Six weeks ago my husband, our two small children and I were involved in a serious car accident on the 118 freeway. Thankfully, my husband and my children were not hurt, but I sustained serious injuries. I stayed at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills for over three days. I have had two surgeries for skin grafts on my right hand, which makes my ability to do anything with my right hand impossible. I had minor injuries to the head and knees.

I would like to take this time to thank the people that helped me through this time: the CHP officers in the Woodland Hills branch and the wonderful people who came to us at the side of the freeway and helped with our 4- and 1-year-olds. A special thanks to the lady who gave my daughter a Mickey Mouse blanket to keep her warm. Thank you to the staff at Holy Cross, in the emergency room, surgery room and all of the nurses. I was so scared, but you managed to calm me. Thanks to Dr. Hong for making sure I could leave that hospital to go home to my kids. And, most of all, thanks to Dr. Kwan Kim, my plastic surgeon, for putting up with me long enough to do two of the best surgeries I’ve ever had.

After coming home I realized the truly good in people and I must take time to thank these very special people: my friends in Thousand Oaks, Body Focus Gym, Saint Paschal Baylon Church and in my neighborhood. Of course I need to say thanks to my personal friends and my loving family. And last, but certainly not least, my family must thank each and every person from Horizon Hills Preschool. Without their help, there is no way that I could get through every day. They have taken our kids to birthday parties, dance classes and preschool. They have cooked countless meals for us. They have made my life not only bearable, but happy.

A special thanks to Kim Tauber, Peri Martin, Patti Trotter and their families for all they have given to our family.

There are no words to express our gratitude towards some of the finest people we have ever met. We are proud to say that the above people are some of the best friends we will ever have.

I thank God every day for giving me another chance at life. I have great friends and a wonderful family. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

Patti Croke

Thousand Oaks