Joanne Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Dear Friends and Family, One year ago today, my life changed forever. In a few seconds, I went from on my way to meet a friend at Denny’s to wondering if I was going to live through the EMS trying to cut me out of my car. Although it’s been a year, people still ask me how I am. The answer is complicated. I have to admit, up front, that I have been through a personal and spiritual transformation as a result of this event. Just like my last decade of life experience changed me politically, this past year changed me from a personality, temperament, and empathetic standpoint. I used to think that the whole “personal injury thing†was a scam. Now, I find myself driving a mess lesser, much less safe car. I have a pain level that starts at a 3. I have developed arthritis. I had to give up a job due to the PTSD of the accident; I could no longer drive to the Medical Center. I have a knee that is still discolored, disfigured, and lacks sensation. I still have post-concussion issues that impact my ability to exercise and sleep. But the above is not the important part of this post. The important part is that I am amazed, still, and daily at the outpouring of love and care I and my family experienced from (places of work), online friends, in person friends and family. We would not have survived financially – but your care and love sustained us in many ways that were not financial. Your kindness, patience, care and concern helped me when going from reclining to sitting up was a ½ ordeal complete with a panic attack and excruciating pain. Your love and care surrounded me when I used a walker to walk a few feet to the door in my hospital room, later into the hallway and haltingly down the block of my street. My children were deeply affected not only by the vulnerability of their mom being so physically compromised but by the outpouring of love from the people who surround us. Many of you reading know that my spirituality is eclectic, but I believe the design for community in the New Testament is Divine – and my family was blessed to have been sustained by the function of community in times of crisis. My last decade has been focused so much on survival that I haven’t had time or energy to “enjoy.†Ironically, it was an actual battle for survival that has served to soften me. My daughter has observed that I have cried more in the last year than I had in her entire life (now nearly 18). I feel more deeply, I care more readily, I hurt more for others. I cry when I buy the kids clothes and shoes. I cry when I witness a simple kindness. I cry at songs, commercials, and email. While the ramifications of the accident are profound and lasting, I can honestly say that I am glad it happened. It enabled me to fully see and embrace the world and its good, the humans in my life and how much they rock, and enabled me to be more whole, more human in the midst of literal and figurative brokenness. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Beautiful, Joanne, just like you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halftime Hope Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Wow, Joanne. What a testimony to your resilience, to the everyday grace that surrounds you, and to the miracle of love. I didn't "like" your post because only liking it seemed too trivial. Wishing you continued recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Aww. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Beauty from ashes, my friend. (((hugs))) Rising like the phoenix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Joanne, I have always loved you. I love you even more now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 That was beautiful, Joanne. An inspiration. Hugs and best wishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fraidycat Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 :grouphug: Joanne, You rock! I am continually amazed at your strength through adversity. It seems to me that you've had more an your fair share in the small amount of time I've "known" you on here, and you just keep on keepin' on. You are an inspiration, and though many of your clients probably don't know your story, I'm sure they can feel the strength of your spirit when they are in your presence. :grouphug: Best wishes for a full and complete recovery in mind, body, and spirit. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigs Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuanitaL Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 While the ramifications of the accident are profound and lasting, I can honestly say that I am glad it happened. It enabled me to fully see and embrace the world and its good, the humans in my life and how much they rock, and enabled me to be more whole, more human in the midst of literal and figurative brokenness. :crying: I think you must be an amazing woman - your friends, family, and clients are blessed to have you in their lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 May the deep peace that passes understanding be yours. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Thank you for sharing Joanne. Beautiful, and a needed reminder to me as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 :grouphug: :crying: :grouphug: Thank-you for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 When I showed up with my kids to visit you at the hospital, I wasn't sure what kind of shape you would be in. But you looked great for having gone through such trauma and you already had a friend there with you to check on you. It is a testament to your character and your heart that so many people rallied around you and your family in such a difficult time. All people should be so lucky to have such an extensive network of people that love and care for them. I am just down the road a bit so if you or your family ever needs anything, please contact me. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Love you, Joanne! (((( :) ))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joyofsixreboot Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 So glad you can find the good. That others have shown such love is a testament to what you have put out into the world. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I'm amazed that you have been able to take so many positives from such an ordeal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Thank you so much for sharing. You have been, and continue to be, an inspiration. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I am always amazed at the positives you have found over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 You're amazing....and what a blessing that you have so many people in your life to rally around you in your time of need. :grouphug: I'm so glad you made it through that awful day and are still with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 Joanne, you are amazing, inspiring, and have made it through this difficult year with grace and strength. :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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