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Sandra Yi ReportingIt's been a month since a newlywed couple from Colorado was injured in a car crash on I-15. Their story touched many in our community.
The couple's car was hit head on along I-15. That moment changed their lives. A month later Tara Berendes is still in the hospital, still in a coma. Her husband has never left her side. For Josh Berendes, every day counts.
Josh Berendes: "It's been a rough month. Just trying to get through it the best I can."
His new wife is still in a coma, but each day brings small miracles.
Josh Berendes: "We get little things here and there and seeing her responding, it's nice to see."
Josh and Tara were married on May 22. Ten days later, as they were driving through Utah, their car was hit head-on. 28-year old Thad Goodman of Taylorsville was killed. Tara was left in critical condition.
Josh Berendes: "I made a promise to her that I'd take care of her and that's where my focus is now. Nothing else. God's given me peace about things, and even when I'm sad and upset, there's still hope left there. That's all you have to hang on to."
A website for the couple includes a daily status report. Tara has shown steady progress. She can open her eyes and smile. That little gesture gives Josh strength.
Josh Berendes: "If she smiles at me or something, it helps get through the day or the next day."
Last week, Josh and Tara celebrated their one-month wedding anniversary. He says her gift was a smile.
Doctors don't know if Tara will make a complete recovery, but Josh has hope she'll pull through. His wish is a simple one: to be able to enjoy the life so many take for granted.
Josh Berendes: "I don't think it'd ever be totally normal, but just go back to some kind of a normal life, I think that'd be the greatest."
Tara's family plans on moving her to a hospital in California so she can be close to family there. An air ambulance will cost about $10,000 and is not covered by insurance.
