This is just such heartbreaking news. Early in the morning of Nov 13 I started getting texts from my little sister Hannah that Derick had been injured and was at the hospital waiting for surgery. He fell down some steps and crushed his C6 vertebrae and called 911 when he couldn't feel his legs. He went to the local hospital and then was life flighted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He had surgery all day Wednesday.
Taye was super worried and drove all night Wednesday night to be there when Derick woke up from the post surgery drugs Thursday morning. He was so happy to see him. I flew out Friday and Taye picked me up from the airport and then we went to the hospital.
Derick has good arm movement but chest down has no feeling/paralyzed.
I stayed for a week, sitting next to him in the hospital room, dealing with a thousand medical providors and slowly watching him come back to life. By the time I left he was working hard in physical therapy and starting the process of learning to take care of himself. (I will remember this week as one of the most mentally exhausting weeks for me, helping this kid I love transition from post massive surgery into some semblance of horrible new life.)
I stayed with Hannah and enjoyed hanging out with her - we made a good team crossing off the massive to do list.
He is in rehab now and will hopefully end up at a group care home after this. So many things still to work out.
So tragic for such a young life. I wish him a speedy recovery to the best extent possible. So glad he is at Mayo with the best care. mom
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