Thursday, October 16, 2008

I don't even know you, but I'm deeply affected....

So, there was a horrible accident in our area today. Apparently a helicopter taking an ill child from a far western suburb into Chicago crashed killing all on board. The pilot, the nurse, the paramedic, and the 13 month old child.
Maybe this wouldn't affect me so much had I not had a child in a very similar situation years ago. This child yesterday was apparently being moved to the city due to some kind of epileptic seizures.
Probably not life threatening if treated promptly and appropriately. The parents handed their baby over to the professionals counting on a good outcome.
As did I 22 years ago. My child was 2 weeks old and started having seizures. We got her to the local urgent care and they knew she needed more intervention than they could provide. It was during rush hour, so an ambulance was out of the question and they called the life flight helicopter.
Again, we handed our child over to the team, and then we drove like crazy people 45 minutes to the hospital she had been taken to. The whole time we were stressed, panicky, upset and totally out of control of a horribly scary situation. We arrived at the hospital where she was being treated and went on from there. We never imagined a scenario where she wouldn't make it to the hospital. It was scary enough to see her fly off, and not be with her taking an active roll in helping her. We had to trust.
Just like the parents did yesterday. I can't imagine how devastated they are today. I have an inkling due to my experience, but still - I can't even fathom it. I feel shaken, and deeply sad.
Heartbreaking.....

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That news article gave me chills. Gut wrenching. Wow - such eerie similarities...

Ruth said...

Oh Karen! wow that is so sad, me too, I can't imagine how tragic and devastated they must feel, what a loss.

Anonymous said...

I also know a little bit about the helplessness. Our girl was flown to the city and operated on, before she was a day old. She made it however. The story you've told is very sad. My heart goes out to all the families.

Matthew Cavanaugh said...

hey karen, wow, that news story is sad.
how are you doin?
im good. im in a season where a lot is being flung at me right now, though, and im trying so hard not to stress. my car battery died, i have tons of stuff due tomorrow for class, seminary is hard, i miss someone back home, i miss church back home, and im dealing with some inner struggles. at the same time, i fully believe that God is with me through all of this and He is growing me further throughout this time. even if i dont always enjoy this season, i know that i will come out stronger. if that makes sense?