As New Year’s day approached earlier this week, I had thought about writing about New Year’s resolutions and the countless new people that I would meet in the gym this month who resolved that 2013 would be the year of exercise. They would come in earnest for the first few days, fewer the next week, and by the end of the month it would be the same die hards in the gym that I usually spend my time with.
But New Year’s resolutions seem trite today.
In the early morning hours of New Year’s day as our daughter and son-in-law were walking home from a friend’s house, he slipped and fell into the path of an oncoming car.
He is lucky to be alive. Once again, like in the cancer journey, our family is reminded that life is fragile.
Considering that he got hit at 55 kilometers an hour, he’s alive. He is so fortunate that he is not paralyzed, did not suffer a brain injury or even a concussion. Rushed by ambulance to the local trauma hospital in critical condition, he primarily suffered lots of broken bones on his face, and a broken shoulder blade. We are grateful he is still with us.
On Friday, he underwent 9.5 hours of reconstructive surgery to reset his facial bones and create functionality for him. In time, he will be able to live as others live in enjoying food, in being able to speak, and looking like he did (as best as possible) prior to the accident.
Through all of this, we are all faring well. We’re tired. We’re fighting stress-induced colds. We’re making many trips to the hospital. We know our son-in-law is being very well taken care of. All of his medical caregivers have been exceptional.
With his care well in hand, our concerns are now focusing on our daughter. She was with her husband when he slipped and saw the whole accident unfold in front of her. She is being so strong to get through these first few difficult days, but knows she will have to deal with her own trauma as her husband recovers. He too will relive the accident in his own way, but perhaps fortunately, does not recall it happening.
As we have spent many hours in the surgical intensive care waiting room this week, we witnessed much outpouring of love for our kids.
Prayers, well wishes, offers to wait with our daughter in the waiting room, offers of rides, offers of cleaning their apartment, and offers of food were made over and over again. Words of love were expressed in person, in social media, in phone calls, and in bedside visits. They are being held tightly by so many. Our daughter was overcome with emotion many times as she read messages, took phone calls, and waited in the presence of those who loved her. This freak accident will be a life-changing experience for her and her husband.
We soldier on. These next few months will be hard on all of us for different reasons. Our lives are all changed because of what has happened. And just as I had to deal with my cancer journey one day at a time, so will we deal with this aspect of our lives one day at a time. I will be there for my kids as they were for me with Strength, Courage, and Determination.