But it changed everything

"This is an April Fool's joke right? This isn't real." that was all I could say as they were pulling me off in a stretcher. 
The paramedic simply said, "Sorry sweetheart, this is no April Fool's joke." 

The last month and a half my world has been turned upside down. So let's just start with in the beginning. 

The Sunday started off like any normal Sunday. I woke up went to church, spent time with my students, then went home for a late breakfast and a nap. Later that night some people and I decided to go to Status in Orlando, about a hour and a half drive from Melbourne. 

The sermon was magnificent. My heart was so calm and peaceful after, I really do suggest listening to it. (4/1/12) 

On the way home I remember this feeling of conviction though. On the way to Orlando my seat belt was behind my back, instead of across my chest. So getting into the car I remember making sure I wore it correctly. 

About 30 minutes on the road an animal, I think it was a raccoon, came on the road and the driver swerved. We began to skid when I knew something bad was going to happen. All I could do at that point was grab the handle bar, force my body down, lift up my feet, and prepare myself. 

The car flipped about 3 times. 

During the flips the airbags deployed, causing my glasses to scratch my forehand. 

Also, at some point, my foot went through the window and the car rolled over it. 

When the car finally stopped it was upside down and legs were outside the window. My seatbelt was pulled so tight that I was stuck. Immediate panic came over me and all I could do was yell for help. Someone who had a knife, scissor, anything. 

The driver crawled back in the car to unhook my seatbelt. I landed on my knees and slowly crawled out…and just sat there. 

I heard people walking over asking if everyone was okay. They seemed surprised when everyone was out of the car alive. I kept asking to call my mom, also kept repeating how I didn't have medical insurance and I couldn't go to the hospital. An amazing woman grabbed her phone and dialed my moms number. Seeing as it was April 1st, and the lady's name also happened to be Christina my mom didn't believe it till I grabbed the phone and told her what happened.

A few minutes later the paramedics came. They put the neck brace on and asked me questions about my ankle, back, if I blacked out, myself, year, etc. Then they put me on the stretcher and took me to ORMC. 

When I was finally there they had me waiting outside the Trauma center. I took X-rays, got shots, put an IV on me. After a while the doctor let me know my ankle as broken and the needed have a surgeon look at it better. 

I was lead into the Trauma room and had all my cuts cleaned, more X-rays, and a soft cast. Also due to family history I had so many heart test done on me it was insane. 

When I was in the Trauma center the nights events finally dawned on me and I finally allowed myself to cry. I just survived an accident I shouldn't have. 

The surgeon came in and told me that I tore a ligament and have fractures all over my fibula and I would need surgery. 

The 6 hours in the Trauma center were some of the hardest in my life. Not only because of my injury, but what was going on in there. My parents weren't allowed in due to a shot victim, actually a few. While I was in there three young men came in with shot wounds. One passed away, one became paralyzed, and the other was stable. I found myself not only praying for myself, but all of them as well. 

I was in the hospital for 3 days. I had surgery the first day. I have a metal plate in my ankle, along with 6 screws. One screw that goes all the way across my ankle holding together everything. 

The first 2 weeks were intense. I have never broken anything, nether has anyone in my family, so it was a learning experience for us all. For that time I mainly stayed in bed trying to get some strength back. Also dealing with the anxiety that came with the accident. Nightmares plagued me for the first few weeks. Visions of the car flipping were so vivid. 

I had my first post opp appointment on the 24th of April. We had to take the same route that the accident happened. The entire time I prayed for strength to not only make it through the drive, but to make it through the appointment. I hadn't looked at my leg since right after the accident and I wasn't sure what it would look like. 

When we got to the doctors office the nurse took off the cast and I immediately saw staples and my heart dropped a little. It all just became so real. In total I had 16 staple in my leg and ankle. 

The PA came in and he asked me what happened and his response was, 
"And you still have your leg? God was truly watching over you."
He showed me my X-rays. It was the first time I heard the extent of the injury. I tore the ligament that holds together your ankle and helps basically everything it does, curl your toes, flex, point.  He said the recovery time is about 10 to 12 weeks, with PT being anywhere from 2-3 months all depending on if I listen and do everything the doctor says. No weight whatsoever till the 12 weeks. 

I am now on week 6 of the recovery. I can honestly say this part of my life has been the most difficult season I have had to endure. 
I haven't been strong all the time. 
I have been mad at a lot of things. 
I have questioned a lot. 
I have been lonely. 
I have been depressed.
I have been afraid. 
The scariest thing though, I have been unsure.  

In the time of uncertainty I have talked to people about it. Here are some words of wisdom they have passed down to me. 

 ^"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) 

 

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:35-37)

 

 "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

 

"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)