Dear friends and family,
I am writing from Hartford Hospital, where I’ve been since November 21st when I suffered a bad accident on an electric bicycle. I spent 12 days on various units, and have recently been transferred to the hospital’s rehab facility. As I recover, I’ve had some time to reflect on my experience, and I wanted to write to share a few thoughts.
Before I go much further, I want to offer my deep gratitude to all of the medical health professionals at Hartford Hospital. I have never in my life felt so much gratitude for an organization and its work. The professionalism, care, and dedication displayed by each and every person I’ve encountered here is exceptional. Thank you so much for caring for me.
Next, I’d like to thank my community. I am still in disbelief of the level of support I’ve received. Thank you for all of the calls, emails, letters, visits, and gifts. A very special thank you goes to my business partner, Alex, for reaching out to people, coordinating visits, and providing emotional support, all while running our business without me. I’d also like to note my deep appreciation for my family, especially my parents who stood by outside the hospital when it was unclear whether or not I’d survive. I love you so much. Finally, I want to acknowledge my brothers. On a recent morning, I cried as long and hard as I ever have in my life at the thought of being able to hold them again soon. They have stood steadfastly by me during this challenging time.
The road toward recovery has not been an easy one. While here, I’ve had a ¼ inch rod that is as wide and as long as my femur inserted through my kneecap. It is now fused with my fractured femur to allow it to heal. Later, the surgeons shaved my head, cut my scalp from ear to ear and pulled forward my forehead to repair the fractures in my skull. Then, after my operations, a critical enzyme that regulates sodium levels malfunctioned in my brain. That caused the levels in my body to get so low that they had to put a catheter in my neck to provide a saline solution high enough to keep me from losing brain function.
The first 9 days occurred to me as waves crashing against the side of a shipwreck. I felt their weight and strength without understanding their origin or when they would recede. At their worst, I called out to my family and to the higher powers that I don’t understand, and still sometimes struggle to believe in, for help. During that time, I felt the presence of my Nonny, who left this world 2 years prior. She appeared to me as a texture that bore her resemblance and humanity.
The morning my sodium levels returned to safe levels was one of the most beautiful of my life. Despite the fact that my vision has been impaired by the accident, I felt that I had not seen the world more clearly in years. At that point, I knew I’d survived and would be able to heal. Blessed was that day and all others that would follow.
As mentioned, I am now in an inpatient rehabilitation center. The staff here are helping me to regain strength and balance in my leg so I can return home. In all reality, I'm learning to walk again, and though it’s challenging, I’m feeling determined and hopeful.
I am incredibly lucky. The medical staff at Hartford Hospital deployed a substantial number of resources to save my life. They acted in line with the belief that a human life has inherent value. The medical staff operated in a manner that reflected the idea that healthcare is a human right, and all deserve the same high level of care that I have received. I intend to reciprocate this support by continuing to work diligently to improve our great state and its environment. I feel a deep debt of gratitude to Hartford Hospital, the cities of Hartford and West Hartford, and the state of Connecticut.
My experience, and current banged-up state, could be regarded as a cause for sadness. I disagree. The only thing I find sad about this experience is the realization that it took the threat of my life being taken away for me to discover the true value in my life, and all that I have in this community and beyond. My gratitude has never been higher. I hope to be home soon, and I look forward to connecting with each and every one of you.
I love you all, and I am so grateful for your kindness and support. Here is to a better world, made day by day.
Love,
Sam
