This is my body after wake boarding into a boat on December 9 2011. I broke both my femurs (my right femur broke through the skin) and shattered my right knee and elbow. I also suffered some pretty nasty cuts on my chin and neck. I was rescued while floating face down in the water and rushed to Royal Perth Hospital. They couldn’t operate for almost a day until my heart and lungs were stabilised. My parents were told that there was a serious chance of me dying in surgery and a certain chance of me dying without it. I remained on oxygen for almost two weeks. Those were some of the most painful, scary and drug-confused memories I have. I had to learn to eat again. I had to be showered on a bed. I took 12 tablets, 3 times a day including a ridiculous amount of codeine. I was moved to Shenton Park Rehab Hospital where I started to learn to get into a wheelchair and shower myself. That is where I spent Christmas Day. Now I am back at home with my parents. I lost my apartment, my ability to work and drive (temporarily), my income and my independence. I very nearly lost my will to survive. I am walking now, albeit like a crab, and it looks like I will be able to drive again next week and start working again in March. I am close to my parents and my cat and I am lucky to be alive, let alone walking again. I am grateful for this second opportunity and I plan on making the most of it.
