Holy Smokes! You're Still Alive Day

[Tim Gardner]

Many of us have special days: Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Special Holidays.  The Gardner Family of SML has another: Pirate Day!

But the most important for us is "Holy Smokes! You're Still Alive Day".  This day was established 9 years ago at 6:45 AM when Vicki (The Admiral) was shot by a deranged former employee of TV Station WDBJ 7, who, that morning, also took the young lives of Alison Parker and Adam Ward.

I wake each morning to thank the Lord that I and our extended family still have Vicki to talk to, laugh with, and love. Vicki has taken time to heal, and still has medical issues related to that event.  She has taken steps to heal her mind by writing a book - her account of that day and the intervening years of survival. Her lingering sadness for the loss of Alison and Adam, her bumpy road to physical recovery and her ability to find humor in the everyday things of life burst from the pages she has written to help heal herself.

That morning was traumatic to our family and to our many friends here at SML.  You, the ones we know and the very many we did not know helped deliver us from stunned disbelief, to pacing worry, through days spent in the ICU, to finally relief when her survival was certain.  Time spent at home and in the hospital by our daughters Jacqui and Erin saw us both through that horrible time. I can't thank our girls enough for their love for us. Many friends from around the lake extended help from moving furniture for Vicki's recovery bedroom to painting the same room sunflower yellow to brighten her stay in that room.

Thousands of people here at Smith Mountain Lake and around the region and really, most of the nation,  sent prayers for Vicki and our family to the ears of God. Thank you, He saved Vicki.

Have a Blessed "Holy Smokes You're Still  Alive Day"

[Christopher]

Tim,
  So happy for you and your family! 

[brackish]

Tim, missed this on the first pass.  That picture is inspiring for those of us who know the story.  So happy that is where you are with this.

On this morning, for me it is "hope I don't have to drag that fogger out again" day, regarding Helene.

[fried fish]

Amen brother!

[crazycarl]

Somehow I missed this too. 9 years already? Wow. Vickie has had an incredible journey fighting through her recovery. God bless her.

[kickingbug2]

bless you vicky, dmned special gal to be sure

[5monkeys]

I wonder where this post was hiding that we all missed it.
Tim,
I'm so glad that in spite of the horrid events of that day, you have still have and appreciate one another.
I ask for continued blessings for the Gardner Family.

Keith

[Tim Gardner]

A quick update to Vicki's story, She just underwent her 19th surgery last monday (and hopefully the last one) to implant a neuro-stimulator next to her spine to manage her ongoing pain. The unit and it's 10-yr battery allows her to block pain signals from the damaged area of her spine.

Her Dr. says she will regain pain free motion in her back.  Golf - yes!  Pickleball - maybe.  Sailing - we're very hopeful.  Water skiing - nope!