The long trip home...Sunday Smiles a day early

(Note..I tried to post this yesterday but I couldn't until today. Since it is now Saturday afternoon I am going to let this post count as my Sunday Six Smiles.... a day early. I've put in more than 6 reasons to smile in this post.... but I had to list them all for my record of coming home....and they are too dear to me to leave them out.)

When we started our trip to Utah on March 24th, 2011 we were full of excitement . We make that 700 mile trip often to visit family and attend the special events our grandchildren are involved in.

• We had been there after Christmas and celebrated New years with them in Jan.
• We made the trip in Feb. to attend a gymnastic meet with Johnny and to go to court with Erin and Patrick to finalize the adoption of little Ellie Mae.
• However, this trip in March was really special. All of our family was coming together from across the USA to celebrate and rejoice with Erin and Patrick as they took their little Elizabeth Mae to the temple and then had her blessed.

It was with great anticipation that I finished the temple/blessing dress I was making for Ellie to wear on her special day and we packed up the Prius, our wonderful car we so loved to travel in, and headed to Utah on what we thought would be a fabulous 10 day trip…..

…never dreaming that it would be a life changing event and at about 40 miles from our destination, our nightmare would begin. I had just called Erin, telling her that we would arrive at their new home in a few minutes…. but it was not to be. In fact, even though I was in Utah 6 weeks, I never got to go to their beautiful new home...or see the new home David bought either.

After having 3 collisions going 75 miles per hour on the freeway, our precious Prius died in the crash but she saved our lives…. which we are told is a miracle… and then….. at last….after 6 agonizing weeks in the hospital,

I was on my way home! Smile...Smile

My 42nd day in the hospital started out as usual with Barbara bringing me my morning meds and Chantel bringing my breakfast. These gals greeted me with a smile every morning…. but Thursday May 5th was special….It was my last day in the hospital! Smile...

John and Erin came and packed me up. It is amazing how much stuff I’d accumulated in 6 weeks. (Thanks to all of you family & friends.)

Eric, my head physical therapist came in with my graduation mortarboard, a certificate, a tee shirt and a card from all my therapists. My head occupational therapist, Tammy, gave me a hug goodbye. Each therapist gave me love and support as well as therapy. Smile...Smile

Notice that the balloons behind me and Tammy are the same balloons that Erin, Gracie and Emma brought me my first week in the hospital. I was amazed that they lasted so long and gave me smiles every day.

We left the hospital, climbed in our friend, Vickie’s car and said goodbye. Believe it or not, it was hard to leave this hospital and my dear Utah family….Goodbyes are always hard for me…both Erin and I had tears flowing as little Cal waved goodbye....even though I was excited to be heading home.

We so appreciated Vickie driving us all the way to Salt Lake City to the airport where we were met by our dear son, David.....smile..smile

David presented me with darling pictures of his kiddos as an early Mother’s Day gift before we boarded our plane. John arranged for me to sit in the first seat to make it easier for me.

At 512 mph we made our 1 1/2 hour flight home .

With 15 broken ribs it wasn’t an easy trip for me but I was supported by love and prayers. That really made me smile.

Our neighbor and sweet friend, Carolyn, picked us up in Long Beach and drove us the 40 miles home. When we drove up into our drive way we were greeted with banners and cheers from our friends Nancy, Chelsea and Kris…

…and balloons at the front door put up by Alicia, one of my WIC (Women’s Improvement Club) sisters. This brought us all smiles. There is a really funny story about this sign I will share with you in another post.

Once inside I found my hospital bed made up and waiting for me with all sorts of gifts and goodies.

My sweet friends presented me with a book of “We will help you” coupons and a tray of darling welcome home flowers and gifts. Smile...smile..

After hours of being up and traveling I was tucked in bed by dear family and loving friends. In all of their lives, I had never been away from Mindy and her family for that long. What a joy it was to be back with them again... even though I already missed our dear ones we left in Utah.

I may have a 15 shattered ribs and a fractured sternum.

I may take months to heal….. but…

I AM SO VERY BLESSED!

I have much to smile about!

It is good to be home.

I am so thankful to have such a loving family and friends.

What would I do without them????

What would I do without you blog friends???

In the midst of this terrible experience, I can see that I am loved and blessed.

My heart is full of gratitude and smiles

I thank God daily for all of you and for all my blessings.

Thanks once again for your cards, calls, comments and prayers.

I feel the support and it is helping me through this difficult time.

I hope all is well with you and yours and you are smiling too.

Love, Lura