I reconstruct that accident every day (it's impossible not to) and I realize how lucky I am to be alive. I need to thank family, friends and others who have sent me sympathy and support. Such thoughtfulness nourishes the soul.

Three things about that afternoon stand out in my mind.

One, the First Responders. You are heroes, every single one of you! You guys, along with whatever force influences the outcome of such events, saved my life and I am eternally grateful.

Two, the unidentified woman who did her best to calm me down as I hollered and hollered from inside my wrecked car. At my request she called my family on her cell phone.

Three, my brother, Jerry, and cousin, Don. They raced to the scene as soon as they got the call, not knowing what they would find. That took courage and love, and I won't forget it.

This is only the beginning of the thanks I owe the many people who have been on my side, start to finish. It has been an overwhelming and humbling experience.

Karen Bye,

Minneapolis