QUOTE OF THE DAY

fear is a reaction.  courage is a decision. 

winston churchill

"Am I going to survive?"

"Is this for real?  Is this really happening in reality?"

"Is my dad dead?"

And my answers?  Yes, Yes, Yes, No.  (hoping I was telling the truth about the last one.)

Jerry and I were on a motorcycle trip on an interstate highway, and saw a plume of dust shoot up in the air 30-40 feet high on the right side of the highway ahead of us.  All of a sudden, he braked hard, pulled over, shot off his bike, and started running to the accident scene.   

I followed, and struggled to get my helmet off as I went running to the rollover accident off the side of the highway.  The first person on scene happened to be (a blessing for all involved) an off-duty state trooper, and he was helping a seven year old boy.  Jerry saw this and ran to the next victim.  The man then handed the boy to me and went to the next victim.

It was surreal.   A bright sunny Colorado day, and hurt and bloodied people around you.  (Let me tell you that when the media says that someone was "ejected" from a car - the reality is horrible.)  

So many cars stopped to offer help.  They offered water, and one woman gave us her soft polar fleece vest to put under the little boy.  I never saw her again - her gift was welcome and helped during a critical time.  Others helped by talking to the victims or shading them from the bright sun.   

The boy I was helping was 7 and conscious, although in shock.  I was grateful, in a selfish way, that Jerry was helping the other victims, who were worse off than my little guy.   I don't know how I would have handled that.   

And so, in the end, after 30-40 minutes with this little boy, I will remember him, his name, his comments, his shock, his bright blue eyes.  I'll remember his courage, his straightforward questions, and his calm.  He was hurt, bleeding, and in shock.  And he was sweet and innocent.  He wanted his mom.  He wanted to go home.   

I don't have training in emergent care, and have never seen an accident like this, close up.  It's impactful and frightening and crazy when you see how quickly life can totally change.  And end.   

A shout out, and props, to all of you first responders out there.   

Police, fire, EMS, victim's advocates.   

Thank you to the hospital personnel who take over.   

You see us at our very worst moments.  You are there when we need you.  

I have had great respect and appreciation for all of you - AND this puts even more of a focus on my appreciation. 

Thank you for being there when the rest of us dial 911. 

Endnote:  I just found out that the little boy is going to be ok with cuts, bruises and stitches.  His dad is in critical condition.  One person died.  Will you please say a prayer for these families?