47 Miles

My former husband and I were on the way to Sikes Senter for me to go to my last cake decorating class. We were at the corner of Midwestern Parkway and Maplewood Drive when the hail started and the sky became an ugly green. We drove south on Maplewood, only making it to the new church just past Sikes Senter. We realized we were driving right into the tornado (even though it didn't like "those" tornadoes you see on TV or in pictures), so we got out of the car, laid down on the ground, and held on to one of the six small trees in front of the church. What seemed like eternity, and even going through the eye (we believe) because it became still and then started back up, we found ourselves sitting on the curb with our legs hanging out onto Maplewood Drive. A gentleman, who happened to have painting supplies (drop clothes, blankets, etc.) in the back of his car, pulled up just moments after the tornado ended and realized we were leaning against each other but were still alive. He had passed us, but then in his rearview mirror, saw my hand go up. He rushed us to the hospital; we were two of the first individuals to arrive. 

My parents, who lived in Henrietta, did not find me until the afternoon of April 11th. I cannot imagine what they went through during those almost 24 hours. My dad had driven to Wichita Falls and had visited the make-shift morgue, both hospitals, my house out near Wichita Lake...finally at the hospital, he found that there was "Mona Rake" on the list but the personnel would not let him in to verify it was me until he had a doctor with him. He drove back to Henrietta, picked up a doctor from Henrietta, then drove back to Wichita Falls and was allowed in to see if "Mona Rake" was me, Mona Brake. It was.

After nearly losing me to infection that had been caused by all of the debris that had pelted my body, and also losing my right leg below the knee, it was decided I needed to be transferred to Medical City Dallas. I was flown by leer jet, with my dad, to Dallas where I began an almost 6 month stay at MCD. Little did I know that they would almost lose me during at least two of the almost 40 surgeries I had. In mid-May, it was decided that they needed to amputate my left leg above the knee or the infection would kill me.

Along with the surgeries I was involved in physical therapy that was absolutely grueling beginning sometime in June. With the help of the wonderful doctors, nurses, physical therapists, my family and so many great friends, I was able to walk once again (with the help of the physical therapists and a walker) sometime in August, I believe. My mom and dad finally were able to leave the Dallas area (once I became stronger and seemed to be out of danger) to go back to Henrietta to resume their job responsibilities. They then began driving to Dallas every Wednesday night and every weekend to be with me, help me, encourage me, and love me. My sister and her family, along with my brother, lived in the Dallas area so my parents stayed with one of them each time they came.

Finally on October 19, 2009, I was released from the hospital and went to live with an aunt, uncle and cousin in nearby Plano. My aunt took me to physical therapy at MCD 2-3 times per week until mid November when I returned home to Henrietta and went back to my job in Wichita Falls. 

After a tough divorce in 1980, I met and married a man who appreciates me for who I am on the inside. We were married in December 1981; he’s been there through thick and thin for me during the last almost 28 years. In November 1985, we had twin girls. The twins were just one more blessing; God did not want me to have to go through two pregnancies due to the complications that could occur with me. When one of my treating doctors confirmed that I was pregnant, he said “I didn’t know if I would ever be able to tell you this…but you are pregnant!” What a blessing indeed!

Wichita Falls, thank you for being the city that faith built! You are strong and I will continue to pray that you strengthen and grow in the years to come.