Life Happens

I mentioned in an earlier post that David would be taking a 250-mile bike ride along the Katy Trail this summer. We had everything worked out for him to do that this week, but we had a change of plans. Life Happens.

David and I received a phone call last Sunday morning that one of our dear friends in Oklahoma City was in a head-on collision (they are suspecting that she was hit by a drunk driver). Our friend, Jenn, was trapped in the car for at least an hour before anyone could get her out safely. They had to use the Jaws of Life because the car was in such horrible condition. By the time we received the phone call, she had been placed in ICU Trauma.

We didn't even give it a second thought and immediately packed our bags so we could leave early the next morning. David and I arrived in OKC Monday around 3 pm. Things were pretty hectic with the hospital so we didn't see her that evening.

We were able to see her in the hospital yesterday. David and I arrived at 8am. Only 2 people were allowed in the room at a time, so we took turns going in with Randy. Randy is Jenn's long-term boyfriend who is also a close friend of ours. I've known Randy for over 7 years now and I actually met David through him. Randy has been at the hospital with her almost around the clock. Jenn has no family in town other than her 2 daughters, which are ages 14 and 16. Her parents have been vacationing in Las Vegas and didn't want to cut their trip short for whatever reason. They were supposed to get in last night. Hopefully they'll be able to spend time with her this afternoon so Randy and David can take care of more necessary errands.

Randy needed to find out where the car was and take pictures yesterday. He asked me to take them, but I decided it was better if David took them so I could stay with Jenn. I didn't want her to be alone. She was in and out all afternoon. We were able to carry on a conversation for a little bit and then she would just doze off because of the narcotics. Some of the things we reminisced about were pretty funny and made her laugh a little. I know the laughing hurt, but we couldn't help ourselves.

Jenn is an absolute sweetheart! I get sad sometimes because David and I have been in St. Louis the past 2 years separated from our friends and family. Yea, we keep in touch with Randy and Jenn, but we obviously don't get to hang-out or double date very often.

For all of my Prayer Warrior friends, I'd like to post a list of her known injuries. If you are sensitive to medical conditions, please do not continue reading. There are no pictures, but the words alone may put graphic images in your mind. It's not easy to handle.

Both heels on feet were shattered

Both ankles broken

Deep cut on left thigh ( a drain was put in and it has been stitched)

Fracture near the tailbone

Some pedicles on the sides of the vertebrae were fractured

(the spinal injuries should not cause paralysis)

5 fractured ribs

Fractured sternum

Small nose fracture (not noticeable)

Hole in bottom lip about 12 to 15 stitches

Some small bleeding in the brain (is showing improvement)

A bruise on the front lobe of the brain

A black eye

Lots of cuts and bruises on hands and legs

The main risks now that the doctors are monitoring:

High risk for pneumonia from the fractured ribs

The brain injuries

And making sure the heart was not damaged from the sternum fracture

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jenn

and her loved ones.

While I don't like the circumstances that brought us back to Oklahoma City, I am thankful that we are able to be here for her and her loved ones. I wish David and I could stay here for a couple of weeks to help with things, but we're probably going to have to head back home on Friday. David starts his surgery rotation soon and he cannot miss a day.

I'll try to keep my Prayer Warriors posted on her progress. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and prayers. They are deeply appreciated!