Cook family recovery fund

Sunday, November 11th started as any other Sunday in our house. The kiddos making biscuits and cinnamon rolls, their laughter filled the air. Averi, Jacob and Billy loaded the truck, preparing for a day of fishing, something they all enjoy. I kissed them goodbye, waving until I could no longer see them as they rounded the corner, leading out of our neighborhood. I walked back inside to find Dylan and Summer content, playing a video game together. With the house quiet, I went about my routine, making beds, straightening bathrooms, starting a load of laundry that I was certain to finish throughout the day. Wondering back to my room, Dylan in close range. We began talking, conversating back and forth for a bit about the week past and the week that lie ahead. My phone rang showing a random number from Nevada I quickly declined, carrying on with our conversation. The phone rang again and again... 5 times in a matter of 45 seconds. Highly annoyed I answered, the panicked voice of my 12 year old daughter shattered my heart, and shook my soul. “Mom my leg hurts so bad, I can’t find dad, we have been in an terrible accident, please hurry mom”. The call ended and time stood still. Seconds later the phone rang again, this time I couldn’t hear my daughter... only silence. After what seemed like a lifetime a woman spoke stating she had called for help, being from Nevada she wasn’t familiar with the area and couldn’t lead me in the right direction. Panicked and terrified Dylan, Summer and I loaded the van and booked it in the direction of the accident, their exact location still unknown. The phone rang again, this time I was able to get vage directions as to what road to take. The accident sight was about an hour from our home. The closer we got, the feelings of the unknown intensified as did the feeling of hopelessness and fear. I heard a tiny voice from the back seat, my youngest daughter saying  “we need to pray, we need to pray,” and so we began to do just that. As we approached a drawbridge, I hesitated.. knowing I was not prepared to see what lay on the other side. I saw a red helicopter in the air, inside was our scared, traumatized daughter. The fire truck blocked the very untraveled road where we stood in fear, in shock, still terrified, not knowing the severity of injuries sustained from the accident. My son and husband still awaiting transport. The seconds seemed like minuets, and the minuets felt like hours.. time stood utterly still. In the distance I heard the unforgettable noise coming  from a helicopter, this time  to airlift my husband to ORMC trauma unit where he arrived in critical condition, still clinging to life. The departure of his helicopter, allowed me to unite with our 6 year old son. He was visibly shaken and rightfully so. He was transported by ambulance accompanied by our 14 year old who was not involved in the accident, he did however provide comfort and support to his little brother, whom is autistic. Upon arrival, both our son and daughter were admitted to Arnold Palmer hospital, our son kept for observation and was released the following day. Our daughters injuries unfortunately were more severe. She suffered a severe knee laceration and 3 back fractures and was released on Tuesday Novemeber 13. Her strength and courage will always bring tears to my eyes and joy to my heart, for she is the reason everyone survived. Billy remained in ICU, suffering from a shatteted spleen, clavicle and wrist. He underwent surgery to reconstruct his clavicle and wrist, it was also determined at that time to proceed with the removal of his spleen, due to massive internal bleeding. The procedure was successful but was not closed until Thursday November 15, 36 hours after the inital surgery. CT scans of his brain later revealed that he was suffering from Diffuse Axonal Injury, a brian injury that most never recover from. Miracously he has beaten every odd, and was relased from ORMC the day prior to Thabksgiving. He continues to make progress, one day at a time.  The truck is a total loss and our business is idling as we still have no timeframe for a full recovery. The outpour of love and support has been truly amazing and will forever remain close to our hearts. As we adjust to our new norm, all blessed to be under the same roof, we also adjust to a very limited income. Moving forward will take time, bringing forth expenses that may not be met. The financial strain is building, as the bills keep coming. Asking for financial assistnace is not something that any family becomes confortable with, however it is something our family must do at this time. We are blessed beyond belief and grateful for each day we wake up, for tomorrow is never promised.