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THE Accident
On May 19 the llama trailer was loaded and headed for a llama show. About half way to the destination, a man fell asleep at the wheel, crossed the center line and hit the car and trailer head on. Judy was taken to the nearest trauma hospital (St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, Il.). From there she was air lifted to Loyola Hospital in Chicago.
So many months later -- full of metal plates and rods, feet partially amputated and third degree burn scars, Judy is home and trying to learn a new normal. There is no way we can thank our church family, our whole local community, and the llama community enough for all the support shown us. You are special people.
Only recently have we been given the photos of the accident. We are putting them here for those interested in the severity the accident and to remind you to get your rest before you get behind the wheel.
The llamas that were in the trailer are doing fine. Needless to say it was traumatic for them as well--not only had they felt the crash, they had strangers trying to pry open the doors to get them out. Only one, a yearling female suffered an injury. She had a broken leg and I'm very proud to say that all those strangers AND my local vet, Dr. Rod Yetter, (yes, he drove the distance to the scene) took care of our llamas as if they were their own. The female's leg was set and she wore a cast for awhile but now is doing fine. You'd never know she'd had it broken. You can tell Judy had some injuries, but through all your prayers, the doctors, and the Grace of God she is alive!
As of September 2008 she has prosthetic feet and walks without additional aid. She tends to tire easily and will always deal with treating the scars. She has found a new normal and is doing better than the doctors ever dreamed. Life is different but life is good!!
Judy with
youngest son, Stevan and granddaughter Madison. Madison and other granddaughter
Lillian visited Judy in the hospital in Chicago many times -- giving her yet another reason to fight for
her life.