We cannot believe how a person’s life can change so much in one second. Sometimes we
need to stop and appreciate how fortunate we are to be alive, able to talk, and think for
ourselves. If our mom had not made it through the wreck, we do not know how we would go
on. She is so much apart of us and the world around us.
Sometimes we worry that we will forget how she used to be. I have her voice on her old cell
phone and I can listen to it sometimes. I remember coming home from work and she would be
reading medical books at the table. When I come home now I always look at that table as if
she would be sitting there. I do not know why I still do this 7 months later.
On October 11, I told her that she makes me happy, and she smiled on her own for the first
time. That was one of her first expressions. It made me tingle all over. She is in there, and we
are going to get her out one day.
My family was blessed at the first instant of Debbie’s accident. Dennis Rawls and Margaret
Martin were in the cars behind her and showed her immediate attention, which helped to save
my mom’s life. She was barely alive for three weeks, and at that point, they said she would
never wake up. They were wrong, she is truly a miracle. While she was in a coma we would
sing, read, and play music for her. We continued to pray, and used the power of positive
thinking for her. Eight months ago she was learning to breath on her own and then began
learning to swallow. Now we are starting to learn the basics all over again. It is like growing up
from the start.
We want to thank you all for many things; we just do not have all the words. You all have put
forth so much effort to help us out. GOD has sent us many guarding angels. We have faith
that he will truly lead us through this long journey. Our mom always said that when bad things
happen that there is something you learn to take on to help someone else out later in life. We
have learned so much and want to help anyone we can. She has counseled many people over
the years and made a huge difference. We are so grateful for everyone that has given us
some of their time out of their busy lives. We know how busy life can get, sometimes we need
to slow down and enjoy it because it could be gone so soon.
Every Thanksgiving, my family adopted a family or two and gave them Thanksgiving Dinner
and helped them with other things. Also for Christmas, they helped many families who could
not have Christmas for their family. It is a heart warming feeling to see someone open a
Christmas gift for the first time or to see a small child’s eyes light up when it sees a big turkey
for dinner. When those families come to visit mom they cry so much. They tell us that they
considered our mom part of their family. Our mom makes us so happy and we pray that she
knows that.
Everyone has problems, and someone always has a worse problem than you. We consider
ourselves lucky because we have our mom and she is no longer in a coma. She is getting a
second chance. Something positive comes from everything. We are starting over in a new
life. Doctors say that within the next five years she has the chance to learn to talk, eat, and the
ability to use her legs again. We always look to see what she did today that is different than
yesterday. That is what keeps us going.
This experience has taught us to look at the glass half full, to forget about regrets, and to not
hold grudges. It’s more important to be with our loved ones and to enjoy everyday we have
together. We have learned that driving with a cell phone could take someone’s life. Debbie is
the world’s greatest mom and we love her with all our hearts. We live for her, she makes us so
happy, and we are so proud of the family and friends God has given us.
One day Debbie will thank you herself for all your prayers and help that make such a
difference. We are grateful for every thoughtful thing you all have done.
God Bless,
Amber, Krystal, and Jerrall Rich
