They explained to me that I had been in a car crash. I tried to talk, but this was impossible because of the breathing tube. My wife told me I had been drinking and in a car crash. I kept trying to talk, so they brought me a piece of paper.

I asked if anyone had been hurt, but my handwriting was almost impossible to read. It hurt so much to write, as I had a separated shoulder. They told me nobody else was injured in the crash but that my injuries were severe and that I was lucky to be alive.

The night before, I had driven drunk and hit a bridge embankment at highway speeds on Interstate 35E in Lilydale. I was not wearing my seatbelt. The fact I was alive was a miracle - something 3652 days later I still don't understand.

The crash was violent, and I woke up ten years ago with a damaged body. I had a traumatic brain injury, a separated shoulder, and massive trauma to my right leg. My body was bruised everywhere and it was painful to even breathe.

I had experienced both acute cardiac and respiratory failure, and without the speedy and caring work of state and local law enforcement, EMTs, first responders, and staff at Regions Hospital, I would have died.

In the last ten years, I have healed my body and mind, and I am the luckiest man alive. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful, caring family, along with a great group of friends. Since my crash, I have given over 100 speeches about the dangers of drinking and driving.

For the rest of my life, I will continue to show my appreciation for the efforts made to save my life ten years ago by volunteering my time every month to help make the roads safer for everyone.

I will celebrate today by being with my family. I will appreciate today by acknowledging how long it took me to make this journey. I will reflect today on how I can continue to show my profound gratitude every day for being alive.

I wish you all continued success and happiness on your journey through life. We are all a work in progress - especially me. Thank you for being a part of my life. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

@mbrodkorb Thank you for courageously sharing and helping others. Keep going. Proud of you!

@CoryHepola Thank you, Cory! All the best to you and your family.

@mbrodkorb Michael, Thank you for sharing this. I am sure there are people out there you have saved today as they read this and want to prevent a similar fate. Good health to you.

@RoshiniR Thank you, Roshini! All the best of health and success to you.

@mbrodkorb You have done so much to show your strength, resilience and commitment to change. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story again.

@Mkhelgen Thank you, Michele!

@mbrodkorb What you have shared to others and given back to them has made more of a difference than you will ever know. Thank you for your honest and open journey.

@jkboyne Thank you, Jodi. I appreciate your comments and your friendship. All the best to you and your family.

@mbrodkorb Congrats on your recovery. Mind, body & spirit. That was one of my great fears when I was in active addiction. Over nine months without a drink. It feels good to feel good again.

@travisoltmann Thank you, Travis. I’m proud of you. It does feel good to feel good again. I wish you continued success and happiness on your journey.

@mbrodkorb I have the utmost respect for first responders, especially EMTs. I was in a bad accident in 2018 that totalled my car. The other two people who hit me were able to drive away. I sat in the back of a PD car waiting for tow, talking to the officer about the Vikings.