21st Birthday

---

I celebrated my 21st Bday in intensive care, totally paralized, had a tracheotomy, put on a respirator for the next 8 months.  Only able to open one eye.  To communicate, my dad drew a ABC chart.  He would point at a letter and I would either open my eye or close it, depending on the answer yes or no to the letter.  My memory is not well during those days, I was so pumped up with pain meds, and steriods.  Once my virus went thru my body, slowly I began to breath on my own.  After a month, I was released and sent home.  Going home was horrible in many ways.  I could not do a thing for myself.  I was so blessed to have such loving parents.  They fed me, they helped me go to the bathroom......they did everything!!!  I was like a new born child.  I was sent to Easter Seal and that began my rehabilition.  It was a long, long road.  Easter Seal was a blessing!!!!  Today, 4oyrs later, I am as normal as possible.  My only words would be to have patience and never, never give up!!!    My life was totally turned around, I appreciate the little things in life.

AND, I didn't have a flu shot then, and will not take any vaccines......