This morning, at approximately 1:30am, we received a terrifying phone call that would change our lives forever. My cousin Chelsey had been in a motorcycle accident. The back tire of a motorcycle carrying my cousin, blew out and both riders, her and Jeremy (the driver), were in a terrible accident, neither were wearing helmets. When we were alerted we heard that she was being air lifted to St. Cloud Hospital. She was being brought first because her injuries were slightly worse.
My mom and I were just going to bed when the phone rang. There's nothing worse than a phone call like that in the middle of the night. So we packed up and started heading for St. Cloud. We made it to Rogers when we got another phone call saying that she was being flown to Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. We turned around and headed back to the cities.
After meeting many family members we were placed in a few different waiting areas with nothing but the knowledge that Chelsey had damage to her head with internal bleeding. We were told that she would have a piece of her skull removed to relieve the pressure and allow for expanding of the brain. Shortly after we got settled into our newest waiting room, a doctor came in and gave us an updated. It wasn't good. We were told that the amount of damage isn't good. There were many things going wrong. Too much swelling, too much pressure, too much bleeding. It was hard to handle for everyone, but not nearly as hard to handle as when we were first allowed in to see her. She was still alive, breathing on her own, hooked up to many medications. That, to this day, is by far one of the scariest things my eyes have ever seen, even through the layers and layers of tears.
In the hours to follow, we were told that they had done as much as they could and that they would run another few tests as soon as all of the medications had exited her system. In these long and demanding hours, many many loved ones came to show their love for Chelsey. Everyone was making trips in and out of the intensive care unit to visit her and show their love. Holding her fingers, holding her toes, rubbing her shoulders and her ankles. There isn't a doubt in my mind that she knew she was loved.
Today, September 19, Chelsey Nielson, my cousin, a great friend, a favorite aunt, a wonderful person, was pronounced brain dead at 7:04pm. She will be tested and her organs that are salvageable will be donated within the next 24 to 36 hours. It's what she would have wanted. The most selfless person, studying to be a nurse, would have wanted nothing less, than to be able to help as many people in as many ways as humanly possible.
Chelsey,
I don't know what to say, you're leaving us when you are too young, too smart, have too much potential and are entirely too loved. Words can't begin to describe the hole created in each of our hearts. This planet will never again be the same without you. The day is a shade darker for the rest of time.
I can't make it apparent enough how thankful I am that I was able to be related to you, able to know you. I'm so happy that we were able to spend Labor Day weekend together. I had the best time spending that time with you. Thank you so much for staying up late talking with us. I'm so happy I was able to play a few rounds of games with you, and I'm even more happy that you were on my team. I'm sorry I didn't get to design your tattoo. I know Braxton and I had the most amazing time tubing with you. We all enjoyed your company.
I'm sorry that we never got around to eating at Benihana. I'm sure it would have been a night to remember, and I think that I would have been able to get you to try some sushi. And between me and you, I think you would have liked it.
I love you more than I let you believe, and I let you believe every time I saw you.
I'll NEVER forget our times in Alaska, I'll NEVER forget our times at the lake, I'll NEVER forget our times making candy with grandma, I'll NEVER forget the vacation you spent with my family and I. I'll NEVER forget how much you meant to me, and I'll NEVER forget you.
Until I see you again.
Love always,
Jared
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