Our Visit with Laurie Today

[Carolyn Schmidt]

Not quite sure how to begin this post. I know I’m typing it with a heavy heart. Patrick and I went and visited my friend Laurie who was in the motorcycle accident two weeks ago Friday. She’s in a rehab center in Saginaw, MI. I wasn’t prepared; I didn’t really have any expectation of the visit. Can’t explain what I was feeling or even how I feel now. When we arrived she was in a Geri Chair, a wheel chair with a high back. She was in a neck brace and a body brace. Laurie has a hematoma on her brain, at this time she can’t see out of her left eye and her right is blurry and light sensitive. I understand that she does have feeling in all extremities; however can only move her left arm at this time. The movement is not smooth or easy for her. I learned that her neck is broken at C3, I think it is, Christopher Reeve’s injury was at C2. The only difference is Laurie’s spinal cord was not severed.

We had a visit, she cried most of the time. Not sobbing but tears rolling. She did ask “why did this happen to me”. So, I sat next to my friend who could barely move and wiped her tears and runny nose, as well and itched her nose because she couldn’t do it on her own. We had the opportunity to meet one of her son’s, James. He was so good with his mother. We reminisced a bit as I told her son about his mom and my friendship; how she always talked about her boys and granddaughters, she’s so proud of them. She did mention that Ron was  “messed” up too but he’s home. That he feels terrible about what happened.  I really didn’t get any more information about Ron. When we were preparing to leave, I kissed her on the cheek and asked if I could come back and she asked if I would. She also, as bad as she was feeling, tells Patrick it was nice to meet him.  I know I’m rambling a bit here. Just sharing what’s on my heart with my family is all.

Okay here’s the deal. She NEEDS all the support she can get. This woman needs encouragement. PLEASE PRAY for her and her family as they all have along road ahead of them. They need all the emotional support we can muster. The Laurie I know if full of life and is a fighter, in fact today she said, “I’ll never give up”. She just needs the encouragement to keep up with what’s ahead of her in her recovery.

I’m asking everyone, let me rephrase that, I’m BEGGING you to send cards and notes of encouragement to Laurie. She could be anyone of us. In a blink of an eye our lives could be changed forever.

You can send cards and notes/letters to:

Healthsource Saginaw
Attn: Laurie Bouchillon, Room 142
3340 Hospital Road
Saginaw, MI  48603

From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you for your love and support.

THANK YOU
Blessings
Carolyn

PS I printed all the posts and took them to her. I gave them to her son so he could read them to her when she’s up to it.

[GreenLantern57]

I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. Gar-ron-T she will get a card put in the mail Monday!

[Big Rig]

Continued Prayers and positive thoughts from New Jersey. 

Maybe you could read some of these posts...that will bring her a few hundred smiles...I know it does me...
 

[Gear Jammer]

You sound like a very good friend.       I hope your friend improves soon.

[Highlander]

Prayers continue from the Highlander's.  Will send the card as well, and let her know we are thinking of her.  Heck, I made it with the help of the VRCC.

[RTaz]

...Wow...Devon and I will continue to have her in our thoughts and prayers...

[HotRod]

As sad as this is Carolyn,thank you for the up date. I pray for her and Ron every morning on my knees.

[~ Timbrwolf]

......Carolyn


......so sorry to hear about your dear friend Laurie. I asked Faith if you and your husband ever attended one of our BBQ,s.....and she said yes....she thinks it was our 2nd one we had. Im sorry but I dont remember meeting you and your husband. But know this....after reading your words here....I truly felt for both your friend and the situation she finds herself in....and you....as it has obviously impacted your life in a profound way.


we all know the risk we take in this daring sport of ours of exploring the wind on motorcycles. And most here have given our prayers and thoughts to others who were unfortunate enough to go down in one way or another. We give our prayers and turn off our computers, and go on with our own lives, soon forgetting the pain and tribulations that the one who experienced the accident is now enduring. But you have now experienced the aftermath when the person who was hurt is not some anonymous handle on the internet....but a close personal friend. This sport we all love is adrenaline filled with many beautiful sights just around the next bend...but it is also dangerous as hell and can very easily end someones life at any given moment....alot of times through no fault of their own.



Faith and I will keep your dear friend Laurie in our thoughts and prayers, and we will get a card off to her soon.



...We will  also keep you in our thoughts and prayers...as we know how trying this is on you and your own personal emotions.



.....Take a deep breath....and be thankful that she is still alive....albeit badly hurt.....and that you are there to wipe the tears of anguish from her cheeks......she depends on your friendship and support now to help get her through what is probably the most trying part of her life....and as a close caring friend...you are some of the best medicine that she can have to help her get back to where she was before the accident.


.....God Bless you both


~ David

[Normandog]

Carolyn, I haven't sent a card yet but I promise you we will get one in the mail. I wanted to tell you how lucky Laurie is to have a friend as loving and caring as you. You and your faith will be a huge help to her in the weeks and months to come. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[Carolyn Schmidt]

Thank you all for your kind words, they humble me,  and the promises to get the cards in the mail. 

Timber, we were also at the February gathering in Mt. Plesant. We sat at the table directly behind where you sat. I'm pretty sure we've only been at a couple things where you and Faith have been; your BBQ several years back and then in Mt. Pleasant.

Have a blessed day!
Carolyn

[Stanley Steamer]

Thank you all for your kind words, they humble me,  and the promises to get the cards in the mail. 

Timber, we were also at the February gathering in Mt. Plesant. We sat at the table directly behind where you sat. I'm pretty sure we've only been at a couple things where you and Faith have been; your BBQ several years back and then in Mt. Pleasant.

Have a blessed day!
Carolyn

card for her today when we go grocery shopping.....I'm so sorry she is having to go through all the pain....both physically and mentally....she is lucky to have a friend like you to lean on though...I know it's not easy to see someone you care about in that shape....most ppl would avoid having to see their friends in that kind of shape but you and Pat are willing to give her some comfort by visiting with her when she needs it most.....I would only hope that if I were ever in the same situation, that I'd have friends willing to do the same.....Thank you both for your caring and concern and I will add a prayer for her from Georgia.....

[Karen]

Carolyn, thanks for the update, I'll send more cards. It'll take time for her to heal, have faith & let her know we're pulling for her. The feeling helpless about someone you care for is the worst part, all you can do is what you're doing. She, the doctors & God will take care of everything else. Life is a risk, I did serious damage when I feel down the stairs a couple of years ago, but I healed, and it just serves to remind me what a bike accident even at low speeds could do. She's lucky to have a friend like you, and to be surrounded by family & friends.

[SteveL]

Prayers for her and her family, there is a long journey ahead and a need for a lot of help.

[Slyk Willy]

Prayers for Laurie are still going out from us! If there is anything we can offer, let us know. you got my email right?

[HayHauler]

Prayers on the way from TEXAS.

Hay   
Jimmyt

[nortman]

I will be stopping on my way home from work in the morning to get a card, and she has my prayers right now.

[TAZ]

Prayers go out to Laurie and the family, may she recover fully and be back to the way she was very soon.    God Bless

[Hef]

Carolyn, I put a card in the mail and offer up prayers for a full recovery. We just had a tremendous weekend trip on the Valk and I never take a safe trip for granted. I never forget that the possibility that anyone of us who rides could end up like your friend. I offer my prayers for your friend and her family and friends. You sound like a great friend and please know that even though they can be a painful experience for you, your visits are the best theraphy she can receive. God bless. Hef

[rmrc51]

Prayers are on the way ASAP!!!

I'll also get a card and mail it out to her!!!!!! Tell her we're all here praying for a quick recovery for her!!!!!

[RoadKill]

The human body is an amazing machine and she will continue to recover physically with time,  but It is not as incredible as the human SPIRIT! Laurie is a survivor because of her spirit and the willingness and determination of her soul. the doctors will help the body...but Laurie needs to understand that it is HER that survived this,PROVING HER INNER STRENGTH! !  DONT STOP FIGHTING LAURIE ! As a survivor I understand  and I ask all who send their support to remind her.... For what ever reason she has been given this task,it is her task , she has proven that she can over come any hurdle before her and DO NOT let the doctors discourage that! They only help the Body, she controls the determination and THAT will overcome .

part of her recovery will be emotional and anger will be one of them(possibly misdirected ) as that was my experience. Let her know that is OK to show it and the scars,the aches and the "limp" are only memories...time will heal !  Show your faith in her fight...I Will send my support as well . 

[Black Dog]

Carolyn,

I'll be sending a card off, soon as I get my hands on one.

You keep your chin up...  Laurie needs the strength she can get from you.

Prayers for all involved.

Black Dog