Three Years

On June 5, 2003 I was nearly taken out of this life by a pick-up truck while riding my road bike. Much has happened in the three years since and I'm happy to say that, save for some nagging aches that flare up on occasion and make my hips feel like I'm an old German Shepherd, I can still run, jump, & kick and I'm having a blast riding and racing my bicycles. The following is a letter most likely written while under the influence of pain numbing narcotics - perhaps the reason it didn't find its way to the ones that were there for me until now.

7.15.03

Hello all! So it has been about six weeks since a motorist (whose egregious negligence was beyond comprehension) seriously injured me while I was riding my bicycle. After being struck, run over by a 3/4 ton Chevy truck, and suffering a seizure, I was taken to the hospital by ambulance (don't remember that part) where it was discovered that I had a fractured skull producing bruising and swelling of my brain, a fractured scapula, separated left & right shoulders, a fractured pelvis, and multiple cuts and scrapes from my ankle to my head - not to mention deep contusions in the muscles of my legs that continue to be problematic. Considering the extent of my physical damage, I am very thankful that it wasn't worse. I'm healing well due to the care I received at the hospital and - equally as important - all of the love, prayers, and support I got from my family and friends. It has really helped keep my spirits up. I know that it will take quite some time to fully recover but, with the support that I'm getting, I believe that I will be able to return to - and surpass - the level of fitness I had attained at the time of the inconceivably heartless crime.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who came and visited me, said prayers for me, gave me encouraging phone calls during the difficult ten days in the hospital, and for everyone who wished me well along the way. I would also like to extend gracious thanks to the witness who chased down the ruthless perpetrator as he fled and to the witness who stayed with me until the ambulance arrived. This genuine outpouring of compassion, love, and concern does not go unnoticed by any means - in fact, it has had a profound effect on me. I have had the proverbial paradigm shift and it has reassured me that, contrary to some opinions, there really are good people out there. With that, I must say that I believe all of the attention I have received has been of immeasurable assistance on my road to recovery. Happy Trails! (& thanks again).

Love, KRH