A profile in courage, my wife,

Mary Anne Roland.

 

 

 

Those who know us are aware of what has happened to our lives.  This is for you and future friends and an effort by me to place praise where praise is due.

 

May 12, 1999 started like any other day.  Little did we know that a total strangers attempt to save ten seconds in time would change our lives forever!  We decided to go to Texarkana to pick up some items for the kennel.  About five miles from home while driving down highway 67, we spotted a vehicle approaching on a side road.  She seemed too fast and I braked and started evasive action.  She slowed at the stop sign and turned to look our way just as she accelerated through the stop sign.  She struck the rear of our Ford Expedition and suddenly we seemed airborne.  There was a loud crash and a pain to my head and the lights went out.  I came to in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.  I suffered a compression fracture to my C-5-6 cervical vertebrae which resulted in paralysis of all but my head, neck, and arms.  Three long months in the hospital and rehab hospital before I was released to go home.  We have fought the battle to regain use of my body for ten years.  We feel I've made a lot of progress and those who know us tell say that my struggle, courage, and attitude are an inspiration to them.  I'm very grateful for their support and encouragement but would like to expose the real courage, commitment, and dedication in our story.

 

Dear Mary Anne was faced with a husband in intensive care, a neurosurgeon telling her I probably would not survive the week, a kennel of hungry Labs at home and no vehicle.  She somehow saw that I was semi-stable, rented a vehicle, went home to care for the Labs and got back in time to sit with me.  My first 20 days in the hospital were a pain/drug blur.  The one constant was Mary Anne sitting there when I opened my eyes.  She somehow managed to keep everything together and provide something for me to cling to anytime I woke up.  Through over three months of critical care hospital and rehab hospital she didn't miss a day.  One has to be blessed to have such a life companion!

 

As we continue our struggle to regain some of our former life, I thank The Lord each day for blessing me with Mary Anne.  I weigh around 200 pounds and she weighs about 100.  She has to turn me three times a night, help me dress and in and out of the chair.  She also supervises care of the Labs and generally keeps things going.  Some nights she is so tired she's asleep on her feet but she doesn't know quit.  Her cheerful can-do attitude inspires me to no end.  I've known from the beginning that she was a great choice as a wife. I just didn't fully grasp her strength and dedication.  She is the real star of this saga. 

 

My life, my inspiration, my love, my wife, Mary Anne Roland.