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Celebrating Two Remarkable Fathers This Father’s Day
For many young girls, their father embodies the childhood hero who carries their bike, patches up their injuries, and, in my case, caught me when I fell off a horse. This relationship often shapes our early years and influences our lives.
However, a few years ago, my dad demonstrated his role in an extraordinary way. In a life-altering moment when I was just 15 years old, I was involved in a head-on collision on my way to softball practice. This tragic accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury and left me in a coma for more than two weeks.
Unbeknownst to me at the time, my father, a dedicated first responder for our county, was on the scene. As emergency personnel worked to extract me from the mangled car, he calmly stabilized my neck and helped lift me into the ambulance. For many fathers, such a moment represents the apex of heroism and parental dedication.
The Road to Recovery
Yet, the challenges did not end there. A few months post-accident, Dad revealed yet another layer of support. He gently reminded me that while he had always been my pillar, a bigger hero existed in my life—God. He encouraged me to acknowledge that my recovery journey was intimately connected between me and my Heavenly Father.
Living in rural Nebraska, where most of my peers were navigating driving tests and juggling homework, I found myself in a brain trauma rehabilitation facility. My everyday reality transformed drastically as I learned to walk, identify colors, and perform simple tasks like eating and dressing.
This period proved to be the hardest of my life. I had been a spirited athlete, raising horses and coaching special Olympian barrel racers. Now, I was entirely reliant on others for even the most basic activities, like brushing my teeth.
A Crucial Conversation
After enduring countless struggles, I reached my breaking point. Feeling utterly defeated and worn out, I asked my therapist to return me to my room at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. There, I found Dad, still my staunchest supporter, but this time he delivered an unexpected message.
“I can’t make you walk,” he said with unwavering sincerity. “This is a conversation you need to have with God.” His words caught me off guard, yet they struck a chord. I realized that I had been consumed by my own despair and had never truly turned to my Heavenly Father for guidance and strength. Pride had held me back. Once a competitive spirit, I was now fully dependent on others.
With newfound humility, I stared at the ceiling of my rehab room and earnestly prayed for help. The next morning, I approached my rehabilitation with renewed hope and determination, eager to attempt standing for the first time.
Beyond Personal Growth
Nearly three years have passed since that pivotal conversation with my father. While I may never fully understand why God allowed the accident to happen, I have come to appreciate that my journey extends beyond my individual struggles. It serves as a beacon of hope for others who face similar trials.
Initially, I was troubled to discover that 98,000 people following my story on CaringBridge had viewed images of me in a hospital bed. However, it was heartening to learn from many of those individuals that witnessing my journey inspired them and deepened their faith.
This spring, I attended prom with a young man named Carson, whose path mirrored my own. After experiencing a tragic accident, he now uses a wheelchair. Despite his physical limitations, his spirit remains vibrant. He longs for genuine connections with peers, especially those who truly understand his struggles.
Educating and Inspiring Others
Looking forward, I will participate this summer in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Youth Gathering, an event uniting 20,000 teenagers, young adults, and supportive adults. Although my personal story may not grab headlines, I expect it to surface in conversations. Responding to inquiries about my journey since my last attendance before the accident may provide comfort to young people dealing with trauma, familial abuse, or the mental health challenges that plague my generation.
As Father’s Day approaches, my heart swells with gratitude that I will spend yet another year with my father—the man who has cradled me as a baby and supported me through my darkest moments. Equally, I hold profound appreciation for my Heavenly Father, who continues to stand as my unwavering source of strength.
Two Fathers, One Message of Hope
This Father’s Day, I celebrate the dual influence of both my earthly father and my Heavenly Father in my life. Their guidance and support have shaped my recovery journey and motivated me to share my story with others. In moments of struggle, it is these two incredible men who remind me that resilience, love, and faith can overcome any obstacle.
May we all take a moment this Father’s Day to honor the fathers in our lives, recognizing the sacrifices they make and the profound impact they have. Whether through their earthly care or divine guidance, these father figures shape not only our lives but also our perceptions of hope and strength.
