Getting Totaled

Most of you know by now - my MISadventure in Milwaukee last Saturday.  I was heading up to Elkhart Lake, WI, to watch Ken's car race.  I never made it there to see him do well. 

I was driving along a section of I-43 near downtown Milwaukee.  It had been raining a bit, but not at that time.  I was in the right lane, not speeding, talking on the phone, or involved in any type of distraction.  The next thing I knew, the Jeep was sliding sideways up the middle of the road.  I know that I tried to steer out of it, but don't know if I steered in the wrong direction - or what really happened.  One thing I clearly remember, just before slamming nearly head-on into the concrete wall - I said out loud "I'm gonna get hurt." 

My poor Jeep on the bed of the tow truck

After impact, I smelled what I thought was smoke and thought I needed to get out of the car.  I realized that the smell was due to the passenger side airbag.  For some reason, the driver side bag did not deploy.  A guy in a pickup had pulled over in front of me as soon as he saw the collision.  He was already calling 911 for me.  This terrific guy stayed with me until the police arrived, and did his best to comfort and calm me.  His name is Paul and he is an Arborist in Milwaukee.  Hell of a way for two nature nerds to meet.

View looking thru back window of tow truck

Fast Forward to Ken driving down from Sheboygan to get me, the ruined Jeep being towed to a lot in Milwaukee.  We actually had a lovely dinner out that night with Ken's sister and her husband.  Great food and company, and it was a good distraction for me.  It wasn't really until Sunday morning that the major pain started.  Shirley and Ron kindly drove me home on Sunday morning, so that Ken could stay in WI and finish his race. 

Kelly took me to Delnor's ER on Sunday, where I was given an EKG and chest x-rays.  Luckily, no sign of breaks or other injuries.  And thank goodness for the pain meds.  It has been a miserable few days with little noticable improvement so far.  Major pity party, too little activity, too much pain, and bad tv.

Thanks to everyone who has sent such kind wishes and offers of help.  It means so much to have caring friends.  I know it could have been much, much worse.  I am very gratelful that I did not hit another car, and no one else slammed into me.   And I want all of you to be extra careful out there!

Those who know me well, know the tough facade I like to show...turns out, I'm not so tough after all...