Six Months

Today is the six month anniversary of a day that changed - and almost ended - my life when I was hit by a truck while riding my bike.

Initially I thought it wouldn't be that big a deal. Broken bones heal in a matter of weeks, right? Well, 6 months later I am still working to get the mobility back in my shoulder after it was immobilized for a couple months. I am just now starting to ride my bike again, though much more tentatively. I am working to lose the weight I gained during the downtime. And just this morning I mailed a check which should finally close out the medical billing from the accident (at least until I go in to get the metal plate removed from my clavicle).

But the accident also triggered a lot of very positive things in my life. Not surprisingly, the accident generated a lot of self-reflection and even an epiphany or two. I know myself better, and appreciate the important people in my life more than ever. It got me to move forward with the long delayed completion of a graduate degree. It improved communication between my ex-wife and I, such that we can be genuinely happy for each others progress and accomplishments as we move onward down our separate paths. I've learned to delegate better at work, and that has had a positive effect on my staff and me.

And then there is the financial side of it, which I have yet to fully absorb. While the settlement did not make me wealthy, in some small yet extremely important ways it has been genuinely life-changing. I am no longer in debt to credit card companies. I have a little bit of money in the bank. And today I made an offer on a condo to buy. Prior to the accident, those goals were still a couple of years off. I don't recommend getting hit by a truck as a way to earn a living, but there's no denying that the short-term financial gain has been nice.

I'm not angry. I don't feel like a victim. I am not living in fear.
It was a simple accident. I am happier than before it happened, and with some more work and a little luck, I can be healthier too.

I can't wait to see what the next six months brings!

Best Wishes

Maggie,
I know you'll never read this - I don't think anyone will. But still, it feels good to me to be able to write to wish you well with your new home, new husband, and your new baby together. I'm glad that we have been able to find closure and move on while being caring, considerate, and respectful of each other.

I hope that you, Michael and your baby share a long, healthy, and very happy life together.
Love,
Bob