Silver, I'm feeling the same thing. The last thing I want to do is clean-I want to be outside. I'm really itching to get into the garden.

Boy - reading those stories makes me feel as if I have truely lived a healthy un-eventful life. No major issues other than near death experiences when giving birth ... my kids wanted to make a dramatic entrance I guess.
Today is the first half day of spring ~ any celebrations? I think I am going to bake some cupcakes and have the kids decorate spring themes on them. Sounds like a good 'work procrastination' project for me. I know it's Tuesday and I should be motivated to get some work done but ... nope. Just want to hang out and heavens forbid actually do some cleaning around the house ... must be spring.

Well you guys are very kind...I don't think I feel qualified to be considered a trauma spokesperson as I was always had full use of my limbs...of course we all have stories...some more dramatic than others but stories none the same.
Justa--the C2 did heal with the neck brace on...since the bone hadn't moved it basically crusted over and healed...amazing stuff this body thing.
I think most of us can live with anything...you don't get a positive attitude after you've suffered a dramatic turn of events. I have to say though, were I to loose one of my boys...or my man..well let's just say when I was stationed at the Defense Intelligence Agency and looked across the water at the Pentagon where my husband was stationed on Sept 11....not knowing whether he was alive or dead and then getting that call...from him saying he was okay and in the "bunker" in the Pentagon war room...that was feeling like I'd been reborn.
Getting upset about some of the things that happen with the PTO....doesn't even seem within reason.

Crew Chief--do you get to kick back? My 2 nephews are testing for their black belts in tae kwon do in 2 weeks. Huge accomplishment (they are 10 and 8) but VERY expensive prospect ... they will be proud though for sure!!! (as will my sister ).

My friend shares her story at women's shelters, retreats and girl's halfway houses. Not the accident. She's a survivor in other ways. She shares her story along with karate and self-defense lessons to help these girls and women find strength in their own lives to either leave, escape or avoid dangerous situations. I'm blessed to be able to assist her in the self-defense classes. We have one this saturday from 9am to 4pm. I know I'll be punched, kicked, choked and thrown on the floor about a dozen different ways all day long and I won't be able to move on Sunday. But if it helps one girl find her way then it's all worth it.

d, you're blessed with a compelling voice and storyteller's soul and you speak in a way that makes people sit up and take notice. You have a gift.

onaroll - YUMMY! I'll take one of each. The worst kept secret at my last school was that the principal could be bribed with snickerdoodles. I shamelessly exploited that info with frequent trips to the local bakery. He knew that when I walked in the door with a white bakery bag that he may as well just say yes before he even heard what I had to say!

D ~ I think you have truly earned your angels wings with all of that! My goodness, you truly are a strong individual to have handled all of that and done so with such an incredible outlook and attitude.

I got shivers just reading what you went through. In regards to the broken C2, did you have to have surgery to repair it or did the neck brace allow it to heal on its own?

Hug your husband for being smart enough to not move you after your fall!! Wow! You are a great example of strength and focus and "can-do" attitude and strong willed.... you are simply a great example!

There truly are a lot of people who would benefit from hearing your story and seeing you ~ a true survivor, because so many people just want to give up when it gets tough. You have gone down a tougher road than most of us will ever have to travel, and your attitude is incredible!

Are there any trauma centers in your area? The reason I ask, is because I have done volunteer work at trauma centers and I know how valuable you would be at one.... for those individuals to hear your story and see how you have done at recovery, could be just the motivation and support they need.... You truly are an excellent speaker and I just know that from reading your posts (I look forward to the comments you, cc, shawn, and onaroll make back and forth along with the excellent advice and tips you give to all the questions asked).

Just an idea... I hope the rest of your recovery goes well and all the pain subsides. This may sound crazy, but vitamin B - complex can help a lot. It is an energy vitamin that helps with the oxygen production (so blood flows better helping all sorts of recoveries).

Thanks for sharing your story with me.

d, to heck with speaking, you should write a book!