Sorry for the radio silence over here. When your brother and his little family get in a horrible car accident in Africa, some things seem to lose their importance and you realize that your family and your faith are the things that really matter. I’ve been so touched to have people from literally all over the world express concern and care for my brother Seth and for me personally. I am so grateful for the connections I’ve made over the years through this webblog and felt that it was time for me to include you in not only our joys, but our sorrows.
I’m posting a letter from my sweet parents, serving a mission for the LDS church in Fiji:
Dear Friends and Family,
Some of you are very aware of the recent tragic auto accident Seth and Caroline were in, others of you may be learning of this for the first time. We wanted to give you all a brief update:
A few days ago, Seth and Caroline along with their children, Tommy (4 1/2 yrs) and Cali (1), Caroline’s younger sister, Katie (18yrs.), and 3 friends – including Seth’s best friend from Corvallis, Seth Wiggins, were all traveling by car from their home in Zambia to Zimbabwe. The driver fell asleep and the car rolled three times, crashing into a tree just at the front passenger seat where our Seth was seated. Though banged up, Seth Wiggins and the two other friends appear to have not been injured badly. Tommy was thrown from the car and had a concussion and cuts to his head, Cali seems to have been spared any serious injury, Caroline has a very serious cut on her foot, Katie has broken ribs and lung contusion along with a serious concussion and perhaps other undiagnosed injuries. Seth Sherry was critically injured with a broken neck and back (C-1 & C-6 vertebrae). As you can imagine, the care in a 3rd world country is lacking and compromised, particularly with Seth. Over a period of a day and half, it became clear that if Seth’s life and limb movement abilities were to be preserved, he would need to be flown to Johannesburg, South Africa which the insurance company did arrange and Seth Wiggins accompanied him on the flight (where he remains to give perfect care and attention to our Seth). Caroline and family stayed behind in a clinic in Harare, Zimbabwe (the capital) where they are now in the care of local LDS church members. All of them have been treated and released with the exception of Katie, but she now seems to be showing signs of improvement.
In South Africa, all exams and tests were redone and the injuries more specifically identified. Seth continues to have movement in feet and hands though his shoulders and arms above the elbow have diminished sensation and movement (this however, has improved over the last couple days – a very good sign). As of today, neurosurgeons are still discussing the best approach to stabilize Seth’s neck and back. The next step in doing so is critical and of immediate concern to prevent paralysis. As of this writing, we don’t know what course of action will be decided upon but it will likely happen in the next 24 hours.
There have been so many prayers, blessings, people in the right places, and miraculous help from LDS Church members in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. We appreciate your concern and prayers, they are deeply meaningful to us and important for Seth, Caroline and family. Between the physical injuries, time zone differences, challenges in long distant communication and getting accurate information, and the future unknowns, this is a terribly trying time but we trust in the Lord and pray for His watchcare to do what we cannot. We will update you all as we are able. Thank you dear friends for all you mean to us and our family.
Love,
Annie and Tom
Leah, I was so sad to hear about what is going on. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers I truly hope all will be well.
Wow Leah! I can’t believe it. It is crazy how LIFE can change in a day. We found that out last year with my nephews struggles for life. So I DO understand the emotions you are feeling right now and feel for you and all your family, it is so very emotional. Thanks for sharing and please know you are supported and love, and prayers are coming.
🙁
Lots of love and aloha from all of us on Maui. We’ll be thinking of you and hoping and praying for Seth’s full recovery. Godspeed.
Leah, I’m thinking of you and you whole family during this time… throughout the days and in my prayers. Truly, Summer
I have thought of nothing else since learning of their situation. ALL of my prayers are focused on your family – ALL of them.
I’m just a blog follower, but wanted to add my prayers to your family at this difficult time.
Praying for all involved Leah, can’t even imagine. God’s got this.
hoping that you hear some good news soon.
Im so sorry! I will keep your brother in my prayers!
Hi Leah. I have been so sad about this since finding out about it. My family is praying hard along with the thousands of others who love your family. I am SO very glad they are all still here but so sorry for the trauma they have been through and struggles they will continue to have. Hang in there. I feel for all of you during this difficult time. Love- Andrea
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love, The Lamoreaux’s
Another longtime blog follower here; I’ll keep your family in my prayers!
I am so sorry to hear of the accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your brother’s family. I hope he gets the best care possible and makes a full recovery.
Leah, I am So Sorry! This is breaking my heart! Sending prayers to Seth and his family, and all of you!
Oh Leah! I’m so sorry to read about this. I can’t imagine what your going through. Sending all my best wishes to your brothers family for a speedy recovery. Lots of love, Alexis in Corvallis
I’ll be arriving in a classic Aston Martin DB6 in sky blue with inky leather interiors thanks to the lovely folk at Greatescapecars.co.uk, but neither I nor my groom are brave enough to drive it (not sure I could find the pedals under all that dress!) so they’re kindly providing a chaffeur, too.Would highly recommend them for any couples looking for a more iconic, cool wedding car (they have oodles)