Because of the accident on the northbound side, a state trooper already working that scene ran across the interstate to assist me. He said he thought a bomb went off when the semi struck my truck. Paramedics who were already in route to the northbound accident were diverted to me instead. In less than 5 minutes from the time of my accident, I had a state trooper and EMS assisting me. Their quick arrival was key to my survival. The first trooper on the scene couldn’t find a pulse, so he prayed over me. I then gasped.
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As if a scary surgery and brain swelling weren’t enough, I had difficulty swallowing (from having a tube down my throat for almost a week). I couldn’t eat anything until I passed a swallowing test. I failed the test the first 2 times. If I would have failed it the 3rd time, the doctors would have inserted a feeding tube in my stomach, and my hospital stay would have been extended even more. This brings me to brief memory #2. I remember sitting in a chair with them giving me a spoonful of some kind of pudding substance. They put a machine up to the right side of my face, and I swallowed the pudding. Fortunately I passed and was able to start eating again.
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I finally got released from ICU and was put in a regular hospital room. The combined trauma and lying in a bed for nearly 2 weeks left my muscles incredibly weak. I had to build my strength again simply to use a walker to walk around the hallway and nurse’s station.
On March 14th I was transferred to the rehab hospital. I remember the very short ambulance ride there. During my week stay, I spent 6 hours a day in rehab sessions…I had (2) one hour sessions of Physical (large muscles), Occupational (smaller muscles and minor tasks), and Speech (my mind, memory, and mental skills) therapy each day. My memory, especially short term memory, was still very shaky because by the end of the day I couldn’t remember what I ate for breakfast (although I do remember now they served tasty omelettes!) I do remember most of the rehab hospital including the main doctor and each therapist I saw twice a day. I have been fortunate to go back and see them and thank them. A couple of years later they were able to come to a show Kellie had in Louisville. |
Kellie’s involvement on “Dancing with the Stars” (which she WON!) meant that I didn’t miss as many shows as I normally would have. One concert that had been scheduled was 3 miles from my hometown on April 26th. I had been practicing drums in my basement and had been given the green light by the doctors to travel back home for the show. At sound check I played “Red High Heels” with the band. After much internal debate, I chose to overcome my anxiety and surprise Kellie and my family by performing “Red High Heels” during her encore.
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I’ve got to give credit to the “personal capital” life lesson to my former band director, Craig Lindvahl. Long story short, he’s been the biggest influence in my life both musically and personally. If you’re looking for an inspirational read, I highly recommend his book, “Things You Wish You Knew Yesterday.” (www.thingsyouwishyouknewyesterday.com) It’s a book that makes a lot of common sense about life.
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