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Mary's Letter
Letter from an EMT
August 24, 2000
Dear Jim,
July 1, 1970 was a long time ago. I apologize for not writing sooner, but I just finished having a wedding for my daughter last weekend. My time was totally consumed with either funerals or wedding prep, and I did not want to rush out a letter to you.
I was taken back by your letter. I often wondered how you and others like yourself, cope with the memories of the accident, and the life you lead as a result. I have nothing but the highest regard for folks who lose their mobility and yet find a way to survive with a positive attitude and lead productive lives. It is very humbling to see, and witness, quadriplegics function as well as you do. As you said, being born into the Hemauer family was a blessing in and of itself. There are no slackers in your family.
As to that fateful day for you. I was fresh out of college at age 22. The ambulance business was in transition, with new and many federal mandates, for critical care. I was selected to be on the EMS council in Sheboygan County and was in the first class offering EMT training. I remember well the training for the care of neck and spinal injuries, and your accident found me having to put all my knowledge into real action.
When we arrived at the scene, your friends were very scared for you, and in panic. The sun was setting, and I wanted to get you into the hospital as quickly as possible. I sensed immediately that you were in BIG trouble, because you could not feel anything, or move anything. We placed the neck brace on you and in unison, moved you gently on to the backboard. I recalled my training, in that, any sudden movement could cause further damage. I also sensed that you were scared, but when I reassured you that everything was being done to help you, you seemed to relax somewhat. We finally got under way to Pymouth Hospital, with your friends in hot pursuit. I do not recall the doctor who was in the ER, but I do remember that he seemed very sure of himself. He quietly proceeded to diagnose the situation the best he could. One test that was used by every Doctor along the way, was to prick you with a pin, to test for any sensitivity. From your neck down, you had no feeling. However, we all knew that it could be temporary, and the decision to take you to Columbia Hospital was made, to get a Neurosurgeon on the case as quickly as possible. Dr.Ullrich was the first to greet us when we arrived in Milwaukee. A fine man, with the best credentials available. You were in the best hands possible.
In those days ER staff was minimal, and the EMT’s (myself) would stay for awhile and assist in the immediate care at the hospital. I never left your side. The Doctor began examination, and of course, found no sensation below the cervical level. He kept looking at me and shaking his head. He wanted so much to remain optimistic about your condition, but deep down inside he knew what was going on. They finally got you ready for transport to another area in the hospital; in other words we stabilized you, so as not to cause any further injury to the spinal cord. We then said our good-byes and headed back home. That was probably around 11:00 p.m. Eldon Davis (my partner) and I road silently back to Plymouth. We prayed that you would somehow come out of it OK. I knew your family, and wondered how they would handle this horrible twist of fate. You were so strong and vital. To think of how your life might be, was difficult to say the least. I called the doctor about a week later, to talk to him about the level of care I had given you. He assured me that I had done everything the best I could, but no matter what I had done, the damage was instant and severe, and no one could have helped you no matter what.
Jim, to this day, I never go swimming without thinking of you. I am very serious about that. I have warned my children, over and over about shallow water, and knowing what they are jumping into. But I also have come to realize, that God guides us and protects us. If our destiny is there, we will not stop the events from taking place. Being aware of people like you has probably saved many hundreds of lives through the years. I believe that nothing happens by chance, and I hope that knowing your terrible accident may have prevented many others brings you some peace.
As I come to the end of this letter, I am feeling the tears well up inside of me. Tears for you and a feeling of helplessness on my part. I hope that does not sound selfish on my part. I have nothing to complain about. I did come through two back surgeries that turned out well. I was very close so being disabled myself. I suffered a ruptured disc, back in 1978. I had a lamenectomy and did well for some years. Then profound pain came back and no one was willing to help or knew how to help. Having had surgery, I found it hard to find a doctor who was willing to take a chance at further surgery. I got very lucky, and found a Doctor Glenn Myers at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. After two weeks of testing, he declared that all he could do was to open me up and explore for the problem… It was terrifying. I had been living for weeks on heavy narcotics to handle the pain. The doctor spent four hours cleaning up scar tissue from the first surgery under a microscope. After four months of rehab, I had been given a second lease on life. Because I am human, I sometimes forget to do my exercises, and do some stupid things that put me flat on my back. After getting my head on straight I walk the line of healthy living and try to stay in shape. When I have times of severe pain, I always think of Jim Hemauer, and that is all I need to get me motivated to stay strong, and do good in my life. I got a second chance, a third chance, etc etc. You did not, and yet you give all you have every day of your life. God bless you Jim! You are a true hero! You will be forever special. You have been given courage to survive. I will do my best not to take my life and ability to walk for granted.
I hope these memories and thoughts bring you what you are looking for. Thank you for sharing with me. I am grateful for being able to share with you.
Very Sincerely,
Warren