I never thought it would happen.  Never.

Last Monday, I received an e-mail from retired Kentucky State Trooper, Tony Young, who now works for the Federal Highway Administration in Kentucky.  I had met him the previous Saturday (December 13) when I spoke at a MADD Kentucky event.  My message at the MADD candlelight vigil was about Hope, and I thanked the Kentucky State Police for saving my life. 

Tony approached me after the event and asked me who the trooper was that investigated the crash.  I couldn't remember, though had the crash report at home.  I e-mailed him the name, and he contacted the trooper, Wade Farley (now retired), to let him know that I had spoken about the crash and about what I am doing now.  As Tony put in his message to me, "he (Wade) very much remembered your crash, and he didn't think you would make it. "  Tony went on to say that Wade said it would be great to talk with me, so that's what we did.

I called Wade last Tuesday, and we talked for about an hour.  It was great to talk with him and understand his observations from the crash.  It's so amazing the level of crash detail that he remembered from 17 years ago!  One of the things that he mentioned was that he didn't think I made it because the paramedics couldn't find a pulse on me and had to remove some of my fingernail polish to see if I was breathing - I was hard to get to since my body was under one of the dead girls in the back seat.  This is consistent with what I say in my speeches, except I didn't know the paramedics couldn't find my pulse!

I am so glad Tony connected me with Wade, and I am thankful to talk with the trooper who investigated my crash. 

I wish for everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Until then,
Darcy