It was just another day. I got up, got ready, and got on my little 49cc scooter to head to work. The scooter hadn’t always been my means of transportation, but with everything going on in the country right now, the prices soaring and the non-trustworthy businesses that we have to deal with, I had to resort to riding a scooter. My car was down, and I had no mechanic that I trusted who could fixit.
August 4th changed my life for the rest of my life. As I entered an intersection, a hummer ran a red light going at least 50 mph and struck me on my scooter. You can imagine the kinds of injuries that I sustained. Well, let me help your imagination out a little bit. The bones in my right hand and left ankle exited my skin, I broke 13 ribs, had to have my spleen removed, loosened and knocked out several teeth and was given blood (not by choice). I was on life support for three days before my family was notified. I was transported to UMC hospital, and they did a miraculous job putting me back together. People that witnessed the accident are surprised and shocked that I made it through the way I did and that I'm still breathing; I am also.
I now know how our elders feel when they are not able to take care of their selves. It's been quite a journey trying to heal and depending on my daughter to take care of me. I am bedridden and may not walk for many months, but I am here and a walking testimony. I’ve prayed many nights, asking the Creator for many things, such as healing and helping me cope with not having a job or income and to show me why I'm here and why he chose to save my life. And the answer is very simple. It goes along with many religions, with many traditions, especially our indigenous community. We are here to take care of each other and Mother Earth and every living creature in it. We are here to spread love and compassion for people like myself who have been hurt or are aging and cannot take care of themselves. We are here to take care of our animals and, most of all, ourselves. I think, before the accident, I may have thought that life was so complicated, but God has shown me now just how simple it is. When I am able to walk again, that's exactly what I'll do walk. There'll be no more running and rushing. There will be no more chasing more money than what I need to live. I will definitely enjoy life and enjoy the small things that God's put in front of my face and let him deal with all the rest of these perilous times as I enjoy peace because that's what He promised me. I am a walking testimony.
