Sarah and Darla Didn't Die Day (A Day to Celebrate)

7/11 free slurpy day or Sarah and Darla didn’t die day vs Wapato Irrigation dump truck day. I’m going to share a story, I wrote two years ago but I never posted it.  This story came to me when I was in the OR with Dr. Tanwani and Armando (my favorite scrub tech) on 7/11/18 and it just so happened I was in the OR with Dr. Tanawani and Armando in the wee hours of this morning 7/11/20.  I thought it was a sign that I needed to post it. 

.

Before I post this story I just want to say: Today was absolutely beautiful!  We ran errands, we helped papa, I delivered orders and gifts... it’s a story in itself.  High Vibing today and the Universe was throwing signs left and right, nothing but joy and abundance in our future. Blessed! Also, I celebrated, that I'm still here by teaching my first Facebook live class. I really hate to toot my own horn. But, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. You know what? They learned!!! Oh, my gawd as happy tears pour down my face. The perfect way to end this evening. Thank you, Bessie, for creating Let's Make a Wapaas and the community altogether. Oh, it was good medicine for my whole being.

now for the story...

7/11/18

Sarah and Darla Didn't Die Day

Free slurpy day, as Dr.Tanwani reminded me.  Or Sarah and Darla didn't die vs Wapato Irrigation Dump truck day?  On July 11 1997 I was driving with my girl Darla.  When a Wapato Irrigation Dump truck ran a stop sign.  I hit it head-on.  Let me put this in perspective (this isn’t for those with a weak stomach).  This was ‘97. We had no cell phones. My car was on fire and we were in the middle of nowhere.  My face was crushed and I felt like I couldn’t move my legs because the car was crushed against them.  I can hear Darla screaming next to me.  I look my reflection in the rearview mirror and I can’t put a finger on it, but my face is distorted. 

Then, I slowly start fading away.  I’m looking down on the wreck. I can see the whole seen. I can see my car is bursting in flames.  I can see that the truck also hit an SUV that was stopped at the other stop sign.  People have stopped at our wreck now and the passengers from the SUV have Darla out of my car.  I’m just watching, from above. You might think I’m crazy.  However, Darla will even tell you I wasn’t there.  Then I see Tribal police pull up.  It’s Atwai Billy Hoptowit! He crawls into my car.  Burning flames and all. 

In an instant, I was back in my body. I felt myself slam against the seat. I tried to talk and tell him to get out of my car.  He said while holding my c-spine“ just hold still it’s going to be ok”.  Well, I didn’t think I was going to be okay.  I thought the Creator told me it was time to go and I was going to blow with Atwai Billy Hoptowit.  You know, I was ok with that.  I truly was at peace with it.  It’s weird.  I just watch the flames waiting.  Then, the next thing I hear this loud rushing sound.  It’s the fire department. 

Luckily there was a grass fire nearby that they left to let it burn to come and save Darla and I.  They put out the fire in my car.  Used the jaws of life to get me out.  Once out I can feel my legs.  Ambulances show up and they load Darla and I up.  Darla to Toppenish and me to Providence (I think that’s that it was called then).  My face had to be reconstructed and my jaws were wired shut for 3 months. I spent some days in the ICU as well. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.  As you can see, you can’t even tell this ever happened.  Dr. Wilson did an amazing job. 

However, this experience is with me always. I have learned not to take life for granted because we don’t know when our time will come.  Darla, I’m glad we made it out alive and we have our story to tell. We were saved for something special. Love you!