I Wept With Joy
07-07-05, 01:35 PM
#1
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I Wept With Joy
Some of you know that I used to ride with my stepson (Jerry, 30 years old). Jerry was in a severe auto accident in January. He was on a ventilator for a month and had six surgeries before I lost count. After the accident, as if he were an infant, I saw him take his first breath, his first bite of solid food, his first steps. In April, he finally started Physical Therapy. I went to his first session to cheer him on. Unfortunately, when they put him on the stationary bike, Jerry was unable to pedal it. He got so discouraged, frustrated and embarrassed that he walked out of PT, and would not go back. He has exercized since then on his own, but never even talked about cycling.
Finally, he agreed to give PT one more try. His appointment was this morning, and his fiance's car broke down last night. Jerry called me this morning and said he was going to ride his bike for the first time, in order to get to his PT appointment. I had some misgivings, but I learned long ago that it is pointless to argue with Jerry when he makes up his mind. I went out on my bike to meet him, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I was so worried that something had happened, so I followed his route to PT. I figured that I would soon catch him, and I got more and more worried when I did not. But, lo and behold, his bike was already at the bike rack when I got to the hospital. Somehow, I had missed his path on my way to the hospital. I did cry as I locked my bike to his at the bike rack. I finally knew that he will recover, and that we will have great rides together again this summer.
I guess that, more than ever, I now know the bicycle is a wonderful machine, and we should never take it for granted. It, and the fun we share on it, can motivate and empower people to do things that you thought were impossible.
Finally, he agreed to give PT one more try. His appointment was this morning, and his fiance's car broke down last night. Jerry called me this morning and said he was going to ride his bike for the first time, in order to get to his PT appointment. I had some misgivings, but I learned long ago that it is pointless to argue with Jerry when he makes up his mind. I went out on my bike to meet him, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I was so worried that something had happened, so I followed his route to PT. I figured that I would soon catch him, and I got more and more worried when I did not. But, lo and behold, his bike was already at the bike rack when I got to the hospital. Somehow, I had missed his path on my way to the hospital. I did cry as I locked my bike to his at the bike rack. I finally knew that he will recover, and that we will have great rides together again this summer.
I guess that, more than ever, I now know the bicycle is a wonderful machine, and we should never take it for granted. It, and the fun we share on it, can motivate and empower people to do things that you thought were impossible.
07-07-05, 01:44 PM
#2
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Great story! Best wishes to him for a continued recovery!!! 
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07-07-05, 01:54 PM
#3
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07-07-05, 01:56 PM
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I can't believe 21 people have viewed this thread and only one cared to comment. I don't know you but I am glad your stepson Jerry is on the road to recovery. 
07-07-05, 02:08 PM
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Amazing story and thanks for sharing it wiht us.. Wishing him a speedy return to full health...
-AJ
-AJ
07-07-05, 02:19 PM
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Great story indeed. It's awesome that he made it to the hospital! I guess he's on a good way to recovery! Yay Jerry, Yay bicycles.
07-08-05, 07:18 AM
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You brought tears to my eyes, too. I can't wait to hear about your first ride together! My best to Jerry!
07-08-05, 08:23 AM
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Fantastic!
I know a little bit about how you feel. We went through something similarly horrible with my student this year (he's fine now and progressing through therapy well.) There's nothing like that moment when you first see something in the kid that could only be him, so you know he's going to be back!
I know a little bit about how you feel. We went through something similarly horrible with my student this year (he's fine now and progressing through therapy well.) There's nothing like that moment when you first see something in the kid that could only be him, so you know he's going to be back!
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07-08-05, 01:19 PM
#14
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Thank you all for your good wishes. Jerry took another ride, about 10 miles, last evening. I think he overdid it, but that's his way. He said he was tired and sore today, but it was worth it. He did take the ambu-cab to therapy, but a recovery day is called for. This guy used to weigh 165 pounds of pure muscle, now he is (temporarily) 115 pounds of skin and bone. I could tell he was proud when I told him that I wrote about him for my friends on the Bike Forums. I will print your kind comments and show him. Thanks again!
07-11-05, 11:06 PM
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My best to Jerry.
Did he get into the accident with the motorist while on the bicycle? It's amazing how many cyclists have been fatally struck in New York City this year (10).
Did he get into the accident with the motorist while on the bicycle? It's amazing how many cyclists have been fatally struck in New York City this year (10).
