Well, it looks like I'm out of commission for quite a while. Here's the story in case you haven't heard it...

On Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, I had a speed-flying accident at Soboba Flight Park in Southern California. It was my first time flying from this particular launch point, and everything was simply gorgeous and amazing until I made a misjudgment in my proximity to the ground. I took it too low and impacted the terrain at about 40 mph. I tumbled downhill through rocks, dirt, and tumbleweed for probably 40-50 feet. Luckily, where I ended up was right above the Kobata trail just as a Kobata was on its way up! People were there within 30 seconds to help.

They had to helicopter me down to the ambulance, and the whole process took a couple of hours. Then I had a 30-minute ride to the hospital where they brought me into the trauma unit and did x-rays immediately.

I burst my L4 and had a broken nerve. I had to be completely flat on my back for 48 hours. They did surgery two days later and thankfully everything went fine, although apparently, I should be dead. They put a cage in for my L4 and rods between the L3 to L4 and L4 to L5.

On Friday, Nov. 4, I was transferred out of the ICU and I have started PT. Just today I was [thankfully] approved for Medi-Cal, which should cover most or all of the medical costs. I'll be moving to an acute rehab facility hopefully tomorrow, but the insurance only covers rehab centers in this area, which means I won't be home for a while.

It's been the most excruciating and miserable experience of my life, and recovery is going to continue to be a physical and emotional struggle. But I have learned from it. And maybe eventually I'll share my story so others won't make the same dumbass mistake I did, nearly ending my life.

Thanks to my rock, Blane Moler, for putting up with my unrelenting tears, profanity breakouts, and driving in the horrid SoCal traffic twice a day to be by my side. And to my beyond-supportive family who is always there for me. And to our amazing friend, Roger Hoffman, for taking care of our fur babies back in Lodi. And to the staff of Riverside University Health System Medical and Surgical Center. And to everyone else who has been so supportive. I'm miserable right now but also happy to be alive!

I have no idea when I'll be able to work again (hence this post). I freaking hate asking for monetary help, but this is one of those blows that life sends, leaving you without many choices.

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has reached out. I can't keep up with all the messages, but know they mean a lot.