She lost control on a curve, and her life changed forever

Editor's note: In her own words, Bethany Pearson, 19, of Wyoming, Minn., describes how one experience behind the wheel changed her life forever. Go to www.startribune.com/slideshows for an audio slide show about Pearson.

Life often presents unexpected trials that take courage, energy and strength to overcome. By persevering through hardships and by triumphing over challenges, the valuable lessons learned can shape the rest of life.

For me, the defining moment occurred at the age of 16 when my car careened into the path of an oncoming truck. Life changed forever. In detailing my radical reality, my repair and my miraculous recovery, I hope to illuminate the core values that guide me, namely that life is a gift, and that each day I desire to impact others' lives for good.

Here's my story: My radical reality began on Dec. 9, 2005, a slippery, cold night. After seeing a movie with my sister, Hannah, and her friend, I lost control of my car on a curve.

An oncoming pickup truck slammed into the right side of my car, critically injuring all three of us. Emergency crews extricated us from the car and fought to keep us alive. My 14-year-old sister, Hannah, died, but amazingly, by the grace of God, both Angie and I survived.

The accident severely injured my face and skull. I sustained extensive fractures that criss-crossed my skull, and the impact shattered parts of my right eye socket, face and jaw. The paramedics could not intubate me at the scene so they rushed me to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Once stabilized, I was transferred to the Gillette Children's Hospital Pediatric ICU. The neurosurgeon conveyed to my parents that "the face is the airbag of the brain." Indeed, my face protected my brain by cracking to pieces and taking the blow.

The next day I underwent a 15-hour surgery. Four teams of specialists skillfully utilized titanium plates and screws to put this Humpty-Dumpty together again. I'm a metal head now, and I'm very grateful for the exceptional care I received.

After two weeks on the ICU, I underwent two months of intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy at Gillette's Rehabilitation Center. Recovering from a traumatic brain injury consumed all my reserves, and paralyzed facial nerves and a weakened left side of my body tested my resilience.

Regaining some confidence

Initially, I could not walk or talk, and I breathed out of a "trach tube" as my jaw needed to be wired shut so it could heal. With my brain injury, I had to relearn everything! I attended school in the hospital and exerted myself in six strenuous therapy sessions daily.

All the effort paid off and by my 17th birthday, on Jan. 25, 2006, the doctors removed my jaw wires and I spoke my first words. Three days later, another milestone occurred when they released me from the hospital on a "day pass" with my family.

Where did I want to go? To the stable! I love my horse, Dan, and how he gently and affectionately responded after not seeing me for seven weeks. From then on, my recovery progressed rapidly. Victories included the removal of my trach tube and the accomplishment of walking unassisted once again.

Regrettably, some healing still eludes me.

I sustained permanent damage to four cranial nerves and as such, my left pupil no longer reacts to light and I can't blink with my left eye or move it up and down. As a result, I suffer from constant double vision and bright light really bothers me. The accident also damaged my ability to smell and taste. Nonetheless, I compensate well for these minor disabilities and feel blessed to be able to see, hear and move unencumbered.

My dreams came true on Feb. 17, 2006, when the staff discharged me from the hospital. I continued to get outpatient speech, occupational and physical therapy three times a week and steadily progressed.

However, the most significant improvement came in April when I received permission from my neurosurgeon to get back on my horse -- months earlier than anticipated. By June, I rode my horse independently and in August I steered him over a course of 2 1/2-foot jumps (only nine months after being critically injured)! Horseback riding empowers me. My horse willingly serves me and gently takes care of me. When I ride, I feel free and not disabled or judged, but confident and capable.

Change in career plans

Before the accident, I pursued the goal of becoming an equine vet, but now, I hope to become a therapist and use horses to help hurting kids.

Making a difference in children's lives is now my life goal, and I desire not only to make a difference for today, but also to help change these kids' lives forever and impact their futures. I desire to give them hope and, by showing that I care, bring a smile to those who may not have much to smile about.

Although I experienced a horrific car accident two years ago, my repair and recovery testify to the wonders of modern medicine and seem clearly remarkable.

My reality, though harsh and truly life-altering, remains full of hope and purpose. In my perspective, life is a gift. I'm living a miracle.