Family crisis

Priorities | Activities | Environment | Relatives | Travel | Crisis

The opportunity to reenforce family unity in crisis mode was experienced by my family. In the summer of 2000 we were on a vacation trip to Oregon visiting relatives. During this trip we had a close call with tragedy.

We were traveling around visiting relatives over a weeks period. At the end of the week, we spent the day at the beach. At the end of the day, we started back towords my parent's home. We were all tired. I had not slept well the last two nights. My wife was beside me (aleep) and our two child were in the back seat (also asleep).

We were traveling on a two lane highway going between 35 - 40 mph. I was very drowsy. I momentarily fell asleep and our car drifted into the other lane. Before I had a chance to catch myself, we hit headon with another vehicle coming in the other direction. Both cars were totalled.

My wife and I both had some injuries. Our son had a deep gash on his forehead just above his eye. My daughter, thankfully, had no injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was also hurt (broken ankle). We did not know at the time what the extent of the injuries were.

Because of the nature of my son's injury, it was decided to airlift him by heliocoptor to a major hospital. My wife and I were taken in separate ambilances to a hospital in a town nearby. This was a very frightening experience. Family unity in this crisis was being severely tested.

We had no idea the condition of my son or even what hospital they had taken him. I was totally at fault but could not rewind the clock. We arrived at the hospital and were taken to separate examining rooms.

After being examined, my wife and I were taken back to emergency. This was the first time we were able to talk to each other since being taken from the accident scene. The first thing my wife said was, "I still love you very much. We will get through this together." This meant alot to me. I already knew that our marriage was strong, but was feeling very shaky about the situation. Her words were a reassuring indication that our family could withstand a difficult test. This definitely showed the need to reenforce family unity in crisis.

We were in the hospital for 2 days. Some other family members stayed with my son in Portland during this time. Being only 2 years old, he was very disoriented and frightened. I was released first and immediate went to be with him. Thankfully, after extensive testing and stitches, he too was released. Finally, we were all back together.

This was a stiff test for our family. It demonstrated the valve of family unity. We are even more aware that to reenforce unity through family crisis is established while there is no crisis.

The following is a supportive link:

Nurturing Mother
Nurturing Mother...what are the qualities of such a mother? I will tell you how to become the nurturing mother you've always dreamed of becoming.

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