"Has It Really Been A Year?"

The recent Amtrak train accident has prompted me to write again.  Listening to the devastating news made me cry as I was driving in my car Wednesday morning.  I know the pain.  I know the feeling of panic, and of not being able to breathe.  And I know too well that the lives of so many will be changed forever.  Our family is so unbelievably fortunate,  but I've met and come to know the stories of too many survivors and caregivers whose lives have been incredibly altered.  I wish that all those from Wednesday's tragic accident may find peace someday.

This month marks one year since Kyle's accident.  Yes, one year on May 31st. And every Wednesday because of work, I drive by the crash site and I relive that unthinkable day.

A red bandanna wraps the torn off bark now.  When I round the bend I picture Kyle missing that turn and going down that ditch.  And of course the photo from the first responder, of Kyle tangled in that broken fence of barbed wire, is with me.  I don't really dwell on it, but it is there every Wednesday. It is a reminder of how incredibly lucky he was and that he is still with us. 

Graduation is just two weeks away and we will be so proud to watch Kyle walk across that stage. But, it could have been different. So I'd like this reflection back to just be a reminder to everyone to please drive safe, for this is every parents worst nightmare.

A Look Back To Atlanta

It seemed that life would never slow down for us since our return from Atlanta in January.  But that seems to be changing now. I'm getting a little respite from so much driving to therapies and doctors.   It is soooo welcomed. And this weekend Kyle is away on a much needed "guys only" trip.  So here's my opportunity to pick up where we left off and share this long overdue photo gallery of Kyle's continuing rehab in Atlanta.

"I broke the black crayon. It reminded me of the meme I’ve seen floating around FB about the broken crayon coloring just as well. In my head, I rebelled -I screamed at the meme, “This crayon doesn’t work just as well anymore!” Holding the crayon took more effort. I struggled to keep it steady, it was awkward sometimes. Staying in the lines became a greater challenge. But, then I thought, maybe broken people are a little the same. The color can be just as beautiful. The person with the crayon may need to be a little more careful – more intentional. Coloring may be just a little bit slower – or else messier. But, there’s something to be said for taking the extra effort. I appreciated the work of creating the picture even more. And I had a little more grace for when the color seeped out of the harsh black lines in the finished product."  ~  ‬ Mary Everett Aycock