Journal entry by Beth Baker —
It’s been four weeks since the accident. Twenty-eight days. Four weeks since that enormous tree came crashing down, and left it’s mark upon our family’s lives for all time. Chris cannot recall much from that evening; but I can, and I hope I never forget.
Chris regained consciousness while in the car. As the first responders were arriving, he was becoming agitated. He was confused, and frustrated by his surroundings. He wanted out of that car. ASAP.
A firefighter took my place in the passenger seat, and immediately the questions began. That evening, I heard numerous people ask him his name. Each and every time, Chris answered accurately.
I remember listening as he was questioned in the ambulance:
EMT “What is your name?”
CJA “Christopher James Arnold”
EMT “What is your birthdate?”
CJA “12.16.1969”
EMT “How old are you?”
CJA ... pause... <laugh> “I guess I don’t know.”
EMT “Are you 50?”
CJA <gasp> “AM I FIFTY?!? Am I??? FIFTY?”
EMT “1969... I think so.”
CJA “Fifty, fifty... really?”
Me “Almost, but not yet. Close.”
I was completely surprised and relieved each time he answered a question accurately. Every professional that responded to our calls for help that evening were so helpful. Those that cared for Chris during the first ambulance ride were wonderful. They clearly explained everything to us and we were on our way.
I sat directly behind Chris’ head, and watched his hands, arms, legs, and feet the entire ride. I wanted to witness each and every movement possible. The lights and siren added to the excitement and confusion.
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
Chris repeated those two phrases again and again and again... until we reached the hospital.
Chris had a significant concussion that night, a traumatic brain injury (TBI). I didn’t know it at that time (March 25th), but March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness month. We were about to become very aware of the side effects of a traumatic brain injury.
Chris is continuing to recover well at home. He is our miracle man! We thank God he is alive! He’s trying to adjust to a different daily life than before the accident. Some days and situations are more challenging than others.
We appreciate your continued prayers and well wishes for his complete recovery and healing. Thank you.
Chris regained consciousness while in the car. As the first responders were arriving, he was becoming agitated. He was confused, and frustrated by his surroundings. He wanted out of that car. ASAP.
A firefighter took my place in the passenger seat, and immediately the questions began. That evening, I heard numerous people ask him his name. Each and every time, Chris answered accurately.
I remember listening as he was questioned in the ambulance:
EMT “What is your name?”
CJA “Christopher James Arnold”
EMT “What is your birthdate?”
CJA “12.16.1969”
EMT “How old are you?”
CJA ... pause... <laugh> “I guess I don’t know.”
EMT “Are you 50?”
CJA <gasp> “AM I FIFTY?!? Am I??? FIFTY?”
EMT “1969... I think so.”
CJA “Fifty, fifty... really?”
Me “Almost, but not yet. Close.”
I was completely surprised and relieved each time he answered a question accurately. Every professional that responded to our calls for help that evening were so helpful. Those that cared for Chris during the first ambulance ride were wonderful. They clearly explained everything to us and we were on our way.
I sat directly behind Chris’ head, and watched his hands, arms, legs, and feet the entire ride. I wanted to witness each and every movement possible. The lights and siren added to the excitement and confusion.
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
EMT “Yes, we are in an ambulance.”
CJA “Oh! I get car sickness.”
EMT “That’s okay, we can give you something for that.”
CJA “OH! It’s a siren!”
Chris repeated those two phrases again and again and again... until we reached the hospital.
Chris had a significant concussion that night, a traumatic brain injury (TBI). I didn’t know it at that time (March 25th), but March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness month. We were about to become very aware of the side effects of a traumatic brain injury.
Chris is continuing to recover well at home. He is our miracle man! We thank God he is alive! He’s trying to adjust to a different daily life than before the accident. Some days and situations are more challenging than others.
We appreciate your continued prayers and well wishes for his complete recovery and healing. Thank you.
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