2 years later

It's been 2 years since I've looked at this and almost forgot about it but in case someone should come across it I should update it and let you know where we are today.

This past Christmas, 2 years and 2 months since the accident my 2 daughters, one of whom is now what they call and incomplete quadriplegic, flew from Alberta to BC to spend Christmas with us. Me, Joe and his two boys. Other than my son being unable to make it it was the perfect Christmas. One that I have enjoyed more than any other in many, many years.

As for what really happened the night of the accident, only my daughter knows and a few of the friends that were with her but she has yet to speak about it with me. All I really know is they were at a party and a truck drug her down a gravel driveway. Maybe she doesn't really remember and maybe a big part of it is the legal side, I don't know but I'm sure she'll tell me when she's ready.

She broke her neck and her back which required 2 surgeries. The first one - her neck - they went in from the front, took out the disc that was causing the pressure and replaced it with a piece of bone from her hip. Apparently it will fuse and act somewhat like the disc. They put a little titanium in there sewed her up and flipped her over. The second surgery for the broken back required a titanium rod being inserted down her spine. Miraculously, she was sitting fairly upright the next day. Amazing really. Not like years ago when you were strapped to a board for months and months before even being able to start rehab. She was a fighter and a trouper through the whole thing. She is very lucky that she does not require a breathing tube but she simply refused to keep it in, she was going to breath on her own!

An incomplete quad means that she does have the use of her arms but one had doesn't work all too well and the other one she can open and close but not squeeze. The upper paralysis is on the inside, she doesn't cough well, throwing up is something she had to learn to do, and the muscles in her abdomen/chest don't work - however - she lives independently with some nurse help when required. She is taking finance in college and lives a pretty full life. Her and her 21 year old sister have become the best of friends. They live in the same building. She is strong and healthy and beautiful. All of my children are.

Next time I'll tell the story of the bikini wax in the hospital. And her first night out of the hospital at Jim's house. Believe it or not there are some entertaining stories in the mix of the tragic ones. We've come a long way.