It’s so strange how quickly fortunes can turn, and happiness can become agony. Last week Jae asked me to divert a little way on my return home to spend a day with her in a lovely mountain town; Friday morning was spent exploring a little park with multiple waterfalls, then later soaking in a spa together. I then went on to Seattle, and she to visit a friend as the last stop on her motorcycle tour before returning home herself. But only about four hours after leaving the hotel, something happened; we’re not sure exactly what, but Jae spilled her bike and slammed into a barricade. Because her phone was lost in the accident, the hospital staff was unable to contact me or any of her other loved ones; on Sunday afternoon they called the Seattle police and asked them to go to the old address on her driver’s license. Luckily, our friend Vignette still lives there; she called me and passed on the hospitals’ number, and within 15 minutes I had packed my things and was headed east on I-90. I arrived about 2 AM, and though it was long after visiting hours the nurse very kindly allowed me an hour with Jae. She is in critical condition and is still unconscious since Saturday, but she shows none of the signs associated with severe brain damage; however, it may be weeks before she awakens, and there’s no telling how long it will take her to fully recover. And if you think I’m not going to stay right by her side until I can bring her back home, you haven’t been paying attention for the past five years. Jae is much beloved by the Seattle sex worker community, and our friends have really stepped up to help her by providing the funds I need to stay here with her; I’m going to try to get some work, but I’m honestly not sure how to accomplish that under the circumstances. So if you can afford to spare a little to help out, please send it along via PayPal or allow me to process a credit card donation via Square; I’ll keep everyone posted on her progress, and I hope to have some better news for y’all very soon. To everyone who has already donated: thank y’all so very much, and I’m sure Jae will want to write a thank-you herself once she has recovered enough to do so.
Diary #268
August 18, 2015 by Maggie McNeill
Posted in Diary | Tagged Washington (state) | 20 Comments
20 Responses
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Fuck.
I’m really sorry to hear that Maggie. At least it sounds like she’ll have no aftereffects beyond a few lost weeks and a good war story to tell. And I daresay this will deepen the relationship between the two of you by the time it’s over. I hope you’re storing up a few good scrambled egg jokes to tell her when she comes around.
Well, there will almost certainly be more aftereffects than that, but we’re hoping they will be relatively minor. I’m sure you’ll understand if I prefer not to say anything more right now; it would be purely speculative anyway.
So sorry to hear this Maggie. Thinking of you both. Will do what I can.
Jeez! That’s both terrible and incredibly lucky at the same time. I hope Jai recovers quickly and with no lasting injuries. I’m not the praying type but be assured I’m thinking of you both at this time. Maggie, I know you’ll be strong for Jai but please also remember to kind to yourself too. Lots of love to everyone – life can be so awful and capricious sometimes .
Thats awful Maggie. We do a lot of work with brain injury patients here at UCC. If you want me to put you in touch with anyone who will honestly answer questions then please let me know. Rob K
Just, well, fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccckkkkkk. *sighs*
So sorry to hear this, Maggie. Devastating news.
Ouch.
Oh god….
Maggie, I am so sorry for the pain you are both suffering. Nick
Nick Fowler nick@islandinsights.net 206-909-1010
>
These sort of phone calls are just awful, always so totally unexpected. I hope Jae makes a good recovery and soon.
Ah, dammit. I hope everything works out OK. I can’t imagine what I could do to help, but if you think of anything, don’t hesitate to ask.
This is so horrible. I really hope she recovers quickly.
I’m guessing one of the reasons her prognosis is so positive is because she was wearing a good helmet? I’m with Cabrogal about this only strengthening the bond between the two of you.
Prayers Maggie.
I am so glad that you are able to be with Jae! Please give her my love through you and I will do what I can to help with getting some funds available to you so that you can stay at her side. Thank you for being there with her <3
Just saw it. This sucks! My best wishes that this turns out better than it looks now…
I wish Jae the speediest recovery, and you the strength to care for her.
Hope Jae gets well soon. Just watched your latest Periscope … actually, it sounds really, really hopeful. I bet it turns out OK for you both.
I am so sorry about Jae, I hope she gets well soon…