Long ago and far away, a trip was planned to Wyoming. All started out well but along the way life had other plans for me. That particular trip ended in Carey, Idaho but my journey over the next year would continue in ways I never imagined.
I write here today, still alive and walking, and in great part due to a group of individuals whom I had never met before until that fateful day. Their courage and dedication to helping others was the key in beginning my journey back into the living. I had the good fortune to be able to travel back to Idaho last weekend to meet these angels again, under much better circumstances, and thank them for everything they did for me and, most importantly, to let them know that they make a difference, whether they know it or not.
Many times we are like pebbles in a pond, leaving behind ripples that affect others long after we touch that water. These people left ripples in my life that will be with me forever and they will always have my undying gratitude. Here is the story of my pilgrimage.
My dear friend, Kendall, joined me on this trip for moral support and as my “personal paparazzi.” Many of the photos you see here were taken by her to allow me to meet my rescuers. We flew into Boise on Thursday night and the next day headed to St. Alphonsus Hospital to see my docs and nurses that took such good care of and believed in me.
Kendall amused herself quite nicely while at our Best Western.
But first, we stopped off to pick up a thank you lunch at the highly recommended Flying Pie Pizza a few blocks away. The folks there were very friendly and had the food ready right on time.
Seems they were very excited about my order.
Dustin was the young gent I spoke with on the phone and explained what I needed and why.
This gal was a little wooden but her hat was, um, interesting.
Humor on the restaurant billboard.
Exterior shot of St. Alphonsus Hospital – it is an amazing and beautiful facility.
We arrived at the ICU not realizing that it was only authorized visitors that would be let through the magic doors. I called in on the White Courtesy Phone and we were admitted inside.
One of the very first people I came across was Dr. Morgan who oversaw my care while there. When I called out his name and re-introduced myself, he just said, “This cannot be Tyler Risk.” To which I replied, “Oh yes it can” and promptly gave him a big hug.
I, of course, had to show off the handiwork of the grafting geniuses at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
Andrea was one of the first nurses to care for me after my first surgery to repair my broken pelvis. She was adamant in her belief that I would recover and was a great source of support to my sister, Jaime, and daughter, Shannon, while they were there.
Nurse Elaine was another one of the warrior women who fought for me during my treatment to make sure I got the very best care I could. She often would come in to work an extra shift and I could see the circles under her eyes but she always had a warm smile and comforting touch. She even came in on her day off to say goodbye to me when I was airlifted back home.
Nurse Babs was a warm, wonderful spirit who gave love freely. I remember her figuring out a way to wash my hair with a garbage bag under my head to catch the warm water as it flowed over my hair. She brought in lovely scented shampoo and massaged my scalp. It was one of those “little” things that truly makes such a difference. Perhaps not “medicine” but definitely treatment for the soul.
I had wanted to visit with Chaplain Ben but he had the day off so I got to chat with him on the phone instead. Ben had come to my room several times armed with his guitar where he would sing songs that would make you laugh at times while others it would touch your spirit. I remember one time he came up and sang to me and Jaime and then we all held hands and prayed for my next upcoming surgery. He gave both of us peace of mind and heart for the procedure ahead and also gave Shannon a new understanding of spirituality.
Dr. Casos had been called in to consult on my case as he had a burn trauma background. I remember when I first met him… a serious expression on his face as he looked at me and said, “You have a very long road ahead of you” to which I replied, “I know… and I’m ready to walk it.” He looked at me for a few moments, I think sizing me up to see if I would be up to the challenges ahead, and then nodded his head and said, “Okay.” And with that he was a part of my team and I found in the days ahead that his serious demeanor hid a mischievous sense of humor that had me smiling many times… quite a feat given my condition.
Only in ICU can you show your grafts to someone with pizza nearby and not have it affect them.
There were a few others who were off duty that day so I wasn’t able to thank them in person. So I used the white board in the conference room to leave them a little love note.
And with that, we were off to Hailey, Idaho, in our Hertz rental car.
Traveling along Hwy. 20, we were treated to some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. I couldn’t help but hum “Home, home on the range…” as the vistas and valleys rolled by.
I couldn’t help but think of my dual sport friends back home when I saw these roads.
Kendall takes in the view…
Ta da!
The obligatory buddy shot at arms’ length… lol
We stayed at a wonderful B&B in Hailey, The Ellsworth Inn (www.ellsworthestate.com). Roni and Vincent are the caretakers and welcomed us with open arms, a glass of wine, and some yummy snacks when we arrived.
Bitster (a bit of this, a bit of that) was the resident mascot and a love bug. I was trying to figure out a way I could smuggle him home but figured he’d probably be happier on all that land than cooped up in my townhouse!
Vincent kept busy doing manly things like driving the little tractor around the property.
We supped on sandwiches that we had purchased earlier, enjoyed an adult beverage or two, and then hit the sack as we had to be up early the next morning. The Carey FD was having a fundraiser breakfast/fly-in starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday (dang, these people get up EARLY!!) so we set off into the rising sun that lit up the sprinklers raining down upon the crops.
We approached the intersection where my accident occurred on June 25, 2009. Strangely, I didn’t feel anything when seeing it. It didn’t really seem all that familiar to me although my traveling companions had much different reactions to seeing this photo – guess seeing the accident happen there stuck much more in their memories when they saw this photo. I regretted that I had put them through that.
We pulled into the airport parking lot (aka a grass field) and the first person to greet us was Dennis Patterson. Dennis was the off-duty fire chief/EMT that was across the street at the gas station when my accident happened and my first responder. I remember hearing his calm, soothing voice as he asked me my name and kept me calm. He always stood between me and the sun to keep it out of my eyes so his head was always backlit by the sunlight. He looked like an angel and I believe he is.
As he walked toward the road that we were turning off of, he again was backlit by the sun but I knew it was him. I put the car into park, opened the door, and without a word, threw my arms around him. We stood there like that for moments that seemed to stand still just holding on in gratitude – me for his efforts and he for seeing the results of his efforts. Tears flooded down both of our faces and we rejoiced in that moment of living.
I introduced Kendall and Dennis whisked us both away as his guests for the breakfast that the Carey FD crew was manning. Carey is one of those idyllic small towns where everyone knows one another and welcomse guests with open arms. Children were running about, people laughing, ogling of planes, and gobbling down a sumptuous breakfast. It was wonderful
Future pilots of America…
There were some wonderful automobiles there as well…
This Lotus got a lot of attention…
Folks got ready for the 5K run…
And there was a kids’ dash to the bus and back which this little girl won hands down!
Dennis introduced me to the crew that had been on duty that day and we shared many hugs and a few tears of joy as well.
Both Dennis and I were interviewed by the local t.v. station about the day and why it was so special. Here he is on camera, explaining how when he saw me on the ground and rushed over, he was quite surprised to find my eyes open and me talking to him. I found out that the rig was fully loaded (130,000 lbs.) and he really didn’t expect me to be talking.
After his interview, I couldn’t help but just give him another big hug… so I did.
https://fancyfeettr.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Pilgrimage-Trip-to-Boise/051510-245/870185279_QDvJU-L.jpg
Supposedly, the interview aired later that evening but I didn’t see it. They did do an online print article as well and a pretty good job at that!
https://www.kmvt.com/news/local/93866354.html
I write here today, still alive and walking, and in great part due to a group of individuals whom I had never met before until that fateful day. Their courage and dedication to helping others was the key in beginning my journey back into the living. I had the good fortune to be able to travel back to Idaho last weekend to meet these angels again, under much better circumstances, and thank them for everything they did for me and, most importantly, to let them know that they make a difference, whether they know it or not.
Many times we are like pebbles in a pond, leaving behind ripples that affect others long after we touch that water. These people left ripples in my life that will be with me forever and they will always have my undying gratitude. Here is the story of my pilgrimage.
My dear friend, Kendall, joined me on this trip for moral support and as my “personal paparazzi.” Many of the photos you see here were taken by her to allow me to meet my rescuers. We flew into Boise on Thursday night and the next day headed to St. Alphonsus Hospital to see my docs and nurses that took such good care of and believed in me.
Kendall amused herself quite nicely while at our Best Western.
But first, we stopped off to pick up a thank you lunch at the highly recommended Flying Pie Pizza a few blocks away. The folks there were very friendly and had the food ready right on time.
Seems they were very excited about my order.
Dustin was the young gent I spoke with on the phone and explained what I needed and why.
This gal was a little wooden but her hat was, um, interesting.
Humor on the restaurant billboard.
Exterior shot of St. Alphonsus Hospital – it is an amazing and beautiful facility.
We arrived at the ICU not realizing that it was only authorized visitors that would be let through the magic doors. I called in on the White Courtesy Phone and we were admitted inside.
One of the very first people I came across was Dr. Morgan who oversaw my care while there. When I called out his name and re-introduced myself, he just said, “This cannot be Tyler Risk.” To which I replied, “Oh yes it can” and promptly gave him a big hug.
I, of course, had to show off the handiwork of the grafting geniuses at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
Andrea was one of the first nurses to care for me after my first surgery to repair my broken pelvis. She was adamant in her belief that I would recover and was a great source of support to my sister, Jaime, and daughter, Shannon, while they were there.
Nurse Elaine was another one of the warrior women who fought for me during my treatment to make sure I got the very best care I could. She often would come in to work an extra shift and I could see the circles under her eyes but she always had a warm smile and comforting touch. She even came in on her day off to say goodbye to me when I was airlifted back home.
Nurse Babs was a warm, wonderful spirit who gave love freely. I remember her figuring out a way to wash my hair with a garbage bag under my head to catch the warm water as it flowed over my hair. She brought in lovely scented shampoo and massaged my scalp. It was one of those “little” things that truly makes such a difference. Perhaps not “medicine” but definitely treatment for the soul.
I had wanted to visit with Chaplain Ben but he had the day off so I got to chat with him on the phone instead. Ben had come to my room several times armed with his guitar where he would sing songs that would make you laugh at times while others it would touch your spirit. I remember one time he came up and sang to me and Jaime and then we all held hands and prayed for my next upcoming surgery. He gave both of us peace of mind and heart for the procedure ahead and also gave Shannon a new understanding of spirituality.
Dr. Casos had been called in to consult on my case as he had a burn trauma background. I remember when I first met him… a serious expression on his face as he looked at me and said, “You have a very long road ahead of you” to which I replied, “I know… and I’m ready to walk it.” He looked at me for a few moments, I think sizing me up to see if I would be up to the challenges ahead, and then nodded his head and said, “Okay.” And with that he was a part of my team and I found in the days ahead that his serious demeanor hid a mischievous sense of humor that had me smiling many times… quite a feat given my condition.
Only in ICU can you show your grafts to someone with pizza nearby and not have it affect them.
There were a few others who were off duty that day so I wasn’t able to thank them in person. So I used the white board in the conference room to leave them a little love note.
And with that, we were off to Hailey, Idaho, in our Hertz rental car.
Traveling along Hwy. 20, we were treated to some beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. I couldn’t help but hum “Home, home on the range…” as the vistas and valleys rolled by.
I couldn’t help but think of my dual sport friends back home when I saw these roads.
Kendall takes in the view…
Ta da!
The obligatory buddy shot at arms’ length… lol
We stayed at a wonderful B&B in Hailey, The Ellsworth Inn (www.ellsworthestate.com). Roni and Vincent are the caretakers and welcomed us with open arms, a glass of wine, and some yummy snacks when we arrived.
Bitster (a bit of this, a bit of that) was the resident mascot and a love bug. I was trying to figure out a way I could smuggle him home but figured he’d probably be happier on all that land than cooped up in my townhouse!
Vincent kept busy doing manly things like driving the little tractor around the property.
We supped on sandwiches that we had purchased earlier, enjoyed an adult beverage or two, and then hit the sack as we had to be up early the next morning. The Carey FD was having a fundraiser breakfast/fly-in starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday (dang, these people get up EARLY!!) so we set off into the rising sun that lit up the sprinklers raining down upon the crops.
We approached the intersection where my accident occurred on June 25, 2009. Strangely, I didn’t feel anything when seeing it. It didn’t really seem all that familiar to me although my traveling companions had much different reactions to seeing this photo – guess seeing the accident happen there stuck much more in their memories when they saw this photo. I regretted that I had put them through that.
We pulled into the airport parking lot (aka a grass field) and the first person to greet us was Dennis Patterson. Dennis was the off-duty fire chief/EMT that was across the street at the gas station when my accident happened and my first responder. I remember hearing his calm, soothing voice as he asked me my name and kept me calm. He always stood between me and the sun to keep it out of my eyes so his head was always backlit by the sunlight. He looked like an angel and I believe he is.
As he walked toward the road that we were turning off of, he again was backlit by the sun but I knew it was him. I put the car into park, opened the door, and without a word, threw my arms around him. We stood there like that for moments that seemed to stand still just holding on in gratitude – me for his efforts and he for seeing the results of his efforts. Tears flooded down both of our faces and we rejoiced in that moment of living.
I introduced Kendall and Dennis whisked us both away as his guests for the breakfast that the Carey FD crew was manning. Carey is one of those idyllic small towns where everyone knows one another and welcomse guests with open arms. Children were running about, people laughing, ogling of planes, and gobbling down a sumptuous breakfast. It was wonderful
Future pilots of America…
There were some wonderful automobiles there as well…
This Lotus got a lot of attention…
Folks got ready for the 5K run…
And there was a kids’ dash to the bus and back which this little girl won hands down!
Dennis introduced me to the crew that had been on duty that day and we shared many hugs and a few tears of joy as well.
Both Dennis and I were interviewed by the local t.v. station about the day and why it was so special. Here he is on camera, explaining how when he saw me on the ground and rushed over, he was quite surprised to find my eyes open and me talking to him. I found out that the rig was fully loaded (130,000 lbs.) and he really didn’t expect me to be talking.
After his interview, I couldn’t help but just give him another big hug… so I did.
https://fancyfeettr.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Pilgrimage-Trip-to-Boise/051510-245/870185279_QDvJU-L.jpg
Supposedly, the interview aired later that evening but I didn’t see it. They did do an online print article as well and a pretty good job at that!
https://www.kmvt.com/news/local/93866354.html
