| Alan (age 46) and I were driving on I-40
through New Mexico about 40 miles east of Albuquerque near Tucumcari,
when the axle on our van broke and caused the van to nosedive and
flip over. It then skidded, upside down, across the Interstate and
hit the median where it rolled over several times before bursting into
flames. Alan was thrown from the van and died instantly upon impact. I
was seat belted and continued to roll with the van until the seatbelt
snapped. I was ejected a few yards from where the van exploded into a
ball of fire. The driver of another vehicle ran up to pull me away from
the flames. (I was told this later when I awoke from a coma and do not
know who this man was that saved me from burning in the fire. I would
like to thank him very much for his immediate response and bravery). I
was airlifted to Albuquerque University Hospital Trauma Center (I later
learned that Alan had been taken to Tucumcari New Mexico as it was
closer.)
I had multiple broken bones in my neck, spine and hips, lacerations of the face and legs, and a subdural hematoba (not to
mention hundreds, if not thousands, of cactus needles in my
back!). I was comatose for 6 days and have no memory of the
accident, although I do remember the morning of the accident. When
I was out of the coma, I was told of Alan's death, and that
his body had been transported to Florida where his family had a funeral
service and laid him to rest, knowing I would not be able to take care
of those matters. I was discharged from the hospital (flown to
Memphis to my family's home) in a half body cast from the hips to my
ears to prevent any movement of my spine to allow the fractures to heal
before beginning physical therapy. In late December, still
in the body cast, I was able to go to Florida and visit Alan's gravesite.
I speak to him often, and every time I see a bird's feather on
the ground, (which is more than you would imagine!) to me, it is a
"hello" from "Alvin" as he always picked up bird
feathers wherever we went.
Although his name is Alan...my nickname
for him was "Alvin", the mischievous chipmunk!!
*******
"Alvin",
You are greatly missed
Your
life ended here on earth so suddenly and I pray that you are at peace
and still
have that charismatic smile. I am so blessed to have had those last
hours with you in Sedona at the Chapel. We did not know those would be our last
hours together as
we were on our journey to a new beginning, and although it was not enough time,
I am thankful for what time we did have. When I awoke from the coma, and they
told me you were gone, I knew that God had taken you in His arms and you
had finally found the peace you so wanted. My funny "Alvin" I
miss you terribly, but I know you are safe and so very loved in heaven. I
pray that you hear me when I speak your name and talk to you still, and that you
now know that my love for you was one of devotion as I saw you struggling and
only wanted to remain by your side and believe in you. It was you who always
reminded me that God never gives us more than we can bear and that we
have to accept His timing. I sometimes still struggle with why I
lived that
fatal accident, but then I remember what you said about timing,..it wasn't my time. I only hope that
when it is, I will once again feel that strong hug in your arms, and see that
delightful contagious smile.
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