Well it has been a very long day that started out bad but ended as good as it could.
I got a call this morning that my son Luke (senior age 18) had been in a school bus wreck and had been thrown from the bus. He had been on his way to an Honor Band tryout. On our way to the hospital we got another call, they were airlifting him to University of Iowa Hospital, when I asked about injuries they said that all they could tell us was that he was alive. Not what a parent wants to hear.
I knew where the wreck had taken place and I also knew that the helicopter would be crossing our route. We live about 45 minutes from the hospital and sure enough about half way there I saw the chopper coming in from the south. Very mixed emotions to see it and know your son is in it. You know they are getting him there as quickly as possible but on the other hand you really don't want any of this to be happening.
By the end of the day and with a lot of prayer we ended up with the following:
Conscious and comunicating well
Bad concussion but no hemorrhaging in the brain area
Everything looks good from the chest down
Still wearing the collar as they have not had anyone to read the CTI from the neck, hopefully by morning. (Better safe than sorry) The trauma area was VERY busy today
3-5 fractures in the face mainly around the right eye area, they will be deciding tomorrow if surgery is needed or not. The concern is if the eye sinks any it can cause double vision and other eye problems. If they decide not to do surgery he will be going back for a check up in a couple of weeks and there is a possibility they would decide to do it then.
Two stitches in the right chin area. There was lots of blood and this is where most of it came from. The doctor was worried about a scar fro mthe two stiches and Luke laughed at him.
Multiple scrapes, bruises and cuts over the face, arms, chest, back, and hands.
Bad swelling around the eyes but going down
Right now I believe the biggest concern is the results of the neck CTI and the vision. The spinal column they feel pretty good about but the eyes no one is sure yet. Luke was supposed to do his first cross country this week. We are praying that the vision is not a problem as it could prevent him form ever completing his PPL.
One thing I have to add. Many of the kids on the bus felt they HAD to see Luke. This was a very traumatic experience for many of them. First they were in the accident, then, they see Luke laying out side the bus in a puddle of blood unconscious. At this point a helicopter comes in and picks Luke up and hauls him away. Not everyday occurrences by any means. They came one by one, with their parents and I took them in to see Luke and that he looked better than the last time they had seen him. All shed some tears of relief, including most of the parents. The music instructor was there also and he told me that he was very relieved to see Luke like this compared to what he had seen earlier while sitting with Luke while waiting for the chopper.
Well one of the young men came to see Luke, his name is Cameron, he is a freshman. I went in and told Luke that Cameron was here and Luke asked if he was okay. I told him yes, but that he had a pretty good bump on his head and a black eye. Luke looked up and said to me ?I?m glad it was me and not him that got hurt.? He is a wonderful kid and sure made his Dad proud of him with that statement.
I posted a photo at
http://lukeroberts.com/010706/luke-bus.jpg
He looks pretty rough, but I guess that happens when you exit a bus through a side window at 50 mph. In the photo he was attempting ot smile for his sister who is in Alabama attending college so she would feel better and not be so worried.
Any of you who are inclined to prayer we would appreciate your prayers for a full recovery.
Sorry to post this and be so long but I know that you guys will understand the concern about the vision and his being able to finish his PPL. It is something that is important to Luke.
They say flying is dangerous, what about band?
Off Topic - Long - You thought flying was dangerous?
and sold 
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