Thursday, November 05, 2009
On Friday, November 5, 2004, I was headed south on MO highway 21 (also known as "Death Alley"), to my place of employment. It was 1:00 p.m. and a bright sunshiny day. Little did I know that within mere seconds, my life would spin out of control. For unknown reasons, at approximately 60 mph, I crashed head on into a school bus. 
From that moment on, my memories are vague and almost non-existent. The doctors tell me it is better that I do not remember the details. I was flown to a St. Louis hospital with numerous injuries: crushed foot, broken ribs, broken vertebrae in my neck, broken knee, torn ACL, broken fingers, both jaws damaged, torn rotator cuff, and a mild brain injury. I was in the hospital for three weeks. Then I was allowed to go home in a wheelchair for nearly five months before moving on to a walker and eventually a cane. Even after 10 surgeries, needless to say these injuries will be with me for the remainder of my days. However, I do not tell you of these events to dwell on the negative. In fact, my purpose is exactly the opposite.
Three years prior to the wreck, I had lost 125 pounds. Of course, once I became immobilized, things changed drastically. I not only gained back the 125 pounds but another 17 as well. Throughout these five years, I have been on a roller coaster ride in terms of physical limitations, emotional and mental chaos and levels of frustration beyond compare. Not until I became a member of Spark People did I feel like I would be able to change anything in regards to my weight and health. I have been a member almost one year now and I can say things are much better. The motivational articles I read give me hope; members cheer me on, even in my worst moments; I am becoming educated about health issues; and I feel I have a support group with members that know where I am coming from. I will forever be grateful to those of you who have taken time out of your busy schedules to give me a boost and reassure me that I can (and will) succeed. I tend to be somewhat of a non-patient sort and want what I want NOW. I am slowly adapting to the idea that it will come in time. God spared my life for a reason and I want to show Him my gratefulness by living my life for good and to attempt to help others in whatever way I can. I write this blog to thank Spark People in general but to specifically thank each and every one of you that have reached out to me and encouraged me to keep keeping on.
God bless you all in your own personal journeys.
Best Always,
Carla Jo a/k/a DaisyGirl
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~ Dee ~ 
