February 7, 2017--Letter from Pres. Smith about accident

Dear Brother and Sister Paskett,
 This is Jeff Smith, president of the Japan Sendai Mission.  Your son, Landon, was involved in a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident a few hours ago.  He is alive and well and, miraculously, is able to walk and talk as if nothing had happened.  I tried to call you to explain in person what happened, but it must be early in the morning so no-one picked up the phone.  So, I will try to explain here.
 He and his companion were walking along the side of a road towards the home of a less active member of the Church for a visit.  Elder Paskett was a few paces behind his companion.  The next thing he remembers he was “flying” in the air.  His companion doesn’t know exactly how it happened either.  All he remembers is that they were walking along when suddenly his companion was struck from behind and went flying past him “20 feet” onto the road ahead.  He did not lose consciousness.  An ambulance was called.  A Church member in Yokote was also called (and arrived before the ambulance).  He was able to stand and walk on his own power.  He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.  He had a cut/ abrasion on the back of his head with some bleeding.  At first that was his chief complaint.  He had a swollen hand as well.  x-rays were taken of his hand, neck and head.  Nothing was broken.  He had a CT scan of his head.  There was no evidence of internal bleeding in his brain.  He was then released to return to his apartment with instructions to return to the hospital in the morning.  The accident happened around 7:00pm Japan time (Tuesday).  It is now around 9:40pm.  I have spoken with him.  He said he has some chest discomfort but didn’t seem overly concerned.  He is alert and attentive.  He is speaking both Japanese and English appropriately.  In fact, the driver of the vehicle (who is extremely remorseful) said he would try to come to Church on Sunday!  (Wouldn’t this be the most unusual conversion story if anything comes of it.  I certainly do not recommend it as a proselyting method.) 
 His companion has instructions to wake him up every 2 hours through the night to make sure he is rousable and showing no signs of intracranial hemorrhage.   They are to keep me informed.  
 I asked your son if he would like to speak to you.  He said he didn’t want you to worry.  He said he felt fine.  I will certainly let you know if there is any change in his condition.  As it is, all I can say is that he has been spared by the Hand of Providence.  I’m an orthopedic surgeon by profession.  One simply does not get hit by a car sufficient to send you flying 20 feet and then get up and walk away as seems to be the case here.  As a minimum, a broken leg or arm would be anticipated.  By all outward appearances, he has been protected miraculously.  I know your prayers will join ours for a complete recovery.  Possibly you could have his name placed on the temple prayer rolls.  Please let me know if you have questions.
Sincerely,
President Jeffrey R. Smith
Japan Sendai Mission