MARCH MADNESS RING A BELL??
When March rolls in, the madness begins, for our family, it's hoops all the way, with college talent on display. All of us agree, watching young student-athletes play for the title is more exciting than the pros. These young men leave their hearts and souls on the court. We all know there is no I in team, these guys get it, and some pros forget it.
Yesterday morning I woke to the sight of two small deer laying on a patch of grass just outside my window. I snapped a few pix through the glass then quickly put on my boots to get outside for a few more.
As soon as I opened the door they stood up and looked straight at me as if to say "Good Morning"
What surprised me most was that as I approached, they did not bound away, they just quietly walked away.
As I watched, I saw the larger of the two limping badly. These two were probably brother and sister, walking back to the protection of mom. The injured one may not make it, many young ones die during the harsh winter but with some grass popping out, that one may have a shot of overcoming the leg injury.
I have contemplated doing this #BoM for #silverbloggers for days now. It's a tough one, memories of that March night still haunt me...
It was March 29, 1995 and March was going out like a lion. I had to get to work, there was a winter storm warning in effect, and the roads would be slow going. I was a second-shift healthcare worker, a Radiographer, I took Pictures, great job, right? I thought so.
But on this particular evening shift, I would find horror and heartbreak.
It all began with a call from a cousin of mine that was on the police force in West Milford, our hometown at the time. He told me my sister was in a bad accident and she was on her way to the hospital, yes, the one where I worked. I went to the emergency room to talk to the doctors and nurses I was pals with and gave them the news. When the rig pulled into the bay it was all hands on deck. I can never repay them for what they did to save her, she was barely conscience.
Now if you know about trauma cases, the patient always arrives in a neck brace, just as a precaution, that collar will not be removed until the Cervical spine is cleared for fracture or subluxation. The portable x-ray machine was already in place, my partner and I would get it done asap. Lead aprons were donned, and several x-rays were taken. My co-worker Mike ran the cassettes back to the darkroom to be developed as I stayed with my sister who was now having trouble breathing.
It seemed like an eternity, waiting for the films to process.
Madness it was, as I viewed the films with the ER doc, I couldn't believe what we were seeing. It was apparent that a 75% subluxation at the level of Cervical 7 had occurred. My mouth went dry and I blacked out. Next thing I knew I was on a stretcher and Bob was standing over me.
Dorothy? what's happening? The neurosurgeon was already preparing the OR, immediate surgery was the only thing that would save her. Seven hours later, I would see her resting comfortably and still breathing on her own. Relief set in a bit but not for long.
By this time, my entire family was huddled together in a small waiting room outside the OR. The surgeon finally came to talk to us about her condition, and what to expect. The surgery went well, and she is stable for now, BUT, she will never walk again and the next few days would be critical, if there's too much swelling, she may have to go on life support.
What a fighter
Fast forward 2 years later...
After months in the hospital and then close to a year in a rehab center, Dorothy went back to what she loved doing, teaching preschoolers to count and color, laugh and sing. Her life was hard but her will to live, was amazing. She loved being around the little ones and she was able to teach for another 10 years.
Never underestimate the human spirit. My little sister managed to live for 28 years after the accident, one so severe that many thought she would not make it through the night.
#March #Madness, I am sticking with college basketball, when I see I great play I hoot, and I can almost hear De holler back.
This is my entry in the #BoM Blog of the Month in #silverbloggers community.
Blessings to all!
Much love,
Jackie O