We have had one hell of a week.

I work out of state and was home on a home trip last weekend. Got in around midnight last Thursday night. Got up early Friday to have a step-dad - step-daughter outing going skiing. We went to Ski Apache, near Ruidoso NM, and were first in line for the lifts opening. We did a green run to limber up, as is my practice. We then took the gondola to the top.

Blue run down, connecting with a green. Right at the transition, my step-daughter took a spill and hit a tree. Watching her hit and the aftermath, I knew we weren't getting off the mountain under our own power, so I called ski patrol. They came and took her down in a sled (the kind behind a ski patrol guy, not a snowmobile).

After stabilization, we decided transport to a hospital was the correct course of action. In Ruidoso, they did imaging and found a pelvis broken in several places and a broken right arm. They also saw what they thought was a blood clot, and decided to transport to a Level 1 facility, the closest one being El Paso.

On arrival at El Paso, the attending ortho decided surgery wasn't necessary. They kept her they kept her three nights before releasing her.

Fortunately, thank God, she is healing well. She was doing PT on Saturday morning - just assisted shuffle steps, but on her feet nonetheless. We see improvement daily. There is something to be said for being 18.

I had to be a rock on the mountain for her, and a rock in the hospital both for her and her mom (and the rest of the family). But it tears me up inside. I would gladly take her pain if I could.

I'm thankful for for a number of things. Family first. Mom, Dad, Step-Mom, both grandmas and siblings all pulled together to do the right thing. And they have all gone out of the way to make sure I know they don't blame me. I still blame myself, even though I know intellectually it's not my fault.

I'm thankful for the excellent care she received. Ski patrol was fantastic, and the medical providers couldn't have done a better job.

I'm thankful she's healing so well. We thought surgery would have been required, but apparently not. I guess it was fractured and not shattered. I never did see the imaging. No head injury, as she had already fallen and slid into the tree (at a decent speed), hitting about belt high and wrapping around it.

I'm thankful for the New Mexico Sate Cop who pulled me over for speeding in Ruidoso. I got gas, and left the gas station not watching my speed - I was probably 10 or so over. He asked why I was speeding, I told him the short-version story, and seeing how distraught I was he handed my ID back and told me to just go, but drive safely as I wouldn't help anyone if I didn't get there in one piece.

As y'all think about it, send a few prayers and good thoughts to your higher power. He is obviously working miracles.

Thanks you for listening to an old man's ravings.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: IntrepidTraveler,

I'm happy she's on the mend.

Here's to her complete recovery. Way to be there for her through all this.

Prayers up brother.

Thanks, Marsie, me too. More than you can imagine.

Prayers for her quick and easy recovery, for the distress of everyone associated, and my gratitude to the NM highway patrolman.

Glad she is on the mend so quickly,
prayers for a speedy and full recovery.

Prayers sent for both of you.

Dan

Damn, I'm so glad that ended up the way it did. I know that sounds bad but I've seen the aftermath of skier tree collisions many times and they can be really, really bad. Trees are very unforgiving. Sending good thoughts to your entire family, especially your step daughter. I hope she heals quickly. You guys are a stand up family for sure.

Wow, that could have ended so much worse. Trees and skis can be a deadly combination.

Really glad to hear she's doing well and getting better.


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Sounds like a positive outcome considering. It's a good thing she's young. Keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't overdo it. At 18 she thinks she's indestructible.

Jim

Really sucks to have an accident like that, but if one has to do it, 18 years old is one of the better times. She's probably not even going to be stiff in 6-8 months. Good thoughts sent her way, hoping that she is 100% even faster!

Wishing your step-daughter a speedy and full recovery.

Prayers sent.

Prayers sent. I teared up just reading it. There's times I hate being an adult. Be thankful you were there and made the right decisions promptly.

Prayers sent.

So thankful that your child is on the mend.

Silent

I am sorry and hope she recovers quickly and fully. I am always thankful for those who go the the hell it takes to become our healers in the medical professions.

IntrepidTraveler, I have a young daughter and I would not be able to handle seeing her suffer that kind of pain.

I am praying for her continued and complete recovery.



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Thank God younger people heal fast. Sorry she has to go through this.

My very best thoughts and wishes for you and your daughter. I hope she heals quickly and makes a full recovery. I can't fathom what it must be like to see your child going through something like this.