<p>Orange,</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear about your sons accident… please wish him a speedy recovery and a happy birthday and christmas. Buy him an ice cream sundae for me. (That’s just something I do for my friends when they’re having a bad day. Show up with ice cream. It’s usually good for a smile at least.)</p>
<p>Hi OB - My thoughts are with you and your son…</p>
<p>Many years ago - I was in the same situation as your DS - I was in a very bad car accident - not my fault - car completely total’d - a week in the hospital - and so on and etc… This was 4 days before I was to leave for Airline school - my dream job - admittedly it changed my life - in many ways that were unexpected for sure - and I could not have forseen many of those changes at the time - which I am sure your DS is unable to as well. Because of my injuries - I was not able to pursue my dream job at that time - but… it opened up many doors for me - of course ones that I was not aware of at the time of the accident.</p>
<p>My point is - your DS needs a bit of time to recoup from his physical injuries - and his mental injuries/trauma will follow suit - but please don’t let them become paralyzing for him. My dad did the best thing he ever could have done for me at the time - he made me drive again - very soon after the accident - a very scary thought for me - and told me before he got in the passanger seat that he could/would not be judging me - but to just drive… it took me a few minutes to realize what he was telling me - that i needed to work thru it somewhat on my terms - but that was ok - as long as i kept trying - which I did with his blessing - on my own terms (that first drive was a bit traumatic I have to admit - but we did go for ice cream I remember - which was a special treat at the time - for me to be able to spend 1 on 1 time with him - and him just accepting me for me - and not a post accident kiddo - which helped tremendously.)</p>
<p>You and your DS will get back on track - I am sure there is alot going on because of this accident that needs to be worked out - insurance, citations, etc… and there may be some anger involved in all of this too - just know that it will be ok - you and your DS will be ok. He may feel that things look pretty bleak right now - but - as the song says - the sun will come out tomorrow… It will get better and he will be OK!!!</p>
<p>I have to admit that in many ways - because of that accident many years ago - that I actually became a much better driver - after the fact - I realized that it is NOT just the driving - it is the freedom it gives one…</p>
<p>I have kinda lurked and watched you and your DS over the past year - this may be a challange for all of you - but one I know that you can overcome and learn something from under adverse conditions. Stay positive - all of you. I thank goodness your DS is ok - and yes that car is the reason…</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to hear about this. I basically had the same reaction to this thread as sybbie when I originally read the title. My throat went up in knots. The situation is even more depressing in the light that the person who ran the intersection was being careless and not paying attention to the road. </p>
<p>I truly hope that WingsofEagles gets well and feels better soon. And to OrangeBlossom, don’t worry. I’m sure he will prove to be very resiliant through this struggle. (Just don’t let him stay in his current state for too long…)</p>
<p>PS: This is one of the many reasons why I decided that it was not even worth it for me to have a driver’s lisence at all. I have a pretty huge vision disability, but I did try driver’s ed after my freshman year of high school. I easily passed the written portion of the course, but the actual driving was a different story. They said that I could come back the next summer for more driving practice without having to retake the written portion of the course, but I declined the offer when the time came. I knew that if I got into an accident and hurt someone because I didn’t see something, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. Also, if I got into an accident and I truly was not at fault, it would be way too easy for the other driver to put the blame on me. If I did (somehow) become a good driver, my situation might be just as bad because I might become too confident in myself. Right now, I’m (usually) content with not being able to drive. Maybe in the future but not now…</p>
<p>OB &WoE
Just read this thread and extend my best wishes. I feel like your S lost his innocense about cars and driving. My S also totalled his Toyota in HS; I think both of us were scared when he drove again.
Your S’s whole body must be hurting, since he was shaken up. Has he access to whirlpool? Massage? Both would feel good, physically and emotionally.
please keep us informed as to his progress</p>
<p>WingsofEagles: I know how you must be feeling now. A few years ago, I was in a collision a few days before Christmas. My car was totalled and I needed many stitches in my chin. It is so frightening to be in an accident and difficult to return to driving. However, I healed and eventually felt comfortable again driving. After a while, it will be a bad memory, but you will be able to tuck it behind all the good Christmas memories. It sounds incredible, but I haven’t thought about it this Christmas season until I read this thread. It is very tough for you right now, but I promise it will get better. Take care and heal well. </p>
<p>OrangeBlossom: You provided a great service to parents in making them aware of the importance of a solid, reliable, and safe car. Hopefully others will read this and think twice about going for the cheapest deal. My thoughts are with you and your son and I hope for a brighter new year for your family.</p>
<p>ORANGEBLOSSOM & WINGSOFEAGLES - how are you all doing?? Hope you were able to salvage some of the holiday season so that it was a brighter time for all of you.</p>