Player Plaza Blog

Life.

Life is so very precious.

Ya know, to be honest I have had writer’s block lately. It has been awhile, but I just haven’t been sure what to write about. I have been in somewhat of a somber mood; a mood too pensive to write. I have had a lot on my mind. Regardless, I have definitely renewed my appreciation for life. Recently, it seems that there have been a lot of random acts of violence that have affected a lot of innocent people, and I have been reminded of how unpredictable and precious life really is. It is amazing to me how quickly life is taken away.

I have definitely had my brush with death and having survived that I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be here. About 7 years ago, I was in a paragliding accident in which myself and the other person involved collided mid-air about 125 feet above ground. Ya know, the circumstances were somewhat precarious because this other individual somehow came from behind me, entangled his legs in my glider, and collapsed his glider all in a matter of minutes. It was as if I didn’t even have a chance. Because of this other man’s actions, we both fell to the earth like bullets. I must have blacked out as we fell because the only thing I can remember is lying on the ground motionless with blood coming out my nose. I was very disoriented. I raised my head and began to wonder what happened. All I could hear is someone in the background yelling, “I am a doctor! I am a doctor!” Confused, I laid my head back down and closed my eyes. The next thing I can remember is riding in the ambulance and pleading with the EMT’s to give me some Morphine. At the time, I was a certified EMT so I was perfectly aware of what they could and could not do. I was taken to the closest hospital for stabilization then flown by helicopter to the trauma center. Not to spend too much time on the details, it was a very trying and traumatic experience.

As a result of the accident, both of my ankles exploded, and I had open-compound fractures. I also shattered my pelvis in a number of pieces. The other individual involved broke both of his femurs. We both should have died. It was a miracle that we both survived and were not paralyzed. I am very grateful. I spent the next three months in bed, and later tackled the challenge of learning how to walk again. I can’t tell you how hard it was to learn how to go up and down stairs again. Looking back on it, it was rather humorous, but I am serious….it was tricky stuff. ;)

Even though some days are better than others, I greatly appreciate the ability that I have and continue to build. Of course, I am not a marathon runner, but I like to push my limits, and I take the stairs because...I can. My scars remind me that I am a survivor and that I can survive anything. Ya know, it is funny because usually this time of year I start reminiscing about it a lot. It is just about the anniversary, and I have noticed that every year I feel a sense of grieving around this time of year. It is as if my body and mind remember, and I just have to work through the trauma of the event. It seems that some of the memories are buried in my subconscious. Each year it gets easier, but I definitely feel the grief. I will be somewhat relieved once the anniversary passes, and I can again look forward while continuing to appreciate the value of life. There is much to do. I have “miles to go before I sleep.”

Anyway, you probably didn’t know that I was going to ramble did ya? Like I have mentioned in previous blogs, there is much to look forward to. We are further developing many aspects of the site, so stay tuned, and in the meantime...GAME ON!