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Las Cruces
Member Since April 2009
My Story
WHAT NOW?
I have often thought What now? in regards to my life. It once had a momentum of its own, full of many of the common ups and downs. Then
Mile marker 91 on I-25 at Mitchell Point near Truth or Consequences, NM. Neither I nor anyone in my family will pass without a flashback, a grab at the gut. It was Easter in 2002, and I was heading to my Mothers home in Las Cruces, with my toddler, Charli. What happened next I can only relate from what my family has told me. My mother says we finished a cell-phone talk so that I could tend to my unhappy daughter -- a bottle was needed. My mother wanted me to slow down and pullover. Anyone would find it pleasing to speed along in my new Ford Mustang, too pleasing it turns out.
Eleven weeks later I awoke from a coma, something of a miracle. My daughter emerged from the high-speed end-over-end rollover accident which left us in a deep ravine without any injuries " - a hallelujah to car seats. Having been ejected from the car, I was not so lucky. Broken bones, head trauma, and of course, nerve damage are on the list of many injuries sustained; requiring roughly fifteen surgeries, numerous hospital stays, and many assisted living protocols. Lucky to be alive, for sure, but not the person I was, including only a partial memory of my life before.
From what memories I do retain and what family and friends have told me, Jolene Barbee was an overachiever. At the time of the accident, March 29th, 2002, I was a highly successful salesperson for a cellular provider. After having won numerous bonuses and the recognition for a job well done, the future was looking peachy. My main problem was my weight; I weighed 249 pounds. Today, I stand at a lighter 203, thanks in-part to my Curves membership and healthy eating.
Jolene Barbee today has had to work firmly to escape a wheelchair bound life, but nothing is easy anymore. No driving; the little perks of that privilege are gone from my life today (used to love to pop into a convenience store for a cold fountain soda). Talking, eating, and even walking were all things Jo-Jo hard to relearn through rehabilitative efforts. Drinking was difficult, and thickeners had to be added to liquids to keep me from choking. The simple act of showering without assistance took seven years to master.
I have often wondered to myself, WHAT NOW, that by entering college online, and by slimming up at Curves as well, this will enable me to finally answer the question of WHAT NOW? I will strive to weigh less than 200 pounds; and maintaining my Curves membership will help me obtain that goal. I hope to return to world of business where my aptitudes seem best applied.