Blog Orientation Essentials
This entry serves to give a quick orientation to recommended reading and audio/video links to those who might be visiting here for the first time. I have listed things below in a chronological order so that you may understand where I have come from, up until this point in time. You can get to those sections/links by clicking on the highlighted words. The first two entries are articles I have written from within the blog itself. Following that are a series of video and audio links.
As for reading within this site I would recommend starting with The Trauma section, which will give you the details of my injury August 23, 2004 - including x-rays, the car, and initial recovery.
You may then read more about my recovery and rehabilitation via two articles in this section entitled Recovery, which also includes the statement I made to the fellow that hit me, prior to his sentencing.
At the one year anniversary of getting swatted I was fortunate to be able to finish the ride home by cycling past the spot of injury and making it safely back to homebase. That story is nicely told in a 2 part video Bicycle Blues in the Key of E (be sure to watch it in HQ): Part I & Part II.
Last fall I was asked to be the lead-off speaker at the Spine Symposium Conference - Improving Outcomes in Spinal Injury, held at the University of Washington/Harborview. My 8 minute talk follows brief introductory comments by Dr. Jens Chapman, host of the symposium. I think you will find the segment interesting. Follow this link, then you will need to click on your choice of media player and speed connection to view the lecture. My talk starts at about 2min 35sec into the program.
Late Spring 2009 I particpated in a local Ride of Silence, an event now held across the US, which is ridden in memory of those cyclists killed or injured by automobiles. Our local newpaper presented this nicely done video segment of the ride.
In July 2009, Dave Beck of local NPR station, KUOW at 94.9 FM, contacted me for an interview about recovery from trauma, and to discuss life changes that occur after illness or trauma. Though I certainly wish that what occured to me, now almost 5 years ago, never had happened - I can say for certain that my life has changed, and in many ways for the better since the injury. Certainly not in a financial sense, but in my relationships, my faith, in the way I now approach life, the opportunities I have teaching medical students, and in working with those who have experienced trauma and loss. You may listen to that 20 minute interview here, which is also available as a podcast.
Thank you for following along on this journey! I pray you will find some material of encouragment to yourself or others. Be well....
