Life is Day-to-Day for Big Sandy Family Man After Horrific Head on Auto Accident, BIG SANDY, March 9, 2008 - David Humble is a formidable 32 year old family man with a wife and 6 kids. Life for David, his Wife (Kim) and their kids was nice and routine until just a little over a month ago (February 5th), just shortly after 11:30 am, David was involved in a major head on accident on Highway 146. "I can still see him looking at me as he hit me" David says, referring how Thomas Underferth made eye contact with David before the massive collision. David works for Eastex Telephone and was north-bound on 146 in a phone company truck when Underferth, who was south-bound veered into Humble's lane causing the collision. Underferth died shortly after the accident occurred due to massive internal injuries. David was life-flighted to Hermann hospital in Houston.
"I still have nightmares about it", he says. "I'll be sleeping and all of the sudden, he's coming at me and I just jump", David says as he dreams about the accident frequently. "I struggle riding in automobiles because of the accident" he says. "The ride to Hermann hospital in Houston isn't easy". David hasn't walked since the moment of the accident. "I struggle with depression" he says, "Sometimes when I'm here in the house, I just start crying for no reason, I don't know why". David's right leg was broken in 4 places and his left hip was blown out when his left femur bone blew out of its socket. "That was hurting worse than anything after the accident" he says of his hip. Four surgeries later, (one in which they took muscles out of his back and placed them in his right calf to salvage his leg) David is day-to-day. His wife Kim had two jobs but was forced to take a lengthy leave of absence in order to take care of David. "Everything happens for a reason" she says. "We're just so thankful David's alive, things could've been much worse". Since Kim left her two jobs, life's been a struggle for the Humble family. David receives workman's comp but the sudden loss of income is a financial strain. In spite of all the pain and struggles, David tries to keep a positive outlook, "God must have a plan for me, that's the only reason I lived" he says. David gets emotional support from co-workers who visit him weekly, his brother (Dale) who was also involved in a major head-on collision six years ago, his mother, mother-in-law, the kids, and of course Kim. "The kids are great, but they know they can take advantage of me because I'm immobile" he says laughing. "I have a greater appreciation for life now...and Kim, cause she has to take care of me and put up with me" he says smiling. Kim has to change his leg dressing daily and put medicine on his wounded leg. "I miss paintballing with my friends, and all the things I once took for granted". David has all the feeling in both legs, but his right leg's ankle movement is limited. Doctor's are estimating that David will be able to walk again in another 3 to 6 months, "I just hope that when I'm walking again, I don't have to walk with a limp, but if I do, I'll just be grateful to be able to walk".
A First State Bank benifit account has been set up for David Humble. If you'd like to donate, send your contribution to First State Bank in Livingston, account number 5004361.
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