Me and Wanda
Background: My children and I ski. We love it. It started as something I had always wanted to do. I was 35, Skippy was 7. My Dad bought Skippy and I ski passes to Elk Mountain PA as Christmas Gifts. We took a lesson, and fell in love. Not only did the sport itself engage us, but the time we spent together on the lift was a welcome chance to bond.
Wanda started skiing a few years back. After a few failed attempts, I got her on a Magic Carpet, on the right hill, and success! She loves the sport as well, including the quality time with Dad.
I truly hit my stride when I completed a lesson in Vermont a few years back. I was at a plateau in my learning, and the instructor got me over the hump. Since then, I believe I’ve become fairly accomplished. Oh, I’m not skiing moguls or gates, but I can ski some pretty tough hills. Left to my own devices, I have some great runs. BUT NOT SO YESTERDAY!
Location: Hunter Mountain
Personnel: Three adults, 3 teenage boys, two ‘tween girls and a ‘tween boy.
Events- Wednesday, February 18, 2009
- 6:30am- departure (ETA 8:30am) Breakfast on the road.
- 8:00am- Vehicle 2 (Honda Odyssey Van, driven by me) 10 miles from destination. Enters “S” turn. Roadway treated with anti-icing chemicals. Vehicle loses control, spins 180 degrees, lands in snowbank. Wanda and I (only passengers) uninjured, van undamaged.
- 8:02am- Trip continues.
- 8:30am- All vehicles arrive at Hunter Mountain.
- 10:00am- Passes purchased, equipment rented, personal items stowed, all skiers on ski hill.
- 10:45am- After 4 runs on bunny hill, Wanda and I move to beginner hill.
- 11:00am- After first run on beginner hill, Wanda and I spot inexperienced young boy. When quized, Wanda correctly asserts that boy is in trouble, trying to engage skis while pointed downhill. Wanda suggests we offer advice. I poo-poo the idea.
- 11:01am- I reconsider and offer aforementioned advice.
Note: the following information is based on reports from bystanders and family members. Times are speculative.
- 11:02am- Poorly trained and inexperienced young boy (see 11:00am) skis downhill out of control.
- 11:03am- Young boy strikes me from behind. I fall down. Really hard. Chastise young boy about his inability to stop effectively. Remove skis. Walk downhill to lodge. Carry on conversation with another adult from our party.
- 11:05am- Call wife at work. Can’t remember who I am traveling with, or where I am.
- 11:15am- Another adult from my party meets me in lodge. Have second conversation with him. Cannot recall 11:03am conversation.
- 11:30am- Decision is made to send me to Infirmary. Wanda told to stay with children in Lodge. Wanda refuses, escorts me to Infirmary.
- 11:45am- 2:00pm Assorted triage in Infirmary by Mr. Jewett. Placed in cervical collar. Placed on backboard. Loaded in ambulance. Party remains to ski, since wife en route to hospital
Note: Further events are to the best of my recollection. Times are approximate.
- 2:00-2:40pm Transported to Kingston Hospital Emergency Room. (Driver was Waldo, Medic was Pam?) Vitals normal. Blood glucose 84. Need food.
- 3:00pm- Wife arrives at Hospital.
- 3:30pm- Wife begins pestering local neurologist for appointment. First available time- 4 weeks.
- 4:00pm- CT scan.
- 4:15pm- Turkey Sandwich. First food since 6:30am.
- 4:30pm- CT scan results negative.
- 5:00pm- Released from hospital. Wife drives home.
- 5:45pm- Nearly home. Cannot recall what car I am sitting in. Clearly still addled.
- 6:00pm- In bed. Wife orders pizza for us AND most of our ski party, now arriving soon.
- 7:30pm- Wife goes with friend to pick up van, which had to be left behind in Woodbury, about 35 minutes north.
- 11:00pm- Sleeping.
Thursday, February 19th
- 1:00am- After 2 hours of sleep, wake to alarm for wife to check status of pupils, fever, headache, etc.
- 3:00am- After 2 more hours of sleep, wake to alarm for wife to check status of pupils, fever, headache, etc.
- 5:45am- Awake. Watching Hulu. Checking Facebook.
- 9:00am- Wife continues pestering neurologist for appointment.
- 1:00pm- Neurologist ‘finds’ appointment time. Squeeky wheel, meet grease.
- 3:00pm- To neurologist. Clean bill of health. Can return to work when I feel ready. Possibility of symptoms for as long as 6 months(!?!) but my progress is “better than most.”
- 4:10pm- Home and blogging. Thankful for wife, responsible children, great friends, and outstanding medical and emergency personnel.
February 20th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Mama Mia Vinnie! I’m glad you’re alright. Scary though!
May 6th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Yes her name was pam
but you drove home in the prius
if the van was in woodbury then how ould you have gotten home
hmmmm mabey you skiid there!!!!!
May 6th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
:p