I originally planned to add more content to my blog post over the weekend. However, I never anticipated the activities and messages that ensued over the last few days. I am very humbled by all the support and best wishes from so many people, many of whom I had not met previously. It has all been overwhelming.
I was naïve to not consider the impact the shooting would have and the response from all of you. Thank you for all your support and wishes for a speedy recovery. In the ways that matter, I am fully recovered. I have my family, my friends and all the joys of living. I have some lingering pain in my chest and left side. I can deal with them knowing that in time, those parts of my body will completely heal.
Weather forecast
Last evening, the meteorologist forecasted a beautiful day for Monday. He was correct. It felt very satisfying to ride to work again!!! The ride home over the I-90 bridge was spectacular. We live in a very beautiful place!
Delridge Way
During my ride home, I reflected upon on something that I wish I had shared earlier. I have ridden Delridge Way countless times during the last ten years. I always feel safe riding with motorists on Delridge. Nearly every motorist gives me plenty of room. In my experience, the motorists on Delridge treat bicyclist with respect, as is my experience elsewhere in the city.
My only complaint with Delridge, it is the poor quality of the surface street. It suffers greatly from years of neglect. As a bicyclist I believe it is important to ride in a predictable manner. It is safer for me that motorist have a reasonable expectation of my behavior. Unfortunately, the frequency of pot holes, cracks and gaps in the pavement often challenges me to maintain a fairly straight course.
Firemen & Medics
Anita commented to friends that there is not sufficient space in our living room for four firemen and all their gear. However, we are very grateful to them for the level of care they gave to me. They and the medics knew how to evaluate my situation and delivered me to the trauma team for a more complete diagnosis. After my CT scan, the medics reappeared to learn of my condition. Funny, that was some four hours after they delivered me to Harborview.
Harborview
Had my injury become life threatening, I am very grateful for having been at Harborview. I am very impressed with their whole orchestrated level of care for trauma victims. They broadcast the incoming patient. A team of various caregivers surrounds the patient talking in short clear code-like language so that each individual understands what they need to know. If I ever have another trauma event, I would want to go to Harborview.
My nurse (not really mine; I shared her with others in Resus sp? 2)
Unbeknownst to me, Anita watched my heart rate to see how I responded each time my very attractive nurse cared for me. Upon learning this, some friends asked to see photos. Unfortunately, Anita didn’t shoot any. Sorry folks!
It has been a restless four days, and I am sleepy. Good night!
Monday, November 5, 2007
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12 comments:
Sounds like your spirits are up. That's great!
Glad you're back riding already! PEACE!
Jeff
Glad to hear you are doing better. I saw you on the news as did many others! I used to live in that area myself and felt it constantly unsafe!
Yours is an extreme story, but cyclists are often the subject of random violence. Oh how I would love to see some action to reduce violence against cyclists... You are truly fortunate. I'm glad you are doing well.
Hey Long Lungs McKay,
Glad to see you're back in action. The story about Anita, the nurse and the heart rate cracked me up, that's totally the kind of think Christine would do if I was in your shoes.
Ride strong pal. I'll see you on the road.
Peter, it's inspiring to hear that you're back on the road already.
News of your assault seems to be spreading quickly and widely. The story appeared on a board that I read here in LA.
I hope that you'll say a few words about the Crimestoppers initiative at some point. I want to do something positive, as I see this as an issue for all cyclists, but I'm uncertain about what constitutes an appropriate response.
Peter, as you know Greg Lemond won the Tour de France twice with bb sized pellets in his body, including the lining of his heart.
I hope you slow down and wave to us "unleaded" cyclists as you pass us by.
( Please excuse my attempt at humor but as a cyclist who has been in critical care units more than once, this is the only way I can deal with this crazy stuff)
All My Best!
Keep Cycling!
Hey Peter,
It is inspiring to see that your message - RIDE YOUR BIKE - could not be swayed by news reporters or vengeance seekers. I loved that the headline news story of your ordeal stayed true to your passions. After it was over I shut off the TV and sat there wondering how you managed to nudge the tragedy to the side and remind people that they could be experiencing the sublime mountain views while commuting to and from work. Thanks for the gift of your perception. Alan, Max, and Charlie share with me in wishing you a speedy recovery.
Stacy
Peter,
We met (very) briefly before PBP. I heard about this incident via the RBA email list and a posting by Mark. The story has gotten around quite a bit. The thing that I take away from this though is how incredibly upbeat you are in the wake of it. Thanks for that. It's important.
rob hawks
Hey Peter,
What an amazing and unbelieveable story. One of those mishaps that you can't believe it happened to you. So glad it wasn't any worse than it turned out to be. But very happy to hear that you are doing good and recovering great.
We meet during PBP, I am the Texas rando girl that rode the pre-ride and enjoyed meeting you and the other Seattle randos.
Keep the wheels turning and take care! :-)
Peter,
We have never met, but I wanted to let you know that I read your story on Kent Peterson's Blog (I've read his blog faithfully for about a year and a half now) and I was infuriated to learn of what had happened to you. I've sent some money along to the bicycle alliance crimestoppers: I hope they catch those losers who shot you. I am so glad that you survived to ride another day and that your family was not deprived of a father and husband. Your positivity in the face of all this humbles me in a way that you can't know, but I will tell you anyway: you are one of my new heroes. Know that if you ever visit Novato CA, I would be honored to host you in my home or just show you the local trails and sights.. by bike of course! :)
Ditto on your observation that the overwhelming majority -- virtually all -- motorists are considerate and respectful. You've got a great perspective and outlook. When I was assaulted by a motorist while riding (in 2002) it took a long time for me to get any perspective back. I still have to remind myself that 99.99% of the people I encounter in cars want the same thing as me, to get where they're going safely and responsibly.
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