ALIV NHM

Over the years, I have had many people ask me what my license plate meant. My dad came up with "ALIVNHM" over 10 years ago and had it put on my car. I am not the type of Christian that likes to put bumper stickers and fish on my car as a "witness"to others. And there were those days that I wished that my license plate didn't say what it said because my city driving might become a "bad witness"...but I have to say that it gained a whole new meaning to me on Thursday, June 18th. My dad prays for me and my brothers safety every morning, and it is no coincidence that the license plate that he had put on my car so many years ago came to fruition in such a miraculous way.
On Thursday, I was on my way to visit my second client for he day. I was in a two lane road, and the next thing I knew, there was a car headed towards me that just merged right into my lane, where we hit, head-on with an 80 mph impact. I remember screaming and then looking up and seeing the airbag and trying to open my door, which would not open. I was able to climb through the back window (with the help of a stranger, or maybe an angel) and sit on the porch of the house in front of the accident. With blood streaming down my face, and my vision not quite right, I was unable to look at my car or see who hit me. I just remember the kindness of strangers...someone brought me ice, another person took off his shirt and used it to stop the bleeding...and another helped me to call Chris and break the news.

And then there were the parametics...They were amazing! When they came, they put the cervical color on me, somehow got me on the gurney, and rolled me into their truck. I had two IV's placed and I remember the parametic was asking me every other minute how old I was. I finally told him that I will keep answering "33" as long as he kept asking me. He then asked me what kind of car I had. I don't know why, but I answered "a piece of SH*T Geo Prizm." He laughingly told me that I shoudn't talk like that about the car that saved my life. I quickly took back my comment and thanked God for that piece of sweet metal mesh. Up to that point, my mind kept going through all the things I had to do that day and that my plans were all messed up. But when the parametic made that comment about the car saving my life, I realized that I could have died. He kept talking about how bad the car was. He couldn't understand how I got out. I just remember some guy saying that the car was smoking and I needed to hurry up and get out, so I climbed out the back window. I kind of remember seeing a piece of glass on the seat, but Chris told me later that there was glass everywhere. I don't know how I didn't get more cut up. While in route to the hospital, I remember being in a lot of pain. I kept asking for pain medication. I thought they would give it to me right away since he gave me 2 IV"s!! My arm was throbbing, my teeth felt like they were knocked out, my face was on fire and my hip and legs were extremely sore. I couldn't see very well because of my right eye swelling up and I think the blood must have been pooling in my eye. I have really bad vision in my left eye. I kept telling the parametics that I have ambliopia in my left eye. He kept saying "don't worry about that." I think he had no idea what ambliopia is:)

When we got to the hospital, they rolled me into the trauma unit. They had to take off my pants and cut off my shirt. Luckily I had a woman nurse who was good at getting bras off, so they didn't have to cut that off. I kept asking for pain medication while they were doing the EKG and x-rays. Then Chris got there. I was so happy to see him. He had the most worried look on his face. I just kept telling him I was OK. They immediately rolled me back to CT. I had never had one of those before. This is how weird I am: I thought to myself, well at least I will find out if I have a brain tumor now:)...then I started praying that there would be no broken bones or bleeding in my brain. After that they rolled me back to where Chris was and he held my hand while I got stitched up on my upper right eye. I also got antibiotics and a tetanus shot. It wasn't long after that when the nurse said he wanted to see how well I could walk and if I would need crutches. Luckily I was able to take babysteps to the bathroom where I got to look in the mirror. I was so relieved that it wasn't that bad. I can handle a little scar on my face, I was just so happy to be able to walk and be alive! We were discharged with muscle relaxers and percocet.
I was so happy to see my girls when we got home. India kept saying "oh no! you have a booboo...do you want the piggy booboo (that is what she calls the booboo piggy that we pull out of the freezer for her everytime she gets a boo boo). She also kept showing me the boo boo that she had on her knee. My girls were all so sweet and have been very good at nursing me back to health.

I have been getting a little better every day. Walking is much less painful. I did develop numbness on the left side of my face. I went back to the ER to have them check it out, but they said it is normal and will eventually get better. The impact of the airbag on my face was extremely traumatic but much better than the steering wheel would have been! I still can't focus too well with reading and my headaches can get pretty bad, but the medication helps a lot. My arm and my hip are very sore, as is my neck and upper back. I actually look worse today than I did when those pictures were taken. I think the bruising gets a little uglier every day. I don't mind though, I am just so thankful to be alive. I haven't been able to let the reality of the accident fully soak in. It is almost too much to take in in one day. I think it has become more real to me each day, and every moment that I have with my family. I have never appreciated my family and friends as much as I do now. I am asking God to teach me through this, and I think what the Lord has taught me most is to be grateful.

When Chris went to get my belongings out of the car, he took these photos. When he looked inside the car, he said that he could not believe that I have legs! I was trying to figure out why my shins were so bruised up. Now I know. The car smashed in such a way, that it should have crushed my legs!! Wow, I will take a few bruises any day knowing that God literally saved my legs. I only hope that I can honor God with my life... and with my legs:) Thank you to everyone who has been praying, calling, emailing, and helping us out. We are so grateful for all of your love and support!