What's in my Future
@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
United States
April 29, 2007 12:17am CST
When you pass my laundry room, you can see it. It is buried under sweatshirts and long pants. There is a little dust on the bottom. It was my mother's; she never really used it. Now it is mine. I may have to use it. My good sense tells me to save it. One day, I will need it.
A few years ago, I was in an auto accident. I was visiting my son and touring new hotels in the Disney area. My son was driving me to the Orlando airport so I could return home, when a car rental van came into our lane and hit us head on. I was on the passenger side, and got the most injuries. Luckily he wasn't badly hurt. I was code blue two times, I broke 4 ribs on each side, and I broke my sternum. I broke every bone in my left foot and punctured my lungs. The seat belt saved my life, but caused most of my injuries. I was in a coma for almost 3 weeks and had to return to NY on Amtrak, because I could not take the pressure of an airplane. I have also had some brain steam damage because of my head being shaken in the crash.
I still have a broken sternum and my left foot will never get much better. Because I am disabled I can never work as a Travel Agent again. I have trouble remembering names, places and perks of a vacation. So I was forced to sell my business. I was quite the world traveler. Now I can just write about the wonderful places I have been to.
I was under the impression I had MS for years. Then, I found out I was very wrong. I have Fibromyalgia. Now that is not as bad as MS, but it does get painful. Having the accident was a life-changing event for my whole family. But all in all it was a blessing. Right! I did say blessing. God gave me new gifts, to make up for the parts of my life that was gone. I can sit at the computer and just let my fingers fly over the keys, while God gives me the words to say. I have had the chance to meet and write about wonderful people.
I am allowed to be a friend to people that are generous and loving. Folks that have a strong faith in me. And pals that will stand up and cheer, pray and cry with each other. Living in central Florida has its perks. Seeing the space shuttle and fireworks from my back porch is nothing compared to watching palm trees and grass grow.
The thing in the laundry room? I may have to take it one day. I plan on walking, writing and laughing. I plan on singing, swimming and making new friends. I will give back all I have been given. I want to be a new Carolee, one that finds out what is good in the world. A Carolee that gives credit not blame to what has happened to me. A life can be changed in one second. A car comes into your lane and you are different. You see things in a different light.
I have never been angry with the van driver. He didn't say, "Today I will have an accident!" I think to get blessed you have to be a blessing. You have to get rid of anger, selfishness, and injustice. You cannot try to blame or accuse people that have hurt you. You have to love them. Yes, that is what I said! You have to love them. It is the only way you can heal emotionally, mentality, physically, and spiritually. You will be the one that gets the blessings and you will be part of the blessings that are given. I am living proof. Because of the accident I have been abundantly blessed. If you could sit in this chair and read my e-mail you would see how. If you lived in my family and meet my guys you would know how.
Oh, by the way! The thing in the laundry room is a suitcase, and I have been using it a lot again.
***
by Carolee Kaufold
3 people like this
8 responses
@loujac3 (1188)
• United States
29 Apr 07
It is difficult to go through a major trauma in your life and then be able to see the good in it. You are one of those who chose to make the best of what you have.
You are blessed to have your family with you and to be able to enjoy each new day with them. You have your friends and your faith. I wish you the best in each new day and may others learn from your wonderful spirit.
4 people like this
@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
• United States
30 Apr 07
I missed your Birthday.. Happy happy birthday
2 people like this
@misheleen73 (6037)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I always enjoy reading your stories Carolee. I know they are a type of therapy for you, and could think of no better way, than sharing with the rest of us. I have been through a lot in my life and have finally gotten to a point where I too can see the good that comes out of the bad. If not for the bad, we would not be as thankful of the good we are blessed with. Keep trying to get an agent, it can be hard. I wish I had the heart to do it, but I know you have the heart !!
3 people like this
@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
• United States
29 Apr 07
If you know an agent, tell him/her about me. I have been getting letters all day that say "your writings are really good, but no thanks!"
2 people like this
@misheleen73 (6037)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I have a book somewhere of agents, but they were for children's books. If I come across any others, I will let you know !!
3 people like this
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
29 Apr 07
Wonderful piece of writing, as usual.
My partner has her grans old suitcase. She refused to use it for years, when we travelled. I told her if she used it, she could take a bit of her gran with her on her trips. She uses it on every trip we take now.
Everything happens for a reason. We don't always know the reason at the time of the happenstance, but we figure it out sooner or later.
God Bless
3 people like this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
29 Apr 07
Carolee the dust is for the bunnies, with out the dust there would be no bunnies. You are helping the bunny population, good going, so am I. If we all look in our homes, under our beds, in our closets, and maybe for some of use on our pianos the bunnies and the dust are growing.
Now with life you are blessed. I feel the Lord does not give us something we cannot handle. You needed the rest I believe that your accident was God's way of telling you this.
I was a RN who was a surpervisor of a sleep lab, and going to school to get my bachelors degree in Business Management. I would be finished now if I had not gotten sick. No on can tell me if I have Menier's or what but I have dizzy spells, I have double vision, balance proublems, and more. So now I make less than a quater of what I use to make while on social security. I am at home I do not drive much because of the dizzy spells. I drove this moring the first time in three weeks. I go out at night or early AM when no traffic is on the road.
Good luck to you and God Bless.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
6 May 07
I want to wear my suitcases out!
The things I have stored in my basement that I one day will probably need but not yet are from my Mother - the various equipment she needed to help her get around in her last years - walker, wheelchair, adult potty, cane, crutches. I don't PLAN on using them, but the probability is there. I already use a wheelchair at times and as I age I am less and less mobile.
I'm sixty-five and have fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other chronic diagnoses. So, since I plan to live at least another twenty-five years, I just might need one or more of those items.
In the meantime, several friends have borrowed them for their parent or themselves, so they don't go to waste.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
7 May 07
I do love to travel, that's for sure. And I always take my wheelchair so I can do the "on foot" sightseeing as well.
I'd really like to have a mobility scooter for travel and sometimes rent one at the destination if they are available. I'm not quite limited enough for insurance to pay for a scooter, however, so haven't one of my own. They are so much better than a wheelchair because you are sitting higher, can see more, and they don't depend on someone else to push me.
@CaroleeKaufold (1853)
• United States
6 May 07
I am 63 and I too have Fribro. I use all the above, but my spirit of travel is stronger! I would rather see Bermuda in a w/c than not see it at all. Come and join me, bring your suitcase.
1 person likes this
@revdauphinee (5703)
• United States
29 Apr 07
funy thing about our God is when he closes a door he opens a window i feel you have found this !may he continue to blkess you forever