It has been 5 weeks & 4 days since 'the accident'. It seems like much longer to me. When you're used to being so busy & active, like I was, days sitting around seem to last forever. Don't get me wrong - I'm trying to keep busy, but its just not the same.
I've been working on having gratitude for the blessings that have come from this situation. For one thing, before the accident my relationship with my only sister, Chrissy, was almost non-existant. Near-death experiences tend to change your perspective on things. My sister was amazing to me during my hospital and rehab stays. She made sure I had my meds, that the nurses didn't forget about me, helped me use the bathroom, you name it!!! I certainly didn't deserve these kind acts of service. During my brief stay at Jim Thorpe, Chrissy stayed overnight with me. She used to be a nurse's assistant/tech for a facility very similar to Jim Thorpe. It was like having a slumber party. We talked, cried and were able to mend our relationship in ways I didn't think were possible. I am truly grateful!!! Life is too short to leave things unsaid or unmended - especially with family. Like it or not, Heavenly Father has given us our families and we need to protect & nuture those relationships.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
What's Right is Right
I hadn't realized how long it's been since I last updated this blog!! I guess life has a way of getting in the way of some things.
The last month has been one of the most challenging times of my life. Why? Let me catch you up if you're out of the loop.
On Saturday, June 30, 2012, I met up with some of my tri buddies at Lake of the Arbuckles for a little mini triathlon practice. The area was beautiful!! I swam 500 m in the lake and then took my time getting ready for my ride. Christy and I headed out together for our 25 miler. Since this was only to be a little practice session, I didn't take any rest time the day before so I was just going to go with the flow and ride at a pace that felt good. In other words - wasn't going to kill myself. About 9 miles in I was struck from behind by a vehicle. Only later would I realize that it was an SUV travelling about 70 miles per hour. I wasn't merely clipped by the side mirror - I was full-on run down!! I don't remember the actual impact, but I certainly remember impact with the ground - after flying 57 feet through the air!!!
I couldn't believe this had happened!! I was stunned!! Then the pain kicked in! I can't adequately describe it - the pain scale of 1-10 that they give you doesn't even come close!!
Thankfully, a woman and her husband turned around and came to my aid, as well as several members from the local church that was just a few yards away. Apparently, I asked about the status of my bike - I truly don't recall that part, but I don't doubt it. I stayed conscious and was able to give anyone & everyone my husband's cell number. An ambulance showed up after what seemed like forever. Moving me onto a backboard was terrible! I knew for a fact that I had broken ribs - aside from the pain, I had a hard time breathing.
Unfortunately, my first helicopter ride couldn't really be enjoyed due to the excruciating pain, fear, shock. I am glad, however, that the helicopter medic made sure he gave me a good dose of drugs! It took about 3-4 doses of something 'good' to get me to about a 3 or 4 on the pain scale.
Upon arriving at OU Medical center, I was bombarded by a hoard of doctors, nurses and chaplain. I was informed that my husband was on the way (oh, poor Scott). I just wanted him with me - I've never been so scared in my whole life. Over the course of the next hour or two, I was CT scanned, MRI'd, X-rayed, blood drawn - the whole 9 yards.
The damage:
5 broken ribs
3 fracture vertebrae
collapsed lung
broken ankle
degloved hand
road rash from hell
Yeah, I was in pretty bad shape; however, had I not been wearing my helmet, it would have certainly been worse.
I got to spend almost a week in the trauma center and a day and a half at in-patient rehab.
I had so many visitors! I was awesome. I love being around people and being isolated in a hospital room was my version of hell! Without the friendly faces, I don't know if I'd have made it!!
OK - so enough about me. The driver who hit me?? Well, he's a real winner! Apparently he was on a suspended drivers' license. He was driving his grandmother's car and was supposedly distracted by Christy who was riding a good 1/2 mile in front of me. Yeah, right!! And I'm Heid Klum!!
He was cited for being a 'distracted driver'. Seems fair, doesn't it?!
I've had a lot of time to reflect during my time of recovery and I've come to many conclusions. Most of which I'll spare you here, but I will share a few.
Bike lanes?! Where are they?? Didn't we vote & pass MAPS?
Oklahoma drivers SUCK!! Don't be offended if you yield when you're supposed to yield; stop when you're supposed to stop. I'm referring to those drivers who don't feel cyclists or runners should be able to use the roads. Those drivers who try to run you off the road just for fun. If you are, indeed, one of those riders - then you SUCK!
Now I have to take the legal route to take care of medical bills, etc. If you do something wrong, own up to it! Why should I have to fight for my right for compensation when we all know who was at fault?! That is why our nation is in the state that it is in - no one wants to take personal responsibility for their actions.
So here I sit, still in a back brace, can't work, no bike, bored out of mind. I'm grateful to be alive, but still angry that this happened in the first place.
The last month has been one of the most challenging times of my life. Why? Let me catch you up if you're out of the loop.
On Saturday, June 30, 2012, I met up with some of my tri buddies at Lake of the Arbuckles for a little mini triathlon practice. The area was beautiful!! I swam 500 m in the lake and then took my time getting ready for my ride. Christy and I headed out together for our 25 miler. Since this was only to be a little practice session, I didn't take any rest time the day before so I was just going to go with the flow and ride at a pace that felt good. In other words - wasn't going to kill myself. About 9 miles in I was struck from behind by a vehicle. Only later would I realize that it was an SUV travelling about 70 miles per hour. I wasn't merely clipped by the side mirror - I was full-on run down!! I don't remember the actual impact, but I certainly remember impact with the ground - after flying 57 feet through the air!!!
I couldn't believe this had happened!! I was stunned!! Then the pain kicked in! I can't adequately describe it - the pain scale of 1-10 that they give you doesn't even come close!!
Thankfully, a woman and her husband turned around and came to my aid, as well as several members from the local church that was just a few yards away. Apparently, I asked about the status of my bike - I truly don't recall that part, but I don't doubt it. I stayed conscious and was able to give anyone & everyone my husband's cell number. An ambulance showed up after what seemed like forever. Moving me onto a backboard was terrible! I knew for a fact that I had broken ribs - aside from the pain, I had a hard time breathing.
Unfortunately, my first helicopter ride couldn't really be enjoyed due to the excruciating pain, fear, shock. I am glad, however, that the helicopter medic made sure he gave me a good dose of drugs! It took about 3-4 doses of something 'good' to get me to about a 3 or 4 on the pain scale.
Upon arriving at OU Medical center, I was bombarded by a hoard of doctors, nurses and chaplain. I was informed that my husband was on the way (oh, poor Scott). I just wanted him with me - I've never been so scared in my whole life. Over the course of the next hour or two, I was CT scanned, MRI'd, X-rayed, blood drawn - the whole 9 yards.
The damage:
5 broken ribs
3 fracture vertebrae
collapsed lung
broken ankle
degloved hand
road rash from hell
Yeah, I was in pretty bad shape; however, had I not been wearing my helmet, it would have certainly been worse.
I got to spend almost a week in the trauma center and a day and a half at in-patient rehab.
I had so many visitors! I was awesome. I love being around people and being isolated in a hospital room was my version of hell! Without the friendly faces, I don't know if I'd have made it!!
OK - so enough about me. The driver who hit me?? Well, he's a real winner! Apparently he was on a suspended drivers' license. He was driving his grandmother's car and was supposedly distracted by Christy who was riding a good 1/2 mile in front of me. Yeah, right!! And I'm Heid Klum!!
He was cited for being a 'distracted driver'. Seems fair, doesn't it?!
I've had a lot of time to reflect during my time of recovery and I've come to many conclusions. Most of which I'll spare you here, but I will share a few.
Bike lanes?! Where are they?? Didn't we vote & pass MAPS?
Oklahoma drivers SUCK!! Don't be offended if you yield when you're supposed to yield; stop when you're supposed to stop. I'm referring to those drivers who don't feel cyclists or runners should be able to use the roads. Those drivers who try to run you off the road just for fun. If you are, indeed, one of those riders - then you SUCK!
Now I have to take the legal route to take care of medical bills, etc. If you do something wrong, own up to it! Why should I have to fight for my right for compensation when we all know who was at fault?! That is why our nation is in the state that it is in - no one wants to take personal responsibility for their actions.
So here I sit, still in a back brace, can't work, no bike, bored out of mind. I'm grateful to be alive, but still angry that this happened in the first place.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas
Twas the night before the night before Christmas . . .
You know I must be dying of boredom to be finally updating this blog. I've been using Facebook almost exclusively. Update on the family:
Scott - the outsourcing for his company is a definite (boo). He has a guaranteed year of employment and hopefully will be able to continue on with the "new company". Scott will be having some minor knee surgery (probably at the beginning of the year) to clean up some torn cartilage. Hopefully he will bounce back quickly and not lose too much cycling time.
Debbie - I ran my first full-marathon in November. It is the hardest thing I've done athletically, but also the most rewarding!! I can't wait to do another one. I'm still working at the YMCA and at the pilates studio. Took my comprehensive test for my pilates certification & passed. YEAH!!
Morgan - had her first job this year at the Orr Family Farm. She's done working for the season, but will probably go back in the spring. She really enjoyed making her own money. It was a great learning experience for her. She will be driving this summer - heaven help me!!!
Travis - finished up a successful soccer season last month. He played very well this season. I think we're ready to move him up to the competitive league next year. Also, another major milestone, he got his braces off! He looks so handsome with his new smile!!
Homeschooling is still going well - challenging, but I'm glad we're hanging in there.
God Bless & have a wonderful Christmas & happy, productive New Year.
You know I must be dying of boredom to be finally updating this blog. I've been using Facebook almost exclusively. Update on the family:
Scott - the outsourcing for his company is a definite (boo). He has a guaranteed year of employment and hopefully will be able to continue on with the "new company". Scott will be having some minor knee surgery (probably at the beginning of the year) to clean up some torn cartilage. Hopefully he will bounce back quickly and not lose too much cycling time.
Debbie - I ran my first full-marathon in November. It is the hardest thing I've done athletically, but also the most rewarding!! I can't wait to do another one. I'm still working at the YMCA and at the pilates studio. Took my comprehensive test for my pilates certification & passed. YEAH!!
Morgan - had her first job this year at the Orr Family Farm. She's done working for the season, but will probably go back in the spring. She really enjoyed making her own money. It was a great learning experience for her. She will be driving this summer - heaven help me!!!
Travis - finished up a successful soccer season last month. He played very well this season. I think we're ready to move him up to the competitive league next year. Also, another major milestone, he got his braces off! He looks so handsome with his new smile!!
Homeschooling is still going well - challenging, but I'm glad we're hanging in there.
God Bless & have a wonderful Christmas & happy, productive New Year.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
It has been awhile since I've updated my blog; spending most of my creative computer time on facebook. Yeah, I know - pretty sad.
The summer is over and the kids are about 2 1/2 weeks into school. We are still homeschooling, but are using Bob Jones University online & DVD curriculum which is much better for everyone involved. Now if we can get Travis to just follow the syllabus & complete his work - life would be great. I don't understand him sometimes. I never would've dreamed of turning in work that was incomplete. Some of that stemmed from a fear of my parents' wrath, but a lot of it was my OCD need for straight A's. Morgan has made a complete turn-around from last year. She began seminary at church, which is Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. She has been a lot more focused since seminary began.
I'm still doing what I do. Training at the Y and at the studio; running, cycling, swimming, yada yada. I have one more sprint triathlon in September (Tie-Dye Triathlon) and then the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon in November. I've been keeping pretty close to the training schedule, but "stuff" happens. I really hope all goes as planned - no injuries or anything. I've trained for several full-marathons, but have yet to run one due to injuries. I'm trying to be really smart with my training, but I have the tendency to overdo things. I'm trying to drop some more weight as well which tends to make me obsessive. I'll probably go to my grave stressing about my weight.
Scott is doing well. He is such a saint to put up with all my crazy stuff! Job things are still up in the air, but prayerfully we'll have answers soon.
I really need a vacation. NEED!! Not just a want - because I'm reaching burn-out! Finances won't allow too much right now so I'll have to hang in there and be patient.
The summer is over and the kids are about 2 1/2 weeks into school. We are still homeschooling, but are using Bob Jones University online & DVD curriculum which is much better for everyone involved. Now if we can get Travis to just follow the syllabus & complete his work - life would be great. I don't understand him sometimes. I never would've dreamed of turning in work that was incomplete. Some of that stemmed from a fear of my parents' wrath, but a lot of it was my OCD need for straight A's. Morgan has made a complete turn-around from last year. She began seminary at church, which is Monday through Friday at 6 a.m. She has been a lot more focused since seminary began.
I'm still doing what I do. Training at the Y and at the studio; running, cycling, swimming, yada yada. I have one more sprint triathlon in September (Tie-Dye Triathlon) and then the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon in November. I've been keeping pretty close to the training schedule, but "stuff" happens. I really hope all goes as planned - no injuries or anything. I've trained for several full-marathons, but have yet to run one due to injuries. I'm trying to be really smart with my training, but I have the tendency to overdo things. I'm trying to drop some more weight as well which tends to make me obsessive. I'll probably go to my grave stressing about my weight.
Scott is doing well. He is such a saint to put up with all my crazy stuff! Job things are still up in the air, but prayerfully we'll have answers soon.
I really need a vacation. NEED!! Not just a want - because I'm reaching burn-out! Finances won't allow too much right now so I'll have to hang in there and be patient.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Life has been relatively boring, but I'm not complaining! I've been running, riding & swimming with no injuries or issues (knock on wood) & have been feeling great! (If I could just get my nutrition in line . . . ) Something about the 7 p.m hour has been bewitching to me - a.k.a. carb fest.
Have a few events lined up for the summer - Draper Duathlon (on road), Norman Conquest, Lighthouse Triathlon, Midnight Streak, Spin your Wheels (hopefully my first century ride) and Tie-Dye Tri. A pretty ambitious schedule considering my work schedule, but I'm up for it! I love doing competitions because it keeps me focused during my daily training.
The kids are pretty bored & sick of being at home. I don't know what to tell them. It is what it is!
Have a few events lined up for the summer - Draper Duathlon (on road), Norman Conquest, Lighthouse Triathlon, Midnight Streak, Spin your Wheels (hopefully my first century ride) and Tie-Dye Tri. A pretty ambitious schedule considering my work schedule, but I'm up for it! I love doing competitions because it keeps me focused during my daily training.
The kids are pretty bored & sick of being at home. I don't know what to tell them. It is what it is!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I completed my second triathlon last weekend (albeit a sprint distance, but a triathlon nonetheless). It was the OCCC Super Sprint. It was much more fun than my first one last year. I felt a lot more comfortable in the pool and my bike was pretty good. I managed to finish 3rd in my age bracket (out of 10, I think). It was wonderful to have my parents there at the finish line. They don't usually attend my events so it meant a lot to have them there.
Today was the Oklahoma Baptist Children's Ride. I have done 44 miles the last two years, but didn't today. Today is Morgan's 15th birthday!! I wanted to be home and still conscious! I ran 8 miles with Cori this morning so I definitely got my workouts in today!
We bought Morgan a cell phone for her birthday. She's been begging for one for almost two years so it really was a special gift for her - one she really appreciated. She's been texting almost all day!
Our church pioneer trek is this week - we leave on Thursday. I love to hike and camp, but I am concerned about the heat. I've been really hydrating and encouraging all the kids to do the same. Wish us luck!
Today was the Oklahoma Baptist Children's Ride. I have done 44 miles the last two years, but didn't today. Today is Morgan's 15th birthday!! I wanted to be home and still conscious! I ran 8 miles with Cori this morning so I definitely got my workouts in today!
We bought Morgan a cell phone for her birthday. She's been begging for one for almost two years so it really was a special gift for her - one she really appreciated. She's been texting almost all day!
Our church pioneer trek is this week - we leave on Thursday. I love to hike and camp, but I am concerned about the heat. I've been really hydrating and encouraging all the kids to do the same. Wish us luck!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
End of May update
Kids are pretty much done with school - some loose ends to tie up. This first semester of homeschooling has been a learning experience. I'll be more organized in August (I hope). They will be doing some more co-op classes next semester.
I love the warmer weather - getting to ride and run outside more is wonderful!
I began advanced swim lessons on Friday and after one lesson I feel more empowered. I signed up for the OCCC sprint triathlon on June 13th and feel ready to go!!! We'll see how things go. I want to conquer my fear of the swim!
The shifters on my bike had to be replaced to the tune of $275! UGH! What can you do? I love my bike and am not ready to replace "LANCE".
Scott, Randy and I did the Tour de Meers last weekend. It was wonderful! I love scenic rides. I saw buffalo, long-horns, etc. My shifters officially died during this ride so hills were a challenge, but it was still a great ride. I look forward to all the upcoming summer rides.
I love the warmer weather - getting to ride and run outside more is wonderful!
I began advanced swim lessons on Friday and after one lesson I feel more empowered. I signed up for the OCCC sprint triathlon on June 13th and feel ready to go!!! We'll see how things go. I want to conquer my fear of the swim!
The shifters on my bike had to be replaced to the tune of $275! UGH! What can you do? I love my bike and am not ready to replace "LANCE".
Scott, Randy and I did the Tour de Meers last weekend. It was wonderful! I love scenic rides. I saw buffalo, long-horns, etc. My shifters officially died during this ride so hills were a challenge, but it was still a great ride. I look forward to all the upcoming summer rides.
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