On December 17, 2009 I nearly died.
What was supposed to be an evening out with friends and family turned into a life-altering experience that has forever changed the way I view the world and my place in it.
I was babysitting my grandchildren for the evening and we were on our way to meet their parents at a nearby restaurant. We were still in the driveway of my son’s home where my grandchildren Lauren and Mark (age 6 and 4), were belted into their car seats, the engine was running and I was attempting to release the emergency brake of my son’s SUV. After a few attempts, the brake suddenly released, with me half in and half out of the car, and the car began rolling forcefully backwards. The vehicle rolled over me, carrying me with it, down the sloping driveway, crushing my leg, pelvis, ribs, facial bones and mandible, in addition to causing multiple abrasions. I was left on the pavement while the SUV continued down the driveway and into the street, carrying the children with it.
It was a terrifying experience for the children to be in a car with no driver ~ as well as for me ~ unable to move but able to hear their voices screaming for me. Fortunately a neighbor’s dog heard my cries for help, barked until his owner opened the door and saw the car ~ which had finally been stopped by a ‘for rent’ sign in the yard. The neighbor called 911 and assisted the children, who were 100% safe and uninjured. I was taken by ambulance to Harborview Trauma Center in Seattle, one of the top trauma centers in the United States, and immediately taken to surgery. After ten days, four surgeries and countless units of blood, I was told I would make a complete recovery, although it will take months for my body to mend enough for me to go home, and at least a year before I can walk normally again. I later found out that when the car ran over me, if the tire that crushed my face had been one inch different, I would not have survived. For whatever reason, I was given my life back and my beloved grandchildren were unhurt ~ I am grateful beyond words.
During my several weeks in Harborview’s Trauma ICU, my sons Andy and Jamie and my daughter Angela remained by my side, even sleeping in the hospital waiting room many nights. After being on a respirator for the first 10 days of my stay in the Trauma ICU, my voice was only a whisper. I could only scribble notes with the one hand that wasn’t broken. From lemon swabs and ice chips to my children’s loving presence and support, tears and laughter, they made these critical days and nights both bearable and sacred. Once the doctors were confident that I would survive, both Andy and Angela eventually returned to their jobs in Amsterdam and Los Angeles, promising to return a few weeks later for a visit.
My son Jamie, his wife Missy and their children, Lauren, Mark and Lydia, live close to the hospital and were absolute life savers. They visited often, bringing their precious voices, energy and love (as well as artwork!). I counted the minutes until their next visit. My husband Bob remained steadfast, caring and loving and working full time throughout this experience. Now that I have been moved from ICU into a rehabilitation facility, I continue to be blessed with visits from loving nieces and cousins, dear friends and caring neighbors. Continually amazed at the love and generosity in people’s hearts and souls, this is what has helped me make it through each arduous day of healing.
On the eve of my 64th birthday, I found myself thanking God for each year I have been given and for everything in my life. I now know: joy and gratitude are possible in all situations and the goodness in each person’s heart is pure and beautiful. I am richly blessed.
This is my journal of recovery.
