Photo Insert
Before the accident
Alex, just before turning three, with his newborn best buddy, Aaron. The two brothers have always been inseparable.
Taken two weeks before the accident, this is the last picture of Gracie, Aaron, and Alex all together and healthy. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering what it was like when Alex could walk. In those moments, I look at this picture.
This would not be the last time Alex was like Superman. Several years later he would have the “Christopher Reeve surgery.”
On the scene
One of the worst moments of my life was getting into this ambulance while Alex was taking off in the chopper. I couldn’t believe I had to be separated from my injured son.
This photo shows the deadly illusion of this road—it appeared wide open, but a hidden dip concealed the approaching car. I never saw it coming.
Recovery
Still in a coma, Alex sits in his wheelchair while wearing a back brace. (You can see “Doggie,” Alex’s favorite stuffed companion, sitting on his lap. Doggie has been through many surgeries with Alex and has even ridden in the ambulance.)
Christmas Day 2004—our family was together for the first time in almost six weeks. Although we didn’t know what would happen to Alex, we were so grateful he was still with us that we couldn’t help but rejoice.
This is the painting described in chapter 6. A friend had a vision of three angels hovering over Alex. Weeks later, we found that another woman (a complete stranger to the first) had painted this picture at the same time.
Coming home
I still tear up when I look at this picture. It was the first time I was able to finally hold Alex in my arms again. A very, very good day.
[Above and below:] Friends surprised us by decorating our home for Alex’s arrival. He came home joyfully with a nurse, a respiratory therapist, two EMTs, and two nervous parents . . . but he would go back to the hospital only days later.
Our license plate speaks for itself. Alex believes he will walk again—and so do I.
Our new normal
[Above and below:] To keep his body in motion, Alex walks in his Hoyer lift, he goes on the treadmill, he even goes swimming. He is totally fearless.
