As many of you know, I have the craziest dreams. Most nights I wake up laughing, cause I am seriously sick and twisted. My dreams are a riot. Like most everyone, my dreams never come true. However, a year ago today, sadly I had a dream come true. Friday night I went to sleep after talking to one of my best friends Jake on the phone. That night I had a dream that Jake was in a dirt bike accident in Logan and had to be life-flighted to SLC. The dream went further into detail, but his injuries are a blur. In the dream I recieved a phone call at 6:00pm at work sat. night from my friend Shad telling me of Jake's accident. I woke up sad, and I was glad it was just a dream. However, the thought stuck with me throughout the day. While I was at work on Saturday I decided to make myself feel better I would keep my phone in my pocket, on vibrate. @ 4:30pm I texted Jake to see how riding went. No text in return....naturally I still didn't think anything of it. No joke, at 5:50 pm my phone goes off, it is Shad. My heart literally sank. I was with a customer, so as soon as I was finished I ran back to call Shad back. I was seriously sick while I was calling him. He answered the phone and sad " Jake's been in an accident. You have got to get to Brigham asap, it doesn't look good". I ran out, told the girls at work and within seconds I was speeding down to Brigham. Along the way I picked up our other friend Big Jake and followed Shad down to Brigham (Logan and Brig. are about 30 minutes away). While we were in the Canyon we recieved a phone call from Shad saying that he had just been told they were life flighting Jake to SLC and we had to hurry. My heart broke as I saw Jake lying lifeless on the stretcher as they escorted him to the helicopter. After they loaded him up, I took off and headed down to LDS hospital. I was doing surprisingly well, until I got on the interstate and saw the helicopter fly overhead. I lost it. It was the worst feeling to be driving, and looking up at this red and white helicopter carrying a friend who'd been with you through everything for the past 3 years. To make a long story a little shorter...I spent the first two days visiting Jake at LDS. Sunday was hard, I stayed most of the day and helped his sister care for him. He is one of the toughest people I know, and to see him in so much pain, just killed me. When he crashed, the wheel of his bike landed on his back, literally exploding his kidney. After many surgery's and 12 days in the ICU he was released with a about a 15" scar down his chest and one less kidney. Jake returned to his happy go lucky self in just weeks. So you ask why am I posting this tribute? I learned so much through this accident. For one thing I quit dreaming:) j/k I learned that life can change in an insant. I had never had someone that close to me, almost kick the bucket. I have learned to always leave on good terms, apologize even when it is not your fault, and when talking to my family; leave the converstion with I LOVE YOU. It is amazing how often that word goes unsaid. Three words that can change forever. This accident also strenthened my understanding of the phrase Friends Forever. It is amazing how your friends can become like your family.
Sorry to get all hallmarky on you, but I just wanted to share this story and remind you all to never stop saying I love you. And please remember how much a smile, hug or phone call can mean to a person. I have vowed to live my life as if each day were to be my last, that way hopefully I live with no regrets. SO...my challenge to each of you right now is to pick up the phone and call one person and tell them how much they mean to you and how much you love them!
