About Me

10.4.2012

THE DAY I DON'T REMEMBER... BUT ALWAYS WILL...

On October 4, 2012, I was hit by a train. I don’t remember that day at all, but according to the police officer who spoke with my Mom, I was drug 129 feet (by the train), then my vehicle went airborne for 10 feet - began spewing gas, caught on fire, and dropped in a pool of gas. I was STILL IN MY VEHICLE! I was cut out of my RAV4 by the jaws of life and airlifted to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport, where I had brain surgery (I had a deep head laceration and my brain was bleeding and wouldn’t stop). My spine was cracked, liver lacerated, tail bone and clavicle broken, and my pelvis was fractured.



Six days later, I was sent home to recover. I had a lot of visitors, and I always tried to remain optimistic - after all, how could I not be? I was ALIVE, but the truth is, I had some VERY difficult nights, sometimes filled with tears. My right side was impaired, so I couldn’t even turn myself over in bed, or bathe myself at first. It was so humbling to be in that position... I realized during that time, though, how much of a fighter I am... I tried to stand up and walk way before I was supposed to...in a GREAT deal of pain, but I was determined to get back to normal.



That being said, THANK GOD for my Mom, who would SET ME STRAIGHT! She would fuss if I didn’t use my wheelchair (I was a sight, waddling like a pregnant woman around the house trying to walk), she made sure that I rested, and she, overall, took care of me. I can’t begin to tell you everything that I went through during that time, this is just a small portion...there were many highs and lows, but I can tell you this - I KNOW GOD IS REAL! I know that there is no way that I should have survived. It was supernatural... My Mom and I were headed to one of my follow-up appointments in Shreveport and there happened to be a train on the track. It was moving very slowly, because they were doing some work around the track itself... but as it passed by, I just watched it... all of the cars attached, and I began to think about the weight that a train bears... I started to cry, and I looked at my Mom and said, “One of those hit me Mama, and I’m alive.” I lifted my hands, and we both just began to thank God for sparing my life.



Less than 7 weeks after my accident (November 13, 2012), I was released by my neurosurgeon to resume normal activity, and my orthopedic physician released me to begin physical therapy.



I am happy to say that my last physical therapy session was on February 14, 2013. What a lovely Valentine’s Day blessing from my Valentine, Jesus Christ. :) I was given some flexibility exercises to do at home, because I had met all goals, except that one (flexibility).

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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL VIDEO ON MY STORY OF SURVIVAL

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Lessons Learned

It was brought to my attention, by a friend, that I had sent her a text alerting her that I was on my way to pick her up, but, at the time I sent her the text, I was late. That means, that we were going to be late for our sound check. Again, I don’t remember the accident, or the details of that day, but an article in the local newspaper quoted an officer saying that I was trying to beat the train. I have learned so much about myself, and life, in general, after having this accident, but the first thing I want to share with you is this:



(1) YOUR LIFE IS TOO IMPORTANT TO BE IN A RUSH ALL THE TIME! Yes, where I needed to be was important, both, to me and others, but not important enough to risk my life! Now, I know that the likelihood of being hit by a train is slim, but what about running stop signs? stop lights? texting WHILE driving? Wherever you are headed, whatever you are going to (even if you are late) it (or they) can WAIT.



(2) Do not take ANYTHING for granted! Our bodies are so intricately made, but you do not realize how much everything so beautifully works together until a few parts are injured. I did not realize how precious it was to be able to move my arms and legs, until I could not do it without assistance or pain. I used to run up and down the stairs in my house without taking a second thought, but after my accident, it became a victory to be able to go up and down the stairs. To be able to sleep in my bed in the positions I like - that was a blessing! My first few days home, I remember crying like a baby, because I just couldn’t get comfortable! Prior to the accident, I did not sleep on my back, but I had no choice because I could not use my right side without intense pain, and even attempting to turn to my left side was extremely difficult. Do not take your ability to move and function for granted. Always be grateful for what you have.



(3) GOD IS IN CONTROL! It doesn't matter what the situation looks like or the reports being given. He is SOVEREIGN, and His promise and purpose will PREVAIL, especially when we are intent on aligning to His will. I thank Him for all of the events that occurred prior to my accident (reconciling my past, taking a break from ministry to REALLY connect with Him, rather than placing emphasis on the gifts that He's given me. It's easy to become so connected with a gift, calling, talent or passion, that we forget who gave it! He gave me a chance to fix that, without knowing what was coming next. LET HIM HAVE HIS WAY IN YOUR LIFE, BECAUSE EVEN WHEN WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S COMING NEXT, HE DOES! <3