jdean3 - Tales of Transformation

The scene of the crime, so to speak.  The boating accident of August 11, 2005 forever changed the lives of several people.  While I don’t know exactly what happened that night, the discovery & legal process brought most of the facts to light.

Not Exactly Docked

This really isn’t about the logistics of an accident, though.  It’s more about the amazing recovery that follows.  As a passenger in a cigarette boat moving approximately 75 mph  hitting land, I was ejected and landed approx 110 feet from where the boat came to rest.  To be specific, the injuries I sustained were more than anything I could have imagined surviving:

• Internal Head Injury
• Fractured C5 (neck vertebrae)
• Broke every rib (some multiple breaks)
• punctured both lungs
• Broke the left elbow at joint
• Compound fracture left Tibia
• Lost 1+ inch of Tibia (compound fracture)
• Crushed/shattered the left ankle (unrecognizable)
• You get the picture…it wasn’t a pretty sight

Although I was obviously unconscious at the scene, I spent another 22 days in a drug induced coma to protect myself from my own movement.  While the punctured lungs were what almost killed me, doctors were most concerned about the fractured C5 in the neck and the brain injury.  I am told my entire body was black/blue.  The potential loss of the left foot was the least of my wife’s concern.

It wasn’t my time to die…and I am so thankful.

After about 2 weeks of the expected ICU rundown (chest tubes in lungs, ventilator, tracheotomy, stomach feed tube…) the wonders of modern medical advancements had their turn to rebuild the remnants to my skeletal injuries.  Although incredibly horrific looking, the ilizarov frame is a fascinating device that ultimately proved successful in my case.  The doctor installed a frame on my left elbow as well as my left leg and foot.

There are a number of similar “entries” covering the accident and the injuries, but I want to begin with a glimpse of the happy ending that wasn’t visible at any time for nearly 3 years in this family’s life.  I remain incredibly proud of my family and the way they helped me recover.  The lessons we have learned and share continue to motivate us and keep us closer as a family.  The event seems to have been a turning point in each of our lives.  We never know when an accident will occur that can separate us from each other, nor should we ever take for granted the quality of human existence we were born with.

I have completely recovered from my injuries.  I have several scares and perhaps a limp in my stride, but many people would never know I was involved in such a horrific accident.  I am happy to share the tale, though.  If I can make it through and come out the other side a better person, anyone can overcome equally difficult challenges.

1st half of the "flight" of the boat

In retrospect, I wasn’t the husband, the father or even the manager/employee I should have been prior to the accident.  My priorities were simply backwards in so many ways.  I hope the realization and clarity that has resulted from these experiences guides my actions for years to come.  I am happy to report I feel closer to my kids and I know them better now than I did prior to the accident (I am ashamed to admit my work habits clearly hindered the time I prioritized with my family).  I also have a far greater appreciation for the woman I married.   The accident has become our own watershed event, changing the course of this family’s journey and specifically this authors role.  Stay tuned.

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Tags: accident