Poor little Bam Bam!

12/19/2013 we had an accident where a truck pulled out in front of us and Naomi had to lock up the brakes. There was nothing we could do but hold on and take the hit. We are Ok but poor Bam Bam has a black eye and busted lip.

Defying The Odds

On Sept. 21st we took on a 5K for the Gilliam's Promise fundraiser in Highlands NC. That may not seem to tough for some but 3 years ago this wouldn't have been a possibility for Kyle. At the beginning of July Kyle was invited to participate in the event. At first he was skeptical about pushing himself 3.1 miles on top of a mountain where a portion of the course was gravel. But he accepted the challenge and began training.  

He began pushing himself daily around our neighborhood to build strength and stamina. In the picture above is Kyle racing his son Nolan at the local Greenway in Franklin NC.  

We were gladly accompanied by Dallas and Vanessa Crisp. Kyle and Dallas have been close friends since childhood. Dallas and his wife Vanessa drove over and hour away so they could be apart of this event and show their support in this milestone in Kyles life.

The grueling 3.1 miles not only had its challenges but part of it was gravel. Kyle pressed forward and never gave up.   

We Finished in 56:59!

(From Left to Right)

Dallas Crisp, Naomi Collett, Kyle Morgan and Vanessa Crisp

Thanks to all my sponsors who supported me to complete this challenge.

-Ally Justice and the Employees of Drake Software

-Susan Miller

-Cathy Watson

-The Cord Of Life

-Vanessa and Dallas Crisp at VCrispCounseling

-Gilliam's Promise

What is Life to you?

I'm going to post some positivity back into Facebook today.
You know Life is the one word that when asked; "What is Life to you?" Everybody pauses because they can't explain it. And when they do try to explain it they only share the parts that they're are feeling at that very moment. Well lets think beyond that moment of anguish, torment, devastation, and depression. Now I know some respond positively and say great things about it but they are still responding to that moment and they will only post the bad on Facebook because it is a way to "Vent" but is it the right way to vent. If you were to ask one person the same question;"What is life to you?" About a week apart, Their answer will always change. Well today I'm going past my feelings from today and going deeper.

Life to me has been filled with Drama, Devastation, Tragedy, Struggles beyond the "average" limit. But it has also been blessed with the comfort of my sweet Naomi 's hand in my time of need. I've been blessed to begin a relationship with my son. I've been able to step back down the ladder and use the stairs. It may be a slower way to the top but it's safer. It has landings where you can stop and take a break if needed. My life was once filled alcohol making my decisions. It was filled with fight but I used it in the wrong way. I used it against others instead of "for others". I've dealt with my "friends" bailing out because I wasn't the same person. But after the thick unbreathable dust settled, the one that were still there were smiling because when the odds were against me, I pulled through. After the reality of death set in I made a change from day 1 and that was to be a completely changed man. Life to me is Glorious, magnificent, entertaining, and appreciated. All the good and bad is treated the same. You can't find one negative post on my Facebook page. If you confess it, it usually gets worse. Not only for you but others who read it. Words have a harder impact than drugs.

I'm not going to say I'm perfect because that perfect person is a myth. We ALL MAKE MISTAKES so why do we look at others mistakes and judge theirs when we've done it. Let's be positive today and see how we feel about it.

Now the question, What is life to you?

Angels?

Let me explain why I'm a miracle to have survived.
 
I traveled 70 MPH in a 3,783LB vehicle that generated 620,053 LBs of force at impact. That’s 310 TONS. I was 200 lbs ejected at 70mph traveling at 102 ft per second and I generated 32,783 lbs of force. That’s 16.3 tons.
On the average, a 38', 84 passenger school bus weighs in between 11 & 14 Tons (22,000 to 28,000 pounds)
My body generated more weight than a school bus at impact.
The vehicle generated more than 28 school buses in combined weight of force.

-All my body suffered was a broke neck at a c5c6 level which pinched my spinal cord. It only takes between 40-60 lbs of pressure to break your neck and your spinal cord is as soft as a ripe banana.

Still don't believe in angels?

School of the Blind

I spoke at The School for the Blind at it was incredible! A great group of kids and a great place to share some positive words. Looking forward to keeping in touch.

Gilliams Promise 5k

In September we well attending a 5k race for the Gilliam's Promise program in Highlands NC. Kyle will be riding a hand cycle in the event and showing everyone that giving up is not an option and anything is possible.

Www.Gilliamspromise.org

Fathers Day 2013

Having an amazing day in Raleigh NC with my fiancés family.

Time with Nolan

Naomi and I had an exciting time in Franklin NC with the most exciting and wonderful, Nolan Grant. Nolan got to meet a couple more of his relatives as we spent time together. Nolan and his cousin Bianca Tayla Morgan hit it off quickly. They were buddies from the start.

IT'S OFFICIAL!

We are ENGAGED to be married! I am still on cloud nine from this week! Not only was it amazing to be able to get away to Carolina beach, spend quality time with my whole family, but my sweet man managed to surprise me with the most AMAZING proposal ever!

With a full moon and beautiful beach behind him..

He had my sweet nephew Elijah holding a red rose with the ring tucked inside. 

It was PERFECT! The best part being my whole family was there to witness this special moment.

Toasting to our new journey together and soon to be Husband and Wife. 

Champagne for me and sparkling lemonade for him (As to not break his sobriety) ;-)

My INCREDIBLE ring! He is so amazing! It fits my personality perfectly. 

I couldn't think of a better person to spend the 

rest of my days with. He is the BEST man I know! 

Thank you Carolina beach for not only being my favorite place to vacation to but now the spot where I'll always remember where the love of my life made me the happiest woman alive! 

I love you Kyle Morgan.. forever and always. 

Your Fiance,

Naomi 

Speaking At Gilliam's Promise

Kyle and I were so blessed to be able to share our story with Gilliam's Promise in Highlands NC on May 5th. The students were so attentive and asked so many great questions. Although we both can't share without a few tears or choke ups I believe if one person can recall our raw and vulnerable testimony in a crucial decision then our jobs are done.

Many thanks to Kyle Morgan and his fiancé, Naomi, for sharing their very moving story with us during our meeting on May 5. Kyle reminds us that sometimes it only takes one poor decision to alter your life and the lives of those you love forever. As importantly he uses his story to illustrate that you can rise above any circumstance and make a difference in the lives of others. Thanks again to this truly remarkable couple. -Gilliam's Promise

This program is incredible and I'm astounded by how they are changing the lives of young adults and their community! Please visit their Facebook Page

Short Video Of Our Story

Direct Link To Youtube Video

                                   Please go vote for us to win a van by clicking the link below!
                                                          VOTE FOR KYLE HERE

Thanks to every single one of you who voted for me! I've received a total of 4,411 total votes. I believe that put me in the top 5%. Now all we need is for the judges to like what I'm doing and pick me to win a van. Thank you all so much! We'll know something come May 31st!    -Kyle

Video Of Kyle's Accident

Direct Link To Youtube Video

                         Video from when Kyle was nominated as WLOS Persons of the week.

The Accident

Kyle and I had been dating for about 4 or 5 months at this time and we were as serious as you can be in a relationship. We had both verbally expressed our love for each other and had started making our future plans together. We were both on cloud nine and it was the best moments of our lives. To this very day I can still recall every minute we spent together and I often dream of those moments.

It was like any other day in our small town I was getting off of work and hoping for a romantic evening with my man. When I was able to get up with him he told me a close buddy of his was in town for just a short time on leave from the National Guard and he really wanted to hang out with him. My first emotion was he was completely blowing off our date that I thought we had planned.  I was beyond furious at this point because I knew that if he were going out with old buddies then drinking would be involved and I was done with drinking and thought he was too. He begged me to show up at the town bar to meet up with him and I stubbornly refused. After about an hour of letting him “get the picture” of my anger I decided that I would finally head on over to meet him and hopefully pick him up and steal him away from his “buddies.” As I texted him to tell him I was literally 2 minutes from the bar he replied immediately saying he had already left and was at the McDonalds right down the street. I then proceeded to make my way over there and as I was pulling into the parking lot I texted him again telling him I was there. He immediately replied that he was gone again and on the other side of town. My blood was boiling at this point because I knew he was avoiding me now. I knew he was so wasted he didn't dare want to show me. I went to a house my younger sister was at to defuse. I texted and called him over and over receiving no answer. I was not only angry I was feeling ill at this point because that feeling I had always been scared of was turning in my stomach. I could literally feel something terrible about to happen and I began getting so anxious that I could not get ahold of him. Finally hours later a number I didn't recognize called me and Kyle was on the other end. He was so drunk I could barely understand him but he said his phone had died and he was so in love with me. All he kept saying was “I Love you baby.” I told him I loved him too but was also trying to find out where he was and who he was with. The phone cut off in the middle of our conversation and my heart sank. As I drove home all I could do was pray and cry. I knew something wasn't right and I could feel it in my gut but I didn't know where he was. In the smallest town I had ever lived in and the man I loved felt like he was miles away. After ringing all the phone numbers I knew to call over and over with no answer I knew I couldn't do anything in my power. As I lay in bed that night all I could do was wonder what he was doing. Was he home? Was he safe? I had no idea. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I woke up and began March 6th 2010 like any other day. I showered and was in the middle of getting ready for work when my cell rang at about 8 am. I ran as quick as I could to it thinking it was Kyle returning all my missed calls. The number was his Mom’s house phone and I knew it had to be him. I answered with a bitter hello and expected a deep apology but to my surprise it wasn't him. It was his step dad asking if I had been with Kyle at all the night before. Smugly I answered that I hadn't  He said, “Well honey he was in a car accident last night and they've had to airlift him to the hospital in Asheville.” Now I can’t really describe this moment all too well but it was as if my blood was draining from my body and I was completely frozen. I kept trying to replay the words I was hearing. This can’t be! No, he went out drinking and I’m furious about it but he’s waking up on someone’s couch with a hangover. He isn't an hour and a half away! I was so confused and it took me quite a few moments before those words sunk in. A flood of tears began to pour down my face and I think the only words I said to his step dad were “I’ll be there soon.” I hung up the phone and fell to my knees. I knew right then and there that gut feeling I always had for Kyle was this moment. God was trying to prepare me for this very moment. The moment I thought I could have saved him. The moment my heart felt like it was being stabbed repeatedly. The moment the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with was airlifted to the NICU unit at Mission Memorial Hospital. My mother fled to my side and I could barely get out the words that he had been in a wreck I just remember saying, “You have to take me!”

We piled in the car and she drove me all the way to Mission Hospital. The hour long trip was almost unbearable. No one in his family had arrived yet and I had no other information other than he was there. I kept thinking maybe it’s not that bad. Maybe our hospital was just too full. My stomach was in knots because I knew deep down if he had been airlifted to NICU it was not good. We finally arrived at the hospital and I barreled through the hallways not even looking to see if my mother was right behind me. I finally showed up to the entrance of NICU and I saw his family. They told me that they advised the hospital staff that I was his fiance so I could easily be by his side. As we all stood there in the hall awaiting the doors to the NICU to open I became so weak and felt as if I couldn't even go in to see him. I was so scared of what he was going to look like. Would he be up and talking? Would he be cracking jokes as usual? Would I recognize him? Was he almost dead? Did he still have all his legs or arms? I had no clue what scene I was about to approach and the unknowingness was welling up inside me. As I finally made my way into the hall I could see his room which everyone was now inside of except for my mother and me. I felt almost frozen in my path but made myself walk to his doorway.

As I approached the room my eyes frantically searched for him. I saw people hovered around a hospital bed and 6 to 10 different machines all somewhat blocking my view from the man that lay there. His sister saw me first and then as his mother moved to escort me in I saw him. It was as if every emotion I had ever held inside came up out of me. I backed out of the room and fell onto the floor and sobbed uncontrollably. The strongest, tallest and biggest man I had ever met was lifeless on a hospital bed. As I sobbed I could hear his voice telling his sister to not let me see him. She said to him that I needed to be here. As my mother and his mother calmed me I slowly made my way into the room and was able to see every bit of him. His body lay very still with scratches and dried blood covering bits and parts of him. His neck was stabilized in a neck brace and his whole face was covered in dried blood as well. He had a 3 inch gash on his right bicep that was being held together by two big staples and the back of his head had been scraped almost clean of hair and was bleeding onto a blood soaked chuck pad. It literally resembled ground hamburger meat.  His eyes met mine and I bent down and the only thing I could utter was, “why did you do this?” He opened his mouth and before I heard his words the stench of pure alcohol hit me like a Mack truck and I knew he had been so drunk when this accident had happened. He apologized to me and told me he loved me. I said, “You better not ever touch alcohol again!” He promised that he would never touch another drink again in his life. He said “Today is the last day I drink.” I felt so relieved yet so angry because I knew it was already too late.

His doctor made her way into his room and said she would like to speak with us in another room. I kissed his face and followed his family into a small room with no windows and nothing but a few chairs. I knew as we all sat down and stared at each other we were about to hear the “full report.” The doctor began to tell us how Kyle’s blood alcohol level was extremely high and he had been drinking and driving. This first caught me off guard because I truly thought Kyle was making extremely good progress in his life especially when it came to making smart decisions. I was so angry thinking about how he could have done this that I almost missed hearing her say the real gut buster, “Kyle has broken his neck at the C-5 and 6 vertebrae this caused pinching and bruising to his spinal cord up until he arrived here at Mission. We have set his neck back into place and are holding it with that neck brace. He will need surgery to stabilize his neck but unfortunately he will be a quadriplegic. I’m sorry but Kyle will never have mobility in his arms or legs. He is paralyzed from his neck down and will never walk again.”

What?! Where do we go from here? I felt so lost and as if all my dreams had been ripped from me in an instant. At that very moment I wanted so bad to get lost in anger and hatred towards Kyle, God, and everything in my path. How could everything I had ever wanted be stolen from me in one drunken mistake? I remember running into my parents arms and trying to explain what the doctor had just told us. I kept saying, "He won't walk ever again!" I could feel the attack of the enemy each time I said it as if he knew the more I repeated it the more deceit he was pouring into my head. My father who has always been such a strong foundation of Faith in my life stopped those thoughts immediately. He said, "Listen honey you don't listen to what those doctors are saying because we serve the one who holds EVERYTHING in his hands. You speak life to that body and God can and WILL work miracles in your situation!" I pulled myself together and begin walking in strength and faith that my God would turn this whole tragedy into our purpose. 

"And we know that ALL things work together for the good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

So I hung to this scripture knowing that if I walked this out in faith He could use even something like this that was sent to not only kill my hopes, dreams and future but the very man I loved. Every day I walked into that ICU room a prayed over every inch of his body. I prayed that God would not only heal him but allow this situation to be used for his glory.

Kyle had neck surgery where they placed metal screws to hold the vertebrae he broke in place. He unfortunately contracted pneumonia after this surgery and was placed under heavy sedation for the next 5 to 6 days. I stayed at that hospital everyday just so I could see him twice a day for no longer than 15 minutes. I remember having to choke back tears everyday I entered his room because of the way he looked. He had a breathing tube down his throat, feeding tube in his nose, and the only life in his body was from the rise and fall of his chest as the machine forced him to breathe. His eyes had tape over them and his cheeks were stained with dried tears as if he had been crying. All I could do was gently rub his chest because I knew he could still "feel" there. One of his nurses told me that he knew I was there because every time I entered the room and caressed him his heart and breathing levels would jump. It was hearing simple things like this that kept me going each day.

They were finally able to bring him out of his drug induced coma and after explaining the situation over and over he began to slowly grasp the reality of what had happened. He continued to think that he was only tied down to the bed and just needed some help to get to his feet but through tears I had to explain that unfortunately he couldn't get up and was paralyzed. Not only had I already come to grips on what had happened I was now having to relive the devastation once again with him. I remember a very incredible moment I had with Kyle in that hospital room though. I was standing by his bed and he was looking over my shoulder at the window and began asking, "Who are all these people here?" At first I felt a little uneasy because I knew it was just him and me in the room. I calmly said, "Honey it's just me." He looked confused and said, "No there are all these people here just staring at me and why is he just smiling?" He proceeded to explain that there was a group of people just watching him and one man was smiling from ear to ear at him. Now I know he was a little loopy from drugs but I instantly felt the presence of God in that room and I believe He was there watching over Kyle and I. He was no doubt cradling the both of us through some of the hardest weeks in our lives.

After a couple of weeks I had to go back to work or else I was told I was going to lose my job. So I would drive an hour and a half to work and then an hour and a half back to Asheville NC everyday for the next two months straight. I couldn't bare to be away from him any longer than I had to. I loved this man regardless of his poor decisions or lack of mobility at this point. I was told on multiple occasions by doctors no less that I should just go and move on with my life. I couldn't believe the lack of real unconditional love in this world. I knew that if I had fallen in love with a man and made the commitment in my heart to one day exchange vows  that stated, For better or for worse and in sickness and in health then how can I selfishly walk away now? It was out of the question.

Three years later I am still his full time caregiver. I catheterize him every 6 hours. I lift him in and out of bed, showers, and even my small Mitsubishi Galant. I dress him, bathe him, do his laundry, feed him, take care of him when he's sick, and love him with every fiber of my being. I fell in love with Kyle three years ago. I didn't fall in love with his muscles, height, or even future military career. It was the person that sealed the deal. I also believe with continuing in his physical therapy the skies the limit for him and I'll be right by his side until he achieves his ultimate goals. We may not have all the necessary equipment, accessible vehicles, or money a couple in this situation would need but we are rich in so many other aspects. We have a love that most people will never find. It is a love built on honesty, trust, patience, and most importantly our love for God and knowing that our story will touch many lives. The truth of the matter is as long as one life can be saved by hearing our tragedy then our daily struggles I'll keep.

Please keep praying for us and how God is using our life story as we continue to speak to churches and schools around North Carolina. God Bless.

Naomi Collett

-The accident ripped my life apart. It wasn't until it was to late that I realized, my life of alcohol abuse and poor decisions led me to a wheel chair and I didn't see it coming. I thought I was 10' Tall and Bulletproof but now I'm 6'4 and Paralyzed. Now I know, I know that  it don't matter who you are or what you've done, one mistake can be life altering forever.

             -Kyle Morgan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncctRm16-Jw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncctRm16-Jw