"My life changed 40 days ago; not for the better or worse. No. Wait.
I'm not sure if the 40 days have flown or crept by. No. Wait. That's not right; it hasn't flown by... I've spent hours staring at the white hospital ceiling.
Ok. Day 41, and Rachael is still in the hospital. Not sure what direction to take this. Should I make people laugh or cry? Or both? Ok. Geez, it took me a month just to write my best friend Vanessa Auburn's wedding speech.
Ok. Day 41. Days and weeks blur together, but my focus is on January 4th, when I'll be able to go back to Carmel. In the weeks to come, the staff at wherever we are, are preparing me for my life away from the hospital. I'm trying to find an electric wheelchair that will allow me to go down Ocean Ave to Carmel beach, then back up to Cassaonova St, and to my gallery, without sending me flying out of it.
I'm also in search of a caregiver for around 4 hours in the mornings, an occupational and physical therapist with spinal cord injury knowledge, and a trained service dog.
Time in the hospital has allowed me to...
I've been overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and the community who have pulled together in this trying time. I truly believe that things happen for a reason, and that some good will come from this tragedy, and have faith that I'll one day be back in Big Sur, standing on my own two feet. Call me crazy, but that's what I'm thinking.
That's good enough, right?" -Rachael Elizabeth Short
***Any donations can be sent to Rachael Short at her P.O. box 161 Big Sur Ca. 93920***
***************You can view Rachael's photographs at www.rachaelshort.com***************
Love u Rachael!! So proud of you! Keep up the great work!! xoxo - cristy
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you all the time Rachael! It's so good to read this blog, see the photos and know a bit of what is going on. So glad you will be out soon. You are in our thoughts! love, Erin and Tom Becker
ReplyDeleteYes luv, that's good enough. Thinking of you, every second. Love you. Vanessa Auburn
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to everyone. I love you.
ReplyDeleteHey Rachael, Sam is asking the PTs and docs at CHOMP to see if there are any OTs or PTs with spinal cord injury expertise in the area. We'll get back to you if he finds anyone. We look forward to seeing you cruising around Carmel soon! Amy Williams Melton
ReplyDeleteoh my god! just read this: rachael was our wedding photographer when we were married up in big sur back in 08- we are thinking SO MANY good healing thoughts for her; we are so sad to hear about this!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Just...wow. Your story has allowed me to look at my life in a whole new light. I look forward to following your success!! You seem to have come so far already. Thank you for letting us in. - Lisa in Wisconsin
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration. Jon and I often think of you and talk about what a great person you are after you took our wedding pictures at River Inn in 2008. Since we heard about your accident in November I have been meditating in my yoga classes for you and sending positive energy. I just found this blog and I think it is great. I am a physical therapist down in Long Beach and I can relate to how hard you are working right now. This blog is excellent for those that are not in the medical field to understand what you are going through and the pictures are amazing. We are so proud of your perserverence. Keep on making your accomplishments each day. -Dina Wildfong
ReplyDeleterayccchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
ReplyDeleteyou are so cute!
i love hearing your sarcastic charm.
looking forward to seeing you.
hold onto that vision rachael - you in big sur, on your own 2 feet - & one day it will be real!
ReplyDeletei believe!
kat
I am in awe of the strength you've shown throughout; and know that you're as inspiring as the sun breaking through the(30th straight day of) fog!
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who may be able to help with the therapist and service dog info, and will pass her name on to your dad.
(Make sure your brakes are good)
Michelle (Australia)
Rachael,I am so happy to see the pictures of you outside! I know it's been a long time since I've seen you, but you've been in my thoughts and prayers and I am so glad that you'll be coming back to Carmel soon. When you're back, I will come by the gallery to see ya!
ReplyDelete--Arlyn
Keep believing, Rachael. I also see you on your two feet again facing that beautiful ocean and able to see much further out than most of us.
ReplyDeleteMy love and prayers are with you.
XO
Sarah B.