12/18/09

The accident


The Lord works in mysterious ways. We've truly been blessed to know how many friends we have. It's funny how you really get to know them through a trial like this. They come from everywhere and offer to make dinner, watch kids and even just be there for a comfort.
For those who may not know the full story yet, last night around 8:30, Mikayla and Dallin were riding back from the school Christmas concert with their Aunt Jaris. She was driving through an intersection at about 50MPH when a 16-year-old boy in a truck from the opposite direction thought he had enough time to make a left turn in front of them. He misjudged and the two vehicles collided, head on. Dallin, in the front seat suffered the greatest injuries.
I got the call back at home and immediately jumped in the car to run down there. Pulling up, all I could see was policemen, fire trucks, flashing lights and a long line of vehicles in either direction. My heart sank. I parked illegally and ran to see what I could. Dallin had already been hauled off and Mikayla and Jaris were being bandaged up. I comforted them as best I could and called Lindy, who had stayed behind with Spencer to help clean up. She met me just as they were leaving and she jumped in the ambulance with Mikayla and Jaris. I followed close behind.
We arrived at St. Joe's Hospital in downtown Phoenix at about 9:30, by my best guess. I didn't really pay much attention to the time. Mikayla and Jaris were taken to different areas of the hospital. Both were considerably hurt, but everyone's biggest concern was with Dallin. All we knew was that he was being looked at and that he would need surgery soon. But we weren't allowed to see him yet. In spite of her injuries, Jaris' only concern was with Mikayla and Dallin. All three got a cat scan and a series of X-Rays to determine the full extent of the damage. Mikayla was badly bruised and had some burns from the seatbelt across her right shoulder/chest. Her collar bone was broken and she had bruises on both her ankles from the seat in front of her. Both Mikayla and Jaris were hurt, physically and emotionally yet we knew they would be OK. Still we were anxious to see our little boy. To comfort him and tell him everything would be fine, even though we didn't know.
After what seemed to be an eternity, we got called in by the orthopedic surgeon for a meeting. He assured us that Dallin would be OK, but that the recovery would be a process and somewhat of a struggle. He broke his left forearm, both bones and his right femur, just below the hip. He also tore open a large part of his forehead. Around 2am, a plastic surgeon worked on his forehead while the orthopedic surgeon put some rods and screws in his leg. The arm would have to wait to allow the little guy a chance to regain some strength. His arm surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 7am. A year from now he'll have to go back in to get the metal parts removed.
As of now, Mikayla is home and doing well. She's in good spirits but still sore and tender. Jaris suffered a nice-sized gash below her knee that has been stitched back together and she has a couple more days before she can leave. Dallin is constantly medicated to keep the pain under control. If you thought he was goofy before, you should see him on morphine. He's been keeping us laughing, in between expressions of discomfort and wanting drinks. When he found out he'll have to be in a wheelchair when he gets home, his feeble response was, "awesome." He has some bruising on his lungs and a cyst or something on his skull they're looking at, but nothing to be concerned about. He's been as good-natured as you could expect a kid to be that is going through this. They all have.
We know it's been in large part because of the prayers, love and faith of everyone we are privileged to call our friends and family. God has truly blessed us through this and will continue to do so. We shutter to think about what would have happened had they not had their seatbelts on. This experience has served as another lesson of just how precious life truly is. It has brought us back to a reminder of what is most important. May the Lord bless each of you this Christmas season for your unselfish love and concern. We'll do our best to keep you posted- feel free to call if you like. We expect a full recovery and to be able to spend Christmas together, whether it be here or in Utah. Either way, we'll be thinking of you and thanking our Heavenly Father that you are in our lives.
We appreciate it and love you all.

32 comments:

The Torgersen's said...

Thank you for posting this. We have been feeling so sick and helpless here. Please know we love you ALL and you are in our prayers and thoughts.

Babcock Family said...

Yes, thank you for posting. I also have been waiting to hear up dates all day. We put Dallin's name in the temple. We are praying for all of you and will miss you terribly on Christmas.

Stephanie said...

We are so grateful that everyone is ok and on the road to recovery. This picture made us so sad to see Dallin like that. He is one tough little boy. We wish we could be there with you guys to help out, but know that we are praying for you all. Is Dallin's surjury Saturday or Sunday? Keep us posted when you can. We are thinking about you. Love you!

Cheyenne said...

Oh, sweet Dallin and also Mikayla. It's got to be beyond words for mom and dad, but what great examples to have such an eternal perspective. We are adding prayers and will fast for a quick recovery. We'll keep checking your blog and sending many thoughts and prayers your way. Much love, Cheyenne & Zack & boys

Brian and Amelia said...

So sorry to hear. You will be in our prayers. Your family is a great example of love, faith and strength. We love you guys!

Kristi Rowley said...

Thank you so much for sharing. You have been in my prayers and thoughts all day. You are such a strong family and amaze me. So glad to hear that everyone is ok. You will continue to be in our prayers. Love you all.

Sperry Family said...

I am so glad the injuries were not worse, hope they all recover soon!

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shunde said...
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shunde said...

Lindy,
I have been thinking about you lately, and decided to check your blog tonight. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie

Kendra@My Insanity said...

Thank you so much for posting the details! We have been crying and praying over here, since we heard the news. We saw that there had been a serious accident after the concert, and were just hoping it didn't involve anyone coming from the concert. I was so sad to know it was people we care about so much! Let us know if you think Dallin would like a visit from his primary teachers, or if he won't be up for that until he comes home. Kira has been writing him a letter. We just love your family so much and want for everyone to get better soon! We'll keep you in our prayers!

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Unknown said...

Thanks for keeping us informed. Matt and Lindy you are such amazing people and with a sweet little family. We will pray for all of you, and especially Dallin. Glad that Mikayla and "auntie" were not hurt worse.
I appreciated the comment you made about realizing how fragile life really is. We have had a couple of experiences with close neighbors that keeps us reminded as well.
We love you all!!
\Aunt Alice

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Tamara said...

Dear Ones,
We are so very thankful to hear that your sweethearts will heal! We are also grateful to know that there are skilled caregivers, and the miracle of the priesthood--which brings about such tender mercies to those of our Heavenly Father's children who are in need of His love, comfort, and peace.
Know of our love and prayers,
~Tammy, Donny, and Tara

Jacob F said...
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Jacob F said...

Wilsons -

I was so shocked to hear this. You and your little ones are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jacob Findlay 

Heather said...

I will be thinking of your family and praying for Dallin, Jaris, and Mikayla! It sounds like all will be well in time. I will let my family know, also, so they can pray for you!

The Lewy's said...

So glad to hear that everyone is recovering... although ever so slowly. Please know we are thinking of you and your family.

The Lewy's said...

So glad to hear that everyone is recovering... although ever so slowly. Please know we are thinking of you and your family.

Cally said...

I hadn't heard about any of this. I'm so sorry that you're all going through this right before Christmas. I'm glad things are on the upswing. Please tell Jaris that we love her and we'll be praying for her and your kids as well. Jaris is an awesome person...that I haven't seen since the high school days...but I still love her and your family.

Cally (Allen) Grant

Laura said...

Wow, I am so sorry about the accident! We will be praying for your whole family - something like this affects everyone. Big hugs to all of you!

dorothy said...

Dear Lindy & Family; Ranae called and informed us of the accident last night. We feel so bad and want you to know that you are in our prayers.
Please pass our love on to Jaris. Don't know how to contact her. Dallen will love this picture when he is all healed up. What a hero! Hope all the injured heal fast and we're so glad it wasn't worse. Lots of love sent your way.
Uncle Hal & Aunt Dorothy

Cole and Kimala said...

Wish I were closer so I could do more. You are all in our prayers.

Jodi said...

Matt, Lindy & Family,
We were so sorry to hear the news about the accident - when Kamryn heard, she immediately started to get teary and asked "so can Mikayla still come for Christmas?" :) You have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be! We love you all - keep us posted!

Amberly said...

So sorry to hear about the accident, but so happy everyone is doing well and is going to recover. You are in our prayers. We love all of you special Torgersen kids and your families.

Amberly (Roberts)

Stacey said...

First of all, I think we need one more post from Alice. We have been thinking about you guys and are always in our prayers. We hope the recovery isn't too bad and it really helps us all open our eyes. Give Mikayla, Dallin, and Jaris a bug hug for us.

Kathryn Olsen said...

I was sad to hear the news the other day and right before Christmas. I remember the amazing support we got from friends and family in our time of crisis and if nothing else we were grateful for the trial so we could see that. Let us know if we can do ANYTHING! Cooking, cleaning, yard work, transportation for kids, babysitting. Please don't hesitate to ask. In the short time we've been in the ward we've loved your family and we'll keep you in our prayers.

The Mayo Family said...

I just heard about it in an email from Jenny. I'm glad everyone is okay. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Loni said...

I heard about the accident, but was glad to read the details. Our prayers are with you. Tell Dallin Regan says its great to be in a wheelchair. Merry Christmas to all!