Couple travels through tragedy

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE EMOTION is still close to the surface when Noel Southern talks about the accident.
It was a split-second when his life changed irrevocably from active, retired teacher planning Australian and overseas travel to wheelchair-bound invalid.
“It’s hard,” Noel said simply, the emotion in his voice and his eyes speaking volumes more than his words.
Wife Janet quietly rested her hand on his arm.
“I’m still here, though,” he declared.
“I’ve got a choice – I can curl up inside or I can do the best I can.”
Seven years ago the Clifton Springs couple was returning from a caravan holiday in Queensland.
“We went up to see our new grandson and help our son, Simon, move into a new house,” Janet explained.
“I built a fort, a sandpit and swings for the kids,” Noel smiled.
On the way back Janet had just taken over driving duties.
“We were taking it easy,” she remembered.
“I’m always a bit more careful when we’re towing the van.”
Janet barely had time to register the blank, white door of the B-double truck overtaking them before disaster struck.
“The police estimated he was doing 120 to 130 clicks,” Noel said.
“It just lifted the van and jack-knifed it. We weren’t in a little car – we were in a Land Rover Discovery but the force just rolled it.
“He didn’t even stop.”
Noel remembered nothing after that.
“I ended up in ICU for three weeks, then I was flown to the Austin’s spinal acute ward, then spent time in Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre and then three months in Grace McKellar.”
Noel was left a C4 incomplete quadriplegic.
“The spinal cord isn’t severed but it’s caught at the neck and damaged the nerves to my arms and legs.”
Janet has a metal plate and screws holding her right arm and shoulder together.
Their travel plans are over.
“It makes it hard when you see others going – we feel like we should be with them,” Janet said.
“We don’t watch the Getaway-type shows so much any more.”