Critically injured Grapevine motorcycle officer goes home for Thanksgiving
Senior motorcycle officer R.J. Hudson is especially thankful this Thanksgiving for one simple thing — he's home.
Hudson has been at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Grapevine since Oct. 19, recovering from a horrific crash on his motorcycle on Texas 121 while on duty.
He broke 23 bones, had four holes in his lungs and suffered countless lacerations all over his body.
On Wednesday morning, the day before Thanksgiving, Hudson, a veteran motorcycle officer of the department, was released from the Grapevine hospital.
"I have a lot to be thankful for," Hudson said in a Wednesday morning news conference at the hospital. "I'm looking forward to getting back to motorcycles."
That could take time, but the veteran says he's ready for the challenge.
"When I got to rehab here, I was told, 'No is not an answer,'" Hudson said.
His wife, Angie, was just ready for him to come home.
"The house has been too quiet," his wife said at the news conference. "We are so grateful for the support we have received from police, fire and the whole community."
Hudson was critically injured Oct. 19 while on patrol. He was trying to stop a speeding vehicle when a sports utility vehicle swerved into his lane and hit his motorcycle on Texas 121 near Hall Johnson Road.
Surgeon Brittney Culp said Hudson spent 10 days in the hospital, making a remarkable recovery after each surgery.
Dr. Jason Miller, with physical medicine and rehab, said Wednesday the support Hudson received was one of the keys to his recovery.
"He told me 'Doc if I make it to rehab, the guys in blue will make sure I do everything,'" Miller said.
Guys in blue and several dozens other from the community were at the Grapevine hospital Wednesday as Hudson left for home.
"It's been surreal," Hudson said. "I was going after a speeder one minute, then I'm here. I'm so thankful."
Domingo Ramirez Jr.: 817-390-7763, @mingoramirezjr
This story was originally published November 22, 2017 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Critically injured Grapevine motorcycle officer goes home for Thanksgiving."