Welcome to our CaringBridge blog for our dear Joy. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.
On 2/27, Gary and Joy were walking through a cross walk when they were both hit by a pickup truck. Here is Gary’s account of the events of 2/27-2/28:
We have been vacationing in Panama City Beach planned from 2/20 - 2/29. We had, and were having, a wonderful time. Then Tuesday afternoon just after 4:00, we were crossing the street at a pedestrian crosswalk with flashing lights to alert traffic. We looked both ways but the traffic we saw appeared to be at a safe distance with plenty of time for them to stop for the crosswalk. Joy was right behind me but then I heard her scream and then the pickup truck hit us. We were both knocked to the street and from where I hit on the grill I assumed Joy was far enough back to be ok but when I turned around I saw the horror.
While I am just scraped, bruised, and sprained, Joy went down hard on right side of her head (and also broke her right wrist and elbow). She was unconscious when I got to her and bleeding profusely. Thankfully police and emergency medical personnel arrived literally within minutes and rushed her to the hospital and then took me in a separate ambulance. I gave my statement to the police and the driver did stop, so the police know who he is.
She was rushed to surgery and even though I only needed stitches and bandaging, they insisted on a full X-ray and CT scan for me because of the nature of the accident.
The surgery, which included a craniotomy to remove a bone flap to allow swelling of the brain, went well but as you can see from the photos we have a long road ahead.
We covent your prayers and I will do my best to keep you informed. I am able to stay in her intensive care room and so I am thankful for that. She is sedated but they’ve lightened it enough for periods of slight wakefulness and being able to squeeze with her left hand (a very good sign). Her pupils seem to responding normally and I think she recognizes me but of course is limited in communicating while she’s intubated.
