21st Birthday

I celebrated my 21st Bday in intensive care, totally paralized, had a tracheotomy, put on a respirator for the next 8 months. Only able to open one eye. To communicate, my dad drew a ABC chart. He would point at a letter and I would either open my eye or close it, depending on the answer yes or no to the letter. My memory is not well during those days, I was so pumped up with pain meds, and steriods. Once my virus went thru my body, slowly I began to breath on my own. After a month, I was released and sent home. Going home was horrible in many ways. I could not do a thing for myself. I was so blessed to have such loving parents. They fed me, they helped me go to the bathroom......they did everything!!! I was like a new born child. I was sent to Easter Seal and that began my rehabilition. It was a long, long road. Easter Seal was a blessing!!!! Today, 4oyrs later, I am as normal as possible. My only words would be to have patience and never, never give up!!! My life was totally turned around, I appreciate the little things in life.

AND, I didn't have a flu shot then, and will not take any vaccines......