Yesterday was one year since the crash I've written about here previously. I sent this email out to friends and cycling club members and just thought I would share it with this group of friends many of whom have been supportive of me. Thank you.

"It's been one year since I crashed. Crashed and broke my neck. For reasons unknown to me I am not dead or paralyzed. Today is a day to celebrate. A celebration of renewal. So, this morning I went off on a ride to my favorite donut shop. A chocolate donut and a cup of black coffee and 17 miles on my bicycle. Finally a guilt-free donut. Later Vicki and I joined our Wednesday ride and did another 30 miles with a strong group of riders. For both rides I averaged 15 mph. Only cyclists, especially cyclists approaching age 70, will understand why that matters.

Afterwards Vicki and I went out to dinner. Later I sat out on the porch in a rocking chair with a Bushmill's and a cigar and began remembering. A crash for unknown reasons, a rush to two hospitals, a fusion of my cervical spine and a time of rehabilitation. But, that's not really the important part. As I lay in a hospital bed there were thoughts that filtered through my head.....when this is over I will be better than before.....I do not want to die and leave this sadness for Vicki, Wolf, Jocelyn and my friends....I do not want to disappoint my friends. As I was being taken to my second operation I had the distinct feeling that I could die and it was OK. OK except for what it might mean to others. But, I was at peace with whatever happened.

Then friends came. David and Melanie, Mike and WJ, Bob Douglas, Skip...the list goes on and on. People who make the planet a better place. Through it all Peter Hughes was there to stand with Vicki. She and I are forever grateful for everyone's contribution to my healing. And hers. When I told Pete how much I appreciated his friendship and comfort to Vicki he said, "She's the gold standard." Indeed she is. Whatever force of Spirit caused our paths to meet and merge is a miracle to me. Not a day goes by.... literally not a day.... that I don't realize how fortunate I am to know her.

And, I am especially grateful for friends I have known forever like Tuck and Chris whose friendship grows continually and new friends we've met through TCC and other endeavors. I was an only child of a single mother surrounded by an Italian family of many aunts, uncle and cousins. But, for me, my friends have always been "family." So, today is not so much a celebration of my rising, Phoenix like from ashes, as a celebration of what all of you bring to me and the world.

I just wanted to say "Thank you." Much love and appreciation.


bruce "

Glad to hear you're doing well. Sounds like you have a superb support system of friends and family.

Glad to hear everything turned out great for you. Actually any nice day on a bike is a great day, and in you special case you know it is especially true.

+1, and I'm quite happy for you on several levels!
Best regards

Most awesome.

You were right!

It was not your time, you are blessed!

God Bless you and Vicki.

I am also blessed with a lady to whom I am forever in debt. She never left my side when I was diagnosed with cancer and recovered from surgery. I beat cancer, thanks in large part to my sweet wife. I want to one day celebrate our 50th anniversary together. I hope we take a bike ride that day.

Wow. Congrats on another year.

Bravo! Thanks for sharing.

Very inspiring to me. I'm really glad that you were able to prevail and that you have the person who helped you through it to live with. I hope you have many years together.

Great post!

Way to go Bruce, congratulations. I like your average speed. I get a kick out of some of the averages I read on here. Being a older rider myself, I know how hard it is to average 15 mph.

Us near strangers on BF are also happy and relieved at your recovery too. You are indeed a lucky man! Cheers, Bruce!

Excellent post, both in the writing and in the end result