It’s been a very hectic time here. My brother and sis-in-law were in a very bad auto accident. Life changes in a second. I am watching firsthand the pain and suffering auto crashes cause.
We all think we are good drivers. We can multi-task and speed. Well, we can’t. We drive a 3,000 pound missile that can kill yet we do it as if it was a Nerf ball. My brother has been released from the hospital after six days but it will be quite a while before my SIL will mend with all her broken bones.
Drive safely. Be kind. Be grateful that all your parts work (even if one or two need a little coaxing). Be grateful that you are alive. Be especially grateful that you are not in an ICU (intensive care unit) hooked up to machines.
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OMG, so sad news, Kate. I feel so sorry for you all. Wishing your brother and SIL a speedy recovery. ❤
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Thanks.
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Oh my goodness, Kate. This is very frightful news, and I can only imagine how much worry you’ve all experienced. With injuries this severe, I guess the best takeaway is that they’re lucky to be here. But that doesn’t help a lot with the pain right now. Do keep us posted.
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We are over a week out and my brother is much better. My SIL was transferred to a rehab facility yesterday. It will be a long hard road for her.
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Oh dear, Kate! That is terrible news. I hope they both make a full recovery in spite of what I’m sure will be a long and slow process.
Yes, life can change in a heartbeat and suddenly all those petty annoyances that seem so big become so irrelevant.
My very best wishes for your SIL in her recovery.
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So true. She’s a fighter so fingers crossed.
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It’s scary- how quickly a missed stop, an “eyes off the road” second, a peek at the cell phone, can hurt you and others irretrievably. It’s been 9 months since my guy and I were rear ended and I still have concussion side effects. I pray that your brother and SIL can heal and recover. 🙏💙
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We don’t know for sure how the “other guy” fared. I saw the car and I doubt he had severe injuries. He was also a lot younger.
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Yes, same with me. The guy who hit us was young and texting…. ;-0 His car got more damage than ours, but he was fine. He was ticketed for “reckless driving.”
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And you carry the scars.
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Hi, Kate – I am so sorry to hear about your brother and SIL. Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way. Thank you for sending us this update — and its very important reminder!
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Thanks. They are working toward recovery but it’s slow.
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I’m do sorry, Kate. We take so much for granted in our lives, including how we drive and what we think someone else might do on the road. I pray they both recover quickly and can get back to where they were before this.
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It’s been a week and there is progress. It’s a long haul for my SIL but my brother is recovering fairly quickly.
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Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope they heal up quickly!
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We do too.
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Such sad news. Your warning is something I wish more people would heed. Living in a town with two universities and virtually no traffic law enforcement, I´m amazed we haven´t yet been in an accident, although we´ve come close. I mention the universities because we have so many young people with little driving experience on our streets … and it shows. I´m glad you are so close to your brother that you can help as needed. Both he and his wife will be in my thoughts.
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Thanks.
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Very sorry to hear this news – both for them and for you! Praying for quick and full recovery for them and peace for all your family!
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Thanks. It’s one day at a time.
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Oh. That’s terrible. I’ve lost two Aunts and Uncles, driving on familiar roads. We all get a bit too comfortable when we are driving in the places we know.
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So true!
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Oh, how terrible it happened and how good it wasn’t worse. (Hugs for being able to step in to help with care at your home…even RC Cat offered to speak with your Realm’s cats about sharing sunny spots and soft beds with those who need a bit of help.) We may think we have driving all under control ,but there’s always the road, the weather, and so many distracted or angry or simply bad drivers.
Warm healing thoughts being sent.
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Thanks. The realm’s cats here have slept with the guest to help soothe.
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I’m so sorry, that’s so scary and awful and it’s terribly difficult to watch someone you love be in pain. 😦 Hoping for a good recovery for both and some good news soon (able to go home). Bests, MJ
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We are hoping for good news too. One day at a time.
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Sorry to hear the bad news. Adding y’all to my prayers.
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Thanks!
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What sad news! I’m praying for all of you and sending warm, sunshiny hugs.
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Thanks. Those are the best.
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So sorry about your family injuries. My prayers will be with them.
My youngest daughter fractured her shoulder last week so I understand.
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That can be a really painful injury.
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So sorry to hear about your sister-in-law and brother.
Most of us forget how fortunate we are on a daily basis. There was a competitive dance couple with two small children who were in a terrible accident. Kids were fine, but she had serious brain damage. I remember her husband wishing he could go back to the good old days when he just worried about winning dance comps.
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I have been so grateful that neither sustained brain damage. Also, so far, they have been nearby so it’s convenient. I wish they could manage my SIL’s pain better.
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Right? Pass the morphine.
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So very sorry to hear this news. Prayers for a calm and comfortable recovery period in as short a time possible.
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Thanks. That’s what we are all wishing for.
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I’m so sorry to hear this Kate – I came over to see if you had done your usual Wednesday post and saw this sad post. I will keep them in my prayers … my mom was in an automobile accident at age 11 and it changed her life forever, so I am well aware how one moment in time and 3,000 pounds of metal can wreak havoc on loved ones.
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I am so sorry for her too. That was way too young!
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I wish them the best and a speedy recovery for your sister-in-law.
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Thanks!
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I’m so sorry that your brother and sister-in-law are suffering both physically as well as the emotional distress. 😢
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It’s up and down but so far everyone is still alive. Baby steps.
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Words to live by for sure. I’m so sorry to hear about this accident. If I recall, your sister-in-law has had some setbacks in the last year or so. I do hope she pulls through I’ll keep both of them in my thoughts. – Marty
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She broker (shattered really) her shoulder about 2 or so years ago and before that her wrist. She had to replace her shoulder joint and came back but not quite to where she was before (perhaps you never do). This is a major setback although her shoulder is good.
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Ouch. That’s really too much.
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Wow! Thinking positive thoughts for all. Remember to take care of you too!
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We are all working through this. It’s a new situation for all of us.
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Wishing them a full recovery asap.
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Thanks.
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Oh my, this is sad news. My heart goes out to all of you dealing with this. Accidents change lives in the blink of an eye, which I can attest to myself. I’ll say a prayer for your family. Hugs.
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Thanks. We love hugs.
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Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. What a calamity. Does she have health issues that aggravate the injuries? Best wishes for the best recovery possible!
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Her limitations were really bad knees which affects her mobility. The new issues are broken bones (ribs, pelvis, tailbone) down the right side of her body. The breathing is painful and you know you have to breath.
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Oh, the poor thing! I can’t imagine going through that!
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Sorry to hear that the people you’ve been visiting in the hospital are so close to you . . . although it’s nice that the hospital is close so you don’t have to drive too far to visit, especially in bad weather.
Glad that your brother is able to be with you until he’s more stable ~ does he like the cats? Do the cats like him?
Best of luck to you all as your SIL recovers. Hang on to your sense of humor ~ you’ll need it.
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He loves cats. They had one until several years ago when it died. They are approaching 90 so they didn’t want to get another one but my brother is enjoying the nocturnal bed visits. Gracie has found a new buddy who is willing to play with her much of the time.
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Four years ago my folks were T-boned in a terrible accident. My dad (94) was killed instantly and my mom was in the hospital and rehab and the hospital again and rehab for several months. She’s okay, but has never been the same. She’s got a bit of a limp from a broken ankle that didn’t heal right so she can’t walk very far and is now fragile and thin as a rail. She’ll be 90 in a week. We’re so glad she decided to move back to Minnesota from Florida so she’s closer to most of the family. She sounds happier and busy.
Yes, life is a gift that can drastically change or be lost in a moment. I’m glad your brother and SIL survived. My prayers for healing are with them–and with the whole family.
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I am so sorry. It would be hard for one to survive the other although eventually that happens. My SIL sounds like your mom. No broken ankle but a lot of other injuries and her concern is that she will be more limited.
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Yes, my mom had broken ribs and bruising all over, too. She ended up getting an infection they had a terrible time getting rid of (and almost killed her–in the first terrible rehab place). Thank goodness they have you guys close to go and check on them and for a place to go when they can be released. My mom was in Florida and my brother and SIL could only fly down every so often so they depended on phone calls a lot. Mom would always say she was fine, of course. I’m glad they have you close by and you are there to help with your brother and check on your SIL regularly. That makes a world of difference! 🙂
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Why do they tell everyone they are OK when they are not? They do that here too!
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Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your family being in such a horrific accident. Yes, I think how close we come to danger ever time we get on a freeway. And as I get older I try to focus more on my driving. One never knows how quickly life can change. I try to be grateful each day just to be able to be up and moving as I see so many of my older friends and family slowed down by infirmities. Be careful out there, Kate!
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You are doing all the right stuff.
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I’m sorry to read about this. Life can turn on a dime. We all know this but forget how real it can become once it turns. Hoping this comment finds your brother and SIL healing as quickly as possible.
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My brother seems to be doing well. SIL will take longer. It all takes time.
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Sadly you are right. At least we’re going into warmer weather when moving around outside is easier. Not much comfort, but some– maybe.
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An sunshine! It’s sunny today after yesterday’s snow storm.
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I’m so sorry, Kate. Thank goodness they have you to care for them as they heal. I think we all take driving too cavalierly and don’t appreciate how dangerous it can be. One moment of distraction and life can come tumbling down.
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they have a lot of friends cheering than on too. They were very active people.
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I am so sorry, Kate. I feel the same way as you do about driving. We put our lives on the line every time we venture out on the road. People are crazy behind the wheel and seem clueless as to the results of being in an accident. My morning commute is in the dark and 8 miles of it is on a two-lane, winding road. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had cars coming head on and swerve into my lane. People need to slow down, get off their phones and pay attention. I’ll keep your brother and his wife in my prayers. xo
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I have a friend who was a policeman and he always said the country secondary 2-lane roads were the worst for accidents.
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I believe that, Kate.
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I will be praying they heal quickly.
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Thanks!
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Oh no, Kate. So sorry to hear about the accident. Sending oodles of poodles healing thoughts to you and your family.
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Thanks!
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I’m so sorry. I hope their recovery continues as expected. It’s a good reminder to give gratitude for what we have, and to send love to those whose lives have gone sideways.
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There is so much we take for granted until everything is disrupted.
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So sorry about your brother and sister in law! Hugs and prayers for healing for them and patience in the process. Are you able to be with them, do they live close by?
You are so right at how people think they can multi task while driving and it has gotten so scary out there with crazy drivers! People just don’t pay attention anymore to the road!
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I am fortunate that I live 10 minutes from their home and 5 minutes from the hospital. My brother is staying with me until he gets a little more stable.
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That is great that you are able to be that close to them and able to help your brother out.
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Yes it is and I am grateful for that.
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Kate, I was just catching up after having family here for a week. They have to drive back to MO tomorrow. I am so sorry about your brother and his wife. Driving is scary… other people’s driving is scary and puts us at risk. I’m sending hugs to you and prayers and positive thoughts to your brother and his wife and all your family. You will be on my mind more than you know.
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Thanks. It’s be a hard time. So much unknown and situations change from day to day. You have to roll with it.
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This is a very wise message. Bill’s 2 sisters were both killed in a head-on crash with a drunk driver some years ago. They were the last of his family. A terrible tragedy.
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I am so sorry. I should have added don’t drink. Most people are not conscious of how impaired they get from drinking. This one happened mid-day so alcohol wasn’t a factor (as far as we know). This is a learning experience on so many levels.
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I am so sorry to hear this, Dor.
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Thanks. It was a terrible time for our family. And the drunk driver was sentenced to 20 years in prison. We pass by the spot almost every day and never forget.
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Oh gosh…how horrible. Twenty years is not enough time to serve for stealing to lives. xo
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No words.
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I have also experienced a terrible tragedy in close friend’s life. A drunk driver crushed my friend as he was helping an injured man in another accident on the country road. The drunk driver (returning from the pub after Sunday lunch) send my friend to hospital for almost two years, it was a nightmare for us all. The family never really recovered from all the consequences it implied.
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I am sure there will be lingering effects. I don’t know if she will get back to the point she was at prior to the accident. My brother is good but I wonder if he will be fearful in a car. I know the accident made me fearful.
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hugs and healing thoughts to your brother and your sister in law… it can happen within seconds and nothing is like it was once… ;O(
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Especially with older people. There will be limitations and adjustments. It also affects more than those in the accident. Thanks for the hugs. Big sloppy weimaraner ones are the best.
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I hope the healing for all happens as quickly as possible!
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Me too. It’s grim for her. Long term for sure. She broke so many bones.
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