I just want to be there so badly to support her, and help her family if they need anything. I am helpless here in Houston, and I hate it. I will see her soon though, very soon, and that is the thought keeping me going. She is an amazing person, and I know she will survive this.