A friend of mine from Orange County (he's actually the oldest friend I have) was in car accident two weeks ago. He and a friend were hit by a drunk driver going 55 mph. The driver suffered a broken hip but from what I understand has since been able to return home for recovery. Mike, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. Numerous fractures in the Pelvis, two fractured vertebrae in the lower back, ruptured bladder, severely damaged spleen, severed liver, and most dangerous was the torn Aorta, and unknown amount of Brain injury.
In spite of everything, he has successfully made it through many surgeries and is slowly waking up, recognizing family and friends, and increasing his range of motion daily.
I felt convicted to write something about Mike because his accident has impacted me in unexpected ways. As a young person, I am guilty of the immortality complex. I'm only 20-something and have the rest of my life in front of me, right? It's amazing how a split second can change that line of thinking. I have mentioned recently, transitions and new adventures are on the horizon for me once again. Mike's story should be a reminder to everyone not to take so much for granted. I find that I am placing so much more value on simple pleasures and the time I spend with loved ones.
As cliche as it sounds, I have a new appreciation for living everyday to its fullest (even if I am currently stuck in Smalltown, NM)
Mike's family has started a website and daily journal about his recovery. It can be found here
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