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.
Healing thoughts and energy to you and your family during this time of need.
Posted by: Susan | February 28, 2006 at 09:29 PM
Sending healing thoughts and love your way!
Posted by: Chelee | February 28, 2006 at 10:16 PM
Oh my god. I don't know what else to say except that I'll be thinking about you and your family.
Posted by: Anne | February 28, 2006 at 11:16 PM
ohmyGod Vicki I am so sorry. Cyber-hugs to you and your family from mine
Posted by: JessaLu | March 01, 2006 at 07:44 AM
Prayers and healing thoughts for you and yours from me and mine. I'm thinking about you.
Posted by: Lizzy B | March 01, 2006 at 08:28 AM