July 5 holds a special place in my heart, and my youngest daughter, Jadyn calls it "Walking Day." Thirteen years ago, during the July 4th weekend, my life took a drastic turn. I was involved in a horrible accident that nearly left me unable to walk. On the morning of July 5, while trying to keep my stepson safe as my SUV unexpectedly rolled backward, I suffered severe injuries, including multiple fractures, a shattered pelvis, and deep wounds that required countless surgeries and months of recovery. In that moment, my focus was only on protecting my stepson, but the cost was unimaginable.
What followed was a grueling 10-year recovery when the doctors said that I would never walk again. I spent the first year paralyzed, unsure if I’d ever walk again. There were countless surgeries, three complete blood transfusions, something called plasmapheresis (numerous times) and at one point, a fight to save my right leg from amputation. The pain, the uncertainty, and the endless physical therapy were tough, but through it all, my family stood by me. They gave me strength, reminded me to push forward, and believed in me when it felt like hope was slipping away.
Today, I still have a few lingering issues, reminders of that day, but I am beyond thankful to be here, to be able to stand, walk, and continue to build memories with my loved ones. "Walking Day" isn’t just a reminder of what happened but a celebration of resilience, family support, and the incredible gift of life.
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