‘Special K’ is the nickname I have chosen to give my 13-year-old, 6’2″ nephew, not just for the sake of his privacy, but also because he is especially special.
This is a difficult post to write but here goes: Special K was one of the five children injured in a car accident in which Ming was the driver … a bit over two years ago.
Special K was the only one thrown out of Ming’s ute, his leg was broken badly, and he was subsequently emergency-helicoptered to Perth with his father (my youngest brother). And yet this brave and beautiful boy, instead of screaming, helped everyone to calm down. I don’t know how he did this because I wasn’t there; I was at the other end of a suddenly-silent telephone call in which Ming said, “Mum, I’ve had an accident.”
Fast forward to now and all of the children have recovered physically except for Special K who needs an operation to remove the plate from his leg. He might even need another smaller plate inserted; I don’t know.
Ming and I were talking about life and death yesterday and he admitted that he thinks about the accident every single day.
Me: But you were so philosophical at the time, Ming! You kept reminding me that nobody died!
Ming: You were a mess, Mum.
I think the fact that Special K has to have an operation on his injured leg has thrown me back to that dreadful night and reminded me of how resilience works. 
As you can see from the photo, Special K is almost as gorgeous as our brand new 007!
[This post is for you, Jo – mother of all mothers!]
jmgoyder 
What a fabulous photo. It’s just wonderful. I hardly can believe it’s been two years since the accident. It’s true, isn’t it — that certain events bring both the good and the bad back to life. I do think we experience those events differently each time, though — and eventually, they become incorporated into our lives as just “this” event or “that.” Even the most painful.
It has been an extraordinarily painful couple of years for our whole family, but this wonderful boy has continued to be an inspiration. How could anybody anticipate the his legs would outgrow the plate – this kid is TALLLLLLL!
He’s such a handsome young man. I hope everything goes really well with the removal of the plate.
Thanks Yvonne!
Man I remember when it happened Julie. Hugs! ❤
Diana xo
Yeah, not the best memory!
I hope the operation would be successful Julie 🙂
It will.
What a great photo (of Sp K & 007) – just lovely.
Well, look on the bright side, Julie. We have some of the most brilliant surgeons in the world so I’m sure Sp K is in the very best of orthopaedic hands possible. Sp K has a smile on his face anyway.
Yes!
glad you are mostly looking on the bright side. At least Special K is young and he is healing well. some people remain with the plates for life so he must be doing really well to have it removed.
He is the most beautifully positive child/man I have ever met!
Gosh, I’m not sure if this is a time for any puns – “brace” yourself! It just sounds like right now, Julie, you have far too much on your “plate.”
Thinking of you and hoping I gave you a smile during such a difficult time.
You always give me a smile, Judy!
What gorgeous children, you are very lucky. Everything happens for a reason! So glad you overcame the accident. Your Ming is a special boy! Love reading your posts x
Thank you!
What a heart warming photograph, good luck to him with further surgery.
I am sure it will all go well but it still worries me of course.
best of luck to special k, what a handsome young man – and everyone was truly lucky to have arrived at this day.
Isn’t he gorgeous!
I see “handsome man” runs in your family.
I think it makes sense that the operation is bringing up those feelings Julie. All my best to your Special K and his surgery. And to you and Ming to help with your emotions.
Thanks so so so much!
Oh, Lord, what a neat family–all of you! I SO hope all goes well for K! (And for your Ming, too. What a horrible experience for someone so young.)
Character-building!
You guys already have lots of character:) You’re super neat!
Such a beautiful photo! It’s amazing how much more resilient kids can be. Some of them just accept things with such ease.
You are so right about their resilience.
You have nothing but handsome young men in your family.
Yes indeed!
What a lovely photo! Two handsome guys! I just wanted to tell you that Special K will be fine. My son had an accident that almost severed his left leg about 3 years ago. He had 4 operations, several plates, vein rerouting, and bone graft done. He has recovered really well, walks, runs and does boxing and heavy gym stuff. These things happen, but today’s medicine is just miraculous!
That is very encouraging – thanks Tiny.
Yes, life is so precious! And they ARE gorgeous! and yes, Tiny is right. Modern medicine is miraculous…enjoy the moment, julie!
Such a handsome lad. I pray he recovers completely!
just happy that this is wrapping up and all can move on at some point. your nephew knows he was perhaps as responsible as ming and just accepts that things happen in life.
oh jules i will be so relieved when you can truly start to put this behind you. you are the only one with 0 responsibility in the whole adventure.
i send you love and big warm hugs