Tuesday, September 01, 2009

One small miracle


Six weeks ago, I got the kind of phone call you never want to receive. My niece Jessy and her 23-month-old son Frankie had been hit and run over by a car while crossing the street near their house in Lakewood, California.

They were in a crosswalk when a car came around the corner too fast. The driver, who had not been drinking, said she didn’t see them. Yes, she did stop afterwards.

Frankie’s skull was fractured in four places. He also suffered broken ribs and internal injuries. The car ran over Jessy’s leg but somehow only bruised her.

My husband and I rushed to the hospital. With family members from both sides, we prayed and offered what comfort we could.

A week later, Frankie went home, still hurting but more or less functioning normally. None of us could believe his quick recovery.

On Sunday, we celebrated his second birthday, two weeks late. A large group of friends and relatives gathered to eat and bring presents. Little kids cracked open a piňata. Frankie ran around, and took his turn at the piňata.

Is he changed? Yes. He’s more solemn, and more easily frightened. Doctors plan to keep a close watch on his development. But he seems pretty much back to normal.

As at most family gatherings these days, there were guests who’re out of work, and others struggling with various health and financial issues. But for a few hours we set all that aside and celebrated our own small miracle.

9 comments:

Marin Thomas said...

Jackie

So glad to hear Frankie's oka. What a horrible thing for the family to go through. As you said though it puts everything in perspective.

Marin
Samantha's Cowboy (Aug 09)
www.marinthomas.com

Mint said...

Miracles do happen. I'm so glad he is OK. May he continue to thrive.

Laura Bradford said...

Thank you for sharing this. Makes you hug your loved ones a little tighter...

Jacqueline Diamond said...

Thanks, everybody. I'm glad I could share this with you.

Sara said...

Thank you for sharing...I can only imagine the feelings you and yours have gone through! I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and hope for complete recovery for Frankie...

Nicole's Book Musings said...

I'm so glad to hear he's alright. I hope he keeps on improving. That makes you stop and think.

Marcie said...

Thank GOD he is doing well and had the chance to celebrate a birthday!
Thank you for sharing something so personal.

Linda Warren said...

Jackie,
What a heartfelt story! I pray the family continues to heal and rejoice.

Thanks for sharing.

Megan Kelly said...

Jackie, this brought tears to my eyes. What a horrible thing. I hope both continue to do well. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.