A new unexpected chapter...

So for those who don't know or have been away from facebook for awhile, I was in a really bad car accident February 18. It was a normal Thursday morning, and I was getting ready for my first morning class. I got in my car like I normally do, not knowing what was about to happen just a few miles from my apartment. I was driving down Walnut Grove, the way I always take, and it was around 9 in the morning so there wasn't much traffic at all. I usually call my mom on my way to school so I just pressed my moms name on my iphone and the next thing I know I look up and there's a dumptruck RIGHT in front of me. I don't remember seeing any brake lights or flashers and he was in the fast lane. I had absolutely NO time to slam on my brakes really or swerve to get out of the way. After that I don't really remember much. I remember it feeling like a really bad dream and wanting to wake up really bad, but obviously I couldn't. Then a community worker ran up beside my car and asked if I was alright and I responded "I think so, I think I hurt my foot though." Then he said "Be still, I'm gonna try and get you out." So luckily the door opened he and was able to get me out and then laid me on the median. Thats when I asked for my phone so I could call my mom and she answered and I told her I was in a bad accident and that I was hurt and she said "I'm on my way!!" then hung up the phone. ha I was so upset and started to cry cause I knew my parents were 3 hours away. But the awesome thing is that God was in control and He knew this was going to happen and already had people to help me. That's when Marie comes in. She is probably the most wonderful woman I've EVER met. She told me she usually doesn't stop for things like this but when she saw me her motherly instincts kicked in and she came to my side. She stayed by my side and conforted and talked to me til the ambulance came. I mean she called people for me and even came to the hospital with me, which meant alot since like I said my parents were 3 hours away. So then the ambulance came and put me on the stretcher then put me in the ambulance and drove me to Baptist East which was luckily 5 mins away! I was in the ER for just a little while before I heard Jeremys voice coming up the hall and I instantly felt safe. Marie stayed with me for a little while then had to leave, but I was so grateful for the time she was there. We exchanged numbers and everything. So Jeremy and Shaun were with me for a long time then my sister finally arrived. We kept in touch with my parents while they were on their way to the hospital from Franklin. Once they arrived I felt even more safe. It took them awhile before they could get me back for xrays and a CT Scan so we had to wait a couple hours. I had many visitors which lifted my spirits alot. I found out that I had a broken ankle and the news my mom hated: A franctured rib which punctured my left lung, which meant they had to put a chest tube in my side to reinflate my lung. I was eventually moved to ICU because of my chest tube and had to get more xrays and scans done on the rest of my body to make sure nothing else was wrong. Then they told me some good news: That they were moving me to ICU:stepdown unit which meant my dad was able to sleep in the same room with me so I wouldn't be alone my first night. I actually stayed there for 4 and a half days. They monitored me all night, everynight. I was on alot of drugs so I don't really remember alot of things that happened, but my mom and sister fill me in on all the funny things I did or said. ha Towards the end of my stay in the hospital when I was getting fitted for a boot, my doctor told me that I couldn't put ANY pressure on my ankle for 3 full months and that I couldn't go to school for 2 weeks. My parents already knew what this meant. That they would have to take me out of school for the semester and that I would have to come live with them til I got better. Which meant leaving behind my home, friends, and family for about 3 months. I was devestated!! So I finally got to go home that Monday and we were on our way to Franklin. The first couple days were really hard. Trying to get around on crutches and a wheelchair. Everything was different, the way I did everything was turned upside down. Going to the bathroom, taking a shower, and just getting around in general. I was having to rely on my parents more and I didn't like it cause Im 20 and I'm supposed to be proving to them that I can do things on my own. That I'm an adult. I also just really don't like asking for help. I'm pretty independent, or I like to be at least. But the Lord was quick to teach me about being prideful.

So its already been a week since I left the hospital and almost 2 weeks since the accident. Wow. I don't even know where to begin to tell you how the Lord has healed my body already and how much He is teaching me!! He certainly has been faithful! My relationship and love for Him is better than ever! I've developed just such a joy and my days with Him are sweeter. I was truly blessed by all the visits and flowers I received while I was in the hospital. I know this was not how I intended to start out my year but the Lord knew this was gonna happen and He's just amazing me daily with how much I'm healing and just doing soo well! It hasn't been easy but I know this situation is temporary and that there is nothing to worry about cause God is and will take care of me.

I just want to say thank you to all who have been and are still praying for me! It's just been amazing to experience what the Lord is doing in my life and I hope to be a blessing to others and glorify God in the process! I love everyone of you who is praying and thinking of me daily and all of you who have been supporting me! Thank you and God Bless!!

In Him,
Lauren

I have come so that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10