thinking back . . .

Four years ago today Curtis and I were in a terrible car accident.

You've heard the details before, I know.  But I can't help but reflect back on that day.

A car came into our lane and we collided head on at about 60mph.

I had never experienced such pain in all my life (and hope I never do again).  I felt like I was dropped from a tall building with only cement to break my fall.  I was in pain from my head to my toes.

We spent a week in the hospital with injuries that included broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung, bleeding kidneys, cracked vertebraes, broken tailbones, and swollen, black and blue feet....and not to mention poor Curtis had a head full of gouges and glass from hitting the windshield.

That first night in the hospital, I couldn't sleep.  Every time I closed my eyes, I saw a car crashing into me.

I had stressful dreams from there-on-out.  For about 3 years.

When looking back at our accident, a lot of memories flood my mind.  Memories of the ambulance ride to the hospital, memories of the emergency room...doctors coming in and out...nurses never leaving my side...worrying about Curtis...getting a CT scan, the daily chest x-rays...the liquid diet...using the nurse call button, etc.  There was so much going on.

The one thing that stands out to me though was the love and support that was shown to us during this time.  It was overwhelming.  It began immediately following the collision.  Passersby came to our aid right away.  They called 911.  They put blankets on us.  Sat with us.  Comforted us.  Told us we were going to be okay.  One guy who was on scene even contacted us weeks later to see how we were doing.

We had just moved to a new state only six months prior....so...we didn't know very many people from our new town...but we never once felt alone.  So many people reached out.  People from our community who we hardly knew called us at the hospital to check in on us and to let us know they were praying for us.  People came to visit us (even though the hospital was an hour and a half from town).  People sent emails daily.  Our friends from Utah called and sent messages of love and support.

When we got home, the love and support didn't stop.  People brought us food.  People came and sat by my bedside and cared for me while Curtis was at school.  People sent us money to help with the bills.  My boss donated her own 2 weeks worth of paid vacation time to me.  People sent letters, people prayed for us, our families braved the Wyoming cold weather to come and care for us.

I will never ever forget the kindness people showed to us.  It changed my life.


I think about our car accident a lot.

I have my daily reminders with my constant back pain, my two bulging ribs and my bouts of anxiety when driving.  But, I also have a greater appreciation for life and what is really important.

Today I am thankful to be alive.  I am thankful my sweetie pie is alive with me.  I am thankful for the wonderful people who continue to touch my life everyday with their kindness.

This world is full of really good people...and for that, I am grateful.