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Show Emery County Progress Castle Dale, Utah Tuesday August 3, 2004 5A Emery County CENE Promise A Trip to Greece turns into an Ordeal for Danny VanWagoner bend there was a piece of in the road. Paul was ahead of me and missed it. Before I had a chance to think about moving around it, I had already hit it. My bike was pulled from under me. When I realized I was going down, I put my left leg out to try and stop my fall. I skidded a ways and came to an abrupt stop. I was so thankful to have worn my helmet. I looked down at my leg and saw that my foot was twisted. There was blood running down my arm, and I felt light headed. Before I knew it, Paul wras by my side. While we waited for an ambulance, Paul prayed for me. I was taken to the hospital. My tibia was broken at a sharp angle and needed surgery. The doctor said that if I chose to wait, and go back to the states, I might never wralk again. I had no choice but to stay and have it done there. Paul and our group leader laid hands on me and prayed. They then headed back to Turkey, with the promise to be back on the 28th. The doctor informed me that I would need to stay three weeks for recovery. It would be too dangerous for me to try and travel in that condition. My heart was broken. How could I keep the promise I had made to my daughter? I lay there I dein the dimly lit room and stared Paul and My companion cided this would be the best way at the gray ceiling. I felt a blanto see the island. I wasnt going ket of sorrow and helplessness to wear a helmet. I wanted all come over me, and the tears my senses uninhibited. We were came. told w e could pay a hefty fine if The next day I learned that ply-wo- The Church at Ephesus. By ROSANNE FISHER Guest Writer This story ivas written by Rosanne Fisher, as told by Danny Van Wagoner, after a trip to Turkey and Greece. As I was unpacking my suitcase in my hotel in Turkey, I thought of a conversation that I had with my daughter before coming here from Utah. I had promised her that I would be home for her graduation. She was finishing with a degree in nursing. I never had the chance to go to college, but it had al- mother died when I was three. I was scheduled to and to the rest room. The excite ment of being able to be at my daughters graduation, helped me to think of something other than my leg. Tiffany was able to supply me with a wheel chair from her nursing class. When my friend and I drove up to the college where the ceremony was to be held, I watched as students and parents piled in through the fly from that I could not see what was Newr York to Cincinnati. I then happening. I lay there looking was to catch a flight from Cinat the lights in their little tin cinnati to Denver, and drive to holders, waiting for it to be over. When the doctor was finished, I was taken back to my bed. There were many moments the pain unbearable, and I had to scream out. The man next to me also had been in a motorcycle accident. We were able to talk a little, so he sent his family to bring me food. I was w'eak and tired and welcomed their generosity. It was the best cheese sandwich I ever tasted. He asked me why I had come to this country. I told him why I wras here, and then shared with him about God. He listened and asked more questions. I w'as thankful at that moment to be in that very place, in my sweat stained sheets, lying on my pillow, that was nothing more that torn up rags, shoved in a pillowcase. Later I prayed, God, if he is the reason this had to happen, then I am your serwras Utah. Once we arrived in New York, I asked if there were any flights going to Utah from New York. There was one flight headed to Utah that night, and it had one seat left on it. I knew God had saved it for me. Paul and and I said our good-bye- s to few in a talk promised days. I informed my family about the change in plans. My son would be in Salt Lake to pick me up. I arrived in Salt Lake at 11 p.m. the night of the 29th. I was back in Utah a day sooner that I was supposed to be. My son drove me to Price, which is two hours south of Stilt Lake. This is where Tiffany would be graduating. ; V .A: large glass doors. I thought about everything I had been through in the last week, and for me how miraculous it to even be here. I was wheeled in through a wheelchair accessible door and taken to the front row where a seat was waiting for me. Another chair was set in front of me so I could prop my leg up. When I saw Tiffany, dressed in s f ,4V.- 1 ajH W ! The next morning I decided I was going home and God would make it possible. When the doctor came in, I told him I would be leaving for America as planned. He said that he would not discharge me. I told him I would sign w hatever he needed. He strongly advised that I stay. I was informed that I had to have my hospital bill paid before leaving. The hospital did not I daughter Tiffany would be the first to get a degree. My heart felt as if it would burst with joy. In was April 21 and I was to return home on April 30.. .the same day as Tiffanys graduation. I knew it was close, but I vowed to, my daughter, and myself that I would be back in time to hear her named called. I w as in Turkey for a 100th year anniversary for the European Christian Missions. I am a builder, and travel on short term mission building trips in different countries. Saturday the 24th we had a free day and a group of us headed for Greece. We took a ferry to the Isle of Samos. We came upon some motorcycles. my spine. A sheet was set up so vant. ways been, my dream. My lived with my grandparents for a few years and then with my dad and his new wife. Things were so tight growing up, that when I needed my teeth fixed, I had to save up and pay for it myself. I married when 1 was 17, and had to go to w ork to support my growing family. Mv dreams of college w'ere brushed aside. All three of my children were attending college now, and my Ancient remains of the church in Ephesus. accept insurance or credit Danny VanWagoner and daughter Tiffany at graduation. most of the care received by paw e didn't, so I reluctantly put one on. As Paul and I rode we took in the beautiful scenery, pine trees and palm trees were everywhere, such an odd combina- tion. The mountainside was green and the sky was clear and blue. The temperature was a perfect 75 for a spring day in Greece. The breeze against my skin felt cool and refreshing. I breathed in a deep breath and could smell the clean air coming off the ocean. I smiled to myself it just cant get any better than this. Paul and I headed for the other side of the island. We wanted to see as much as we could before heading back to be with our group. When we came around a tients was by their own families. I did not have a family here to bring me food, wash me off, or to even talk to. The room was filled with chitter chatter in a language I did not understand. Communication with those on the outside was not easy. I could not call out at all, and my family and friends were having difficulty getting through. All the other patients had family taking care of them. I prayed to God Lord, you know the desire of my heart...I need to get home. I was kept awake for my surgery. I could hear the drill as the doctor screwed the plate onto my bone. Although I could not feel anything, the sound of the drill whirring sent shivers up cards. Paul had to find an ATM so that I could pay in cash. I was taken back to the ferry in an ambulance. Paul was a great help in getting me back into our room at the hotel. I was in terrible pain, but had so much to be thankful for. I certainly did not think that 1 would be heading back to America so soon. We had to be at the airport at 7 a.m. the next morning. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 8 a.m. When we arrived at the airport, I was told that I could not board the flight. I had not been discharged from the hospital. I needed a note from a doctor saying it was okay to fly. I had one hour to find a doctor to wTite me a note, and be back in time for my flight. One of the employees said he knew of a doctor that was nearby. Paul and I were on our way. When we found him, he looked me over, took my blood pressure and WTote a note. We made it back with a few minutes to spare. Seats were switched around so that I could prop up my leg. Danny VanWagoner visits the ruins of the theater at the church in Ephesus. We headed to the hospital emergency room there. Once in the emergency room, the dressing on my arm was changed, and the doctor orof my leg. She dered an said that the doctor in Greece had done a good job of putting my bone back together. She gave instructions on how to take care of my arm and leg. I was given the name of orthopedic doctors, and told to get in to see them as soon as possible. I couldnt believe the doctor didnt admit me into the hospital. I would still have been laying in that hospital in Greece if I had not insisted on leaving. The doctor here said I would be in great shape as long as I had someone stay with me. When I thought I was going to be staying at the hospital in Price, I was planning on leaving for the graduation and coming back. I wouldnt need to do that now. I stayed with a friend that lived in Price that night. My leg was swollen and in terrible pain I needed help to get up and down, X-r- her nursing uniform, I was so proud of her for all she had accomplished. She came up and kissed me on the cheek and said thank you so much for being here dad. That made everything ' I had gone through worth it. After each student wras pinned for completing them RN degree, the faculty announced the most outstanding nursing student of the year. The person they w ere choosing had been a dedicated leader, who cared about their fellow students, who had shown compassion and showed dignity to their patients, and had been an inspiration to faculty and students alike. Tiffanys name was called, and she walked to the podium with tears streaming down her face. When she looked out at me, she could see that tears were streaming down my face too. When I w'ent to Turkey, I had no idea what it would take to get back, but God was at every turn, even getting me home a day early. I had made a promise to my daughter and God provided a w ay to keep it. Carson & Barnes Circus Coming to Castle Dale In America today, there re- cir- mains only one cus, which manages to maintain big-tent- ! ! the traditional demanding y stands. Its schedule of the 2004 edition of Carson & Barnes Circus, bringing its hundreds of performers and animals to the Castle Dale Ro- deo Grounds in Castle Dale on Aug. 12 with shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. hosted by Castle Dale one-da- ! ; City. 1 ; ; ; ; ; ; Barnes Circus boasts five rings, more than 100 exotic and domestic animals Carson & and a host of performers from around the world. The big top that accompanies this circus covers a city block and is noted as the Biggest Big Top on Earth and it covers an area longer than a football field. Eighty transport and support vehicles, including trucks, trailers and RVs, follow the circus from town to town. During the 250 day period that the circus performs it will stop in more than 200 towns across the country. Elephants still help erect the big top and the general public is welcome to watch the setup at the Castle Dale Rodeo Grounds circus morning. Four hundred stakes, 134y poles and several miles of cable and ropes are laid out and prepared as the crew and trained elephants push, pull and lift the 300 foot Big Top of the shining polyvinyl audito- faceted community. Live and in front of you, the Carson & Barnes Circus is the best bang for the buck where. Rated G, with no sensationalism, foul language, or violence of any kind, this circus can be billed as fast paced action filled family entertainment. Advance general admission tickets are now available at Castle Dale City Hall and participating businesses at special prices or you may choose to go online and get Geary Byrd, and his granddaughters families, who are involved in the day to day hands on operation and move- www.carsonbarnescircus.com. On circus day advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge. rium 40 feet into the air. The four generation Miller family has successfully owned and operated Carson & Barnes for 68 years. The late DR Miller, founder, and know as Mr. Circus, was recently inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame, in Sarasota, Fla., and the Circus Hall of Fame in Peru, Ind. His legacy of American Family entertainment is being carried on by his daughter, Barbara Miller Byrd and her husband, ment of this complex and multi tickets at full price at 1) Kali, 'T: the tiger is one of the hundreds of exotic animals to & Barnes Circus be seen at the Carson |