Colleen Durston’s accident brings inspiration

Yes, it is true, life and priorities can change in a split second.

Recently, I was driving westbound on Hwy 118, when I was hit head on by a driver who had fallen asleep at the wheel. As I watched her come toward me, aware that there was nothing I could do to dodge her, I thought my life must be over. But, when the car stopped spinning I was alive, trying desperately to speak but only able to groan, I struggled for breath.

And like a message from God that it would be okay, the first face I saw in my window was that of fellow HomeAcres resident Karen Malloy. Her presence gave me comfort as I watched her run from my car to the other vehicle trying to do what ever she could to assist in this awful accident.
The next image was that of a man who fought hard to do what ever he could for me. Shaking the door he tried desperately to open it to no avail. His hand reached in the car waving the air bag fumes away from my face. He was so afraid they would suffocate me. He was soon joined by another man and together the two of them shook the car door with all their might to get it open, again to no avail. There are not words to thank these three wonderful people for having the strength of character to do what they did. I will remember them for the rest of my life for being there and reacting as heroes. I am sure they are not capable of reacting any other way.
My roommate Gregory Seymour arrived at the scene just prior to the paramedics, again his calm face looking into the window offered comfort that can’t be expressed. As for the paramedics, those two guys were incredible. Thank you, guys. We are so lucky to live in California.
During the course of this experience, I have been so blessed. Not only am I alive, I have had the benefit of seeing the very best in human nature. The cards, the flowers and the sentiment are only the beginning of how so many dear friends and neighbors have done so much to see that I am comfortable, safe and in good spirits during this period of healing.
Yes, my life has changed. I am stronger, wiser and I’ll never fear making eye contact with a person in a wheelchair again.

Thank you, God, for widening my perspective once more.

Colleen Graven Durston