Working My Way Back

It has been nearly a month. During that month, I have spent about 95% of my time in my living room downstairs. Stir crazy? Me? Absolutely.

Still, there have been some positives during this time of rehabilitation. For example, I have discovered that the insurance companies that I chose for my health coverage and my motorcycle coverage have been top-notch. Aetna has been great, and I have not had to worry about what is covered and what is not. Sutter Hospital has also been fantastic. I was treated great and had full confidence in my doctors and nurses. When you consider that I am scared of hospitals in themselves, it was nice that they made me feel so comfortable. Finally, I was covered by Allied Insurance for my motorcycle coverage. Not only did they not make me feel like slime for filing a claim, but they processed matters quickly and professionally and seemed genuinely concerned for my recovery. All in all, I was very impressed with all parties involved in helping me get back on my feet.

My motorcycle is dead. The insurance company has determined that it is irreparable and are "totaling" it. Even though I am glad that I don't have to deal with the repair and sale of the bike, I am still saddened by the loss of my pretty little motorcycle. What a waste.

So where am I on my recovery? Well, I am in a walking boot, even though I am not supposed to walk in it. (Should it be called a walking boot?) My right arm is doing better, even though I still have some pain. My left shoulder is still in bad shape. It's going to take a lot of physical therapy to get it back to semi-normal. And yet, I am very grateful that it wasn't worse. I am hoping to get back to work shortly, perhaps as early as next week. I have to get to the point where I can use my left arm to move my wheelchair around my workplace.

Thanks to everyone who has offered words of support and has helped me in concrete ways as well. (e.g., those who provided dinners for two weeks after I got out of the hospital.) I don't wish an accident like this on anyone, but I'm glad it isn't worse. To those who think that riding motorcycles without proper protection is a fun and "free" thing to do...think again. Please...wear armor. Spend the money for a high-quality helmet. Recognize that all it takes is a moment for you to be badly injured or killed. You may not always think so, but it is certain that someone would miss you if you died. And it is also certain that if you were badly injured that someone would have to change their entire life to take care of you. If you won't wear protection for your own benefit, at least consider others.

Broken, But Not Gone

I have found the strength and ability to move my arms to write a quick note here. Why have I been gone?

About 1 1/2 weeks ago, I learned the dangers of motorcycle riding. On a nice Thursday morning, my daily, weekly, and monthly schedule changed, as somehow I ended up hitting the back of a car at 40 miles per hour. I was in and out of consciousness for about two hours and remember nothing of the incident. All I know is that I was transported to the ER of Sutter Roseville Hospital and then to the Trauma ICU. The result of the accident was gruesome in ways, but far better than it might have been.

Here's the scorecard: Dislocated foot/ankle, broken ankle, 1 broken left rib, 2 breaks in my left shoulder blade, broken right radius (elbow), and a mild concussion with a slight bleed in the brain. (No jokes about the exploratory scan needed to find my brain first, okay?)

So, an accident at 40 mph resulted in those injuries. The doctors and nurses were amazed that it wasn't worse. Why wasn't it? Because when I bought my bike, I took the advice of the salesman and bought the best quality helmet I could find (Arai), I wore armor, and was completely covered. But I did not end up unscathed.

Nevertheless, I will not be on a motorcycle ever again. Not because I'm afraid; I don't remember the accident so I really have no fear of it. No, the reason I will not be on a motorcycle again is due to the look on my wife's face, the tears in her eyes, and her fear for my life. No motorcycle is worth that. She is my best friend and my life, and I will never do anything that would cause her to be anxious every day that I leave the house.

I am off work on LOA right now, but the 3+ month original timeline has been destroyed. I told the doctors that I would return to work in 3 weeks, and the most recent estimate holds with that. I give credit to the numerous friends in my congregation and former congregation whose love and kindness have encouraged me. They have given practical assistance, and just as importantly, they have given me spiritual assistance and a wonderful demonstration of love. I owe you all more than you can ever imagine. You have humbled me with your kindness.

More important is the love, attention, care, and strength that my wife has given me. She is the best woman I have ever met, and I am grateful that she is in my life. I have no way of expressing what I feel for her in the lines of a blog.

Anyway, please be careful when riding. Even if you are a careful rider, accidents are just that...accidents. They happen. If you ride, wear protection. I got lucky. Several others delivered to the hospital that weekend by LifeFlight weren't as lucky.