Walli1 Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 FIRST OFF,I WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK EACH AND EVERYONE OF MY FELLOW ONLINERS FOR ALL THE KIND WORDS,I'M OVERWHELMED AND TRULY TOUCHED. I've been unable to do much since this ordeal has happened, I've been really short winded and my pulse and heart rate rise really high with about any activity, I was back in the ER last night for more testing and also have a doctor visit tomorrow but for now I just have to take it easy and get some R&G that's rest and grandchildren! When I was laying in the Hastings ER under the heat blankets warming my core temp, my daughter and grandchild came to see me and I was overwhelmed just seeing my grandsons face, tears were flowing. It's hard to believe I almost lost my life and the privilege of making a impact in my grandsons and daughters lives let alone my whole family and friends lives! I AM BLESSED!!!! It's hard to believe this accident happend to me, so many hours I've logged on the river over the years, going up and down, boat in and out. This year alone I've kept sort of a running total of the gas I've burned though on the river and its over 300 gallons, thats alot of boat time on the water! I got to comfortable, to much of a routine,I wasn't give the river the respect it deserves and I just about payed for it with my life! I use to wear a life jacket all the time, then as I became more comfortable on the river I only would wear one in the spring time and I still do that for the most part, I even used the tether kill switch on the motor when I began, but I just got over confident and comfortable and took to much for granted. Fishing on the river is alot like life, people all around us each and everyday, your friends and specially your family, you get comfortable with them, take them for granted,not showing them the proper respect and treating them the way you first treated them and bang realiy hits, for me it was almost my life but for others it could be relationships or some other matter, nothing in life should be taken for granted or neglected, I believe for me any how, its time to reflect and give the river some respect like I onced did! In a car you wear a seat belt it takes only a second to put on and will save your life, a life jacket takes only a second to put on and it will save your life, I believe in my time of need, God sent His angels to protect me and through them, He saved my life once again! and He can do the same for you! -------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishing Junky Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 Great thoughts on life Walli. Glad you have another chance and given us that have never been there, reasons to be more carefull. Bless ya, Junky...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tunrevir Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 Nice testimony Walli! I will pray for your health to return so you can fully enjoy those grandkids and your family. Take care my friend!Tunrevir~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black_Bay Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 I've fallen into the same trap. I started fishing the river a few years back and always wore a PFD while the boat is underway. Lately I've gotten lazy and stopped wearing it unless it's cold. Your situation is an eye opener. I'll be definitely be wearing my PFD next time I'm on the water. Take care Walli1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DinkADunk Posted December 6, 2006 Share Posted December 6, 2006 If you find a typical PFD to be uncomfortable you might want to consider an inflateable type. I find that I forget that I'm wearing it so I wear it all the time in the boat. For early and late season, or ice fishing you might want to consider a good floatation coat. I'm considering the Mustang Integrity Coat - a little pricy, but it's designed for the elements and is an approved Type III floatation device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Esboldt Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 Walli1,Thanks for still being here. Your ordeal has provided us with a reminder that nothing should be taken for granted. And, that includes safety. Life is full of risks but there are ways to mitigate them. Make use of them.Again, thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angler Don Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 Very powerful story, walli ! Even more when you realize how much other people in your life care about you, and depend on you. In ways you may not realize. Take care of yourself, your loved ones need you around ! Thanks for sharing your ordeal, it is a reality check for us as well. Don Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
upnorth Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 Good to hear you didn't wind up as a statistic. It very unselfish of you to share your story about this near tragedy. You are a a lucky guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 Walli1,AMEN! Thanks for the very powerful testimony of having faith in God. Looks like He has more plans for you! And, by you spreading your near death experience, it's part of His plan. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Down Deep Posted December 7, 2006 Share Posted December 7, 2006 No better teacher than experience. Thank you for sharing. There was a guy snowmobiling on 12/6/06 on Burntside Lake near Ely that wasn't so lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted December 9, 2006 Share Posted December 9, 2006 Walli.. keep your hopes up on the health issues and just take it easy for a while. Time will slowly heal the wounds that were created that day.I had some heart issues around 4th of July and I was very limited on what I could do up to about 1 month ago(november). I am back pretty close to normal now with a few quirks. Its amazimg how much damage can happen to your body over a traumatic event, and it can take a long time to heal from them... but you heal ... dont lose hope! Things will get better.You'll be ready to put another 300 gallons through the boat next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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