The Assholes, The Bus Driver & The Awesome

November 9, 2009

As some of you know, my son – Josh was hit by a bus 4 weeks ago. Lots of people have asked me for an update, so here goes.

Josh is recovering and managing to get out and about a bit. But the consultant says it’s too soon for him to go back to school, because of the head injury. He still has significant hearing loss in one ear, which makes life a bit difficult for him. But at least his other ear is working perfectly fine.

The Assholes

Unless you live in some weird Stepford like place, you probably have your fair share of assholes living around you. This is the only place I’ve lived where folk I’ve never had a conversation with, beyond hello, seem to think it’s ok to slander me and gossip about me.

And I usually ignore it, because I don’t care for the opinions of people who think with their tongues. But when the gossip involves my children, I tend to get more than a bit pissed off.

After the accident, some idiot decided to start a rumour that Josh was dead. And that “innocent little lie” got back to some members of my family.

And while Josh lay in his hospital bed, a small minded woman decided it was ok to talk crap about him to other folk and refer to his poor upbringing. Now I would never claim to be the perfect parent and Josh has had his fair share of problems like any teenager. But he’s polite, considerate, he doesn’t smoke crack, steal, or mug old ladies.

And I’m confident that he’ll pass his exams and go on to Uni, despite his time off school and loss of hearing. But most importantly, he never gossips, or slags folk off behind their back.

The Bus Driver

Last week, the police came to speak to Josh and they said the bus driver wasn’t at fault. He was sticking to the speed limit of 40mph and the accident has shaken him up a lot. I feel bad for him and I’m hoping that if we get in touch with him and let him know how well Josh is progressing, he will feel a bit better about the whole thing.

The police also said that the paramedics at the scene of the accident told them that Josh had a 50/50 chance of living, so he was very lucky. As it was his sister’s bike (too small) he was standing up to ride it, so he hit the windscreen of the bus, which probably saved him. If he’d hit metal, I doubt whether he’d have fared so well.

Awesome People

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of people, both locally and online, who have sent kind words and prayers our way. It really has made a huge difference. Josh says that some folk he doesn’t know that well, or kids he’s had differences in the past, have been kind and compassionate too and it cheered him up a lot.

It has been a difficult time but it’s much easier to cope when you don’t feel as though you’re alone. Thank you.

Posted by cathlawson | Filed Under Misc

Comments

23 Responses to “The Assholes, The Bus Driver & The Awesome”

J.D. Meier on November 9th, 2009 5:51 am

I know the saying goes laugh the world laughs with you, cry you cry alone, but I think there’s more compassion in the world. Sometimes it’s tragedy that brings people together.

I’m glad your son is progressing.

J.D. Meier’s last blog post..Lessons Learned from John
Joanna Young on November 9th, 2009 8:42 am

Oh Cath, what a lot for you all to deal with. I hope you can take comfort from the many friends you have online… we’re thinking about you x

Joanna Young’s last blog post..How Do You Write to Learn? JJL Group Writing Project
Robin on November 9th, 2009 10:55 am

I’m really sorry to hear about Josh’s hearing loss, Cath. Wishing you, Josh and the rest of your family all the best as usual – love from Rob x

Robin’s last blog post..Ego Is Not A Dirty Word
Brad Shorr on November 9th, 2009 12:17 pm

Cath, More than anything I’m glad to hear Josh is improving. I hope you can forget all the negative stuff – don’t let them bring you and your family down.

Brad Shorr’s last blog post..How to Use Twitter Lists
Betsy Wuebker on November 9th, 2009 1:59 pm

Hi Cath – So glad to get this update. Isn’t it peculiar how some people seem to feed on the misfortunes of others, or try to position themselves as superior in some fashion by denigrating at the worst possible time? Well, I guess there’s no good time for that, but still. It says more about them than anything else.

I’m glad Josh is on the mend, and I can feel your compassion for the driver in this post. Perhaps you can arrange for the two of them to meet at some point, as it might be a good thing.

And of course you are not alone during a time like this. These trying times give us all the opportunity to realize what the meaning of friendship and compassion really is. Keep us updated as you can, and thanks again.

Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..Going All In On the Gunflint Trail, Part 2
Lin on November 9th, 2009 2:11 pm

Hi Cath,

I’m so glad you’ve posted an update on how your son is doing. I can’t even imagine how horrifying it must have been to hear that your son only had a 50/50 chance of recovering, but I’ve been praying that he’d be alright. Are the doctors giving you any indication that his hearing loss in one ear will come back at some point? Hang in there!

Lin’s last blog post..Give Up Coffee? Why Should I Stop Drinking Coffee?
Jannie Funster on November 9th, 2009 2:31 pm

Cath, this has been an incredible ordeal for you and your family. Sorry to hear about the wagging tongues, I know what that can be like but take comfort that you are above all that in your heart and so many of us are thinking of you and sending lots of love your way.

Jannie Funster’s last blog post..Mystery Blogger “Over The Top” Meme
Dot on November 9th, 2009 2:43 pm

I’m so glad to hear that Josh is still moving forward. It’s very lucky that he survived and can look forward to the future, though I’m sure it’s very hard on your entire family.

There are nasty gossips everywhere, it seems to me, and they can really be demoralizing. I know I felt a great setback at work after discovering one here who was inadvertently causing me some harm while being my friend. Some people thrive on knowing the latest news, even if they get it wrong — they lack the skills to form more solid relationships. Ignore it. You know the love you have for your son and he for you. That’s all that matters.

Waiting and caring with you to see how things go — Dot.

Dot’s last blog post..Not Flu After All
Friar on November 9th, 2009 6:44 pm

I can sympathize. My Mom had a bicycle accident that left her with a head trauma and a broken pelvis. She spent this past summer in the hospital and rehab.

She was not quite herself for a couple of months. We were worried about what kind of brain damage she might have had, and how much she’d recover.

But the story has a happy ending. Mom’s made a spectacular come-back: she’s been home now for several months, and you can’t even tell she’s had an injury.

And this was for a 69 year old woman. So I’m sure a young lad like Josh will have an even better recovery!

Let us know how things turn out.

Friar’s last blog post..Friar’s Zodiac Signs Revisited
toywithme on November 9th, 2009 10:17 pm

Just stumbled across your blog for the first time today. How awful for your son and the family. I very glad to hear that he is recovering now.

toywithme’s last blog post..God Loves You. So Does BDSM
vered on November 9th, 2009 11:03 pm

Thank you for the update! I’m glad Josh is making progress. I think about you often.
Davina on November 10th, 2009 6:03 am

Hi Cath.
I must say, on a side note — your post title put a huge smile on my face. If Josh has the spunk and strong will you do… he’ll have no problem recovering from this. I’m glad to hear he is doing well. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Davina’s last blog post..93 Million Miles From Home
Lillie Ammann on November 10th, 2009 9:22 am

Cath,

Thanks for posting this update. I’m so glad Josh is improving though I’m sorry to hear about the negative people and gossip. Unfortunately, those people are always with us, even in the worst situation. But it’s good that there are also positive, encouraging people who support and care for you and your family.

Lillie Ammann’s last blog post..By: Whilst your dreaming of your Spanish Dream Home Spare a thought : Spanish property | Spanish Hot Properties blog | Spanish property Experts
Robert on November 10th, 2009 5:59 pm

Terrible that people are so shallow and heartless that they would discuss a boy’s upbringing while he is in the hospital.
Marelisa on November 10th, 2009 11:09 pm

Hi Cath: Just this morning I was thinking, “Cath hasn’t written a blog post in awhile, I wonder how she’s doing”. It’s good to hear from you and to know that Josh is progressing well.

Marelisa’s last blog post..27 Jubilant Happiness Books
Patricia on November 10th, 2009 11:22 pm

Cath,
I am so very relieved to know that Josh is progressing and I am sure it was a close call with the other side when he was hit – If I was the bus driver I would be feeling awful too…a good sign.
I am thankful for the update as on Monday night our healing prayer group was questioning and wondering and I was going to send off an email….Now you can know that you are not alone…there are 45 folks in my group….41 in Kansas City area….14 in Finland….and 23 in the group on Australia all thinking about you and your family everyday since the bump…
We will include the “tongue naggers” as they must need more prayers than that plucky nice fellow of yours…

XX all ’round

Patricia’s last blog post..Food as a Spiritual Practice
Cath Lawson on November 11th, 2009 3:07 am

Thanks everyone. Lin – They don’t know if his hearing will come back. They’re going to check it again in a few weeks. They thing he might have damaged his auditory nerve.

Dot – I haven’t worked for anyone else for so long that I forgot about workplace gossips. They can really make life miserable. I don’t understand them – you’d think folk would want to make work fun.

Friar – I’m glad your mum is bouncing back. What awful injuries to have – a broken pelvis must have been absolute agony for her.

Thanks Davina – Sometimes I like choosing titles more than writing the posts

Thank you Patricia – no joke, I’ve felt better today than I have for a long time, so the prayers must be working. I told Josh about your group and he said to tell you thank you and that he is very grateful.

Cath Lawson’s last blog post..The Assholes, The Bus Driver & The Awesome
Patricia on November 11th, 2009 8:49 pm

Cath,
You are welcome. Besides my prayer group’s energy, I love the energy of all the people doing Sufi or Peace Dancing around the world on New Year’s Eve….I just think it brings that Peaceful energy into the new year.

I wanted to go to Findhorn in Scotland to see the Peace Work being done there? Next trip..

Today is Honoring Veteran’s Day here in the USA, so I stopped on my walk and read all the names on the Memorials for each of the war veterans at the Capital Building. And Vice President Biden came here yesterday for the 8 soldiers who died from the Fort just up the road…
Sending energy for life and good living….heal well…

Lots and lots of folks are thinking about you…

Patricia’s last blog post..The Life of an Apple Tree
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations on November 12th, 2009 7:47 pm

Cath,

I’m very happy to hear Josh is doing better, Prayers continue to go out for him. I’m hopeful for a full recovery and much better times ahead for all of you. And we weill still be here when you get back to normal!

Hugs,

Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations’s last blog post..How to be Happy. Now.
Annie Anderson on November 14th, 2009 3:06 am

Cath!

Oh my goodness! I hadn’t heard about Josh. Been sorely out of touch with my feed reading lately. I apologize.

And I’m so sorry to hear he had such an accident! We’ll keep him and you and everyone else in our thoughts too. Glad to hear he is doing better and is progressing. I hope his hearing loss is only temporary.

Sending you all lots of hugs and healing energies too!

Annie Anderson’s last blog post..Posting from mobile
Barbara Swafford on November 16th, 2009 9:16 am

Hi Catherine,

Thank you for posting this update on Josh. I’m happy to hear he’s doing better and pray his hearing will come back 100%

I’ll continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

(((Hugs)))

Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Blog Yourself To A Smaller World
Hilary on November 20th, 2009 8:05 pm

Hi Cath – how extremely difficult – I just sincerely hope he recovers near enough back to normal. Good for you on being positive for him – these things just come out of the blue and completely take the wind out of our sails .. I can’t believe the unfairness you’e had – talk about small minded people.

Thinking of you and I’ll be around to send thoughts to you and Josh .. look after yourself ..
Love Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
cathlawson on November 21st, 2009 8:05 am

Hi Patricia – Findhorn is maybe about four hours north of me. I’ve lived in two places in Scotland and I prefer the East. Many people like the west because of the gulf stream.

Thanks Wendi – He is improving a lot and the consultant said he can try going back to school part-time soon. Also, he is going to have tests on his memory and concentration but Josh says his concentration has improved a lot since the accident.

Thanks Annie and no worries. I’m hoping his hearing will improve too.

Thanks Barbara – If it doesn’t, you can get pretty small hearing aids now, so hopefully he will be fine.

Thanks Hilary – I guess you’ve got to fill sorry for those people. They can’t have much going on in their lives, or heads.