On Saturday, March 10th, our son Andrew was off for a day of fun and skiing with his friends. He’s been skiing since he was 5 and we’ve been sending him off on most Saturday mornings for years. This Saturday was the last ski day of the season and Andrew, being given the choice, decided that he’d rather get to skiing and fun rather than take the optional lesson that morning. Lessons are the way they “advance” in their ski ratings. Andrew - being a level 6 (of 8) and seeing no “use” in a lesson (since he just advanced to 6 recently) - decided that just getting down to skiing was the best option.
From what we understand the snow (man made) was soft and heavy that morning, as it was a warmer skiing day. During one of his morning runs he lost control and collided with a tree.
The damage from the accident was extensive. Many bones were broken, including his hip and several vertebrae in his back (Correction - C3 and C4) The extent of damage was unknown but we were being advised that it was a bad situation and that he might not walk again.
The next few days we waited in his room, looking for a time when we could speak to him (he was on a ventilator, following his surgery on his spine) and on March 14th they took him off the ventilator and once they did he shifted his legs...all on his own...for the first time since we were in the hospital. Andrew moved his legs spontaneously! We couldn't believe our eyes! While we had feared that might not be possible…we were elated to see it…and we were so thankful.
The following day, the doctors further tested his sensation and since the everything has been looking great...wiggly toes, movement in both legs, light touch sensation...the works!
On Friday, March 16th they repaired his acetabular fracture (a break in the socket portion of the "ball-and'socket" of the hip joint. It's a uncommon break, especially for children and adolescents).
Since Friday we've been on the road to recovery. We are so very thankful that he is doing so well.
We are also enormously thankful for the outpouring of the love and support that we have received from all of you. Sometimes you don’t realize how connected you are to so many wonderful people…until something like this happens and the world opens up its arms and holds you while you find it hard to stand at all.
Thank you for your love, caring, support, prayers, well wishes, and every other positive vibe you are sending our way. I can tell you – it is working – so PLEASE – don’t stop. We know we have a long road ahead of us, and we will continue to try to live up to the quote above and never give up as we work through these times.
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