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We human beings have much of the time, by nature,
a selfish approach to life. The thought that we can help
others or to make a difference only comes for most of us
after a huge loss, or a drastic experience.
It has been a little more than two years since the following
event and I finally have the opportunity and the very remarkable
experience of writing about it. It was Sunday, October 11,
2000 a day everybody told me that I was very lucky to
be alive, that it was almost a miracle that I was alive.
I guess I am one of the lucky ones (I hope there are more)
from the terrible accidents related to Firestone tires and
Ford Explorers. Although at the moment of the accident I
didn't have any knowledge of the potentially deadly situation.
Actually, I still can remember every second of that night
because I never lost consciousness in the Explorer that
I borrowed for a day. Austin, 11pm, driving south on in
the middle lane of Mopac Highway, 65 mph, close to the exit
of Capital of Texas Highway, I remember the sound of
the tire when it blew off. Then, thinking that I didn't
want to do anything rash because I'd rather have the car
going towards the median instead of the wall of the ramp
in my right . I remember only one car near, other SUV a
short distace behind me. After the tire blew off, I remember
the car rolling over three times, my right hand in the
top of the ceiling and the other in the seat, and just thinking
" I can't believe it is over"
even smiling ironically.
I wasn't afraid, I remember it. I was calm but I was surprised.
I never thought about how lucky I was after the next day.
I felt apart when I saw the car, which was a total loss.
I started to ask myself why am I still here, alive?
Up to that point, I had never stopped to thank God, and
that little busy angel who has been taking care of me during
these 29 years of my life. Today, I finally found the way
and the right moment to say thanks to some very special
people too. It hasn't been too long for me and I haven't
forgotten the faces of those special persons. I wish
I could have their names and say thanks personally, because
with the time I have been able to understand how important
was their presence that night.
The first person I saw was the driver of the SUV behind
my car. The first person that, seconds after the car stopped
from rolling, was there talking to me and checking my condition.
I found out the next day that he was an off-duty Emergency
Medical Technician! (Lucky me!) I remember his face in front
of mine through the window of the car. He was very kind
and concerned about me. I was very relieved to see him,
even before I knew he was a trained medic, as he made
me feel very safe, looking after me and being so concerned.
He took care of me right after I was out of the car, even
with the ambulance there. He was telling me that I needed
"to stay, relax". He was asking me "how do
you feel?"
"don't worry about the car"
"I will get back your documents"
" don't
worry about anything else"
"stay with me and tell
me about you".
He was with me until he was sure that everything was fine
and the ambulance was there. He was the only person who
heard me begging aloud (among polices, ambulance, EMS and
people) for somebody to call the actual owner of the car.,
and he called.
My most special thanks are for
that man, I need you to know that I always be thankful
that you were there. Thank you for your help,
especially thank you for that human part of you that
helped so much. Thank you for being worried about me,
instead of being worried about the car, the police or
curious about the accident itself. Thank you for keeping
me with you and for your real concern, for holding my
hand, for your sweetness, and all the security you transmitted
to me that made me felt safe. Thank you for being the
only one listening to me and telling me not to worry
about other things because you were there for helping
me, and you will be sure that those things were fine.
That said a lot about you and I always wish you the
best, everyday.
I also remember the EMS on duty,
the one who drove with me in the ambulance and talked
with the doctor in the emergency room at Brackenridge
Hospital. To be in the ambulance, strapped down and
with a neckbrace was the worst moment that nite, because
I found myself fighting with the feeling of being the
victim of an accident. There I lost my strength and
wanted to faint, just forget about everything. You
didn't let me let me close my eyes and just forget.
My thanks are for you, that with your
heart, your words, and your hands holding ours, do more
than anybody else on those moments. Thanks to the people
in the emergency room at Brackenridge Hospital. It is
not about the job, it is about how beautiful persons
you are and how strong your souls are for choosing to
help people everyday.
I remember, some days better than others, your faces and
every second of that night. It is a memory I consciously
bring back every time I feel afraid of saying to somebody
that I do care, or that I love them. I remember that moment
when I don't know if doing or saying something is fine because
in seconds I know that if I don't do it or say it, maybe
tomorrow will be too late to ever say it.
I also want to thanks Charlie for this opportunity. You
are a very special person, lovable from the instant we met
you, and the kind of person we can keep in our hearts, as
a good friend, forever.
Betina Soriano
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