(The individual that was interviewed here, their identity will not be revealed for confidentiality reasons)
*(Brief summary of incident)
During the summer of 2007 a man was in a life-threatning car accident. I chose to interview him because i found his survival to be an incredible miracle.- A Local man was running on green light, when a young driver hits him on the driver side. He was in a black SUV when he hit the light post and was flipped over 3 times, lost consciousness and was internally bleeding. Some scratches and bruises in the head, 4 cervical discs fractured, 5-6 phoratic discs fractured and were fixed by titanium rods, 9 ribs fractured, clavical bone fractured, lungs collapsed, one side air leaking, other side bleeding.
Gobi: Hey _____, how are you doing today?
Anonymous: (shakes head) Very uncomfortable sitting in this wheelchair.
Gobi: I guess you have had plenty of time off to relax and recover from your accident a couple months ago. How has it been for you since then?
Anonymous: You know, there has been a lot of changes. I've been missing a lot of things from the past. Honestly i wouldn't say everything is alrite at the moment. I can't concentrate, and i lose interest in everything. I cannot maintain good relationships with my friends, and my girlfriend. I have difficulty socializing. I'm just so frustrated, my life is just boring, its like hell sitting at home 24/7 and having to be supervised. I need an assistance for everything.
Gobi: Has recovery been difficult for you physically?
Anonymous: Going through so much pain, mentally and physically.
I am not able to lift things, and my movements are restricted. I am tired of sitting in this wheelchair. I need assistance when i am bathing, and when i brush my teeth. Each day is a struggle for me to cope with these pain, these variations of unusual pain.
Gobi: What was your reactions when you first realized that you've lost control of the wheels, how did this make you feel?
Anonymous: I was unconscious, so i didn't know what really happened. i was told by family members and reporters. I was in a shock. I injured my head and had internal bleeding, this caused me short-term memory loss.
Gobi: How does this change the way you feel about driving?
Anonymous: I am not able to drive right now. When people drive me around, as a passenger I don't feel safe. I feel scared and insecure. Anybody can easily make a mistake, and I feel like I'm going to get hurt again when I'm in a vehicle.
Gobi: This is really a miracle for you, you're very lucky, this isn't something that occurs everyday. You are one of the few who have survived death. Does this change the way you view your life now?
Anonymous: Yea, i feel very lucky that I'm alive. God was there by my side. But some of the things that go on, sometimes it makes me feel that things would have been better if i had just passed away while unconscious, it seems everything would be easier then. It's difficult waking up every morning feeling so disturbed. The headaches, and this depression.
Gobi: What's one thing you would like to say to all those careless drivers out there, what advice would you give them?
Anonymous: From what i've learned, it doesn't matter whether you are a perfect driver, your life also depends on others around you. You need to pay attention to the other drivers, this is exactly what happen to me. I've been driving for 12 years, and this was my first accident, and it wasn't even my fault. Toronto is populated, its a rush everywhere, people want to get places very quickly, and they don't realize it may even cause them their life.
Gobi: Thank you for your time, it was nice talking with you. Hopefully i can catch up with you another time. Take care _____.
Mr._______ has taken at least a year to recover from all his damages. He will spend most of his time in the house, as he is not allowed to travel much.
