Donna McLaurin-Smith, 49, 'I’ve learned that everyone goes through trauma that changes them.'

Changed, in a split second

I was only 21 when I was severely injured in a head-on car accident. My friend was driving us down the road when a car turned suddenly—straight in front of us—to enter a driveway. With no warning, we slammed into it and I was thrown forward. My face hit the windscreen, which then shattered from the impact. I was knocked unconscious, lost eight teeth and suffered deep lacerations to my eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead. I was in hospital for a week having surgery and dental work. My eyes were also bandaged up for six days and the doctor didn’t know if I’d ever see again. Luckily, I made it through and my sight is okay (I only have slightly blurred vision in my right eye due to a piece of embedded glass). I was incredibly lucky.

The power of positivity

After the accident, my life changed forever. I turned from a happy, sociable girl who worked, studied and modelled into someone who retreated from her friends and needed weekly visits to doctors, dentists, plastic surgeons and psychologists. Thankfully, my mum’s relentless positivity helped me through, especially when she offered me a job in her arts and crafts store. While it proved to be a great distraction and I was touched by the support from our customers, I still felt very self-conscious about my scars. To help them heal, I rubbed vitamin E capsules onto my scar tissue, ate healthy foods (especially greens) and avoided staying in the sun too long. Once, when I was feeling particularly down, I asked Mum, “When are we going to cry about this?” She replied, “No, Donna, I feel like I’ve won the lottery: you’re alive.” Without a doubt, her attitude helped me to move on with life.

My new outlook on gratitude

I’ve learned that at some stage everyone goes through trauma that changes them. If anything, I feel lucky mine happened so young, since it made me more empathetic and understanding. I believe counting blessings and practising gratitude shows on your face as you age—your smile lines just go upwards instead of down! I love my life and family, and am grateful for every day.

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