A Thanksgiving Miracle
Part 4
While I was in the ambulance, getting warm and dry, the paramedics checked me for any sign of injuries. It was noticed that my hands had cuts on them and were bleeding. Evidently, crustaceans covered the pole to which I was clinging, and I
never noticed. When asked, I declined to be taken to the hospital. I felt that I needed to get back to my family.
After relating my experiences, the paramedics helped keep my mind from dwelling on my horrendous ordeal. We had quite a dialogue going. I was given a set of scrubs to don and a blanket in which to wrap myself. One of the paramedics took my clothes to Fire Station #5 and washed and dried them. Mitch, Travis, Joe, and Chad were professional, skillful, and goodhumored. Such thoughtfulness and kindness will never be forgotten.
Shortly after my rescue, I had asked for someone to accompany my grandson to where I was being transported. One of the police officers was dispatched to bring him to the police station on Camp Lejeune.
Unfortunately, I never discovered the names of the officers who helped save my life. However, Officer Matthew was assigned as my liaison with the base personnel. It was he who extended my wholehearted gratitude to the other officers. I cannot praise him enough for checking up on my health, keeping me updated, and being present when my car was found 6 days later. The car was carried about 200 yards and had to be brought up by a marine salvage boat and diver. Officer Matthew took a video of it and sent it to my IPhone. He retrieved my purse and had it sent to my grandson who dried everything inside. I was very relieved to have it back safely. Thank you, Officer Matthew, for your caring and compassion.
Ben had called my sister who was in Durham, and she and my brother-in-law came to pick us up and take us back there. By the time they arrived, it was 3 a.m. We checked into our hotel around 6 and promptly went to bed. I was confined to bed for about 3 days because I was unable to walk unassisted. My legs had cramped while I was in the frigid water. I followed up later with my physician and all seems normal.
Epilogue
Interestingly enough, my harrowing incident has changed my life in several ways. I appreciate each day more fully. I give thanks and praise to the Lord for giving me a second chance. I know He has a new plan for me to follow. And I do.
Sometimes I get flashbacks. I think if I were never found, my family would not know what happened to me that night and would grieve deeply. I can’t bear to think of the burden they would have carried forevermore. Now I focus on what did happen rather than what might have happened.
I am ever so grateful for all of the men and women who have helped me throughout this difficult time. I am slowly but surely getting “my ducks in a row!”
Several people, after hearing my story have remarked that they would never have been able to save themselves. I probably would have said the same. But, once a person is in dire straits, one never knows how he/she would react. We are stronger than we think and we should have faith.
I left an interesting tidbit until last. On our way to Durham, my sister said, “I don’t know if I should tell you what Ben told me.” After what we had all gone through, I replied, “Well, now that you brought it up, you had better tell me.” That is how I found out American Alligators call that part of the Carolina Intracoastal Waterway home. Sure enough, when we went back several days later, we saw signs that proclaimed, AMERICAN ALLIGATORS. I am overjoyed that it was too dark for me to see the sign that fateful night.
There is no doubt in my mind. My rescue was a Thanksgiving Miracle.
Live simply.
Speak gently.
Love unconditionally.
Grandma Meg
