Ok, well as you know we had a not the best of time in OK. Friday afternoon I talked Lola into taking pictures as I jumped some of the (easier) jumps. Finish line jump and tabletop #1. The finish line jump felt like I was getting serious air as I was over jumping the landing a bit, but the pictures showed a different tale. We went over to the first tabletop and took some pics there as I was clearing all but the last 5 feet and the landing was still smooth. After a few pics Aryn wanted a try so off he went. On about the 5th attempt he endo'ed and I ran up on the track where he had come to rest (far side of a 60-65' table top) my mistake and I knew better, I should have flagged the face of the jump. Next thing I hear is a bike climbing the jump face and I see a big Honda launch with enough momentum to clear the entire jump, problem is Mary Ann was in his path. I tried to take her down but the bike's rear tire caught her right side and drug her half way down the landing. The next thing I remember is screaming for help and thinking how bad I had just screwed up. I have wished this whole thing could back up just a few frames, Stop Aryn, after the first jump, he doesn't need to be on the big track, he is not positioned on his landing correctly, send him to the trails, the kids track, anywhere but here. But he was there, and hurt, and he wanted his mom. Mom however, was lying on the down slope of the landing, making exhausting efforts to bring in air. I felt so much guilt, having asked Mary Ann months ago to come out to Oklahoma and meet my friends, these friends that I had never met in my life, but she came to be by my side and to take in the experience. I tried to be supportive as I went back and forth between the two of them and was at least grateful that everyone was such a help. Man how I wish it had been me instead of them, if I had a get off Aryn wouldn’t have gone on the track, if I could have taken the hit instead of Mary Ann...if, if, if.... but stuff happens. And here are the results: Aryn ended up with a radius buckle fracture on his left arm and a broken left femur. He had surgery last Saturday and has a cast on his arm and two rods in his leg, He started some therapy while in Stillwater and will get his stitches out on Monday and continue with therapy for a while. Mary Ann broke 5 ribs #4 to #8, 6&7 are in 3 pieces but had moved back into place by Wednesday morning. 4&5 had been overlapped at their fractures but (popped) into alignment about four hours ago (this has been one of her biggest recovery goals and had to be done by expanding the damaged lung to capacity) the ribs are now butting at the breaks and she can breath much easier. The tear in her lower portion of the lung sealed by Sundays x-rays and the pocket of bypass air was much smaller. The time until Wednesdays release were filled with pain management, reaction to (pain management) management, nausea, and a few other unpleasentries I'll let to your imagination (Zio, she could have used your help), but the hour finally came when both their Dr's said we could go home.
Many offers from friends and family came for help with transportation but Wednesday we left out the three of us and made Memphis for the night, the next morning we set out and hit the driveway a few minutes before 10pm. The sleeping bags and pillows kept everyone stable and Playstation kept Aryn's mind off the long ride.
I remind myself that things could have been much worse, we are going to take a break from the bikes for a while, and when Aryn asks to go riding, we'll load 'em up but not till then. I also remind myself that we were blessed to have friends there to help us as well as those here at home who have stepped in and given comfort. Neighbors have stopped by all evening to ask to help, bring dinner, or to let us know dinner is to be served for the next week. I have to pause, look at this picture and give thanks. It is kind of a time for me to heal as well, as I realize I don't give back as much as I have gotten. Thanks again to everyone, we appreciate your help and kindness more than words will express.
Many offers from friends and family came for help with transportation but Wednesday we left out the three of us and made Memphis for the night, the next morning we set out and hit the driveway a few minutes before 10pm. The sleeping bags and pillows kept everyone stable and Playstation kept Aryn's mind off the long ride.
I remind myself that things could have been much worse, we are going to take a break from the bikes for a while, and when Aryn asks to go riding, we'll load 'em up but not till then. I also remind myself that we were blessed to have friends there to help us as well as those here at home who have stepped in and given comfort. Neighbors have stopped by all evening to ask to help, bring dinner, or to let us know dinner is to be served for the next week. I have to pause, look at this picture and give thanks. It is kind of a time for me to heal as well, as I realize I don't give back as much as I have gotten. Thanks again to everyone, we appreciate your help and kindness more than words will express.
