Hi.
I've been gone for awhile. On the evening of March 10, my husband, my oldest son and I were on our way to the Oregon Coast, about an hour and a half from our house. We were going to meet up with the rest of J's side of the family and our other two children for a long beach weekend of relaxation and fun by the fire.
The long story is really not something I want to revisit in my mind right now, but the short of it is that we were in a really bad accident about 20 miles from the coast as we hit some black ice in the Coastal Range and spun into oncoming traffic and were hit broadside on the driver's side by an oncoming car. The oncoming car impacted mostly my door -- I was sitting in the seat behind my husband.
Now let me just tell you what the good things are here. My son was sitting in the seat I usually sit in, up front. I chose to agree with him that he got "shotgun" and went to sit in the back so I could knit. C walked away from the wreck with only tiny airbag burns on parts of his face and arms that will go away very soon. I thank whatever and whoever there is to thank for that, and will, for the rest of my life.
My pelvis was crushed from the left and I have quite a few permanent screws holding it together now. My left foot is broken in two places and I'm not to put any pressure on it until this Friday. This Friday I get ten inches of staples out of my side and I also get to take a shower! My catheter comes out on Thursday. I have a catheter in because my bladder was nicked by some piece of my pelvis. They won't show me pictures of the car.
I will write more about the ambulance, ICU, orthopedic trauma ward and all that later at times I'm sure but what I want down on record is that LIFE IS GOOD. I am so happy to be here, so glad to enjoy everything, so blessed in my family and friends. My husband has had to be single dad, navigator of insurance and disability waters, schedule coordinator and companion and has not said or sighed one word of complaint.
When I was wheeled up the two stairs to my front door today I could have wrapped my arms around this home and squeezed for all I love that this place symbolizes. My family, my friends, our home.
Prognosis is good. I will be doing physical therapy to help me to walk unaided. My goals are set high and I like it that way. I can do water aerobics in six weeks or so.
Sit there for a few moments and focus on the loved ones that you have and then, make it a point to tell them that you love them and that they are what make your life special. They are what make your life worth EVERYTHING.
Dude,
That is CRAZY scary...
I'm so glad you and your family are still alive.
I kind of know what it feels like to be injured (although not to the same extent) and can imagine how frustrated you must be.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Posted by: Brian Barker | March 20, 2006 at 10:00 PM
Okay, I can't come to see you next week because we are going to Canada. I will try my best this Thursday, kay? By then, you might be bored enough to WANT to see me! HA!
Posted by: Eryn | March 20, 2006 at 10:16 PM
Yowzer! I am first of all so happy that you and your family are okay. The injuries will heal but life is precious. Take care!! You are in my thoughts!
Posted by: Kate | March 21, 2006 at 06:21 AM
oh my! I am thinking of you and your family and sending fast-mending vibes your way.
Posted by: jess | March 21, 2006 at 06:31 AM
Oh my goodness. I'm impressed by your ability to look at the positive. Thoughts and prayers for you to keep this outlook throughout your recovery.
Posted by: sarah b. | March 21, 2006 at 06:52 AM
Oh no! Sending you lots of good wishes and healing vibes and all that. You seem to be in good spirits, and that's terrific.
Posted by: cari | March 21, 2006 at 07:01 AM
I will write to you privately! xoxo
Posted by: Christine | March 21, 2006 at 07:06 AM
Again, if any of you want to send anything to LeAnne, you can send it care of Tangle Knitting Studio, 440 1st Street, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. I know she will be knitting up a storm of socks over the next few weeks, so what is your favorite sock yarn?
She is an amazing woman and I am lucky to have her for my friend and knitting buddy.
Posted by: aliceknits | March 21, 2006 at 07:43 AM
Glad you are well enough to be writing this, and that your family is okay. Hoping your recovery will be speedy - I'm sure all your training and ironman determination will help the process along. Scary stuff.
Posted by: Tanya | March 21, 2006 at 09:32 AM
I'm SOOOOOO glad to hear you are ok! What a scary experience but I can still see that God was blessing you and your family even at that horrible moment. I wish you a speedy recovery and lots of knitting time!
Posted by: Stacey | March 21, 2006 at 10:11 AM
OMG!!! I have you "subbed" on Bloglines, and when I saw that you had posted. "Wow, she hasn't posted in awhile, I wonder where she has been? OMG!"
Hopefully, all will be as well as can be expected as soon as possible.
Posted by: Jenni Brown | March 21, 2006 at 11:13 AM
http://rosebyany.blogspot.com/2006/03/one-of-those-pesky-forwarded-e-mails.html
Posted by: Jenni Brown | March 21, 2006 at 11:47 AM
Oh my gosh LeAnne - I'm so sorry about the accident but so glad that you and your family are doing ok. I'm sure that was a terrifying experience, but I'm sure you're determination and strength will get you through this. Thanks also for the reminder about what's really important in life!! You're in my thoughts.
Posted by: Melissa | March 21, 2006 at 12:13 PM
WOW! I started reading this at work today and my jaw was literally on my keyboard tray! I am so glad that everyone is (relatively) okay, and am just awed at the total lack of whiney and complaining in your post. Your attitude is going to make a huge difference in your recovery. I wish you the best as you heal and will look forward to hearing about your FULL recovery! :)
Posted by: sweetpea | March 21, 2006 at 02:14 PM
When I hadn't seen any new posts, I thought "she's working a lot." Oh the horror. So glad you are home. Your fitness level will help your recovery. I will send good thoughts everyday, until you are well.
Posted by: Patti | March 21, 2006 at 05:32 PM
Oh no, kiddo...I'm so glad you are all going to recover. Thank goodness! Sending the best to you, strength to your husband and patience to your kids!
Hugs from us and all the hounds!
Posted by: Ande | March 21, 2006 at 07:08 PM
Oh, my God, LeAnne, Thank God you are ok. My heart is pounding reading that. wow. I am just so glad you are ok. And I have to say that I love your attitude. At least you'll have some time to knit right?
Posted by: pretendingsanity | March 21, 2006 at 11:00 PM
Wow - Out looking this morning, for some pattern ideas, I came across your blog. Reading your entry made my heart skip a beat. We were on our way out to the beach that same weekend, and were stopped because of an accident. I remember thinking as we drove past the accident I hope everyone is ok. I'm so glad to read that everyone in your family is alive and on the mend! My thoughts and prayers are with you during your recovery!
Posted by: Kylie | March 22, 2006 at 10:06 AM
OH, LeAnne!
How horribly scary! Thank goodness you are alive and soon to be well. I wish I lived near so I could help with everyday life!
Please know that I'm thinking of you!
xo
Posted by: sandy | March 22, 2006 at 12:58 PM
OMG - Get well soon. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery. Please make sure to keep posting.
Posted by: Rose | March 24, 2006 at 04:18 AM
So glad that you are okay! What a scary thing...it sounds like you are finding something positive through it all and I really admire that! Sending you thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. :)
Posted by: Carrie | March 25, 2006 at 09:56 PM