The Ground is Always Harder on the Other Side of the Gravel Pile

For those of you that have not heard the news or story, I thought I would do a little blog to sum it up, and also to reflect on the events of my night alone in Warsaw.

On my way home from school on Thursday, I recieved a call from my mom telling me that dad had a bicycle wreck and needed to go to the hospital to get stitches and because his back hurt. She told me that she was on a walk and trying to get back home, and that I would need to stop by the funeral home where Barry Edwards had him waiting. I promptly called my sisters to tell them the news.

Turns out that Dad was trying to jump a pile of gravel along the trail and had misjudged the height and steepness of the pile. His front tire hit the ground and he went flying over the handlebars, landing on his head. He said that he jumped right up and then realized that he was hurt so he layed back down. A couple walking on the trail happened to come by and help him to the end of the trail with his bike, where Barry would pick him up.

Mom finally arrived, we switched Dad to a different vehicle, and I went to get my stuff out of the car. In reaction to this my mom scrunched up her face and said "Well we aren't both going are we?" I took this as a hint and got in my car to head home.

My first update was that they were doing a cat scan on his neck, and were going to staple the head wound. This worried me a little, but I assured myself that he would be fine.

My next update came as a little bit more of a shock to everyone involved. Dad had fractured 2 vertebre, his C6 and C7. He would be transfered to Columbia so a specialist could look at him. Mom told me to pack our things and head that direction. Shortly after this, I was told that I would not be going to Columbia, but just bringing Mom's stuff to Sedalia and going back home. Olivia wanted me to come stay with her in Warrensburg, but Mom wanted me home just in case she needed anything else.

I arrived back home about midnight, took a shower and got into bed. I didn't fall asleep until about 1, and update texts from mom kept me between being awake and in a light sleep for the next hour or so.

At about 2:30, I recieved a weather alert text from KY3 stating that Benton County was in a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. To anyone that knows me well, you see why this presented a problem. I am very scared of storms, not to mention in the middle of the night when I am by myself. I told myself if I could just fall asleep before it started that I would be fine. Of course, ten minutes later I started to hear the hail on the skylight in the bathroom. I got up, putting a hoodie on with my PJ's and moved to Mom and Dad's bed to watch the weather, but of course, the TV wouldn't work because of the storm. Right at this point, my somewhat maternal instinct kicked in when I realized my cats were outside.

At first, I told myself they would be okay. Bob had been through much worse before, and Gilbert was probably hanging around with him, so he would be alright too, but as I listened to the thunder and hail, I climbed back out of bed and plopped out to the garage. I opened the storm door and Gilbert appeared almost instantly, literally soaked to the bone and dripping water. Bob, however, did not come up. I poked my head out and called him, but nothing changed. I called a few more times and then closed the door, getting Gibbs some food and talking to him in complete human scentences as if he were going to reply in the same fashion. I decided that Bob would be alright, and started to go back inside. Guilt washed over me as I turned one more time and saw Gibbs trying to dry his soaking wet coat off, so I walked over to the door one more time to yell for Bob, and there he was. He rushed inside, dripping cold water just like Gilbert had been.

Now that I knew they were safe, I went back inside and crawled into my bed. Sleep did not decide to grace me until about 4:30, where I fell into a deep slumber from my long night. Mom then texted me at about 7, telling me the good news that dad would not have to have surgery. About 8 hours later, they were home safe and sound, both knocked out sleeping.

Dad has to wear a neck brace 24/7 for 6 weeks and got three staples in his head, but generally is doing well. He has been awake most of the day so far, and is talking to Stefaine now. At times like this, you really think about the blessings in life. Our family was lucky that dad was sent home without surgery, and we all realized that we have the best friends in the world. Of course we want to offer a special thanks to Barry Edwards and family, Chris and the Riley family for being ready to go at any minute and bringing dinner last night, the Million's who contributed to dinner and brought dad a recliner, and Bill and Cynthia Wood for the food and good company today. These people have been wonderful, and we appreciate it more than you will ever know. Thanks to everyone for the prayers, and I will try to keep you all updated!