As my blog and website have gone through a major makeover, it seems only appropriate to take the time to let you know who I am and get a little more acquainted with one another.
My name is Carly and I’ve been blessed beyond my imagination with an amazing friend and husband of 20 years, David. We have two beautiful children (who aren’t so little anymore and have almost both acquired the status of ‘adult’). Our oldest, Samantha, is 24 years old. She’s married and lives in a nearby community with their crazy golden-doodle and their psycho cat. Our youngest is Nathan who is creeping undesirably close to being 18 years old. He will graduate from high school this May and is planning on chasing a future in engineering or physics…like father like son.
As a family, we have lived in several places around the country due to the nature of David’s job as an engineer. We started off in Minnesota; then NY, then Texas and now Indiana. I grew up in a small farming community in Minnesota and David grew up in Indiana. Nathan is a true Texan- he was born there. The rest of us are just wannabees. We loved the world of “ya’ll”, big hair-do’s and that southern sweet hospitality.
In the summer of 1999 our lives changed dramatically. David went to work and he didn’t come home again for almost 6 months. There was an oxygen flash fire at the air separation plant he worked at as an assistant manager and the fire consumed 94% of his body. Our somewhat perfect life was swept out from under us as we fought to save David’s life and then we spent years trying to put the broken pieces of our family back together again.
One physical injury but many emotional scars. Each one of us experienced our own set of pain and struggled with different battles but I’m proud to say that those scars and wounds have made us stronger. We have survived but we continue to heal, even fifteen years later.
We hope that by openly and honestly sharing our family’s journey we might be able to touch someone else’s life. Can you gain a glimmer of hope from our story? Can you grab onto a nugget on encouragement if you’re facing a tough time in your own life? While our circumstances may be entirely different, we hope our lives may intersect somehow. Pain is not an option- it’s inevitable but how we choose to handle that pain is important in our survival.
So, “Hello. My name is Carly D. Bowers. And you are…?
so glad I have known your beautiful family through part of your life’s journey. Your relationship with our Holy Savior is an inspiration to me.
Thanks, Melinda.
Even though our girls are all grown up now, I appreciate your friendship. Thanks for the kind words.
What a wonderful opening!!!! Just LOVE it!!!!
Carolyn,
So glad you like the site. You already know so much of the story- simply because you were such a vital part of it during the rehab phase. Thanks for being a nurse that went above and beyond to care for her patients and their families.
Hello! I’m Jennifer and I feel blessed just to call “ya’ll” my friends!
Jennifer,
Likewise, we are truly thankful for our friendship with your family. Thanks for doing life with us.
I am Aunt Mary and I could not be prouder of your family than I am. Your strength and faith in GOD have inspired me more than you will ever know. I love you guys so much.
Bob and Mary Gooding
We are so happy that you and your family have come into our lives. What an example! What a testimony! What a brunch! We cannot imagine what you have been through. We can and do pray for you and yours!! We love you!!
Bob and Mary,
We value your friendship and your prayers. Please keep them coming! I think every person has a powerful story to share. We’re thankful that you are a part of our lives and can share in little pieces of our story. Love you too!
Mary,
We love you too. Thank you for always supporting us and helping us get through the tough times.
I just saw this on a friend’s facebook status and she said she was hooked. I like what she reads, so of course, I am following suit. YOU all sound very interesting and can’t wait to begin to read about your journey!
Beverly,
I’m SO glad you and your friend found our family and our story. I hope you will continue to come along side us as we share our lives.
I have enjoyed reading about your journey. I know it is a tough story, but if you write, I can assure you I will read. Marilyn and Keith have updated me at various times. Your family is amazing. Rogene
Rogene,
The story may be tough, but amazingly, so many good things have stemmed from it. We are all different people because of what we’ve gone through. We appreciate your kind words of encouragement and hope you will continue to follow our story.
Can’t wait to read your story. It has been an incredible journey for your family and friends. Couldn’t do it without The Lord! May He continue to keep your family together and strong.
Peggy,
You might be surprised at what you can do with the help of God, family and friends. Thanks for coming along on our journey.
Love hearing from you and your family. I am so excited about your book and will order three at this time. Prayers continue to be with you always, Carolyn
Your story has been an inspiration. My mother has shared the events and updates of your family since day one of the accident. Occasionally I would see David’s parents and they would share with me what is going on in your household. God continually pours out his blessing on his children. Sometimes we just can’t understand the events taking place but they are part of something much greater as your family has proven. You and your family are in my prayers. By the way I am John Kissel, Marilyn (David’s mom) Bowers cousin. Pleased to meet you Carly.
Hello John, It’s nice to “meet” you!
Thanks for keeping up with our story through your Mom. We enjoy staying in touch with her.
We appreciate your encouragement.
What a wonderful blog–so inspiring. I am one of Marilyn’s cousins and I presently live in Columbus, Oh. Thank you for sharing in such a positive way–God Bless You.
Carmen-
It’s great to hear from you! Thanks for following along on our journey!