Just over a week ago on a sunny soon to be hot Thursday I revved up my moped and sped off to work about 4 miles from home. It was a beautiful cool morning. Nothing exceptional transpired as a cruised along. It was just a nice morning for a ride. I remember thinking about the day ahead and the various meetings ahead of me and what Cindy & I might do over the weekend.
Right in front of church I started my turn into the parking lot AND THEN EVERYTHING CHANGED. The next moment I was on the asphalt moaning and flailing about. My bike was down, done in by loose gravel. I had finally had the accident I knew was coming some day. Most 2 wheelers when referring to accidents have the philosophy that says “it’s not if but when”. Well I was down.
Let me tell you about how it felt as I went through this. I never lost consciousness but everything was a bit jumbled for a bit. I remember thinking how I should call Cindy using my cell phone. Well my phone was in my pocket and at the moment I couldn’t figure out how to get it. I looked at my hand and saw that it was bleeding and had gravel embedded in it. I can admit now that I do not typically wear gloves. My helmet had provided protection for my head so that wasn’t an issue. I was flailing about so I remember thinking that had to calm down so that I could see if I was more seriously hurt. It was hard to breathe but I didn’t really know what that meant.
I remember seeing a homeless gentleman crossing the street in front of the church as I approached. Well when I went down he came back and asked if he could help somehow. Then another gentleman with a cell phone appeared in my field of view and asked how I was all the while talking to the 911 dispatcher. Another guy appeared who said he had medical training and was asking about my condition as well. While all this was happening I could hear sirens so I knew professional help was arriving also.
I was beginning to calm down a bit but I was still flailing and moaning. EMT’s along with motorcycle cops were soon asking me questions. What is your name, date of birth, where does it hurt, what hospital do you want to go to, do you have identification, is your bike 50 cc’s? Well I answered all their questions as best as I could. During all these questions I was being prodded and my vitals were being taken. Then I was being loaded unto a gurney and into the ambulance. I remember laughing out loud because by this time I was embarrassed. There was so much revolving around me all because “I fell down and went boom”. I asked them to take my bike to the church and ask Krissy, who is our Office Manager, to put it somewhere safe. It now resides in the shed behind the church. I’m not sure when I’ll get it.
That was over a week ago. I made it through the Emergency Room relatively unscathed. Cindy came up, filled out papers and generally took over. I can’t tell you enough how I am so blessed to have my wife by my side. During this past week I have gone from not being able to do anything for myself because of the pain in my ribs and shoulder to simply being sore. I still am having a problem doing some lifting since I do not have the full range of motion back and my muscles certainly object when I try to do too much but I have progressed so much. I thank God everyday that my injuries were not worse and that I have someone who loves me and has done so much for me.
I learned a few things from this part of the journey that I’m sure you are all breathlessly waiting to hear. As my wife has said – “Home health care providers do not get paid nearly enough for all they do.” Since I am limited in what I can normally do left-handed and my injuries were on my right side I was virtually helpless for a time. That was very humbling and embarrassing. I figured I would shake this off after a day or so since nothing was broken. Instead I had to miss church on Sunday and have been out over a week now. I do not drive yet so my wife stepped in. As a matter of fact my wife has put her life on hold as she deals with me. What does someone who is all along do?
I also learned that being laid up is boring. One thought I remember having while lying on the ground was “well I don’t have to go into the office today.” Initially the break sounded sort of nice. Just think of all the things I could do type of thinking. Well not when you are in pain and can’t do anything for yourself. My life became sitting in front of the television, taking pills for various things and hurting whenever I moved. So much for eating “bon bons” while getting reacquainted with my favorite soaps. Is Mr. Rogers still on the air?
I became aware that I need to be more aware of how blessed I am in general. At least three gentleman offered their help while I was lying on the ground. They didn’t need to disrupt their lives for a stranger. The police and ambulance personnel were there for me. All of the questions, prodding, etc. were carried out very professionally with gentleness and compassion. I take having health insurance for granted. I can’t imagine facing all this without it. Also I have a caring congregation that has been supportive. The first question I have gotten from most people has been “how is the bike?” Then they smile and wish me well. I also still have a job. Some have lost their jobs when they have not shown up.
My injuries were really minor considering what they could have been. We all know people who are dealing with much more serious situations. I’m simply sore. Thank you Lord.
