One day, shortly before my 23rd birthday, I was driving to work in the early morning hours. It was warm and I was wearing running shoes, black cotton shorts and a blue t-shirt with some sort of cute saying on it (like “Denver is for Lovers” or something like that)- my normal work attire. I had a client at 5:30 am at the private personal training studio I worked at and it was about 5:25. I was going to be there right on time, if not a minute or two late, but I knew my client wouldn’t mind because he was probably going to be late as well (he always was). Still though, I hated being late and just the thought of it was stressing me out a little bit.
I was just driving along, going about 45 mph, which was the speed limit. I knew better than to speed on this expressway- there were speed traps everywhere. I followed the bend in the road and then the next bend and then the bend after that. As the next bend approached, however, I tried to turn my wheel to the right slightly, just to follow the curve of the road, but my steering wheel wouldn’t budge. The next thing I knew, I was driving on the center divider of the expressway, about to drive off into oncoming traffic (though at this hour of the morning, there were very few cars on the road). I tried relentlessly to pull my steering wheel to the left without success. I tried to slam on the brakes but those weren’t working either.
The next thing I knew, I was spinning. Or my car was, rather, and it was spinning fast. I was only spinning for what seemed like a moment, but I remember thinking “If my dad were here, he would know what to do.” And then the car stopped.
Relieved, I thought to myself “Whew, I got the car to stop.” I looked up and noticed my cracked windshield. “Ok, I can deal with that,” I thought, but then I noticed just in front of my car stood a light pole. I sat up to look at the front of my car and found that it wasn’t touching the pole. “That was a close one! Good thing I got the car to stop. It’s fine. I’ll just back-up and drive to work.”
I pulled my phone out of my purse that was nestled in the center console and called the studio. My boss answered. “Hi Spencer, I’m going to be a little late. Can you tell Gordon I’ll be there in a few?”
“Sure. Is everything okay, Kristy?” Spencer asked.
“Yeah, yeah. I got into a little accident, but I’m totally fine. I’ll-” I stopped. There was a man knocking on my window. “Hold on a sec,” I told Spencer as I rolled my window down.
“You need to get out of the car, Miss. Your car is leaking a lot of fluid,” the man told me.
I was irritated. I was just trying to get to work. “Spencer, there’s a guy telling me I need to get out of my car. Apparently my car is leaking fluid,” I said while rolling my eyes. I switched the phone to my left ear so I could grab my purse.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Kristy? You’re not hurt?” Spencer asked.
“No, I’m fine.” Then I noticed my right hand, clutching my purse, was covered in blood. “Well, actually my hand is bleeding a little, but it feels fine.”
“Miss, it’s not your hand that’s bleeding,” the man outside my car (who would not mind his own business) told me. “It’s your head.”
Spencer must’ve heard him because he started asking where I was. I put my hand back to my head and felt the mass of warm, sticky blood pooling under my hair. I pulled my hand down to see that it was now covered in more blood which was dripping down my arm.
“Miss, you need to get out of the car now,” the nosy man told me. I was confused. My car just spun out. Why was my head bleeding? I looked to my right to grab my purse and that’s when I saw the tree that was standing where my passenger seat should’ve been. Air bags had apparently gone off and were tangled around the tree. My head began to pound.
The nosy man pulled me out of my car and brought me to the curb to sit down. I kept looking at all of the blood that was starting to dry up on my arm. I was so confused. I didn’t remember hitting my head. Come to think of it, I didn’t even remember stopping. I just remember being still suddenly. I looked at my young, four-year old car a few feet away, bent in half and wrapped around a tree. The last payment on my “new car” was due that day.
The police arrived and began asking me questions.
“How old are you,” the officer asked while examining my driver’s license.
“25 or 26,” I responded. The officer looked at his partner and his partner walked away while speaking into his radio. “No, I’m definitely 25.” I was 22.
I looked up to see a fire truck coming from the direction that I’d been headed, only he was driving on my side of the road. “Oh crap!” I exclaimed. The officer looked at me and I told him “That truck is driving on the wrong side of the road!” I began to panic and he assured me that it was okay.
I was briefly looked over by the firemen before the ambulance came and two more men put me on a stretcher and lifted me into the back of the ambulance. As they took me to the hospital, these were my thoughts: “Great. I’m going to miss work today. That’s one day of pay that will be missing from my paycheck. This is just great. And all of those flowers I picked up from Home Depot last night? I guess I won’t be planting them today. They’re probably going to die in this heat and I’ll be out $50. This is just wonderful.”
Later, in the hospital, when the doctor told me that they were going to have to shave the area of my head where it had busted open in order to put staples in, I cried. “You’re going to shave off hair? It’s taken me so long to grow it out to where it is!” I was furious. The fact that besides my head being cracked open, I was fine, didn’t even register. I was so furious that on top of the already terrible day I was having, they were going to shave a patch of my head. “Story of my life,” I thought.
The next day, covered in bruises from head to toe, and blood still caked into the parts of my hair that I wasn’t able to clean in the sink (I had been prohibited from getting the incision wet for 48 hours), two of my friends took me to gather my belongings from my car at the lot it had been towed to. I got in through the driver’s side and tried to pry open the glove compartment. I managed to pull a few things out, but decided to leave the rest behind. My friends were standing on the passenger side of the car and I walked around to see what they were looking at. There were pieces of tree trunk embedded into the side of my car. Chad, one of my friends, began to pick the pieces out. We joined in as well. It was then that I began to realize that had my car spun just 180 degrees more, I wouldn’t be there to be picking bark out of the side of my car. The driver’s side of my car would’ve been wrapped around the tree and I wouldn’t be with my friends that day.
I forgot about the bald patch on my head. I was alive and my hair was going to grow back. I forgot about how my paycheck was going to be less than usual. I was alive and I had a job to return to. I forgot about the dead plants sitting on my back porch. I was alive and I had my whole life to plant flowers. That day changed the path the my life was taking. That day changed how I began to look at that path. It didn’t matter where it led- I was alive and I was going to be able to travel that path.
A couple weeks later, for my 23rd birthday, I came home from work to find that about 5 or 6 friends, a group of guys that I had known since high school, had planted me a rose garden in my backyard to replace the flowers that I had been unable to plant. I cried the greatest tears of joy (and truth be told, I’m crying as I write this) because it was a reminder of how blessed I was to be alive. It doesn’t matter what happens as long as you’re alive to experience it. Everything will work itself out and happen just as it was meant to.
That day, I began a ten year journey of remarkable growth. I came out of a depression that I’d had since I was 14. I adopted Samantha. I learned to stop worrying about being skinny and focus on being healthy which ultimately led me to becoming vegetarian. I got married. I got divorced. I sold everything I owned. I travelled solo through Europe for nearly a year. I began writing. I lived in another country. I stopped sweating the small stuff. I stopped planning so much. I moved home. I moved away again. I followed my dreams. I tried out different jobs. I stopped having expectations. I had amazing times with old friends and made many incredible new friends. I met and fell in love with Chris. I got married again. I realized how much I loved being alive so I went vegan to stop denying other living beings the simple joys and happiness that life can bring. I began living my life in accordance with my ethics and found the greatest peace that I’ve ever known. I started Keepin’ It Kind. I’ve made mistakes and learned from most of them. I’ve laughed more than I’ve cried. I’ve really lived. I’ve loved being alive.
Today, I turn 33. The person I am now is so far different from the 22 year-old in that car. I am so thankful for every twist and turn my path has taken because they have all led me right to where I was meant to be: right here, right now, and enjoying every second of it.
Instead of birthday well-wishes (as much as I love them), I would love for each of you to be thankful for your lives today. Take a moment to enjoy being alive. If you aren’t already vegan, please consider being vegan for today in an effort to let all other living beings enjoy their right to be alive. Thank you for joining me in celebrating life today. It really means the world to me. Much love to you all!
Kristy you are so beautiful inside and out- your journey thus far sounds like it has been an amazing one full of learning, joys and a little sadness, the best part is you have embraced each experience. Like you, letting go of the small things, living in the moment and not “planning” so much of my life and day has been a goal of mine for the last couple of years – I am thankful everyday for all that I am so lucky to; an amazing family, my health and a partner that truly brings out the best in me. Happy Day Kristy, enjoy your 33rd! xoxoxo
Heather recently posted…shallot balsamic tomato soup
What a great story! Being vegan connects me to a joy for living too, and being proud to be part of a movement of peace and not violence. Thank you for sharing and Happy Birthday! Wish there were more people like you in the world.
Sarina @ Earthgiven Kitchen recently posted…Coconut Belgian Waffles for the Vegan Potluck Brunch
You are so sweet, Sarina- thank goodness for people like YOU! 🙂
That is such an amazing story! Happy birthday. Your recipes have inspired my kitchen and now your ‘life-story’ inspires me to remember to be grateful for the small things, and just being alive! xxxx
Emily – it comes naturally recently posted…Review: Pura Vida Raw Living Broccoli Bread
Thank you so much, Emily! Your words mean so much to me. 🙂
Sending lots of love and wishes your way today – just like everyday! Thank you for sharing your post, it’s a beautiful insight as to how you’ve become – and are continuing ti become – the incredible person we know and love today! Happy birthday!!!
Thank you, Ten! It was such a treat to wake up and read your comment this morning. Love you and Steve lots. xoxo
what a powerful story. thank you for taking the time to write it. i cried, too. today i am grateful. happy birthday, you amazing person, you.
Caitlin recently posted…Pesto Pizza
Thank you, Caitlin! I’m grateful for knowing you! 🙂
Oh honey, I am thankful to be alive for sure. And for your beautiful, brave story. And for you! And for all of the beauty you put back in to the world! You are amazing and I hope this birthday is full of many more roses, life lessons, and wonderful triumphs. Much love and happy birthday!
Ashlee recently posted…Tuesday’s Cookie: Pineapple Cashew Biscotti with Ginger Icing
Thank you, Ashlee, my fellow cancerian! I am so happy to have met you and your bright, vibrant, passionate self- can’t wait to see you again!
Kristy,
Thank you for sharing your story and powerful, inspiring words of advice. That was definitely something I needed to read today. I wish you all the best on your birthday and in celebrating being alive!
Much love,
Nirel
Oh Nirel, Thank YOU! I hope you have a marvelous day, my dear! xx
Wow what a powerful story! Happy birthday to you and and thank you for the reminder that life is so tender and bright. I’m happy to be alive because it means that I can spend time with my husband and kids, and read good books, and eat delicious vegan food, and create and sustain deep and long-lasting friendships.
Wow- that is soooo much to be grateful for! I love it! Thank you for piping in, Jess! 🙂
Love, love, love you! Thank you so much for hsaring this. I am so grateful for so many things, and today am grateful that I know you and Chris. Plus that I get to see you two soon! Happy Birthday love! I am sending you a huge Dan hug.
Dan
I love big Dan hugs! Thank you so much- I can’t wait to see you both soon! I am sending you a big Kristy hug right back. 🙂
It is nice to read a positive post. There is so much negativity on the internet. Happy Birthday!!!! Thanks for reminding me why I should be grateful for life 🙂
Thank you for commenting, Jessie! Negativity is a waste of energy- it does no good. And with positivity being so much fun, it’s hard not to be. 🙂
Oh my dear dear Kristy, not only do I remember that AWFUL car accident, but I have that “old” picture of you! It is framed because I just love how gorgeous you are in it and how young a silly the three of us are :). You have always been such a sparkle of joy in my life, and it makes me SO happy that you are so happy these days. Today I woke up early, went for a run and worked in the garden with Moses, all before 7:30 am. A gorgeous morning that made me VERY happy for the life I’ve been given. It’s the simple things, huh? And I’m practically vegan these days anyways but we’ll have a family vegan day today as a birthday present to you. Love you!
Heather recently posted…Tomato Delivery
Oh, Hez- you have brought so much joy and fun and sanity and grounding to my life. I am so blessed to not only know you but to have gone through a large majority of my big “life moments” with you by my side. The thought of you gardening with little (or not so little now) Moses just makes my heart smile so much. Thank you so much for my “gift” and for your kind words. Love you lots!
P.S. I have that picture up on my bulletin board- I look at it daily. I love us. 🙂
Thanks for sharing that story. Wow, I’m so happy you were ok! Happy Birthday to you! I will go through today with more awareness of how amazing it is to be alive thanks to you 🙂
Thank you, Angela. You are so kind. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this story! Isn’t it amazing that it takes a major situation like an injury or accident to make us realize how short life is?
Almost 9 years ago, two weeks before my wedding, I had a bad migraine one day that numbed me on one side of my body — even my teeth were numb. I didn’t think anything of it, but others did, so I went to the doctor the next day. They thought I might have had a mini-stroke so ordered an MRI. Turns out I had a brain aneurysm behind my left eye (which was unrelated to the migraine). To make a long story short, non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments were not an option. I’d always been very active, but what I was doing was not enough to deal with the stress of this, so I started running. I had major brain surgery 6 months after our wedding. I had to relearn how to do a lot of things, and it took me about a year to completely recover. I made a job change to one significantly less stressful, and made some other changes too. Running became a huge part of my life, and I’m so very grateful to be able to do it.
Beth recently posted…Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Oh my gosh, Beth! That is incredible! Isn’t it amazing the twists and turns the universe sends us? I am so thankful that you went to the doctor and they were able to take care of it before it got worse. You lucky woman, you! Thank you for sharing your story! xx
This is an incredible story. Happy Birthday to you! Right now I’m loving the simple pleasure of sitting with friends in the warm sunshine, enjoying conversation and laughter.
Kelly @ Vegan Iowan recently posted…Pea Shoots & Tofu in Vegan Kabayaki (Eel Sauce)
That sounds so wonderful! What a blessing it is that we are able to do that, right?! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Wow, your story is so scary and incredible all at the same time. I definitely teared up reading your post and your takeaways. What you say about taking a moment to enjoy simply being alive is so important, and something I think most of us (myself included) need to do more often. I hope you have the happiest of birthdays! xo
Amanda recently posted…On Holiday
Thank you, Amanda! I’m also guilty of forgetting to be present and acknowledge the gift that I have to be able to breathe and live in this world at this point in time. Once you take a moment to do that, everything else just melts away. 🙂
What an amazing story, thank goodness you were alright! I try every day to be thankful for my life, especially as I think of people I’ve known who are no longer here. It is so important to recognize not only the value of ourselves and our loved ones, but also of strangers and other living beings as well! Thanks for the inspiration and happy birthday!
A. Cook recently posted…Kitchen Purge: A Romantic Comedy
Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
This story was amazing to read, I’m so glad you were not more badly hurt in your accident! Today (and hopefully all days) I will definitely celebrate life and enjoy being alive!
Helen recently posted…My Story: Part 3, Finding Health
Thank you, Helen! Everyday is the perfect day to celebrate being alive, isn’t it? 🙂
wow.. i am thanking god that you werent injured seriously Kristy. Thanks for sharing this event. Happy birthday to you! Hugs and tighter hugs!
Richa recently posted…Smoky BBQ Tempeh Pizza with Red onions, Bell peppers and Parsley. Vegan Recipe
Thank you, Richa! Big hugs to you too! xx
OH MY GOSH! There couldn’t be a more perfect post for me to read right now. This is amazing. YOU are amazing, what a story. I am so amazed by your strength and your fight! That car accident had to be one of the craziest things to happen to you, but you have learned so much from it and I am sure that was why it happened! Thank GOD you came out alive and healthy, and you have lived the most amazing life since then. You are an inspiration, and I adore you and your blog! GORGEOUS post and GORGEOUS woman! Happy Birthday to you!
I adore YOU, you wonderful girl! You have the same strength in you and I’m positive that, though right now is tough, life is going to continue to be absolutely incredible for you! Enjoy it! Much love to you, Brittany!
Amazing story Kristy, thank you for sharing…I got goosebumps just reading it and can only imagine the process of writing this all down – you are a very special woman and there is a reason you are here! Happiest of birthdays to you and everyday, life truly is a gift and everyday is one to treasure. Wow, just wow. xxx
Shira recently posted…Recipe: Olive Studded Chickpea Rosemary Flatbread
Thank you so much, Shira- I feel the same way about you! Thank you for doing all that you do and being a constant inspiration to me! xoxo
What a moving story. Thank you for sharing, I hope it inspires others to live life well and for joy 🙂 I am so happy that you are on a positive track, I love your blog too!
Katie @ Produce on Parade recently posted…Tart Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
Thank you, Katie! Your blog is pretty dang great too! 🙂
So so much love going out to you dear, thanks for sharing your words and stories! xoxo
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan recently posted…Mini Double Chocolate Almond Cakes with Chocolate Glaze
Thank you for your kindness, Abby! 🙂
This post made me get all teary eyed. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m vegan and would hope to inspire others to eat vegan today as well 🙂 I’m loving that I am finding more and more about myself every day and becoming more comfortable in my own skin. Thanks again for such an inspiring post 🙂
By being vegan, you are already setting an example for all those who know you. Keep on doing what you/re doing, Em! Thank you for sharing!
Kristy, today I found your blog for the first time and LOVED IT! Then I read this post and that just confirmed it for me. First, happy birthday! Second, you have a wonderful open, writing style that just drew me in. Third, the message behind this post is so amazing and important. Fourth, I became plant-based for health reasons but lately have been trying to stop the disconnect you spoke about on your Being Vegan page. You have such a lovely, non-threatening way of describing your journey to being vegan and why you are vegan and it is honestly one of the most compelling explanations I have heard.
I’m glad to found your blog and look forward to more!
Best,
Wendy
Wendy@Plantivores recently posted…Mediterranean Polenta Pizza
Your comment just made my day, Wendy! Thank you so much for sharing! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Oh my goodness, what a horrible experience. BUT, like you say, that moment led to so much positive change for you.
Going through a lot of tough stuff in my late teens definitely made me appreciate life so much more. Love life 🙂
Happy birthday too!
Emma recently posted…Rhubarb + Berry Compote, Yogurt + Granola Parfait
Thank you so much for piping in, Emma! 🙂
I am so grateful to share this earth-walk with fellow vegans who have reverence and respect for all sentient beings!
Wishing you great beauty, joy, health, happiness, laughter and all that your heart desires on this, your birth-on-earth, day. May it be a magial new year for you! Happy Birthday, Sweet Spirit! All love…
Treesa recently posted…Bottled Sunshine
Messed uo, sorry. Meant to write *magical”
Much love to you too, Treesa! Thank you! 🙂
What an incredible story! And what a perfect sentiment to have on your birthday. Just reading this made me thankful for the life I have. I’ve had a moment, about a year ago when I went into the hospital with an infection and they accidentally gave me an antibiotic I was violently allergic to, where I thought “this is the end” — it definitely changed my perspective on a lot of things! It’s a hard lesson to remember, though. It’s so easy to slip back into your normal ways. I think the thing that amazes me the most about your story is how true to yourself you kept after that day. Really inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Willow (Will Cook For Friends) recently posted…Blog Changes & An Update For My Subscribers – Please Read!
Wow, that’s a scary thing to have happen! I bet you were scared out of your mind!
Thank you for chiming in, Willow! 🙂
I just want to say that is a very inspirational story. I got the chills and a little teary eyed reading that. It definitely makes me grateful for all that I have and realize the stupid little things we complain about are no reason to complain. Thank you for sharing!
Am recently posted…Saturday Night Recovery Beet Juice
Thank you, Am. It’s funny when you think about all the little tiny things that we make so huge in our minds. It’s all so small and not worth worrying about it as much as we do. Silly brains. 😉
What a great story…. I’m so glad you weren’t hurt more. When Logan was a baby I was getting into our car holding him we just moved to the beach.. My phone rang… It was my boss calling on my day off… I almost didn’t take it but we went back by the house.. Next thing I got a knock on the door asking if that was my crv… A big Cadillac hit my car right where I would’ve put Logan in the car…. My car was totalled…. Just thinking of what could’ve happened…. Scary….. Anyways I hope you had a great birthday dinner 😉
Oh my gosh! What an incredible stroke of luck for your boss to call at that exact time. Wow.
Thank you for sharing, Michelle and thank you- I did have a wonderful dinner. 🙂
Your story made such an impact on me! Wow. Thank you for being so candid. I am so happy you were brave enough to post this. I found so much joy in reading your story. Thank you!
I have had many struggles but have found true happiness since I became Vegan nearly 4 years ago. So much joy and peace have filled my life since that day.
Peace to you…and Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Julie! It is amazing the peace that one feels after going vegan. It’s a pretty amazing gift- I actually feel blessed to be vegan! 🙂
I, too, am so grateful that you survived that harrowing ordeal so that you could be here with us. It sounds like someone was watching out for you that day. (The same someone, perhaps, who introduced you to your male friends whom would later plant you a ROSE GARDEN. ?!?! You lucky GIRL!)
I love the uniquely wonderful way you chose to celebrate your birthday. Everyone should be so reflective on their day to come to the same conclusion and realization that you did. What better day to be grateful to be alive and thankful for all the things that have come into our lives than the day we were GIVEN life?
Reading your account of the accident, I thought, “I can’t believe that happened to her!” Isn’t it odd how, though we don’t assume to know everything someone has been through, it’s always so surprising to learn what they HAVE experienced? In a way, I think all your readers feel like we know you fairly well due to how much you graciously share with us, yet, it’s always so enlightening when you post a never-before-spoken about experience. Personally, I feel so honored when you share things about your life with your readers, and this is just another insight into your life that I’m grateful to be privy to. Learning about you is both so enjoyable and makes me love and appreciate you and your blog even more. I cannot wait until the next installment of “Being Kristy Turner”. 🙂
PS The “young” Kristy sounds a lot like me; I would’ve been STEAMED about losing $50 worth of flowers! LOL
I am so moved by your comment, Liz. As always, you just warm my heart. I am so happy that you like my work. Thank you so much! xx
This is fantastically well written. Very inspiring. I have been working on my own daily project of trying to find something beautiful or positive in every day. I still struggle with depression and it is so easy for me to get caught up in the little stresses of life. I greatly admire your strength and ability to embrace the full beautiful of life. I have always wondered how people simply travel around Europe, or up and move (I mean the actual logistics) Living life to its fullest always seemed a daunting and unattainable feat.
That sounds bad, I mean, in my life I am very content, but there is always that sort of looming struggle. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am not vegan, but I look forward to returning to your blog and trying some recipes.
Carly Swenson recently posted…365 good days: #182
What a great project, Carly! It is so essential to focus on the beautiful things that are presented to us each day, though I do know how easy it can be to forget.
Thank you so much for chiming in- it is so nice to meet you! 🙂
I’m about to cry after reading this. YOU. ARE. GORGEOUS!
Love, Lara
Lara recently posted…Simplicity
Thank you, Lara! And SO. ARE. YOU! 🙂
Wow. Incredible story and journey, Kristy. I’m so glad you shared this with us. Hope your birthday was wonderful.
Annie recently posted…A Terminal Illness Primer for Caregivers: Other Roles of the Caregiver & A Discussion of Estate Documents
Thank you, Annie. It really, really was. 🙂
This was what I needed to read today. Thanks for sharing. Love your blog!
Thank you, Lindsay! I am so happy that you like it! 🙂
Oh my goodness, what an incredible and inspirational story. So much to be grateful for!
PS. Happy belated birthday! Hope it was a memorable day!
Bobbie {the vegan crew} recently posted…Sweet & Easy Kale Slaw
Thank you, Bobbie! 🙂
I love your story, it was so heartfelt and truthful! Happy, happy birthday!
I have learned to love the simple things in life, discovering I don’t need a lot to be complete is one of the greatest lessons I have been taught. Now I don’t cling to unimportant things as much and am able to take less and give more.
So true, Gabriella. “I don’t need a lot to be complete”- It’s so true but so hard to realize sometimes. 🙂
Thank you for this post. My birthday is tomorrow and I am really dreading it. Tonight, I will try to come up with things worth celebrating from my life so far.
Peace&love
Suzanne recently posted…Long weekend recap and Summer Rolls with Avocado-Cliantro Dipping Sauce
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Suzanne! 🙂
What a beautiful and powerful read. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding all of us to be grateful for every day we have! Hope you had a wonderful birthday! 🙂
Thank you, AY. xx
This a beautiful, beautiful post. This past year has seen me finally open myself up to living in a way I’ve never allowed myself before, so your words ring through me. The joy, the pain, the risks, the swooping giddyness of a new smile, the tumbling fear, the crying in the shower, the incredible friendships and moments of exhilaration that come with being alive. I want all of it. Thank you for your post. And happy, happy birthday.
Hannah recently posted…Chocolatepalooza: Trader Joe’s PB&J and Lindt Vanilla White Chocolate Truffles
I want all of it too. 🙂 Thank you so much!
This brought tears to my eyes. Truly, truly inspiring. Sometimes it is easy to take little things (that are actually big) like being alive for granted. Happy belated birthday!
luminousvegans recently posted…Welcome Food Surprises
Thank you so much, my friend! 🙂
FANtastic post and personal share. Thank you so much!
Demetrius recently posted…Perfect Picnics, Vegan Lunches, & Summery Sips
Thank you, Demetrius! 🙂
What an incredible story Kristy. You are so wonderful inside and out and while this is such an awful thing to have happened to you, I can’t help but be happy that you got so much goodness out of it. Challenges in life can build us p or tear us down and it is so inspirational to see how you’ve grown and turned a bad experience into such a positive turning point. Happy birthday my dear 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook recently posted…healthy vegan friday #50- no-cook and raw foods galore
Thanks for sharing this story, Kristy. I love your honesty and the way you write. You truly are inspiring.
Thank you, Sarah. You are so sweet. xx
Kristy, I have been following your blog for a while, but just read your story and it is so powerful and so touching. I got into a similar accident 12 years ago, flipping my car 4 times and not knowing what had or was happening, it also changed my life. September will make 3 years of being vegan and that also changed my life. Thank you for this amazing blog and your inspiring journey!
Jessica recently posted…Anti-Anxiety Foods
Thank you, Jessica. It is amazing how little changes have a huge impact on our lives, isn’t it? 🙂
I can relate! I got into a car accident a while back. I was very lucky to come out unhurt except for a bruised knee, but I totaled my car. Glad that you weren’t more seriously hurt! Getting into an accident like that definitely changes your perspective on things though.
The Vegan Kat recently posted…Fourth of July Rhubarb Peach Crumble
Absolutely! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Hi there, I have just discovered your blog.
What a powerful and inspirational story and a good reminder to us all that we should be grateful for what we have.
And, happy birthday 🙂
Robyn B | Modern Day Missus recently posted…Dirty Dozen/ Clean Fifteen
Thank you so much, Robyn! 🙂
Oh my goodness, bella, I had goosebumps reading that!
I am so, so glad you lived to tell the (ultimately beautiful) tale and that you are here today to bring so much joy and inspiration to so many others. You are an absolute GEM and I’m so proud and happy to know you.
(You’re also an incredible writer, girl!!!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, angel! xxx
Bex @ Vegan Sparkles recently posted…Almost Raw, Vegan Nutella Cream Pies
Oh my gosh, Kristy, what a story! Thank you for sharing this beautiful tale – it made me tear up. Thank you for the reminder that the fact that we are alive is a gift not to be taken for granted! I wish you all the best, thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Amy! 🙂