Cell phones had really just become a "thing" so they called my school and had an administrator sit with me in their office. I can perfectly recall that I was annoyed at missing the Roswell series finale.
My grandparents came in and were concerned, but thought my mom had just hurt her arm.
We arrived at the hospital where the nurses and doctors couldn't give me any information. It registered to me that it might be worse than everyone was making it sound. One of the only things I can remember about that night is leaning over the desk, channeling my mother's no-nonsense voice and saying, "She is the only parent I have. I will see her NOW." For all I know, I could have screamed it in her face. Later, my grandparents told my mom that I was terrifying.
Finally, they brought me to her. My tiny, little mommy laying in this hallway bed covered in blood and bandages. Her tooth was missing and she was completely incoherent and had no idea who anyone really was. She had a broken nose, a broken pelvis and sacrum, a dislocated shoulder and was in rough shape mentally because of the impact of her head and the steering wheel.
I could go on about the little details I remember about my life in the following weeks, and the days and hours I've all but blocked out but this is about my mom who was in a wheelchair, then had to use a walker for months.
She packed me off to summer camp and did everything she could to rehabilitate herself. Here she is a few months after the accident standing next to her car.The doctors told her that she would probably walk, but she would never be a runner again.
She has been running and racing for the past few years and has qualified in a half-marathon for the NYC Marathon twice.Yesterday I spent the day with my grandparents watching her run across the finish line at the NYC Marathon. There she was with a huge smile on her face, cruising down the line through Central Park. I screamed so loud I scared everyone sitting around me and then I started crying. I'm actually choking up writing this right now. I'm so grateful she not only survived, but that she's my mom and she is an incredible woman. I am so proud of her.
*For those that don't know a ton about running, this is a pretty badass time. She qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2013.
Oh my that had me in tears - i'm glad your mam didn't give up and she still got to carry on her dreams. Well done her to getting to the finish line!
ReplyDeletethis is SUCH an awesome accomplishment. CONGRATS TO YOU AND YOUR MOM.
ReplyDeletewow, this post gave me chills. the thought of this happening to my mother is basically the most horrifying thing i can imagine. i am so impressed with your mom. that is a helluva time. i had a few friends get really into running marathons a couple of years ago and i always cried when i saw one of them come around the corner. it absolutely blows my mind when people can run like that.
ReplyDeleteoh my god i am actually like about to bawl for her at this moment. what an AMAZING story! your mom is so truly inspirational and thank GOD for giving her a second chance, miracles are such a blessing and your mom is definitely one of them! i'm so absolutely happy for all of you, my heart is just swelling with joy :) <3!!
ReplyDeleteSuch an inspiring story! Sometimes we worry about the silliest things and have to remind ourselves that it can all be taken away in a matter of seconds. Your mom is such a strong, amazing woman!
ReplyDeleteThat's an amazing story, and massive congratulations to your mum. You must be SO proud.
ReplyDeletethis post is absolutely beautiful. Our mothers are so important to us and our relationships aren't always easy, but we still need them. And damn, that car looks scary demolished! I can imagine what you felt like, my dad has had two strokes and almost died both times. Scary shit.
ReplyDeleteWow. Impressive. Thanks for sharing such a personal story. Your family must have been scared by that horrible accident. Your mom's recovery is incredible. My hat's off to her.
ReplyDeletelove you all so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this story it's truly inspriational
ReplyDelete....and in reference to missing the Roswell series finale...I was devestated by that as well. I miss that show.
oh my gosh. that must have been such a hard time before. but she rose from it all. what an inspiration.
ReplyDeletethis is a truly amazing story! i wanted to cry when i read the first part, because i can't imagine what that must have been like for you. hooray for your mom and her unbeatable strength!
ReplyDeleteYour mum is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing her - and your - story with us! So so touching...
ReplyDeletethis was such a touching read. my eyes teared up. i am so so glad that your mom survived, and so happy she is back to doing what she loves <3 now you can appreciate her more than any of us probably appreciate our parents
ReplyDelete<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
She's the reason they put a turn signal on 107 and Brookville Rd. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteI read that on your blog when you wrote about it and I kind of had it in the back of my mind when I wrote this knowing at least there was someone else who I know can understand reading my blog. I sincerely hope your dad is doing well.
ReplyDelete"If I say no, will she leave?"
ReplyDeleteI was tearing up just reading that.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspirational woman.
wow.
wow. she is so great.. very inspirational woman.. :) Thanks for sharing this.. irene wibowo
ReplyDeleteThere are tears in my eyes! I am always amazed at people's power to prove other people wrong. You mother is amazing as is mine and we are lucky to have them. This is an amazing story! <3
ReplyDeleteThis almost made me cry! Such a great story of courage and strenght, it's just inspiring! Your mother is an amazing and strong woman, she deserves all the medals in the world!
ReplyDeletecome on dude it's 1am and you just made me tear up!
ReplyDeletethere's really nothing quite like visiting a parent in the hospital and seeing them vulnerable.
so awesome she recovered and is ruling marathons. that's one cool mom for sure.
What an incredibly inspiring story!! I was getting choked up there at the end. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Dream big!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
How inspirational! Thanks for sharing!! Look how amazing she looks too!! <3
ReplyDelete-Leah
Superstition Vintage
Wow Kal, this is an incredible story. I was totally tearing up by the end of it. A few years ago my little cousin was hit by a car and rushed to Boston and I remember the torture of waiting around my Aunt's house with all my family as we hoped and prayed she'd be ok. It was one of the scariest times of my life so I can imagine how terrifying this was for you. That's so beautiful that she not only recovered but is able to be such an awesome runner! Whoa. Boston Marathon qualifier? That's so cool!!
ReplyDeleteYour mom's amazing Kallie. What a terrifying story, but such a wonderful punchline.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing story. I admire your mom for having the strength to go on and prove those doctors wrong. She sounds like a hell of a woman!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, your mom is amazing Kallie. This story is beyond inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this Kallie! What an amazing story, your mom rocks!
ReplyDeleteYour mom is amazing! I'm so glad for her and for you :) Give her a big hug for me!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful story. that is so amazing that she has come this far after going through that!!! I don't blame you for saying what you did to see her either. That's good they let you!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for your mom! She sounds awesome and I'm so glad she got back to running after the accident.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow, what an amazing story! Congratulations to your mom!
ReplyDelete