I'm alive(graphic pic)

RedAllison

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They say the Good Lord favors a married man, I guess that's the ONLY reason he was with me yesterday! WARNING, pretty graphic pic at the bottom of this post, forgive me. Just hope it makes some at least THINK about what can happen in a flash.

I was in Roy's (Baitcaster) boat. (XB2003/260) I had made one pass up river and then came back down in front of the waterfall. It was to rough to be going that fast, I never looked at the GPS but I remember being at 7000 or a click over when I got up on some waves, the boat went right and I don't remember anything after that for a few moments. I guess I "came to" while in the boat on the way back too the ramp. Gotta say THANKS to everyone there because they were there to help pretty quick once word got out what happend. My bro Andy was there for me as usual. He said I was talking to him while still in the water but I don't remember it. At 68 degrees I'm sure I was shocked and numbed by the water.

I DID have sense enough to put my vest on and killswitch attached!!! If I hadn't have had it on they would've been looking for me via a side finder Humminbird or something.

I remember being in the boat again with Padura driving me back too the ramp. Thanks again bro! Someone gave me a towel and I just put it over my head. I didn't realize my left ear was held on barely by a few pieces. Everyone came to my aid, I think Andy said he drove my boat back too the ramp. Put it on the trailer, battoned it all down and then drove me the 1hr 30min to the hospital in my hometown. (Wanted to be there instead of the rural hospital's nearer the lake)

My wife met us at the ER and then nearly threw up when I removed the towel. I was taken back too the trauma unit about 6:30pm and then FINALLY got into a room on the Neuro floor abotu 2am this morning. I have 12 staples in my head and 8 stitches holding my left ear on. The doctor who stitched me up learned his craft while a military surgeon in Iraq, he had alot of experience with impact trauma and did a GREAT job on me.

I was diagnosed with a concussion and am ordered to basically stay off my feet for the next week. Hope to have the staples and stitches removed in a week or so. EVERY joint, muscle, tendon is sore. I think the only thing not sore on my body is my toenails. Roy called me this morning and told me the passenger bucket was broke up and the mounting hardware was bent and busted up, his GPS was gone and the covers on the speakers under the nose were missing and threw screws in the jackplate cover had been ripped out and were gone. It musta been a hell of a stop. Probably glad I DON'T remember it.

I've been flooded with calls, emails and PMs and I want to THANK EVERYONE for your prayers and wishes. I'm not out of the woods yet but I'm up walking and came home too my wife and kids so I CAN'T complain about anything. I couldn't help but notice today on the way home from the hospital how particularly BEAUTIFUL everything is. Don't take anything for granted, you realize how quickly it can all be taken away from you in an instant. No more tweaked pads and jacked engine heights for this cowboy! I'm a deckboat and XB21 easy livin kinda guy from now on I reckon.

My mother came up from Memphis lastnight. My dad, step-mom and brother came over from Hot Springs today and of course my wife, kids and her family are all here with me tonight. The pain, worry and anguish in their faces remind me NONE of us go through life alone and some of our own decisions have repercussions on others, however unfairly that might be at times.

Thanks again and I'll obviously be checkin in this week since I'm basically confined too the recliner this week.
RA

Yep that blackchit is dried blood and scabbing. Surprisingly not that much pain up there, more in my body.

 

BigRedAlli

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Glad to hear your on the road to recovery.

I figured this would slow slow you down ... For a little while anyway...:razz

Hope you get to feeling better soon.
 

FlatOutAlly

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Good to hear you're 'OK', Jim. Been through this and it's not what we think about when we back away from the beach. Take it real easy and hopefully you'll be fine in a couple weeks or a month. Really sorry to read this. :sad

Cp
 

Dark Allison

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Man ! Ouch. I'm glad you had your vest on. Take it easy for a while. Hope you get well soon.
 

TN XB-21

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Glad the Good Lord and his angels were watching over you RA!! I will be praying for your quick recovery with no complications and for your family. I know all of you are under a lot of stress.

God bless you Jim and take it easy for a few weeks until you are completely healed with a Doctors release in hand:wink!!
 

props4u2

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Glad to hear you're going to be ok Jim. Hell of a way to get a weeks vacation though! LOL.
Take it easy and heal fast.


Lee
 

badbait

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The first words in your post were good to hear. (I'm Alive) Very glad you were able to say that. It's the only thing that's important. I hope you have a quick recovery.

Bill
 

hack02

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Good grief Jim, when you do something you do it up all the way. Get well soon man. Like the others said, I'm glad you had the forethought to wear a vest and kill/switch.
 

GFinch

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Now I will be able to put a face to a name. I'll remember the Frankinstine stitches and the attempted artists ear-ectomy. Glad you survived somewhat intact to fly again another day. If I get to go to Jasper again this year and your there look me up at the Bush compound, I'd like to meet you in person, fully recovered.
 

waterqtr

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Praying for you brother! Praise God you're here today!

Hang in there...

Chuck
 

Westy

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Get Well Soon Red.

If this can happen to an experienced driver like you it just reinforces that I need to take very small baby steps on learning to drive my A-boat. I'm sure glad you were wearing your PFD and had the kill switch attached. That's a good lesson for all of us.

Speedy Recovery,

Westy
 

The Cashew Kid

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Wooo son you had me scared! Hang in there and you know I aint but a phone call away. I'll check in on ya in the mornin.:wink
 

Wicky

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Looks like you've been boating with Mike Tyson!!!
Damn glad you're still alive Red!!
As Havasu Barney said after losing the lead position in the Parker 300 this year,
"For the record I'm calling this a steering failure.
When the boat hooked, I failed to steer."
 

WildWolf

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Jim, you mussed your hair:gasp I'am so THANKFUL your going to be OK!!
Get WELL soon my southern brother, and back on DA WATER:wink

WW
PS, Andy GOOD JOB keepin an eye on our RA!!:beer:


RA "BACK IN THE SADDLE"
 

whipper

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WOW Jim! Hope you get well soon. Than you for sharing what happen. It realy hits home. Sounds like your in good hands. Your message was very heart felt.
Ill take heed next time Im thinking about that one more bump if its not like glass. Very good message Jim. Take it easy. And as mentioned do as the Doctor says!
Later James
 
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