Mickey Starling: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Anna Harbin, the 13 year-old granddaughter of Gayle Walker and the late Wayne Walker, of Madison, was involved in a serious car accident on Saturday, Dec. 16, in Hahira, Ga. Harbin, who suffered head injuries, a broken back, a broken left femur and a collapsed lung, was immediately life-flighted to Shands Hospital, in Gainesville. Harbin is currently receiving occupational, physical and speech therapy at the Children's Hospital of Atlanta. These sessions will continue for at least another month. Her parents, David and Jayne Walker Harbin, have been staying intermittently at the Ronald McDonald House, in Atlanta, to stay close by Harbin's side. Presently, David is staying regularly to assist with physical therapy. “David knows how to push her. I'm more likely to coddle her a bit. I thought losing my dad was the worst thing ever, but this is worse,” said Harbin's mother, Jayne.
Despite the severity of the accident, the family remains hopeful about Harbin's progress. Initially on a breathing tube for 13 days, Harbin is now texting and doing a little talking. David and Jayne are confident that more abilities will return as swelling in the brain continues to decrease, allowing Harbin to regain normal body functions. “Anna is tough. She's a lot like her grandfather, Wayne. She grew up learning much from him, including how to fish and kill rattlesnakes. She followed his every move so closely that we nicknamed her “Wayne's wart,” said Harbin's mother. Walker passed away on June 13, 2014, after a battle with cancer.
David and Jayne Harbin would appreciate the continued prayers of friends and loved ones as they walk with Anna through this lengthy healing process.