I know that I called some of you after it happened, but many of you may not be aware that November of last year (November 16th, to be exact) was a life changer for all of us. I wanted to tell you what happened and ask for your help.
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To celebrate my best friend Harmony's birthday, six teacher friends and I went out to dinner. We had a blast and were so thankful we had a chance to relax and have a good time!
After dropping off one friend, the rest of the group got into the carpooling mini-van (I know... a mini-van, but that mini-van saved us) and headed home. To make a long story short, the van was hit by a drunk driver and I (as well as the rest of the group) ended up in the hospital. I don't remember the accident at all, but I've been able to gather a lot of what happened from my friends. The driver ran a red light, giving the car no time to stop from hitting head on. A second car coming behind us could not veer out of the way fast enough and hit the car again, this time on the passenger side. Four of the teachers in the car had minor injuries (a fractured foot, a bruise to the head, bruises from the air bags, etc.). Unfortunately, Harmony and I, who were sitting in the back seats and did not have our seatbelts on (biggest lesson learned), were more seriously hurt.
I was thrown around quite a bit, knocked unconscious, and ended up in the trunk space of the van. I fractured my tail bone, sternum, and toe. I bruised my arm and tore my knee (with a bruise I'll never really get rid of). I was in physical therapy for my back and neck for three months and am just now ready to get back to my yoga/pilates. It took about two weeks for me to even be able to pick up Little Ricky and spent three weeks unable to work.
The worst part is that, compared to Harmony, I was lucky...very lucky. Harmony shattered her shoulder, wrist, and hip. She has needed more titanium and steel than we can count (she's our personal Wolverine), but she has come a long way. She has made it through being bed-ridden, to using a wheelchair, to getting around on a cane, to getting back to work walking on her own, to even meeting us for a date at the swimming pool.
This is the x-ray of her shoulder.
To support MADD, we are all walking in their annual Walk Like MADD fundraiser. I'm asking you to support me, my friends, and MADD by making a donation to our team.
For more information about the walk, about MADD, or to make your donation to our team, check out the link below. You can search for our team under Tampa; the team name is Courage.
I know that this will be surprising news for some of you, but it has taken a while to even think about the accident without being confused, emotional, and angry. I am fine, and for all intents and purposes, back to normal...although that first day back at yoga might prove to be a comedy show. Harmony and I may need some assistance coming out of down dog. Heehee!
Love you all!
