When a Door Closes, a Window Opens: Stephanie

Hi Sara and team,

In 2015 when I was all set to undergo a total ankle replacement, I bought a brooch from a lady in Wales. I had never seen or knew anything about felting. I thought if I have to be off my feet for several weeks, I am going to learn how to do this. The lady who sold me the brooch was very helpful - and I started ordering some tools, material and kits. I ordered based on color - and often the wrong sort of fiber for what I wanted to make. But as learned more I fell in love with all different processing methods. That winter I stumbled onto Sarafina Fiber art YouTube tutorials, Etsy kits and several fiber loving enthusiasts! I was hooked. This was the creative outlet I had dreamed about.

In 1984 I was the only left-brained student in a commercial art program. On February 6, 1984, I was injured in a motor vehicle accident.

Left Tibia and fibula fractured - temporary cast to stabilize
Right femur was fractured - was in traction until surgery to pin
Numerous ribs fractured
Left collar bone fractured
Right lung punctured, left main bronchial stem severed
Right arm temporarily paralyzed from shoulder
Facial laceration from corner of left eye to lip.
TBI - left side of head broke window as car wrapped around end of bridge
6 pints blood transfusion – (Newspaper said 4 ½ pints). Temp outside was 5° F.

I never lost consciousness. I spent many weeks in ICU and many days on a respirator. For days no one would say what my chances were. I was never in a coma according to my mother’s observation. The EMT/Dr’s were amazed I did not lose consciousness. The Chief of Surgery said there is no medical reason I survived. After gaining mobility with a walker - Pneumonectomy – Left Lung -cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Bilbry stated the way the ends of the bronchial stem overlapped and sealed off had likely saved my life as the lung he removed was full of infection. I was in hospital 5 days for that surgery.

Post MVA recovery – My handwriting changed, and I had to learn how to study. Before – if I read something I (pretty much) knew it. I could no longer produce art that spoke to my soul. So, I went back to college, earned 2 technical degrees, and I worked 30+ years as an automotive engineer/manager. I dabbled in some crafts from time to time. I had given up the possibility of being an artist. I was grateful for all I was able to do and see.

Fiber is such a forgiving medium. It is stress relieving and grounding. I knew I finally found a way to bring my dreams to life. I began to buy fiber and equipment with the dream of supplementing income to retire early. I learned I live in an area that is rich with fiber farms and artists! I have been blessed to receive encouragement, and knowledge from so many here! The company where I worked announced they would close our site moving jobs to Mexico, China, Germany and Wales.

I joined the local county art league and had been a member of Local Cloth. I was blown away at the enthusiasm for fiber artists. The art league has scheduled two fiber focus shows this year partnering with local cloth! Being featured in the local magazines was so thrilling and a bucket list item crossed off! The Forest Edge Fox was awarded People's Choice Award - and was seen in the magazine by a lady who came to see it and the show. She loved it so much that she purchased it!

On November 12, 2024, everything changed again. During a scheduled wellness visit, I received 3 vaccines: flu, pneumonia and Shingrix. I had a really bad reaction. I have not been the same ever since. I never knew I had bubbles (Macrocystic Encephalomalacia) taking up space in my brain cavity. And they are from old damage - so it is hard to believe after more than 41 years I am having all these issues from that. All I know for sure is I am experiencing a lot of sensory symptoms - vestibular, vision, etc. I have been referred to Duke Neurology - Earliest available is next year. I have finally connected with a local neurologist that is actively assisting me with a whole host of referrals. I am hopeful I will be able to get back to producing. I so wish I could enter entries for the Christmas trees and for the cradled frame 2D/3D challenges. For now, health is the primary focus.

I thought I could at least share a photo my mom took of her dog Jake as he popped through the garden shed. While Jake has crossed over the rainbow bridge, the wool tribute hangs in her living room and is much loved.

I cannot thank you and the team enough for all the wonderful tutorials and quality materials. I look forward to creating more works once I am a bit better.

**Additional note, Sara remembered that the fox piece pictured above was part of a 2D discussion that we did live several years ago. Stephanie had this to say regarding that process:
"Yes - this is the fox that traveled to you and then back to me! I struggled several times with it and had put it aside when the 2D talk was being planned! I reflect often about the connections and timing of events that shape our lives. Perhaps we all have to balance between forging ahead or waiting for the right door to open from time to time.  I will be forever grateful for that discussion and hints that got me unstuck! Absolutely, you may share the fox!

You may share my story in the Sarafina Chronicles. Recently, I entered several photos of my finished artwork to be used to raise awareness and raise funds to support a traumatic brain injury non-profit. The entries are going through a juried process. I am hopeful my entries will be selected for the greeting card fundraiser - and the fox will be among them. If I understand the process correctly the funds will be used in part to pay scholarships for traumatic brain injury survivors and caregivers for on-line training and other similar activities. The next offering is on nutrition and brain health."