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.