Forever in my Heart

Doug's Recovery

In the midst of our grieving, we give thanks that we did not lose Doug in the crash as well.

Doug is a remarkable person, he showed perseverance from day one, when he wanted to leave the hospital to be at his sister's funeral. From that day on, he was determined to get well as a tribute to Karen, and as he puts it, I want to live for her.

From wheelchair to crutches Doug has, in eight months, managed to make a complete recovery, although there are times he has to rely on a cane when walking long distances. His injuries , which consisted in four different surgeries, for leg reconstruction, has healed miraculously, and Doug has gone back to school full time.

His girlfriend Shannon, has played a major role in his recovery, never leaving his side and even pitching in with the tasks we all had into helping Doug with his daily needs. I also thank her from the bottom of my heart for her loyalty and love for my son.

Doug was left with a slight limp and some osteo arthritis, on his legs and hips, which sometimes hurt, but as he puts it; "it's something I have to live with and ignore its pain." He regained his goals for the future and accepted that Karen won't be with him to share it. There is still a lot of pain in losing her, but there is a lot of determination in keeping her spirit alive in his search for a life without her. There are times in his solitude, that he cries bitter tears still, because he blames himself for being 5 minutes late in picking her up. But he knows deep inside that the crash could have also happened five minutes earlier.

Doug and I decided to take this picture at a professional Photographer. We learned to never leave anything for tomorrow, because tomorrow may never come.

The week Karen died, her and I were going to do the mother and daughter day, including taking a photograph such as this one, and I can't help but regret we have not done it sooner.

I am honored to have this photo with my son, so I know that when I leave this earth he will treasure this memory.

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR DOUG FROM MOM.

I am so thankful for your life and proud that you are my son. I know we are taking Karen's death very hard, and as much as I try to hide the tears, you seem to know mom is having a bad day. I know you have days like that too, yet you take the time to give me that goofy smile of yours and a hug.

You calm my fears when you see me go into panic everytime you go out, and have infinite understanding of my paranoia. I admire your efforts to make me happy or to wipe the tears off my eyes. There is not much a mom can ask for when she has a son as kind and gentle as you Doug. You never gave me an ounce of trouble, except our battle over neatness. I am proud to have you in my life, son.
Love you always,
Mom