By Laura J. Jeanne | Published Sunday, September 27, 2009
This is going to sound like an Academy Award acceptance speech, and for that, I apologize. But, be that as it may, I'd like to extend my thanks to a great number of people. I was thrown from a horse in May and broke four vertebra, five ribs and an elbow, resulting in me being a paraplegic. The wealth of love, support, prayers, hard work and donations has overwhelmed me.
I'd like to start off thanking both the Wise County 4-Hers and the Decatur Eighters square dance club for all of their hard work cleaning and remodeling my house, building my ramp and for their fundraising efforts. They've been incredible. Thanks to Tim and Kim James for their efforts in the baseball fundraiser and for carving out my new driveway. More thanks to Curtis Creswell, Tim Railly, Mike Nivens and Kenny Kinder. Also thanks to Paul Hicks. He's helped more than I have space to list right now.
Thanks to Jeanette Ward for your wonderful articles. I'm also grateful to Una Talley and family for all the fetching and carrying and for all the times she's come running when I ended up on the floor.
A special thanks to Janie Vawter, Wise County dog project leader, and my dog drill team for picking up the ball and carrying it to the state dog show. Y'all are awesome.
Then there's my mom, Alexandra DuPuis, and my longtime friend, Donna Griffith, whose love, support and help have gotten me through this traumatic transition.
Last, but very definitely not least, I'd like to publicly thank my daughter, Amber Jeanne, whose patience (most of the time) and dedication have helped me get through my first month at home. She's had to learn and do things above and beyond the call of duty for most teens. She may not be happy about it all the time, but she's stepped up to the plate and been there for me.
To all of you and anyone else who have donated, helped or even just said a prayer for me - thank you from the bottom of my heart.
