I got the worst call. My mom, sobbing and panicking, telling me a police car is at the house to take her to the hospital to see my brother. He had been hit by a car while on a longboard and was in serious condition in the trauma bay of emergency.
T drove as I shook all the way to the hospital. I cried, mostly out of fear of the unknown. Would he survive? Would he walk or talk again? Would he be the same person?
The image of my brother I saw that late night in the ER will stay with me forever. He was intubated, was covered in blood and cuts, he had windshield glass in his face. I told him that when he wakes up I’m going to be very upset with him. I cleaned blood off of his rings, watch and necklace the ER nurse gave me. I tried to bend them back to the right shape. I texted his friends who were asking “dude? why aren’t you here? Did you die or something?” And then I went home and cried.
The next ten days were in and out of the hospital. My brother was in a medically induced coma for 12 hours and then didn’t actually wake up and talk for another 3 days or so. He had a traumatic brain injury and numerous cuts and scrapes to his face and body. He had memory loss from the accident and short term memory loss from the day to day. It was terrifying to sit with him and have a conversation and have him forget that I was even there 3 hours later.
My brother is continuing to recover from him accident. He’s back to work but still dealing with many repercussions of that day. I will forever remember it. That day has changed who I am.
Hug the ones you love. Tell them you love them every day. Life is short.
xox,
b
I’m so sorry you & your family had to go through something like that. Hugs.
Goodness, it’s amazing what we humans can live through. I’m only partly talking about the medical technology and advancements that help our bodies heal. It’s amazing to me the kind of emotional battering we can take and then come out on the other side.
Sending lots of hugs your way.
xox
So crazy. I’m so glad he is recovering and I pray that he continues to get back to a point of full recovery. The human spirit is incredibly resilient. I’ve seen it so many times in my job but I think people underestimate the effect it has on the family members. Remember to take care of yourself too! <3
B, I’m so glad your brother survived and continues to fight to regain his health. I’m sorry your family went through this terrifying experience. I pray for healing for all of you.
I’m so glad your brother is doing so much better now. What a terrifying thing for you and your family to go through!