Shillinger recovering from injuries following lawnmower/vehicle crash.

Shillinger recovering from injuries following lawnmower/vehicle crash.

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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

GRAND RAPIDS — Sharon Shillinger who was seriously injured Wednesday when she was struck by a vehicle while mowing her lawn, remains in Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, but is improving, according to her husband Jay Shillinger, and her daughter, Kayleigh Martin.

The 48-year-old’s injuries included a concussion along with four compression fractures in her back. She has been able to walk with assistance at the hospital.

She was injured while she was operating a zero-turn lawnmower near the end of her driveway in the 4500 block of Hansen Road in Amber Township about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. A pickup truck has attempted to make a right-hand turn (westerly) out of the driveway onto Hansen Road, and apparently had not seen a westbound car coming up a hill. The car compensated for the truck and ran into the driveway, hitting the lawnmower and knocking Shillinger off the machine.

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“She is doing so much better than yesterday,” Jay said. “We are just trusting that God has control over this situation.”

The family is relying on Bible verses from Proverbs 3, verses 5 through 6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.” And also, Philippians 4, versus 6 through 7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Sharon was initially transported by Life EMS ambulance to Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. Martin said doctors discovered there was a bleed in her mediastinum (by the heart and between the lungs) and wanted to take precautionary measures in case it got worse, which is why she was flown by helicopter to Grand Rapids.

“We have been praying, crying, laughing and chatting for most of the morning and that has been good for all of us,” Kayleigh said. “Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. We are trusting that the God of healing will continue to work in her body.”

Jay said he and Sharon have had an outpouring of support from the community and they are thankful for everyone’s concern and prayers.

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