I can't feel sorry for "Roadrash Girl"

[arkansawyer]

I'm glad you're finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.  I have been worried about you.
That is a genuine smile in your last picture.  

[Snowbird]

You're kidding right? You broke a bone that healed itself up almost as good as new. He lost half his frking leg!! Then you bring in the psychological portion of his injury and that's just as difficult if not more difficult than the physical loss. To even think you gained insight from a broken ankle as to what it means to lose half of one of your major limbs is not only ignorant, it's an insult to those that have.

-Rob

Hey, Heath3... up yers. Read before posting crap flames, ok? And don't put words into my mouth.

Snowbird, I understand what you meant by having "insight".  ANY incident related to your chosen sport/hobby is going to ring a bell and make you look closer at the possible consequences for every action taken.  As said, it's nowhere near what I experienced... 

Yes, that is what I meant.

And while Heath made a point, it was not appropriate to direct a flame at me..

[Heath3n]

Hey, Heath3... up yers.

Nice comeback. I stand by what I said. Get over it.

[sagerat]

Geez, fellow rider loses a leg and you guys start a pissing match over quotes and misquotes.  

Anyways, Chet, you could just do the lecture part of the MSF class and skip the range drills.  

[Montyburns]

Geez, fellow rider loses a leg and you guys start a pissing match over quotes and misquotes.  

Well said.  Isn't this what PMs are for?

[Snowbird]

Geez, fellow rider loses a leg and you guys start a pissing match over quotes and misquotes.

I fully agree with you on this and fretted to myself most of the day over it. This thread isn't about Snowbird or Heath. Thank you for saying what I was thinking.  

[hambone_p]

I would like to thank everyone who has posted in this and other safety/accident specific forums.  

Chet, I wasn't on the old board, I don't know you, but I empathize with you. Maybe it has something to do with the level of trauma you experienced, maybe it's because I'm on my way to becoming as much of a motorcycle enthusiast as you have been, I'm not sure, nevertheless I'm moved by your ordeal.  It's in a different way, not just a different level, than the way I react to hearing rrgirls story. What you've said fortifies my objective to do everything "right", because, as you've said, sometimes you do and you still suffer.  I'll sign up for another course in the spring.  I was planing on it, but now I will make sure I do it. More gear etc...

There is risk in everything.  I was mulling all this over this afternoon while ripping some white oak on a table saw. Hmmm...maybe I should have given that all of my concentration . This is my first year riding so I'm sure I've ripped/planed/joined/nailed more miles of lumber than I've ridden. Still...We all say it won't be me, but someone is going to draw the short straw. All any of us can do is mitigate the risks.

Your story is the kind that sticks, and changes behaviours.  I know it will impact mine.  Her story is of someone making a mistake and paying a high price for it.  It's a different story, but after hearing hers, my wife has had her last ride on the back of my bike till she gets some gear.  So I guess I've learned from her as well.  

Well this is getting loong So let me just say thanks to everyone else. If it was just Chet this wouldn't be a forum, and I would have missed out mulling over everyone's points, even the potential flames .

[forester]

Man, all I remember is the panda in the car avatar.  I had no idea of any accident event, the last time I knew, your avatar had something regarding location of Amman, Jordan or something similar, so I suspected you were in the armed services.  That's all I knew.  Man, that is a crazy series of events.

I am sorry to hear about the crash and associated curiousity of what happened during that corner, but I am glad you are doing better and keeping a positive attitude.  I seriously hope that someday you have an experience that "realizes" that green ninja 250.

Best wishes to a speedy recovery and don't skimp on the guitars!!!

[Capirex]

Nick
Just wanted to echo what most everyone has already said.  I admire your courage and you have been in my thoughts.  Thanks for keeping us updated.  Hope you have a great holiday season.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

That's a beautiful smile. I'm glad that you're able to show it. Thanks for sharing the pics, and I wish you the best  

[arkansawyer]

Chet Atkins?

[lockheed]

chet! what an inspiration, man! kudos on the positive attitude shown...!!
 

[Chet Ubetcha]

This "walking" thing is harder than it looks!!!    I'm only a few days into this...haven't even gotten to the hard part yet...and I feel like I've gone five rounds in a UFC title fight.  I'm beat to hell!  

Thanks again for all the kind words, though.  Really, I appreciate it.

Jeff, I know I owe you a long e-mail. I'll get it out to you soon.  Seriously, though, this therapy has been sucking the life out of me, and I haven't even started the two-a-days yet!  I haven't forgotten about you.  I hope you and your family are doing very well.  I hope to have you guys visit us sometime soon.  I'm sorry for such a short stay last time, but I was starting to hurt, and Liz is having a REAL rough go of it this time around.  We'll get together soon, though.  I promise.  I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for me.  I'll say it here publicly:  Arkansawyer, who lives over an hour away, has been here for me more than anyone else (besides my family) who are local and live less than ten minutes away.  It's times like this you find out who your real friends are.  I can't thank you enough.  I really mean that.  Liz feels the same way.  Thank you.

[arkansawyer]

My wife didn't have an easy pregnancy so I understand.  I'm glad you're handling everything.

[arkansawyer]

I saw a TV show tonight about Dana Bowman.  Have you ever heard about him?

[Chet Ubetcha]

No, sure haven't.  Now you are going to make me utilize Google!  

Well, it's getting a little easier.  I use the term "little" gently, because it's still not easy by any means.  Some of the pain is receding, but I've still got quite a bit of consistent nerve pain.

I'm going to be going back in-patient at the VA on 8 January, right after the holidays and we get back from the Sugar Bowl.  It's only going to be for three weeks, though.  Neither of us are too thrilled about it, but my KT says that after these three intense weeks of work, I should be done and good to go.  With what he sees right now, he thinks I'll be up walking out of the VA this time.  I don't doubt him, but I can't even picture that right now.  I'm putting everything I have into it, though!

If I don't talk to everyone, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever kooky holiday it may be that you celebrate this time of year!  

[Orson]

With what he sees right now, he thinks I'll be up walking out of the VA this time.

 

[ST4Fun]

Both Roadrash girl and you seem to be fine examples of the human spirit. She didn't loose a leg, and is back on the horse. You really don't have that option...that's OK. You both have gone through enough trauma to last a lifetime, you both will be stronger because of it, and I wish you the best. She was young, inexperienced, and stupid...you did everything right and nothing wrong, yet you both got screwed, sort of speak. Life isn't fair sometimes.... but you both will be just fine, I sincerely hope. Take care, your feelings are understandable, you both seem to be strong individuals. Best of luck, Robert.

[With_him]

Chet,
We don't know each other, but just sent a message upstairs to the Guy in the Sky for you.  I have read the thread and your story on the linked page, but I am new and don't know anything about Road Rash Girl or her story, can someone provide a link or more direction about where to go and look?

Chet, once again I pray that out of this adversity you and your family would grow stronger; and for peace, grace and strength to endure the journey.

[HankB]

Well... That's a real eye opener. I should be heading for Mountain Home in a couple of days. I'll probably be riding that road. This summer a friend took out a fence post with his arm (tried anyway.) He didn't lose the arm, but that was in July and he's still rehabbing it. As for me, I broke my leg taking a bad step off the train in April and it still bothers me. It was pretty minor compared to your injuries, so you have my sympathies on the effort and discomfort involved in your recovery. The fact that you're where you are says a lot about your attitude and determination. Keep it up!

As far as recalling the incident - if there was *any* sort of bouncing of the head (even within the protection of a helmet) the minor concussion prevents short term memories from being converted to long term memories. It's pretty common and pretty unlikely that the memories will return. (Note: I'm not a doctor and it's been a while since I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

Keep working at it and good luck with the rest of your recovery.

-hank