I was involved in a head on collision at 60 MPH. With the other driver leaving his lane on a winding road and proceeded to enter my lane. I was trapped in my car while on vacation for 90 minutes during extraction. I was helicopter evacuated to a trauma center with bi-lateral distal femur fractures, shattered heel, broken vertebra, multiple rib fractures, fractured sternum, and internal injuries.
My turning point was when I woke up in the hospital and said time for me to go to work. Recovery was slow and day by day. I got on my feet again, but everyday was learning to walk better.
I am still uneasy, but fight through every day. I wish I knew at the start just how difficult every step would be. I attempt everything I can do, and push myself to walk the extra amount to strengthen myself. I have not been able to enjoy playing sports or have adventures in the outdoors like I l used too.
During your recovery, I encourage you to keep your head up and push to reach goals. It is an amazing journey, and in the end you see who the true caring people are. Surviving traumatic injuries is a lifestyle.
Through this time, I learned who my true friends where. My son supported me the most throughout my recovery. My son is here for me and kept me moving by saying I have to get up and cook dinner. A month into my recovery, I looked at my son and told him “I think this is the most important lesson I will give you. Never give up.”