Saturday, June 30, 2012

Thursday Night:We Were in a Terrible Accident Headed into Rawlins,WY

We were driving down the highway from Casper to Rawlins when the weather immediately picked up and the wind gusted. We had maybe two gusts and the third lifted the trailer. It felt like the being in the tornado in "The Wizard of Oz.". The trailer disconnected from the Yukon and in the process the Yukon flipped over 1 1/2 times and landed on its roof. We all got ourselves out through broken out windows, which was nothing short of the Lord's doing. We were about 40 minutes from Rawlins and had great help from a couple Good Samaratins. We were transported to the hospital and since I had a head injury I was backboarded. After a CT scan and several x-rays, I was cleared and my head wound debrided and stapled. The kids had a X-ray each and we're both clear. Vivy has the tiniest fracture of her fingertip that did not need treatment and otherwise, their injuries are superficial from crawling out through the glass. David had a wound on his left shoulder and elbow. After xrays on him that were clear, The ER doc sutured the shoulder wound and started irrigating the elbow when he realized that a significant portion of the Triceps tendon was missing and David would need an orthopedic specialist. Rather than have to wait for evaluation and schedule surgery, the Ortho came in early to the hospital before driving to a remote clinic site to see patients for the day and David was in surgery by by 6am. It was amazing and such a blessing. The ortho later said that if the ER doc had not realized the severity of the wound his triceps would have ripped and caused more damage and loss of use. As it is, he advanced the tendon and muscle about 2 inches and sutured into a hole in the bone that he drilled. He expects full recovery and range of motion, as long as it holds.
David was in the hospital and released today-Saturday, late morning.
David's mom came to Rawlins and has been a tremendous help. We are beginning the task of deciding what to try to pack home and what to donate and leave behind. It is surprising how difficult it is. We have each other, no doubt about the blessing of that, but the financial impact will be significant. The dreams of future trailer camping trips are fading, at least for awhile.
I know there are more updates, but I want to get this posted.

5 comments:

  1. We were praying for you all. So glad everyone is safe. -The Griffins

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  2. Wow, we are sending you all BIG HUGS and are so glad that you are all safe and together!


    Kathy and Brett

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  3. YIKES! I was just reading your blog this morning thinking about your wonderful trip!! OMGosh! If you need anything... So glad everyone is safe!

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  4. Dear Friends thank the Lord you are well and safe. Our God is Great. He was holding on tight to your family. All our prayers. Aaron and Melissa Griffin

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  5. Oh my-I am so happy to hear you are all basically ok. Hugs to you all!!! Someone upstairs was definitely looking out for you!

    Jeanine Costello

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