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Pugwash's peg-leg

Roger Pellett said:
The most remarkable thing about this post is that your optimism has returned. You have successfully moved on from a very dark place. Your courage and determination is wonderful.

Congratulations!!

Roger
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Thank you, Roger.

Fortunately I've retained a sense of humor and optimism throughout this adventure.
As is normal in life; one encounters sundry petty disappointments frequently which can be very frustrating.

Perhaps I'm overly naeve, but I've lived a life full of challenges and setbacks, but have never failed to believe the Universe put me here because it wants me and will look after me.
This is not the place to elaborate, but I've had several 'experiences' which have reassured my belief in this, including my accident late last year, during which I saw/heard my Guardian Angel telling me 'don't worry, things will turn out alright'.

Spooky, but I survived a major ordeal and am here to tell you my truth.
 
Pugs....
You have a great story / testimonial of your triumph over despair. You could be the source of strength, will power, and resilience for one who may be may be experiencing the same fate or wanting to simply give up. Writing it down may be a catharsis for you and a lifeline to some one else. It's a heck of a story... share it.
Blessings,
...henry
 
pugwash said:
Thank you, Roger.

Fortunately I've retained a sense of humor and optimism throughout this adventure.
As is normal in life; one encounters sundry petty disappointments frequently which can be very frustrating.

Perhaps I'm overly naeve, but I've lived a life full of challenges and setbacks, but have never failed to believe the Universe put me here because it wants me and will look after me.
This is not the place to elaborate, but I've had several 'experiences' which have reassured my belief in this, including my accident late last year, during which I saw/heard my Guardian Angel telling me 'don't worry, things will turn out alright'.

Spooky, but I survived a major ordeal and am here to tell you my truth.
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For your pleasure....
DSCF2210.JPG
 
Zzyzx01 said:
Pugs....
You have a great story / testimonial of your triumph over despair. You could be the source of strength, will power, and resilience for one who may be may be experiencing the same fate or wanting to simply give up. Writing it down may be a catharsis for you and a lifeline to some one else. It's a heck of a story... share it.
Blessings,
...henry
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Henry, thank you for your kind comments.

I wouldn't know how or where to present my story, other than refer those that would be interested to this post.

I suppose it would work if I plucked each of my updates and put them together?

No idea what to do with it once it is done.
Suggestions would be welcome.

This seems a good moment to say thank you to all who have followed my journey. I cherish all your comments, likes and support.
Bless you.
 
DARIVS ARCHITECTVS said:
Seeing that picture inspires me about how tough people are. So glad to see you up and about once more.
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Kurt, hi.

My 3 months in hospital brought me close to all sorts of people.
I've concluded that the spark, the will to overcome and survive is a seed which needs the right kind of soil to thrive.

Unfortunately there are those with the bleakest of prognosis, yet it's this undefinable spark which in some remains to the end, those are the brave ones who take it on the chin to the very end.

From what I could see, they were the ones living life to the end; poor in health yet able to share (with those that would listen) until, all of a sudden, they slip this mortal coil.

The other extreme are the ones (for whatever reasons) literally just give up, refusing meds and food, but by doing so their passing becomes a long drawn out ordeal, not just for them. but also for their nearest and dearest.

Of course that's way too simplified a view, but a good illustration of what I encountered.

I was fortunate to encounter two gentlemen who clearly responded to my hand of friendship and I'm proud to have made a bond at the last few days they had left.
I witnessed their passing, not with sadness, but the warmest kind of respect.

We all have our Demons and if you let them, will devour your soul.
I believe if you are honest with yourself, there's a richness to be found.

Before my accident I was allowing myself to get old.
I was lucky to survive and feel I'm now the youngest old man I know, appreciating the opportunity of a second chance and the gift that is life.
 
I had to share this with my wife. We both agree how beautiful, generous and encouraging your message is, during this most challenging period in our lives together. We have traveled around the sun for the same number of trips, but with her memory gradually and inexorably being left behind, drifting on its' own off into space to parts unknown. Your perspective is so filled with hope, forbearance and wisdom that we cannot help but be encouraged and filled with hope by it. your philosophy and faith inform our own.
With deepest gratitude,
Pete and Kate Gutterman
 
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Peter Gutterman said:
I had to share this with my wife. We both agree how beautiful, generous an encouraging your message is, during this most challenging period in our lives together. We have traveled around the sun for the same number of trips, but with her memory gradually and inexorably being left behind, drifting on its' own off into space, parts unknown. Your perspective is so filled with hope, forbearance and wisdom that we cannot help but be encouraged and filled with hope by it. your philosophy and faith inform our own.
With deepest gratitude,
Pete and Kate Gutterman
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Aw shucks!

Peter, you've been along with me on this sometimes tempestuous voyage from the moment I cast off from the life that was.

Your sentiments today overwhelm, and embaress me with your generosity and kindness.

It's an old saying, (to coin a phrase') 'If I can provide only one person with an element of succour in a time of need, then my efforts have not been wasted'.

This forum, this thread, has provided me with a platform where I've been able to express not only to you, but also myself, the need... 'a problem shared is a problem halved'.
To my surprise, you folk here have been remarkably supportive. Not one negative' comment, just consistent friendship.

I also share another 'ship' forum, which I also enjoy, where I attempted to have this 'conversation, but there was nothing but a parched lake bottom.
So it goes.

Peter, thank you for sharing a little of your own back story.
Only yesterday I was communicating with another recently made 'online' friend who opened up to me with very similar domestic issues.

Which illustrates how bleak things possibly were for isolated individuals, before this wonder called the Internet.
Here we are sharing our views with like minded people all around the world, giving and receiving in genuine camaraderie, knowing we are never likely to meet, but none the less better for it.

I feel my story has a few more pages to go, so as long as no one objects, I'll be back!

Thank you once again.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: It's loveliness increases: It will never pass into nothingness; but still keep. A bower quiet for us, and sleep.
John Keats
 
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pugwash said:
I also share another 'ship' forum, which I also enjoy, where I attempted to have this 'conversation, but there was nothing but a parched lake bottom.
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I know the forum you speak of quite well and have seen you post there. I truly get the jist of what you're saying about that 'other' forum. I'll leave that as just 'that'!

You and I belong to the same club, somewhat. The only difference being that I walked away with both legs, despite the fact that I've never been the same since, nor will I ever again walk without assistance. My wreck happened in 1991. I was T-boned by a deer on a desolate country road, while in a tight left turn, going way over the speed limit. I have no actual recollection of the accident to this day. My mind has effectively blocked it out even after all this time. If it weren't for a farmer and his wife being close behind, seeing the accident, and calling for help I'd likely be dead right now and you'd be reading a really weird post written by an old ghost! In thought, perhaps my saving grace lies within the fact that I was riding a '57 Panhead and not a Triumph! Haha... "Of course, I 'HAD' to throw 'that' in there"... not that there's anything wrong with Triumph! LOL

God bless you, friend. Continue to stay strong and always endeavor to persevere... just as you've been doing! Beer
 
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MT, hi.

I do enjoy both forums equally, they are just different.

You didn't make it clear which of you was over the speed limit, the deer or you.
A healthy deer would give a Panhead a good run for the money, LOL.
It probably ran alongside and pushed you off!
Sorry I couldn't help myself!

Being here is what matters, eh?

As for Triumphs, the last one I had was a 1953 pre-unit T100, circa 1973.
Mostly BMW and Ducati's since, though my accident was on a Honda.
'You meet the nicest people on a Honda'.

Another trip to physio (wearing the leg), tomorrow.
With a bit of luck I hope to be sent home with a new steed... a zimmer frame!
 
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pugwash said:
A healthy deer would give a Panhead a good run for the money, LOL.
It probably ran alongside and pushed you off!
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"Touchette my friend!"

In all honesty, I'm not sure. My bike 'did' rattle the leaves and drop acorns from the trees along the tree line every time I approached and rode into the forest. Perhaps it was a conspiracy, and the deer herd appointed an assassin to take care of me out on the open road! I have to admit that I truly don't recall seeing the deer that actually caused the accident. There's a good chance that a deer might have actually snuck up on me, from behind, and overtaken my bike. You know, the more I think about it, there 'is' one thing that I recall about that day. I was trying out one of Triumph's new "Performance" lubricants in my transmission. That might have had something to do with it! :cool:
 
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Well, I am honoured to read your story here Pug. Thank you for sharing your process and story with us. In one of your posts you have stated that before the accident you were alowing yourself to get old ... wow that spoke to me and inspire me to take a good look at what I am busy with ... and how I am engaging in this process of getting older. I suppose life is not over until it is over.Beer
 
Thanks to all of you for your encouraging support.

This process has changed my life, but at the same time it gave me a new one.
3 months in hospital opened my eyes; oh how true is the glib rejoinder '' there's always someone worse off than yourself''.

Today's physio was another winner, as I was expecting an introduction to a zimmer frame.
Instead I graduated to crutches successfully, and was told after next weeks session I can bring them home, which means I won't be entirely dependent on the wheelchair.
Incrementally my world is finally getting bigger.

I'll be back!
 
Pugwash..such eloquence..may I share your thoughts with my friend's impending leg amputation from vascular issues..Vietnam Marine..he will deal with it. I have had many bikes..my encounter with a deer was on a 1200 Sportster..deer hit my rear wheel, knocked me a bit of line, bike straightened up due to no input on my part..it left a chunk of his nose in the licence plate bracket. It would not have gone well if it was one second earlier. I sold the hd while I still had feelings in my hands.. In 1977 , I spent nine days in hospital from dirt bike accident.. since then,77 Bonneville 750, BMW r1100s, Honda CX500 cafe I built and many others.. I ride a Yamaha XSR 700 at the moment. At 77 , I know my days are limited.. no trikes for me. We are all pleased that you are doing so well.
 
''Pugwash..such eloquence..may I share your thoughts with my friend's impending leg amputation from vascular issues..Vietnam Marine..he will deal with it''.

Thank you, manning.

The physio and prosthetics clinics I've attended have highlighted some differences.

I make a point of talking to others, mainly about their obvious issues, weather they want to or not.

Once they realise I'm not wanting to force them to listen to my own sob story, they open up and are only too keen to share their experiences.
I've seen many adopting the attitude 'how can you possibly understand how I feel' and profoundly internalise their presumed difficulties and become morose and miserable.

At the risk of sounding my own trumpet, my little 'therapeutic' chats have brought several back from becoming isolated.

Losing a limb is no joke and it's undeniable you're never going to be doing things you'd taken for granted all your life.

There's no shame accepting help from others, many of whom are only too glad to contribute.

There again, I live on a street of 20 homes, all of which are aware of my changed circumstances, yet only 2 have even asked me how I'm doing.
But they've always been the same, full of their own little lives.

I've always found my best friend and neighbor to be my conscience.
 
MThomas said:
Crutches aren't so bad once you get used to them. When do you think a prosthetic will become an option?
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Already have one! (see photo. post #284)

The prosthetic alone needs additional support (crutches) at the beginning.
Until now I've been practicing on parallel bars, getting used to the 'mechanics of the thing.

One leg on crutches is seriously frowned upon here; ask me how I know!

Combine them both and you're away, after a little tuition.
 
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