26 years ago today (July 30th 1988) my family and I under went the most drastic change anyone could imagine. Through hell and high water we somehow made it through a disaster that normally would tear them apart. Not many would stick together as tight as we have. I would know, I have met many stronger survivors whose families were separated between different issues. After today I could not help but notice the cool air and appreciate the rains. It was a nice change to the memory of it being hotter than hades. I have to thank the AAFD, and the other first responders, but the ones who deserve the most would have to be my Mother, Nancy B. Kurtz Dr. Prasaad the most amazing guy in the Burn Unit at the time who took the risk against all odds. Pamela Pucci the nurse that took such an incredible adventure having me as her patient. I also believe I may have been her first, and quite possibly not the easiest. Sally, was the at home nurse after I was dispatched from the hospital a little after 9 months. I still remember the rides in the Saab Convertible in the dead of winter. While I continued my treatment and care for my injuries, there were people who did not get to see me on a daily basis. The rehabilitation engineer Don, always knew of fun and cool ideas that took the attention away from my daily life routine of dressing changes that were painful. Richard Halpert was another guy who continues to this day making me smile and laugh. He took me places where I was normally scared to be and taught me to overcome those differences and to use them to my advantage. Now I reserve this spot at the end for the memories of mashed potatoes, PB&Js and ice cream sandwiches that the little old ladies back in the kitchen made for me on almost any day or time. I remember dropping the water balloons on the folks at the bus stop from the playground, all the way to sliding my dolls down the escalator aisles. I feel blessed, and extremely grateful that the whole community came together to give the most back to those less fortunate. I also have to say thank you to each and everyone of you today for still sticking with me as I still go through this amazing life and I would not want it any other way. I now leave you with my favorite quote,I have a duty to speak the truth as I see it and not share just my triumphs, not just the things that felt good, but the pain, the intense, often inmitigating pain. It is important I share how important survival is survival and not just a walk through the rain.-Audre Lorde
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 02:05:34 +0000
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