Letter from Chantelle

Chantelle, Ada's friend had left the comment on the last post, but I want to put it here so everyone can read it too.

When Chantelle showed up at Methodist to pick up Ada, I remembered her right away. Who could forget that pretty face, Chantelle. I was so upset that they wanted send Ada back to the Nursing home so soon after the surgery. It must be difficult to picked up a friend in an ambulance. I am glad that you get into a line of work that you can help people who need help and care. Please come back and visit her anytime.

Ada...I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to write. Every time I sat down to write something, I couldn't put into words what I was feeling. I almost felt ashamed. I was speechless, sad, angry...nothing could explain how I felt...what i felt for you. How could this have happened to the most loving, caring, most beautiful person I have ever met. I don't think I ever remember a time when you weren't happy. I remember growing up with you. Our days in the "brownies" always meeting at Molly's house. You always knew how to make someone smile. I remember the day I got the page....I was sitting in the passenger seat. My partner's pager went off before mine. She started to read off the name...Silapa....wait...how do you say this. I instantly knew. ADA. I immediately started to cry. I wasn't sure if I could do it. My partner looked at me and asked if I was OK. What was wrong. I was scared. I didn't know if I could handle seeing you. When the accident first happened...Sparky called me to tell me what happened. He didn't know what hospital you were in. I called several other friends and they didn't know either. I told all of them that if they heard anything to please let me know so I could visit. I never heard anything. I figured you and your family wanted to keep things private. I apologize for not trying harder. I called dispatch to see if was OK for me to transport you, and they said as long as it was OK with me, I could. I told my partner that I would have to drive, but I wanted to go. She told me that if things were too much for me, to let her know. We arrived at Methodist and proceeded up to your room. I saw your mom, who right away didn't recognize me. She was very upset. She was unaware that the hospital was releasing you and that the meds wouldn't be taken care of until Monday. Your mom always had a way of making sure everything was OK. We got everything straightened out and then my partner went in the room to check on you. She came back out and asked me again if I was OK. I was. I walked in the room and it shocked me how wonderful you looked. In the line of work I am in...EMT...I see people with brain injuries every day. Ada, you looked wonderful. As soon as I walked into the room, it seemed as though you started to smile. When we were moving you over to the stretcher you seemed to be a little agitates, which again I am sorry for that. No one likes that part. We walked out to the ambulance bay and your mother came with us. It wasn't until she was in the ambulance with you did she recognize me. She talked to me the whole way there. After we put you in your bed, you seemed relieved. Relieved to be off of the cot and into somewhat of a more comfortable bed. Your mother and I stood and talked for what seemed like hours. During the whole time I was getting pages asking us where we were...we were ok. Just fine. Ada, I miss you. I got to see you one more time when I was transferring a patient to RHI. I saw you sitting with your dad and I am assuming other family members. I wanted to say hi but didn't want to interrupt. I remember what the doctors told your mother that day we were standing in your room at American Village, please don't give up. No one knows everything about the brain. It is still a mystery. Miracles happen everyday. I love you dearly and I know you can do it. You and your family will always be in my prayers. Every time I think of you, I remember that smile you gave me right before we went on stage our senior year....knowing it was our last time...and we were trying so hard not to cry. You will pull through this Ada, I know you will.