BY AMBERLEE MILLER
Mason Lord III, a sophomore at GMC, celebrated his nineteenth birthday in Albany Medical Center on October 7. Family and friends sent gifts, cards, and love his way. His road to recovery is a long one, but Mason will have the support of his loved ones to get through it as quickly as possible.
Mason sustained a head-on collision with another vehicle on September 28 when he was returning from a field trip. His car hit Sylvia Harris, 56, of Brandon, VT. She suffered minor injuries and was released from Rutland Medical Center the next day, while Mason was airlifted to Albany in critical condition. The injuries resulted from the engines of the two cars being pushed into the driver’s side of each vehicle. The vehicles were traveling less than 50 mph when they collided in Castleton, VT.
As a result of his injuries, there was a chance doctors might have to amputate his leg. However, the recovery therapy is working well and he currently has blood flow, pulse, and nerve feeling in his leg. He has had multiple surgeries on his leg, pelvis, arm, and stomach, and is doing much better compared to his first night in the hospital. On October 15, he was moved to Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, NY where he awaits final leg surgery.
The GMC community formed healing circles on several occasions at the Labyrinth to send positive energy to Mason. One particular night, more than 50 people attended. Chants, songs, prayers, and memories were shared in favor of a quick rehabilitation for Mason. “We all wish him a quick and easy recovery and hope he returns as soon as possible,” said Kiley Matthews, Mason’s good friend.
Two websites are dedicated to Mason’s recovery. One is a Facebook page called “Pray for Mason.” The other is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/masonlord, where visitors can write in the guestbook or read up-to-date journal entries on Mason’s status. All the comments on the site show the wishes of many to Mason for an easy recovery and quick return to GMC.
