[Spoonman]

I've been out of touch for a while and missed all of you. I had a motorcycle accident and have been laid up for a bit. For all you detail freaks: I was riding my (formerly) wonderful old Yamaha SR500 single (purchased new in 1980) and was hit by a Volkswagen that was changing lanes. He knocked me down and rolled me into the path of a van, which ran over me. My bike was destroyed and I was injured (duh). I was wearing a helment (it's the law in GA) and it probably saved my life. As it turned out, I sustained fractures to my skull, collarbone, left arm, left hand (four places), seven ribs, left hip, right tibia (2 places), right foot (2 places), both thumbs, and my nose. After two major surgeries, bone grafts, and the installation of a number of steel plates, pins, rods, staples, screws, etc, I'm as good as new. (Not really, but I'm getting there.) The down side: I didn't feel so good for a while (still have some bad days) and I have gotten pretty weak. The up side: I lost 130 pounds (I weighed in @ 345 lbs prior). I'm pretty careful about nutritional issues now, to help w/ my continued recovery. I won't be gaining the weight back. I hope to return to limited duty at work (social worker) within the next month or two, so things are looking pretty good, comparatively. My wife was/is an angel and my sons (26, 23, and 18) are strong young men who never lost their sense of humor and wouldn't let me lose mine. "Hey, Dad, we're getting a softball game up. We'll drag you outside and you can be 3rd base." (OK, they're not Dennis Miller.) I still have some memory issues (had to reset my password) and reading makes my head hurt. I can't type very well and haven't been able to play my guitar. I am, by any measure, a very lucky guy and am thankful to God for all his blessings and mercy.

Anyway..... I had not been a member for long and y'all may not have noticed I was gone but I missed the forum and am glad to be back. I have a lot of topics to catch up on and reading takes me a while but I'll be touching base w/ my questions and comments as they occur.

Anybody know where I can pick up a Yamaha SR500 for cheap? :D

[cool45auto]

I know a guy who has some pieces of one!:D

Sounds like some pretty serious injuries! I'm glad you're doing okay and welcome back!

[Neal Bloom]

Welcome back! Glad to see that you are doing alright.

[TimH]

Welcome back Spoonman! Hope you continue to have a speedy recovery.

[BigG]

Glad you made it, bud! Welcome back! :)

[Preacherman]

Glad to hear you're on the mend. One of our mods, Tamara, had a pretty bad motorcycle accident a few years ago, so you'll have some sympathy from the staff side! Take it slow and easy and let your body heal up at its own pace - don't rush things.

[Iain]

Now could be the time to take up slide guitar as I note the right hand was not injured. Slide guitar is very very cool, I am learning bits and pieces here and there.

Glad you are better again.

[4v50 Gary]

Welcome back Spoonman. While you were gone Tamara added several guns to her collection. We're all going broke trying to buy what you're not here to buy yourself. ;) Glad you're back with us. Please go at a slow pace and no more motorcycles (like I should talk considering all the bicycle accidents I've had this past 12 mos).

[Dain Bramage]

Glad to hear you're on the mend. A full-face helmet saved my life and good looks :rolleyes: in 1990. I met the lovely Mrs. Bramage a month later when she took pity on me in my brace. Four kids and thirteen years later we're still together, so I guess something good came of it. I got back on the horse, so to speak, as soon as money allowed, and I still ride.

I hope to see you back on a thumper some day. God bless you and welcome back.

[CZ 75 BD]

Glad you're on this side of the grass!

[Valkman]

I think that alot have joined since you've been gone, but I'm glad you're back anyway! :) I ride alot and hate to see these things happen and I'm just glad you lived through it. Good luck getting another bike, and be safe!

[C.R.Sam]

Welcome back Spoonman.

Sounds like you ducked a big one.
Good.

Sam

[Dot_mdb]

Forget bikes. Guns are a lot safer. :)

Glad you're healing. Good that you're back.

Bill

[Tamara]

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! :eek:

Glad your recovery's going well.


(Look on the bright side of things; you'll be a very accurate weatherman from here on out. Trust me. :uhoh: )

[SkunkApe]

Glad you're still kickin'.

Welcome back.

[Norm357]

Holy Crap!!!! What a wreck!! Glad to hear you are on the mend. Welcome back Spoonman.


Norm

[BryanP]

Y'know, there are less drastic ways to diet. ;)

Welcome back.

[M67]

Ouch.

Welcome back!

[foghornl]

Welcome back, Spoonman. Glad your are able to pick daisies 'stead of pushin' em' up, if ya know what I mean....

Got hit on my 650 Yamaha Maxim in 1991, stilll can't bend big toe on right foot from where the brake pedal smacked me. Car driver (no lights on) changed lanes and took me down. Ruined my brand new Bieffe KB-8 "Winner" helmet I had owned for only 6 days.

Warmest regards and best wished for a full recovery.

[El Tejon]

Spoon, glad you are back. Congrats on the wieght lose. A speedy recovery to you so that you can keep it off.