Monday, June 29, 2009

A year ago today!

It is hard to believe it has been a year since my accident. We drove to the site today, or should I say Lee drove, I didn't want to tempt fate. The first picture shows the spot I landed in 53' almost straight down from the road.
I am pointing down to the location not wishing a repeat in this lifetime. I feel fortunate to have survived this and it reminds me to pay attention. When you travel these roads everyday you get complacent about their danger. They are constantly changing downed trees, rocks, washouts, changes in vegetation. It was good
weather and the lack of concentration on a road traveled often. I looked away at the wrong time and my tire found a narrow, break away spot. The car was quick to remind me, I am not in control as I was tossed over and over four times landing in the creek and breaking my back in multiple places.
I climbed out in a rush of adrenaline through a broken window, slowing working my way up the nearly vertical hill. Cell phones are of no use and my car could not be seen from the road. Lee drove right past it until told where it was returning to the cabin. It may
have been best she didn't see it before she saw me.
My kids sent me this monkey after I got home from the hospital. It visited the site and attempted to climb one of the slippery rocks. But monkeys like trees better than rocks. It's helmet and parachute did protect it from falling.
It has taken me a year to feel like I am beginning to recover, emotionally and psychically. So many people sent me support in words, deeds, and money. I don't think I would have made it through without their loving support. I can never think there aren't great people in this world whenever I remember that day!
The roads haven't changed, but I will never be the same living through that event. Thanks to you all.
Mountain girl, Paula, logging off, and staying out of the ditches.

1 comment:

Pianoman said...

Paula, it's hard to believe it's been an entire year. We're all thankful that you survived the accident. Of course, we feel that the good Lord was helping you up that embankment. There isn't a time that I drive by that spot that I don't think of your accident. If there is anything good that came from your accident, it is a constant reminder for the rest of us regulars NOT to be complacent when driving these roads.