Sunday, 06 January 2008

• Miracle Boy -- part three

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  I am posting excerpts from the manuscript of a book I am writing about my son's car accident -- almost six years ago, now -- and its aftermath.  It is a labor of love, but also a very emotional venture.  I appreciate your feedback and encouragement.
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  Dispatch Scramble
  

  
  The call came into the 911 office.  It was a busy morning with many accident calls.  The dispatcher scrambled to figure out who to call.  The driver’s license said the boy was 18.  He probably went to high school.  Since he was headed north, it was likely Neosho high school.  So he handed the name over to a tech, Mary Jo, to look up Neosho High’s phone number.
  
  Arif generally goes by his middle name. Of course, his license had his legal name:  Joseph A. Marshall.  Mary Jo looked at the name and it rang a bell.  Suddenly she knew it.  She told the dispatcher that he did not go to Neosho High, but to Crowder College.  She suggested he contact the boy’s father, Joe, who worked at Wal Mart as a programmer since the mother did not drive and would not have transportation.  The dispatcher’s wife worked at Wal Mart, too.  In short order, the contact was made. By 8:00 Joe headed north to Goodman.  The dispatcher also contacted Crowder College and by 11:00 the whole campus was in deep heartfelt prayer.  It amazed people how many on campus knew Arif and how deeply they felt the loss.
  
  Now, the dispatcher set to the task of getting proper equipment to the accident site.  Goodman police, were already on the scene.  The Jaws of Life were called into action.  45 minutes later they had a hole large enough to remove the contents of the car.  Finding transport was another issue.  It was determined early on that a helicopter was needed, but none could be found.  They were all busy.  Miraculously, just as the Jaws finished their job, St. John’s helicopter landed at the site.  God was gracious to send him to St. John's.  It is one of the best hospitals in the state.  He got the best of care.  In addition, Joe and I had the comfort of its beautiful chapel and a daily – sometimes several times a day – chance to sit in the Presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
  
  The boy was unconscious.  The left side of his body was extensively damaged.  There was doubt whether he would make it to the hospital.  But the task was to transport him.
  
  Soon after the helicopter took off, Joe arrived at the scene.  Steve wrapped a big hug around Joe and described what happened.  The back axle of Steve’s trailer was seriously bent, requiring Steve to spend the day in Goodman waiting for the trucking company to send help.  The left side of Arif’s car was crushed.  When Joe saw the car, he could not imagine how anything could have come out of it alive.
  
  

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