Editor, the News-Herald:

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying &uot;You may leave your house in the morning one way but there is no guarantee on the way you may return.&uot;

That’s just what happened to me April 22. I was looking forward to that Friday ending so my weekend could begin. Little did I know that instead I would, in a split second, have to move myself out of the way of a 700-pound lift that was falling.

Fortunately I was able to get out of the way and was not pinned under it but unfortunately it caught the front of my thighs and my right ankle on its way down.

I had to wait for my cuts and scrapes to heal before Dr. Bergfield of Orthopedic Surgery could perform surgery and install a plate and six screws. I guess I’ll have to watch myself going through metal detectors from now on.

I have never been a person to sit back and relax because my &uot;To Do&uot; list is at least a mile long. I now have to take the repeated advice of family and friends and slow down. It is not by choice but more saying that come to my mind are &uot;The Lord only gives you what you can handle&uot; and &uot;Things happen for a reason.&uot;

As I begin my physical therapy I do see a night light at the end of the tunnel. I hope to soon have a 100-watt bulb in that tunnel. One can only watch so many episodes of the Three Stooges, I Love Lucy or Fox News (although it’s not a bad way to spend the day) not to mention the soap operas. As I continue to recover I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the numerous people that have been there for me.

Mason Copeland has served the citizens of Suffolk as a firefighter and an EMT for several years. He was a godsend to me on the day of my accident. I was very lucky that he was on duty at the Suffolk Family YMCA and took such good care of me. To my co-workers at the YMCA, Jeff McClenny, Cindy Butts, Anna Russell, Rick Matthews and Frances Holland who gave me the strength to hold on. Several members stopped their workouts to assist during the accident.

Some faces I do not remember (due to shock I think) but I could fell the love and support. Benny Simpkins and Chris Reynolds gave me the strength to stay calm and focused. These guys were terrific.

Thank you to the EMT/Rescue workers that were so gentle with me and the Obici nurses that were by my side during some of the most painful days of my life.

Sincere appreciation to my PTA friends that not only brought supper for my family but have kept my spirits high through phone calls and cards.

Thank you to those YMCA members that have continuously asked about me and send me best wishes. You truly are a part of my family.

My most heartfelt thanks must go to my mom, dad and brother for being there for me every single day. My mom, Dora Willis, has not only kept me fed and medicine in me, she has washed my families clothes, cleaned my house and taken care of our dog, Pepper (who has gotten even more protective). My dad, Runt Willis, has delivered my mom to me daily and been very supportive of her taking care of two homes.

My brother, Calvin James has gotten up early every morning since April 25th to get my son, PJ to school and will continue to take him places this summer. One lady that has been there, baking desserts, taking me to doctors appointments and calling to check on me has been my Aunt Butch. I could not ask for a more caring, loving aunt.

A sincere thanks to my sister-in-law, Debbie Dalton for not only being my physical therapy transportation but for her constant support and love. My husband, Perry goes to work every day just to return to the same thing every night, me on crutches and or in a wheelchair. It gets old after a while but he has been very supportive. He has even become a soccer dad.

I could never express the love and appreciation to the true angel in my life. My son PJ has been by my side constantly asking if I need anything or if there is anything he can do for me. For an 11-year-old he has not smacked his lips or rolled his eyes once. He has been a remarkable support for me, physically and emotionally. With him by my side I can accomplish anything.

Much appreciation to those I may have forgotten to mention. Your concerns and prayers are deeply appreciated.

After dedicating 18 years as the Property Director at the Suffolk Family YMCA, I am looking forward to returning soon.

Just leave a light on for me and a cold Dr. Pepper on my desk.

Lorraine Worrell

Suffolk