On February 4, 2024 I was involved in a near fatal motor vehicle accident. I am also facing multiple health challenges including mental health. Initially I started this website as a means to seek support in my recovery process. I enjoy writing. I find it therapeutic. My hope is to write motivational, uplifting, and heartwarming posts that might be something more positive. We all struggle with something. This past year, the year of 2024 seems to have been a difficult year for everyone. Sometimes it helps to bring perspective in the midst of hurting, suffering, and grief.

Near Fatal Work Related Accident

When the accident occurred I was being led by my supervisor. He was in his truck and I was in my truck. He performed a U-turn on Lougheed Highway. At the time I had my flashing ambers on and believed I was in a legal turn lane and so I proceeded with a left turn. The other driver was going probably 100-125 kms in a 70-80 km zone. I believe the other driver was distracted as he didn’t attempt to slow down or avoid a collision until seconds before impact. When the accident occurred it resulted in an airway obstruction which I cleared myself prior to an off duty fireman made initial contact with me. Part of the Post Traumatic Stress symptoms I begin to have difficulty breathing, not to mention other emotional and mental stresses, reactions, and responses.

Injuries Sustained

• Fractured Larynx
• 2 Right Rib Fractures (9th & 11th)
• Pneumothorax (punctured lungs associated with fractured ribs)
• Lacerated Spleen
• Hemothorax (collection of blood within the body in association with the lacerated spleen)
• Transverse Process fractures L1, L2, L4 (These fractures are tiny bones within the spinal column)
• Comminuted Fracture upper Left Humerus bone (upper arm involving the shoulder joint requiring surgery)
• Post Traumatic Stress

These injuries were life threatening. The other driver was up and walking around following the accident. I was taken by ambulance and admitted to the trauma unit at Royal Columbian Hospital. I would spend about a week in hospital and had surgery to try and salvage my arm. I almost lost my arm. Almost a year later I still have only limited range of motion and limited strength as my muscles have since atrophied and currently it would seem that Work Safe no longer wishes to continue treatment which means making a full recovery is less likely.

Negative Impact with my disability

I am on the autistic spectrum and also have a newly discovered heart condition called LongQT Syndrome. Aggravating conditions is with Post Traumatic Stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression. All of which has placed considerable stress on my heart. As a result there has been an increase in my heart palpitations and increase in chest pains. There has also been an increase in feelings of breathlessness and difficulty breathing. I am currently in the process of working with a cardiologist. My cardiologist is talking to me about placing an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. In short this is a combination of both a Pacemaker and portable AED that is directly connected to my heart. This is making my recovery significantly more challenging.

Grief, Loss, and Suffering

I am no stranger to grief and suffering. I am currently grieving the loss of my sister who recently passed suddenly. I was also recently told my sister was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. This was like history repeating itself with the history of our mother’s sudden passing. We know that grief is deeply personal. We know that this is a very unique experience from one person to the next but with common themes. The way we can support one another in difficult times makes a difference. Sometimes understanding how we can support others is a challenge. We don’t know what to do. We might even give money because that is the only way we know how to support. This past year I have had some financial support. That support has been much needed. I appreciate how generous some people have been.

Journey through Writing

The best way people can support me is by being present. Sometimes I fight thoughts of being alone and all I need is human connection. You can’t put a price on human connection. Instead of being inundated with negative thoughts I would much rather focus on the positive. I would much rather speak to myself words of compassion, mercy, and be present to myself. In the process, through it I will write in my blog and share with you my journey.

You can’t put a price on Human Connection