First of all, and as far as I know right now, he's going to be okay.
My brother, Michael, was in the most horrific car accident on his way to work this morning. He was taken by helicopter to the hospital. I saw that helicopter heading to the scene this morning on my way to work. I SAW IT. One of my uncles is a nurse on that helicopter and I always think of him when I see it; I know that the helicopter isn't good... I didn't know that it was going to get my brother!
In this age of internet news and streaming video, I've been watching video and still pictures of the scene all morning and reading news accounts as details of the accident begin to emerge. At one point, there was video of a pickup truck being removed from the scene. My mom, with whom I've been speaking all morning, told me that my brother wasn't driving his pickup this morning -- and it was a really good thing because the truck was so badly damaged, how could the driver have survived?
I just saw the car that he was driving. Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod, oh... my god.
I spoke with an ER nurse earlier this morning and she said that Michael had broken ribs; according to an account I read, he may also have a head injury, but not severe.
Ohmygod, that car.
He was slowing down on a state highway to make a turn and was rear-ended by a SEMI TRUCK going at HIGHWAY SPEED which pushed his car INTO THE PATH of an oncoming PICKUP TRUCK. The car is frickin' squished. They had to use the Jaws of Life to get him out. He is sososososo lucky to be alive. Ohmygod.
Mom just called (about 11:30 a.m.) and they're taking him into surgery -- there's bleeding on the brain.
An hour later, no news. I don't know what to do, waffling about posting this, trying to stay busy, talking to people, calling my sisters, mom (she's afraid to drive), checking the news. Hope and pray.
UPDATE 2:45 p.m. Mom called from the hospital; her friend Dar drove her there. Michael's brain is badly injured. He had two blood clots; they removed one, but the other is still in there... deep... something about the brain shifting. I heard "cervical fracture," something "thoracic," another bit about "lumbar." He can move his limbs, he recognized his wife before surgery. Those are the good things.
Dearest Vicki, sending you thoughts and prayers, lots of them, take care.
Posted by: yvette | February 28, 2006 at 01:51 PM
I will keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Posted by: Cindy B. | February 28, 2006 at 03:01 PM
Hang in there, Vicki. Sending lots of good energy your way.
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 28, 2006 at 03:10 PM
Good thoughts and sympathy heading your way.... hang in there!
*hug*
Posted by: Peeve | February 28, 2006 at 03:48 PM
Ohmygod. Sending good and healing thoughts to you and your family.
Posted by: KatKat | February 28, 2006 at 03:57 PM
You have all my prayers, Vicki. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.
Posted by: Mary in Boston | February 28, 2006 at 03:59 PM
Sending good, healing thoughts to you and your family . . .
Posted by: Sarah | February 28, 2006 at 04:06 PM
Oh no, what a horrible accident. My thoughts are with you Vicki.
Posted by: Lauren | February 28, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Oh god Vicki! I'm here if you need me. LOTS OF LOVE going out your way!!!!
Posted by: Cara | February 28, 2006 at 04:07 PM
Vicki, tis is beyond horrible. My thoughts are with you, your brother and your family, and I will be wishing for news of a recovery.
Posted by: jillian | February 28, 2006 at 04:13 PM
Holy cow. I'm sending good vibes your way.
Posted by: MJ | February 28, 2006 at 04:15 PM
oh, Vickie. I will SO be praying for your brother.........
Posted by: christine | February 28, 2006 at 04:16 PM
My heart goes out to you right now, Vicki. I've been in your shoes, but many years ago. I'm here if you need me.
Posted by: Carole | February 28, 2006 at 04:19 PM
I will pray for your brother with every stitch I knit tonight. My heart is with you.
Posted by: margene | February 28, 2006 at 04:20 PM
Love and prayers to you and yours, Vicki.
Posted by: Julia | February 28, 2006 at 04:27 PM
My thoughts are with your and your family.
Posted by: toni | February 28, 2006 at 04:29 PM
My thoughts and prayers will certainly be with you through this terrible tragedy.
Posted by: Joan | February 28, 2006 at 04:30 PM
Vicki when I read your post shivers went up my spine. My family and I are sending prayers yours and your brother's way. My hubby works with brain injured people so I know how serious this can be. Have faith. It is a miracle that he survived the accident. God speed.
Posted by: Cynthia | February 28, 2006 at 04:37 PM
Oh, Vicki. My arms and legs went numb when I read this.
I'm praying. Please know that good thoughts are with you and him.
xo
Posted by: sandy | February 28, 2006 at 04:41 PM
Oh, Vicki! My heart goes out to you and your brother! How quickly things can turn from our usual routine to such a day as you are experiencing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Jan | February 28, 2006 at 04:46 PM
Oh, Vicki, NO - I am praying and praying for your brother!!
Posted by: Jackie | February 28, 2006 at 04:54 PM
Love and prayers to you and yours. Keeping your family in my thoughts. ((((hugs)))))
Posted by: Christine | February 28, 2006 at 04:56 PM
I'll be thinking about you and your family. Sending love and prayers.
Posted by: Melanie | February 28, 2006 at 04:57 PM
praying for him and sending positive energy to your family .... keep us posted
Posted by: ann | February 28, 2006 at 04:59 PM
Oh Vicki, how horrible. My prayers are with you for the best possible outcome. I'm not that far away if you need anything.
Posted by: Holly | February 28, 2006 at 05:07 PM
Oh, VICKI. My breath is taken away. I...oh, man...every day I hear these things in my work and I live in fear of them. I'm hoping with all my heart for the very best outcome.
Posted by: Norma | February 28, 2006 at 05:21 PM
I pray for your brother and wish that God will hold him in his palm. Be strong!
Posted by: Zoe | February 28, 2006 at 05:26 PM
Oh.My.Goodness. Sending healing thoughts to your brother. Breathe, Vicki, breathe.
Posted by: Celia | February 28, 2006 at 05:28 PM
Vicki, oh my goodness, I can't even imagine the worry and pain your family is experiencing right now. You're all in my prayers. Chelle
Posted by: Chelle | February 28, 2006 at 05:30 PM
I will be knitting prayers and healing thoughts for your brother and your family tonight.
Posted by: Ginny | February 28, 2006 at 05:41 PM
Vicki, I'm so sorry. What a terrible thing to happen. I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Take care of yourself.
Posted by: Jessica | February 28, 2006 at 05:47 PM
Oh no! Fingers are crossed, mojo is working, prayers are flying your way...
Posted by: Kellee | February 28, 2006 at 05:57 PM
Oh my, I'm so sorry.
Your family is in my thoughts
Posted by: Lori | February 28, 2006 at 05:58 PM
Vicki - praying for a miracle.
Posted by: Marie | February 28, 2006 at 06:04 PM
God bless and keep you and your family tonight and for the many long nights ahead. Thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Deb | February 28, 2006 at 06:08 PM
So sorry, Vicki - prayers for your brother tonight!
Posted by: Mary Beth | February 28, 2006 at 06:11 PM
oh Vicki...what is his name? we will pray for him at our church. I'm so sorry for what your family is experiencing right now.
Posted by: Lynne | February 28, 2006 at 06:20 PM
Lifting your brother and family and all up before the Father in prayer. Praying for healing and wholeness, peace for you all.
Posted by: Susie | February 28, 2006 at 06:37 PM
Ack! I'm so sorry. My fingers are crossed and you and your brother are in my thoughts.
Posted by: amy! | February 28, 2006 at 06:41 PM
my thoughts and prayers are with you vicki.
Posted by: margaux | February 28, 2006 at 06:53 PM
ohmigod... how awful. Thoughts and prayers being sent your family's way....
Posted by: melissa | February 28, 2006 at 06:58 PM
Oh sweetie. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Hugs.
Posted by: Kathleen | February 28, 2006 at 07:11 PM
I'll be keeping your brother and entire family in my prayers.
Posted by: Mary Fran | February 28, 2006 at 07:33 PM
unlurking friend of Bron, here - my prayers go out to your brother, you, and your family
Posted by: cec | February 28, 2006 at 07:35 PM
Hang, in there and take care of your self- others will need you!
Posted by: carla | February 28, 2006 at 08:03 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your brother. I'm keeping him in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: monica | February 28, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Oh, no. This is awful. Will keep you and yours in my thoughts.
Posted by: beadslut | February 28, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Very late in reading this...I'm so very sorry and hope you hear good news soon.
Posted by: Viv | February 28, 2006 at 08:30 PM
Hugs and prayers to you and your family, Vicki. This is just the kind of news you never ever want to hear, and I can't imagine how scary everything must be right now. xo
Posted by: elisa | February 28, 2006 at 08:31 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your brother and the rest of your family.
Posted by: Amy | February 28, 2006 at 08:53 PM