RICHMOND, Va. -- The first time a parent lays eyes on their child is a special moment in a family's history. Local entrepreneur Raheim Watson got to experience that moment two weeks ago, but from an unlikely place.
Watson's fiance, Erica Lowery, had their second child, Riley, in the same hospital Watson is stuck in. The moment of Watson and Lowery, both in hospital beds, gushing over their newborn was caught on camera.
"It was like an angel had come to him," said Lowery.
Erica Lowery and Raheim Watson
Back on Sept. 22, Watson was driving home from work when his car ran off the side of Route 288 in Goochland, near the Broad Street exit. His vehicle struck a sign and caught fire, according to his family.
"He really doesn't remember much of the accident. He just remembered getting out the car, and somebody telling him, 'You got to get of of the car now; otherwise forever hold your peace,'" said Lowery. "He got out of the car."
Watson was pulled to safety by a state trooper and a citizen who saw the wreck, Lowery said. He broke both his ankles and suffered third degree burns to more than 20 percent of his body.
Route 288 Accident
Lowery still vividly remembers walking into the hospital that day.
"You can't plan on what you're going to see," she said. "I still live it everyday."
Reports indicate Watson was taken to VCU Medical Center in critical condition. He has slowly improved over the past month, and is already trying to sit up on his own, which Lowery said his doctors have advised against.
"Relentlessness, I would say, is the best word to describe Raheim," said Sarah Mullens, Executive Director for UnBoundRVA.
Mullens would know because she has seen Watson fight to make things better in the past.
Mullens' non-profit invests in talented entrepreneurs from economically disadvantaged parts of town and helps them launch a business. UnBoundRVA had helped Watson open a window cleaning and power washing business about a year ago.
"Within the first year, Raheim was slated to double his personal income. He had gone full-time with his business in July," said Mullens.
Despite the success of his business, Watson does not have health insurance.
"We don't discuss it because I wanted his heart rate to stay normal," said Lowery with a somewhat nervous chuckle.
UnBoundRVA started a CrowdRise fund online to help Watson's family stay afloat while he recovers in the hospital. They have already raised more than $22,000. Mullens said their goal is to reach $30,000, but even that much wouldn't "hold a candle" to the amount of medical bills they may have to pay.
UnBoundRVA has also set up a system for the community to cook meals for Lowery while she cares for the children and Watson recovers.
Lowery said she knows her fiance's still has a long road to recovery, but on Sunday, he told her there was work to be done, windows to be washed. It is that spirit she believes will help their family through this new set of challenges.
"If he can be positive, my days are nothing compared to his days. I've seen him everyday from then to now, and it's like, 'Why not be positive?' He's coming home," said Lowery.
