By Kirk McCarley
The first recollection was of being asked to provide a name and date of birth. Check, initial test passed. Next, I recall triage and waiting for additional medical personnel to arrive for airlift to a Trauma II facility one county over from where the accident had taken place.
Like many physical and recreational activities, cycling presents an element of hazard. Though a conscientious cyclist aims to be equipped with a good helmet and a variety of other protective equipment, entanglements with pickup trucks typically do not favor the bike or rider.
God and good fortune were merciful on this occasion. Following the helicopter journey I was assessed by the trauma team:
- A concussion, requiring 16 sutures.
- Five broken ribs.
- A mildly separated right shoulder.
Like Demosthenes, another opportunity provided to “live to fight another day.”
Post-accident, recovery has progressed nicely. Already back on that same bike, with physical therapy ongoing to restore joint order and rebuild the impacted damaged muscles.
Since the incident, I’ve learned of the preponderance of bike fatalities. In 2023, 1,155 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, a seminal mark and an 86% increase from the 2010 low point. Although cyclists account for just 1% of all trips, they represent 2-3% of all motor vehicle-related deaths.
Call it what you will, a second chance, survival, determination, or toughness, this most recent episode has prompted me to ponder how we respond to “do overs.” How are our perspectives and priorities changed and what are the implications for our next steps forward? What is our responsibility to live a life of gratitude and to find inspiration in being literally jolted into a new and different chapter?
Admittedly, I don’t have answers to these questions, however, I do sense that what I’ve experienced has provided me a new crossroads to determine a reset and potential for reinvention going forward. Others of you who have endured your own precarious episodes may well have arrived at similar contemplations. The implications can often seem to carry over into any number of life aspects, both personal and professional.
For one, you now have a new story that not only further brands you but unites you with other kindreds who also own a unique tale. How have you taken advantage of your platform? For me, it depends upon the audience. With school age children who ask about the wounded forehead or knees, it presents an opportunity to tout the efficacy of wearing a helmet. No doubt, without one my outcome would have been far less positive.
For other populations, it presents an opportunity to be an example to get back on the “horse.” My bike has already been adjusted and repaired and a new helmet procured. Those of us advanced in years already do not take for granted that the days of cycling and vigorous exercise will inevitably have limits anyway. Be undeterred, fight those boundaries.
In the world of our jobs and businesses, to what degree can these setbacks provide inspiration? Is there a new or different business strategy that deserves consideration or a launch? Are you sensing renewed courage that’s prompting a boldness to prospect with previously untapped or overlooked contacts or resources? Has the experience prompted a more refined and focused clarity to your idea?
Most importantly, I must say that a critical component to not just our physical, but mental healing is our ability to forgive others. The driver of the vehicle that collided with me misinterpreted my left turn signal. Though I have no memory of either the collision or its immediate aftermath, I do know that he stopped to render me aid until health care professionals arrived on scene. Two days later I contacted him to advise that I was recovering and expressed appreciation for his assisting me. Further, I added that accidents happen and that I fully forgave him for what had occurred. He expressed that he was experiencing significant remorse and was relieved to be released from that feeling of guilt.
Not only have I have now earned a new acquaintance, but I would hope that we both are celebrating redemption.
