This is not the final chapter – but this will be the final post on my CaringBridge blog. Today (July 2) marks eight months since the accident (Nov. 2). Is that even possible? So long ago … and so immediate at the same time.

First, the best news of all: Colleen and I learned last week that Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed HB 2012. That’s right: Eric’s Law will be Texas law – effective Sept. 1. The gist: Drivers who lack a license and insurance will actually face consequences if they seriously injure somebody. Translation: jail time, as opposed to traffic tickets they can simply ignore.

This has been an amazing legislative journey with plenty of twists and turns. See the history of the bill here:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB2012

We were up against House and Senate deadlines so many times – so close to being abandoned on the side of the road with hundreds of other bills that fell short.  I can hardly believe that we cleared every hurdle. We did it! We changed Texas law and made a difference for others down the road, thanks to our neighbor Rep. Allen Vaught and his amazing staff. This new law doesn’t affect our case, but I love crossing this finish line with Jay Newton and Mary Oliver. Our experience, our story mattered. The right thing happened in Austin.

I will never be able to rationalize or understand what happened on that November morning, but at least now I know that we had an impact. Maybe we will even save a few lives by getting some dangerous drivers off the road.

On the medical front, I’m still easily tired but awfully determined. I’ve made the rounds with all my doctors during the last week. The tibia in my left leg is growing and healing, but seeing those X-rays just blows me away. There is an obvious gap in that bone – the pieces DO NOT connect. Clearly, running remains a distant goal. I’ve also had more pain in my left leg recently. I think a tough week took a toll. My right leg remains numb but is slowly gaining sensation.

The shoulder doctor is seeing improvement and more strength, so physical therapy is paying off. But it appears that some of the nerve endings are still not firing or supplying energy to the muscles. We may have another EMG done to test things out. Ouch. As you may recall, I had an EMG done on my leg. The procedure involves needles and shock impulses – not fun. But information is important as we assess and continue to rehabilitate. Co and I want to make the right decisions as we inch toward 100 percent.

I continue to work hard at physical therapy, now once a week in the pool. Meanwhile, Co and I have reactivated our memberships at Baylor’s Tom Landry Center. I’m not ready for the intense workouts that Colleen and I subjected ourselves to in the past. But I can continue to work on some of my therapy exercises. Plus, it’s just great to be back in the gym.

This blog experience has been incredible – a bright spot that helped me stay focused and positive during some dark days. I can’t thank all of you enough. Hearing from friends and reconnecting on so many levels has been amazing. I will never forget this community we created, and I hope to stay in touch. You have my e-mail address. Don’t be strangers.

Colleen and I continue to follow the sage advice offered by a wise man when this painful journey began – “Look forward, not back.” I’m still aiming high … but I understand that healing takes time. This has been the ultimate test of patience.

I think back to those initial weeks in the hospital often. For so long, I couldn’t even comprehend the extent of my injuries or the challenges ahead. At the time, I thought I would make a daring escape from the hospital and attend my grandfather’s funeral. (I could not.) I thought I would load up all my medical equipment and head to Kansas to spend Thanksgiving and then Christmas with my family. (I learned later that wasn’t possible.) I was planning to kick butt in the White Rock and Houston marathons, and don’t worry, I’ll be able to run flags at the last Cowboys game at Texas Stadium. (No, no, no.) Heck, even my dream of running the New York City marathon this fall eventually faded. Reality has a way of setting in. You just need to adjust your expectations and fight on.

I’ve learned so much during these long months. In many ways, I’m the same guy. In other ways, I’m forever changed. I feel so lucky, so grateful, so humbled. Sure, I need to remind myself of that new perspective occasionally. I slip into the old Eric, obsessing about this and that. Silly stuff, really. (I’m so sorry when that happens, Co.) But I can quickly transform into the new Eric. I just think about being in that hospital bed surrounded by loved ones and friends. I remember all those days at home and in rehab with Co, my parents, and my in-laws. I tearfully recall the numerous reunions and journeys, from Austin to Dallas to Kansas City to Iowa to Chicago to Colorado. And there are more reunions to come. Life is good.

So, in honor of Eric’s Law, I would like to share some of what I’ve learned. Call them Eric’s Laws.

* Make every day count. You never know when things will take a turn, so soak it all in. Some dear friends are dealing with challenges right now, and our prayers are with them.

* Fill every day with love. Love your wife. (Co, I wouldn’t be here today without you. Love you, babe.) Love your husband, kids, parents, siblings, relatives, friends. And make sure they know where your heart is.

* And, once again, look forward, not back. Yesterday is gone. But tomorrow … you gotta believe.

I love you all. Thanks for everything. You made a difference.

-- Eric