We live on borrowed time. I know first hand how delicate life is – like a dandelion that is trying to keep all of its florets. August 30th, 2002 is the day that my life changed forever. Myself and a group of friends stood in the school parking lot talking about what we had planned for labor day weekend. It was the Friday that ended our first week of school. I was excited that my family and I were leaving in a few hours to go to a family reunion. My friend Ryan offered to give me a ride home. He was excited to drive around because he had just got his license nine days before and thought he was totally cool. Actually, I thought he was totally cool. He was a junior and I was a lowly freshman one week in on a four year stent. But I was driving in his car and that made me, just like him, totally cool.
We drove up to a stop sign. He thought it was a 4 way stop, it was an ambiguous road that was put in by the gravel company. It was not endorsed by the city or the county. It would have confused the most expert of drivers. There was a semi gravel truck hauling two loads going east. As we were crossing the intersection he broadsided us. Ryan died on impact and everybody else in the car was hurt. I was immediately knocked unconscious and woke up 3 months later.
I couldn’t remember anything when I woke up. I don’t remember the car ride that led up to the accident. It makes me curious, were we listening to music? If so, I wonder if Ryan was listening to the song Big Poppa by Notorious B.I.G., that was his favorite rap song at the time. His ultimate favorite song was “We’re at the top of the world,” by Juliana Theory. That is how Ryan lived, on top of the world.
In most stories you have to wait until the end to get to the sad part. Not in my story. My story starts with sadness and progresses into a story of happiness and triumph. I am a phoenix, you are a phoenix. Join me on my journey and lets rise from the ashes together.
I remember getting the call after my first week in college! I was heart broken for all of you. I am so thankful for the bravery and vulnerability this takes, in sharing your story!
You make me happy!!
Thank you for sharing your story. You’re an amazing person and I look forward to reading more of your journey!
Wow this is starting off sadly and tragic but will turn out great. I didn’t know you then but today you are a positive and caring person and you have a fabulous life can’t wait to hear the rest of the story
Thanks for coming to my site. I will be posting the 2nd part soon. Hope you check it everyday
Love! Looking forward to following you!
Em, this is great! I’m so proud of you. From the very first time we met in middle school I knew you were going to grow up to be one inspiring woman. You are brave, beautiful and just plain amazing. Thank you for sharing this and I look forward to seeing more from you! Xoxoxox.
You are amazing! Beautiful writing too.
Great first post Emily! I’m excited to see more 🙂
Thank you for your support Mary. Stayed tuned I have a lot of stories.
Emily you are so awesome!! ❤️
Nope you are more awesome, Tina. Thanks for your support.
Love this, Emily! I’m so glad you are here to share your beautiful story of rising from the ashes.
you are sweet Amy, thanks for your support in this new journey.
Can’t wait to follow your story. You are a miracle Elmily.
Debbie, I love you and your family. Thanks for your support. It means a lot.
Emily,
I remember this like it was yesterday! As I sat on my couch watching the local news, I saw your name on the screen! I panicked! All I could see was your sweet little face from days long before, peeping in my screen door listening to Whitney play his piano. The times you slammed your finger into doors, or fell on your knees after a hearty jump in the air and your mom brought you next door for some music and first aid ❤
After the news story, I called your folks and begged them to tell me that it wasn’t you! My heart was broken. The next few days, I came to your bedside and lotioned your feet. Sang some lullabies. I prayed long and hard for your recovery … I’m delighted in the Lord for your wonderful life today ❤ the unwavering love from your mother, father, family and church family is a testament to tour Heavenly Father’s love for us all.
I love you still,
Marianne Phoenix
Thanks for coming to visit my site Marianne. Thanks for your support in this new journey. I will let you know something about me. I may not like my feet touched or anything for that matter, but I LOVE a good foot massage with some lotion. Thanks to you and everyone else who came to the hospital to rub my legs/feet.
Emily! This is wonderful. I sure love you. You are such an inspiration.
You are sweet Starlyn. I love you too.
Beautiful Emily, can’t wait for the next post.
Kim, thanks for coming to my site. I should be able to keep up posting a new story each week.
I remember that day like it was yesterday…can’t wait to read your blog!
Yes, you and me both remember it like it was yesterday Lacey. Thanks for coming to visit my site.
Love you Emily! You’re a hero.. You’ve always inspired me..
Sally, You are the sweetest.Thanks for your support in this new journey I am on.
Ryan was my neighbor when we all lived on Indian Breeze in Summer Springs. Thank you Em! You, me, and so many others will never forget that day & how it changed our lives. He is Forever ‘our’ Angel. I’m super excited to continue to keep up with where you go from here.
You are so sweet Brittnay. Thanks for the support. There is a lot more adventures to come. Stay tuned.
You are an amazing woman, Emily and it’s wonderful for you to share your “happily ever after” story.
Thank you kindly Toni! I am excited to share my stories with everyone who visits the site.
Way to go em! That was awesome
Thanks for your support Lauren.
You are one happy Phoenix i have ever met Em! You have survived to inspire us all ! This path is one way to show who you are truly! A lady with a beuatiful smile and pure heart! Thank you for sharing this! ❤
Thanks so much Mariglo. I hope you come back weekly for a new post.
I am so proud to know you and be part of this huge melting pot of family and friends. I remember when your accident happened and we were all praying for you. I saw you grown in leaps and bounds (just not huge leaps and bounds).
Now I see you and Joe and baby Ulmer and know that prayers brought you courage to see this through. Can’t wait to visit your blog and see your side of this incredible story.
You are so sweet Pat. Thank you for visiting my site.There is room for much more fun adventures.
You were obviously born to write! Great job Em!
I wrote this. Joe, helped me edit it. He is an excellent writer though. Thanks for checking out my site. Stayed tuned there will be lots more fun adventures to come.