Coming home from a run three weeks ago, I noticed Scott's car in the garage. Curious as he was not due home for some time, I sought him out. Two large gashes in the shoulder, raspberries across his legs and back, cuts in his hand and more then a few areas of road rash told the story...Scott was in quite a physical and emotional state. I immediately took action after seeing the evidence of a cracked helmet and bent bike seat by calling our neighbor and good friend who happens to be an emergency room physician. He confirmed my fear of a broken Collar bone and other possible fractures. Without the x-rays it was unconfirmed but could be identified by palpation and sight. Even I could see his Collar bone out of place. Despite the prognosis Scott refused to go into the hospital until Monday morning.
Later that night Scott received a Priesthood blessing.
The next morning I asked Scott how much time was left before I needed to leave for church meetings. It dawned on him that the Garmin watch he wore was missing and the cuts on his wrist were from the watch being torn off. It was a silly insult to injury but made Scott super upset at the culmination of events. So what did we do later that afternoon? We headed for the hills.
Scott didn't realize the state of shock he had been in the day before when he rode himself out of the hills, loaded his bike and drove himself home. He had no memory of where he had crashed or how to back track. We decided to start at the beginning of a familiar trail and begin searching. Soon dusk started to creep in around us and it was becoming apparent to me that this search was more for a sense of closure then a realistic hope of finding the watch.
Scott had no choice but to tuck in his hurt arm, ignore the severe pain and start running. We were going to be caught out in the middle of nowhere in the dark without proper light and clothing.
Just as the last of the light was sinking into the horizon Scott recognized the bend leading into a series of steep downhill jumps. He ran down the face and started searching the brush and crash sight. Wouldn't you know it but something so simple as a lost watch was enough to draw us nearer to the creator of our beautiful sunset. We were so grateful for that confirmation of love and that Scott was safe and semi-healthy...and yes there was the broken watch 8 miles later.
Monday morning x-rays baffled us both revealing no broken bones.
He has had a rough few weeks but his left arm is slowly regaining mobility and strength. Wednesday he goes in for shoulder surgery on the right arm to repair damage (Rotator Cuff, Slap Tear) from his "Superman" crash 3 months ago. A cast for 6-8 weeks will prove to be a challenge.
The mountain bike will be collecting dust in the garage for a time but no doubt a he will get back in the saddle again...hopefully going a little slower next time with less "No Guts, No Glory" dictating his speed.
