Friday - Portrait of a Hero, Jamie

 Jamie is my choice for Portrait of a Hero for this week.  Her attitude and desire to Rise Above her Limits is a great example! You can view her blog HERE!

17 Years Walking – 17 Years Rollin’

10 Oct

Today is Oct. 9.  17 years ago today I was in a car accident.  Most of you know the story, if not, you can go here and read all about it.  Most of you know me from the later 17 years.  So, today, I wanted to take you back to me without wheels and I want to share a few pictures and memorabilia I found recently regarding being in a wheelchair.

Me in my grandfather's cap

The little things I took for granted.

This picture was taken the night before my accident

The following are notes written by my mom at the time of my accident:
10-9-93 - 11:00/11:10 PM
Accident happened.  Jamie was lying in the back of the truck.  There was a gentleman in the truck with her.  She was covered with a blanket.  She said she could not feel her legs.  The rescue transported her to Kennestone.  She was being a real trooper.  The wait in the ER room was extremely long.  Doug and all were great – they helped us maintain.  They were all praying for the Jamster.  The x-rays were not positive.  Severed spinal cord.  Broken vertebrae.  The doctor told her – she did better than us.  The doctor told us 10-14 days before surgery.  We got to see her after she was placed in ICU.
10-10-93 – Sunday morning
Jamie was in a rotating bed.  She had Rick (my dad) call her work to tell them she couldn’t be there.
10-11-93 – Monday
She was afraid she wouldn’t have friends.  She thought she was costing us too much money.  She had that smile.  Lots of visitors.  Still smiling.  Wanted to put on make-up, fix hair, etc.  Lots more company.

ICU in the rotating bed

10-12-93 – Tuesday
Kids in morning.  Lots of visitors.  Worried about hair.
10-13-93 – Wednesday
“Ate” hamburger & fries.  Major hair problems.
10-14-93 – Thursday
Washed hair.  She felt better.  Had Red Lobster for dinner.  Really scared of surgery.  I liked holding her hand while she went to sleep.  Lots more people.
10-15-93 – Surgery Day
Spirits pretty good.
I got lots of cards, but this one always stands out every time I look back at them.  It is from the girl who caused the accident.  This is the only correspondence I have ever received from her.

After 2 1/2 months of therapy, I went home and went back to school.  I really wanted to cheer again.  I knew it was kind of cheesy, but I loved it and it was a part of me.

Then, of course, there was Ms. Wheelchair USA.  HA!  :)

So, I’ll end this 17th anniversary on this note:
I’ll be honest, I never, in a million years, thought I was going to be in a wheelchair the same amount of time that I spent out of one.  I can’t believe 17 years have gone by so quickly.  I can’t believe I’m still paralyzed.  The night when I found out, I always thought there would be some kind of cure by now.  I didn’t see this coming.  Trust me, I’m certainly ok with it and know that a cure may not happen in my lifetime, so you won’t see any pity party come from me.  I guess it’s just weird.  That’s the only way I can explain it.  Weird.  But one day there will be no more wheelchair.  One day I will stand, and walk up to my Jesus and wrap my arms around Him and thank Him for how He blessed my life.  One day I will stand next to my Nana and ask her to take a walk with me.  When that day comes there will be rejoicing.  I rejoice now thinking about that day!

by Jamie Goodwin