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Written by Dara Spiotto
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Monday, 13 August 2007 |
 Let’s bring you up to par on what’s happening with my bead buddy that I wrote about a few posts back, in The Healing Power of Beads, my friend Tina, who’s name I’ve changed here to protect her privacy, is doing really well. Tina was shot by her estranged boyfriend multiple times in a parking lot and managed to save her own life by fleeing to a grocery store where she got help. Off duty medical people and a team of paramedics did all the right things in the right time, and so Tina is still with us. After a long hospital stay and multiple reconstructive surgeries, she’s on the road to recovery. She’s got a lot of physical therapy ahead, but she’s got the will of an iron horse and she’s determined to make as full of a recovery as possible.
 In fact, I got a phone call the other day and the person said, “Hi Dara!” in a hoarse whispery voice. I had no idea who it was. There was a little pause, and then she said, “It’s Tina!” I just about fell off my chair. I realized it was the first time I had ever heard her speak! We made some plans for her to come for lunch and to visit, and then cut the call short to go easy on her voice.
She showed up on a Friday at 1 pm ready to eat pizza and salad (amazing!) and chat up a storm with me (shocking!). This was a woman who was told she wouldn’t talk again, because her vocal cords had been severed. As we chatted I learned what a passionate person she is. She teaches school and is very dedicated to her work. Tina loves teaching and is an excellent teacher. She’s equally as passionate about her beading. A fellow bead weaver, she’s currently working on a Melanie Doerman bracelet, and she’s got a few other things going also.
 I want to make sure I thank the people who have continued to send things my way to give to Tina. Once people read The Healing Power of Beads, it began a flow of more goodies for Tina. She’s astonished at how loving, generous and kind fellow beaders are, and sends her heartfelt thanks.
I plan to spend time in the future with Tina, taking classes and hanging out and just beading together. They say that good things come out of bad things. I believe it. This tragedy brought me a new friend that I otherwise wouldn’t have known. I’m immensely grateful to those of you who were so generous and reached out to a total stranger that was in need. You made a big difference with your kind gestures. You guys are the best. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 August 2007 )
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