March 12, 2005
The First Anniversary of Amanda’s Accident—A Reflection
One year ago today, Amanda fell off the roof of my house and an unimaginable journey began—not only for her, but for the entire family.
Last night, Amanda sat in my lap as I read to her from Dr. Seuss’s “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” 
As I read, the message of this classic book touched me profoundly. It related so well to Amanda’s life, especially all she’s been through this past year.
“You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
Who soar to great heights!”
This certainly describes where Amanda was at a year ago. Her life was full of promise and excitement! The very weekend of the accident Amanda was to have had her first soccer game of the season, and she was all set up with new speed skates for the local speed-skating team she was on. She was practicing with girlfriends from school to put on a little musical skit during chapel. Middle school was just around the corner and Amanda was already looking forward to joining the track team in sixth grade. Yes, life was good!
“I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
that Bang-ups
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
With an unpleasant bump.
And chances are, then,
That you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump,
You’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
Is not easily done.”
Oh boy…what a slump. What a sad, sad time the first half of this year was. Grueling days and nights at the hospital…then at Charlotte’s Institute of Rehabilitation. Amanda was non-responsive and often seemed in distress. It was an excruciatingly painful time for us all.
Then there was the period of adjustment when Amanda came home—a whole new way of living. So much to learn! So many things to research and explore…simply overwhelming! So much bureaucracy! The medical community, so valuable to Amanda in the past, has little to offer her at this point. The alternative and experimental therapies are numerous and they ALL claim to work miracles. It is mind-boggling for us average folk to wade through all of this and determine just what is the best treatment program for Amanda.
“You can get so confused
that you’ll start in to race
down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace
and grind on for miles across weirdish space,
headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.
The Waiting Place…”
Patience! How hard it is to watch time slide by and to believe that Amanda is in there, just waiting to come out! There is so much we want to try, to stimulate her to greater awareness and functioning, and yet we are mired down in the daily process of living—holding down jobs and parenting as best we can. We are convinced that Amanda has incredible potential, yet we struggle to find the time to really delve into an aggressive program of therapy and all the appointments that would entail!
Please pray for Amanda’s family to find a way to balance the demands of work and family, so we can provide Amanda with the appropriate care she needs to recover to her fullest potential. With determination and hard work, this next year could bring about some powerful, positive changes. We know that Amanda, with her courageous spirit, is not ready to give up!
“NO!
That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape
All that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places
Where Boom Bands are playing.
With banner flip-flapping,
Once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.
Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!”
KID, YOU”LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
Hi Amanda,
I am praying for you and I will continue. I believe that God has a plan and that He is indeed good.
Love in Christ,
Beverly
Posted by: Beverly Truslow | March 12, 2005 at 05:20 PM
Amanda,
I am encouraged to see the places God will take you over the next year. You and your family are continually in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Leigh | March 13, 2005 at 12:31 AM
You are in my thoughts and prayers daily, Amanda. Your circumstances have changed, however, your soul is still the same. God is still working within you, and for that very reason, I continue to hope...
Posted by: Dana | March 13, 2005 at 12:43 AM
Hey Amanda,
This past year I know alot of things hace changed and with support of friends,family,and even strangers with the help of God you have pulled through and have come a tremedouly long way!!!!I pray for you every day not a day goes by that I dont think about you and pray for you.I miss you so much! Going through middle school its not the same not having my best friend there with me~But yet Its a blessing to be able to see your smiling face almost every week when I come to see you!!!!!I really really enjoy that!! The dr.Seus story that your dad read you is really encouraging and I agree with your dad it goes great with your situation!I am sorry it has been a while since I have seen you but I promise you I WILL come this week! You can count on it!Your my best friend Amanda!And Will always be no matter what challenges in these next few years you`ll be faced with. I`ll be there and God will to!!I will see you soon!
God bless..
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | March 13, 2005 at 05:55 PM
Wow, It's amazing.. 1 year.
Amanda you rock.. you are just amazing. Keep it up! It's almost beachhh time again! :)
<3
Posted by: Marcie | March 13, 2005 at 05:55 PM
Hi Amanda, I just wanted you to know I've been thinking about you dearly this past year. We all miss you. God is with us during this time. I love you very much. You have done a great job. Love you, Tiana
Posted by: Tiana | March 13, 2005 at 07:46 PM
Amanda,
I can't believe it's been a year since your accident. Like your family, we are in the waiting place with you, hoping and trusting that one day we will hear your voice and our faith will be made sight!
I thought that "Oh, The Places You'll Go" was a poignant graduation gift when I was given it in 1993. Many times over these last 12 years I have come back to that book to remind myself that God has a plan for me, no matter what my present circumstances might be. How much more meaningful this book is now that I can apply it to YOUR situation! No doubt, you will "move mountains," and not only that, but God is by you and TOGETHER, you'll knock these obstacles down the ground and step right over them.
We all hoped you would walk and talk and be "normal" right away, but God is requiring our faithful patience as you grow towards recovery. You have come so far; your tenaciousness is paying off --- the doctors never thought you'd be able to lock a gaze with another (you have), smile (you do), or laugh (you are). You're showing them that with GOD all things are possible. He hasn't left or forgotten you, and neither have your friends here at CBDS. Your picture still stands in a postion of prominence in our office, with a note reading "Remember to pray for Amanda."
And remember you we do.
Love you,
Krista
Posted by: Krista | March 15, 2005 at 12:31 PM
hard to believe it's been a year..........you've come a long way, and with God's hands guiding you, i know you can go a lot further. love and peace to you and your family. i will pray for the things your dad has asked for. thank you for showing us all God's glory!!
lorraine
Posted by: lorraine | March 15, 2005 at 12:34 PM
I'm speechless after reading this remarkable reflection of the past year. Your dad did a wonderful job writing it. What a comparison. I will be going to the book store to purchase this book and read the entire story. I'm sure every time I read it I will think of you.
Sometimes, on any given day, I will start feeling down for some petty little reason - that is when I think of you and your story. It always gives me the inspiration I need and keeps me from being selfish or taking the small things for granted. I'm sure your story has touched many people that same way.
I'm looking forward to seeing you again real soon. Tiana and I will be planning a trip up there before long. I can't wait to hear you laugh. I love you and I think of you often.
Love,
Aunt Jeannie
Posted by: Aunt Jeannie | March 17, 2005 at 09:36 AM
See you tommorow Amanda!!!!!!
Posted by: Morgan | March 17, 2005 at 07:40 PM
was thinking of you, amanda, and wanted to wish you and your family a happy easter. i think of you so often and i talk to God about you a lot. it is sometimes hard to understand the relationship between our suffering and God's mercy, but there is a connection there. faith allows us to believe in that connection and to trust in God for all we need. this is what i pray for you and your family, that your faith and trust in God is stronger today than it was a year ago, and will continue to grow in strength as time goes on. i pray that God continues to heal your body, and that He gives your family the support they all need to carry on. love to you all.
lorraine
Posted by: lorraine | March 24, 2005 at 02:41 PM
Amanda,
Over the past year you hav been in ever single one of my prayers that i pray daily! Keep your faith in God. And im sure you will be out htere speed skating again! Your in my prayers!
-Amanda K.
Posted by: Amanda | March 25, 2005 at 09:55 AM
What a wonderful story written by your father. I am so impressed with the wonderful care your family gives. I pray that this miracle that is taking place will continue and you will be restored to a reasonable degree of life that kids your age often take for granted. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Posted by: jackie | March 26, 2005 at 11:34 AM
Happy Easter Amanda!
Love,
Beverly
Posted by: Beverly Truslow | March 27, 2005 at 08:12 PM
My dearest Amanda, as always you are in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you each and every day in some form or another and know in my heart of hearts that all will be well!
Billy :)
Posted by: Billy | March 29, 2005 at 09:24 AM
hey!
I had fun with you yesterday!!! I still think about you every day and you are always in my thoughts and prayers!!! As I am sure you are in many others as well!!! God bless you everyday!!!! You Go Amanda!!
Your BFF!
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | March 29, 2005 at 06:08 PM
Hey!
Hey Amanda! I just wanted to tell you that I am prayin for ya! Love you! Hope you are having a good day! See you soon!
Your BFF,
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | March 31, 2005 at 06:16 PM
Stay Strong Amanda and Family. You are a wonderful family and God is with you. So many people's lives have changed because of your wonderful strength and faith. We love you.
The Brammers
Posted by: The Brammers | April 01, 2005 at 07:04 AM
Amanda -
You've been on my mind a lot lately. I just wanted to let you know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there, kiddo.
Posted by: Dana | April 06, 2005 at 10:36 PM
Hey Amanda!!!
Coming to see you soon!!! Sorry I havnt been this week!!! Yesterday we made cards for you in class for mrs.Holgate to bring to you!!! I hope you like them!! I miss you alot!!God has a purpose for you Amanda!! I have a lot of faith that this will work out for the best... it may take a while but you can do it!!! We have to " run the race marked out for us" you are doing great i am so happy to see you progressing!!!Hey I almost forgot!!! We might get a new dog for Rocky to play with you remember Rocky!! At my sleepover when we woke up he came and licked your face!!! Well this dog is the same breed and she doesnt have a home so hopefully we will get her!! i think we are gonna go get her tommorow !! I am so excited!! We had april fools not to long ago!! And i FORGOT!! I was so mad cause i didnt do 1 trick!! Oh well!! I still had fun!! Today its supposed to be nice and sunny!!! And warm!!! i am loving this warm weather!! Well i have to go now but I hope to see you soon!!!
Your BFF,
Morgan
Posted by: Morgan | April 09, 2005 at 09:28 AM
Hey AmandA!!
I am hopefully coming to see you tommrow!!!!!! I cant wait!!! I hope you have a great weekend!! I have missed you very much!! And so i am really excited!! Well cant talk long!! Sorry!! You are still my best friends and always will be!!
Talk to you tommorow (hopefully)
Morgan!!
Posted by: Morgan | April 29, 2005 at 06:29 PM
Hey Amanda you still do not know who i am but that is ok i love visiting your website i come here daily Morgan has told me you are making progress i am so happy about that! Morgan is a great friend. And the dr suess story your dad told you is really great story and i agree with your dad it goes great with your situation. i am praying for you and your family just know you are in Gods hands and he is taking great care of you! love you your sister in Christ
Emilee
Posted by: Emilee | May 07, 2005 at 10:26 PM