7:47 p.m. 2003-08-31
The Bitch says: Jane Doe/Debbie........9/11 tribute
It's amazing sometimes what will make me cry. I don't cry at funerals or not very often when people die but a program on tv tonite broke me up. With the anniversary of 9/11 coming up NBC Dateline did a story of Jane Doe/Debbie. Remember her? She was the first survivor taken to the hospital and they didn't know who she was for a few days. Her name was Debbie and she was to be married to Greg. Only now she was in the hospital with devastating injuries. They weren't even very sure whether she would live or not. And they certainly didn't think she would ever walk again as her legs were just about crushed. After many months literally in bed she started working with physical therapy. In June 2002 she stood for the first time. Only 10 seconds but, hey, she stood. She worked extremely hard and, despite some setbacks, began to take a few steps. She developed a stomach virus and stayed in bed for 3 weeks but, came back from that. She was depressed but continued to fight. Fifteen months and 9 days after her admission she walked from the hospital doors to the vehicle to take her home. She was the last to be discharged of all of the survivors. First in......last out.
Today she's still trying to learn how to live. She has lost so much. Debbie and Greg have put their marriage on hold as she wants to dance at her wedding. She is still in therapy 5 days a week and still on major pain killers. Her wounds have still not totally healed. She can walk about 10 to 15 feet without her walker. She has no idea how to live her life except to take it one day at a time.
This is an amazing lady. She lost so much and yet refuses to give up. I think alot of us could learn alot from this lady.
As an early tribute to 9/11......Debbie........we all salute you.
With all of that and one day left to surgery ......
I'M OUTTA HERE
