Chapter Two: One cold, rainy, dreary winter morning

I traveled to work about twenty minutes ahead of Phoebe. My morning duty at Athens Drive High http://www.athensdrive.com/ is in front of the library. Each morning I go through the crosswalk, occasionally dodging a car that fails to slow, adjust our traffic cones, pick up trash and litter from the parking lot and head to the media center. I try to say, "Hello" to as many students as possible because I believe it gets their day off to a good start to interact with a smiling, friendly, and compassionate school representative. On this particular day, it was our first back on a regular schedule from three snow days and one delayed opening. There were very few people who were unaffected by the crazy week and inclement weather. This morning was particularly nasty. It was cold and rainy. Visibility was limited. I had to dodge an over-eager driver who turned left onto Athens Drive from the Athens Drive High student drop-off lane as traffic stopped to let me through on the crosswalk. I should have taken this as a sign...
I continued, adjusted traffic cones, picked up trash and took my post in front of the library. At approximately 7:15 a.m., I came to realize there was something going on in the crosswalk. I could see no detail, but there was a car with some type of flashing light and traffic was stopped. I headed toward the crosswalk as I began calling 911. They require the person on-site to be the caller to ensure that the caller may help the victim through pre-arranged first-aid and lifesaving procedures until more qualified first-responders are on-scene. The operator told me that a 911 call had already been placed I hung up and was now close enough to see a tiny body laying in the middle of the street. Without having seen the student, I had an overwhelming sense that it was my daughter. The body size and shape were hers. Then I saw the bomber jacket. She had just gotten it for christmas and she loved it. We've had trouble getting it off of her. My heart sank - I was having to see what no parent should ever have to see and I was having to respond to the situation first as a school administrator and then as a Daddy. Fortunately our Athens Drive Security Officer was there assisting, as well as another Athens parent (Thank you both, we owe you). They had shielded her with umbrellas and were doing their best to keep things under control because she was obviously severely injured. Her leg was bent backwards and to the side at an impossible angle and there was blood on her face, her eye was swollen shut and she had multiple cuts on the right side of her face. Her bomber jacket collar was covered in blood. She was writhing in pain, alternating back and forth between the pain in her leg and her face. I called the Officer Banks, School Resource Officer, and the Front Office, they were both aware of the situation and responding appropriately and professionally. Help was on the way in the form of another Raleigh Police Officer and the Fire and EMT First Responders. OK, so now I can shift into Daddy mode. "Phoebe, Sweetheart, you are going to be OK, help is on the way." I said this mantra over and over again to help both of us stay calm. Not knowing the extent of her injuries, I called my wife at the house. I cannot remember what I actually said other than, get in the car and get to the Athens Drive crosswalk. I didn't honestly know at that point if Phoebe would pull through because I anticipated that she sustained severe head and brain trauma. I wanted Carol to be able to say, "Goodbye" to Phoebe if the situation got worse. I kept repeating the mantra, "Sweetheart, you are going to be OK, help is on the way." It was at this point that I knew Phoebe would eventually be OK. She looked up at me as I held her and said, "Dad, don't be an IDIOT, I am all messed up here." As I said earlier, she has a gift with the English language. This type of frank, direct, and beautifully honest statement struck right to the core of the situation. That's my girl I thought! Things moved rapidly from there with the EMTs and Fire First Responders arriving to assist. We got a neck brace on her, got her to the backer board and loaded her up. We were off to the Wake Medical Trauma Unit. I felt so relieved to see seven to ten highly capable and professional trauma team members awaiting our arrival in the ER.