Crash! Bam! How My Life Changed in a Second

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I’ve been staring at this blank space underneath a blank title for quite a while.

Days.

Weeks, actually.

This is because my life changed in a (literal and figurative) crash-bam moment just over a month a go. And I don’t know exactly what to say about it.

This post was originally published in 2013. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content. 

At some point in the (hopefully) near future I expect to write more philosophically (and in more detail) about what happened, but until I reach that point, I’ll just fill you in on the bare details:

Ironically just after publishing my Ode to the Scooter article and video, my partner and I were riding out to get a pizza when we were hit head-on by a car. (For what it’s worth, the car was entirely in the wrong and we didn’t even have a chance to react before it hit us at full speed).

I sustained significant concussions and head lacerations (stitches and all) – necessitating a nifty reverse mohawk that I’ve sported since they shaved a large strip off the top of my head. (I’m determined to make it a fashion statement of sorts. I’m just not sure how).

I also sustained a number of injuries from the knees down, from broken toes to bony fragments to garish β€œroad-rash” wounds, and later, infections from those wounds.

But I got off lucky.

My partner sustained some very serious injuries that mean he may never walk properly or without aid again. The repercussions of this – financially, emotionally, and otherwise – are almost incomprehensible.

The accident was just over a month ago, and in some ways it feels like years, save for our ever-present and lingering wounds which remind us of how fresh everything still is.

I won’t presently delve into the journey that this life-changing crash-bam-second brought on, largely because I’m still very much in the thick of it.

Readers have been asking for me to divulge the nitty-gritty bits about life on the road, so here goes: In many ways, this has been the stuff of nightmares. As a lone example, I was explaining to a friend the course of treatment the local (very NOT-western) hospital put my partner through, but it wasn’t until she saw pictures that she realized just how grim it is. (“It” being anything from the hospital, to the prognosis, to the torturous traction treatment).

For myself, when I’m not in pain, having difficulty walking, and/or caring for my partner, I’m unable to concentrate, words (and trains of thought) regularly fail me, my memory is unreliable (I even forget things I’ve known for years), and I get easily confused when using my computer.

None of these are good traits for an adventure traveler and freelance writer.

But.

This experience, like many challenges, is an opportunity for growth. Two mantras have accompanied me throughout this limit-testing journey:

Everything happens for a reason.

and

This too, shall pass.

A friend of mine who has overcome similar traumas gave me some lovely words of wisdom:

The three biggest contributing factors to a recovery are:
1. Attitude.
2. Attitude.
3. Attitude.

And I can’t agree more. Although I can (and still occasionally do) look on recent events (and the consequences) with grim self-pity, the moments that count – and the moments of true healing – are the ones in which I look onwards and upwards, and reflect with gratitude. My life changed, but not necessarily for the worse.

So please forgive me if I’m slow to answer emails, and my posting schedule goes awry for a bit. Life happened while I was busy making plans, and now it’s time to rest, recoup, and recover – and redesign.

2020 Note:
Who knew in how many ways my life changed in the fullness of time.
First of all: things didn’t work out with my partner. (Click here for a summary of relationships I’ve had on the road, including how this particular partner dumped me via instant message).
Second: While we were not at fault, the insurance claim I tried to make against the other driver’s insurance (to recoup medical expenses and lost income) was so bad I had to walk away from it in order to stay sane.
Last: While I didn’t think I’d ever walk properly or do any mountaineering again, I did manage to recover, in part by delving deep into myself through plant medicine work in Peru, along with a ton of mountain hikes in the Andes.

Do you have a strong stomach? Then check out some of the other crazy sh!t that has happened to me on the road.

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116 thoughts on “Crash! Bam! How My Life Changed in a Second”

  1. Holy crap! What a scary thing to happen – I’ve been silently following your blog for a while, and I admire so much what you’ve able to accomplish… anyhow, well, other than saying the obvious, that I wish you both a full recovery (no matter how iffy that may be at the moment especially for your partner), I don’t know what to say…. but geez, I sincerely hope everything is ok for you both in the end!!!

    Reply
  2. I’m so sorry to hear about your accident! I really enjoy your writing and hope you are feeling well enough to get back to it soon. Good luck.

    Reply
  3. We’ve been worried about you and hoping that your posting “quiet” was recovery time for you and your partner. Please know that you are in our thoughts and remember to take time out for your own grief, pain, and healing while also being a caregiver. Best to you and relief that all will be okay in the end. Thank you so much for the update, as difficult as it was to write.

    Reply
  4. Wow. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re dealing with, having your own injuries to heal from while caring for a loved one who is also injured. Another writer from Triberr just posted yesterday that she was hit by a car while walking with her kids. (Her kids did not get hit.) I was hit by a car almost 11 years ago and thought I had moved past it, but the truth is I haven’t. Not completely. One thing I can tell you for sure is that forgiveness goes a long way toward healing.
    There is something you can do to assist your brain. I used this to recover from a stroke and it really works. Imagine an infinity symbol inside your head, extending from side to side. Trace back and forth across the symbol with a silver light. You can just see and trace the symbol in the middle of your head or move it from the front to the back. Do this a few times a day for a couple minutes at a time.

    Reply
  5. Sorry to hear about this. But glad you and your partner will both be okay–eventually. I go back and forth about this every year when my wife and I go to the British Virgin Islands. I *love* the idea and stare longingly at the scooters for rent every time, but other than on flat as a pancake Anegada with its one or two roads, I just keep deciding it’s not worth it. I used to say I “chicken out”, but after this, I’ll feel better about it. I’d always worried that *I* would do something that got me hurt, never articulating that I could get hurt even if I did everything right. Get well soon!

    Reply
  6. Thanks Sarah, you just said everything that I wanted to say, but more eloquently πŸ™‚

    I wish you both health and strength, get better soon.

    Reply
  7. Thank you everybody for your well wishes. The road to recovery is slow but sure, requiring a virtue I sadly lack but am working on: patience!

    And @Jacqueline – what a lovely image to use to train the brain! I’m on it. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  8. So sorry to hear about this Nora. I hope you and your partner recover as quickly as possible. Good to see you still have a healthy positive outlook. Take care of yourself – We will all still be here when you are ready to come back πŸ™‚

    Reply
  9. I’m so sorry to read this and my heart goes out to you and your partner during such a challenging time. It’s always sad to hear of someone else’s misfortune to be reminded how short and precious life is, and like you say, how things can change in an instant.

    Stay strong and best wishes to you both for a full and speedy recovery.

    Reply
  10. So sorry to hear what happened. Best wishes for a good recovery for both of you. I know totally what you’re talking about with the memory lapses, difficulties with the computer, etc. My husband had a bad bike crash a few years back, and went through a lot of what you’re describing. I shudder to think how much worse it would have been had he not been wearing a helmet.

    Reply
  11. What a scary experience. I’m glad to here that you’re doing relatively okay, all things considered. You’re friend’s advice about attitude is spot on – stay positive and be patient for your recovery…good things take time.

    Reply
  12. I really feel for both of you. My husband and I were ‘lucky’ to have escaped a car crash (again, not our fault) with minor injuries but I can still remember the shock and repercussions.

    Hang on in there with those positive thoughts – like you say, there’s nothing to be gained from dwelling on the negatives. They need to be dealt with but will be easier to manage if you can stay strong mentally.

    Reply
  13. So sorry to hear what happened! When I lived in Taiwan I didn’t know one person who’d been there longer than a year and hadn’t been in a scooter accident. I was in two.

    Usually they aren’t nearly as bad as yours was.

    I’m so sorry! I hope that your recovery goes well and that your partner recovers better than they expect!

    Reply
  14. Nora~
    You post was so sincere I had tears in my eyes. Prior to this post, this past week I have been debating, trying to make sense, find a reason of why these sorts of things happen. And another fellow blogger whom I enjoy summoned it up so well with the recent passing of their beloved chicken ‘Peanut’ — it just is. These events, this life, it just is. I will be sending you the best thoughts and energy I can as you all heal. Thank you for sharing the trials and celebrations of your travels.

    Reply
  15. Oh Nora, I am so sad for you. That sounds dreadful. Would you consider going to Canada or where ever your partner comes from for treatment if its not so good there? Tragic if he is to remain so incapacitated…….that is certainly a life changing event and one you could well do without. Are the infected worlds healed? I hope you have friends there to help. Keep thinking “this too will pass” and stay positive. ….and it will pass in a positive way. πŸ™‚
    Will keep you in my thoughts.

    Reply
  16. As others have said, so sorry you have to go through this. I wish you and your partner a healthy recovery and hope you are able to find some comfort, both mentally and physically, in the meantime.

    Reply
  17. Wow. I am profoundly sorry, and I wish you both peace of mind and quick healing of body. I am so impressed by this post – how you shared and your amazing ATTITUDE. I agree with your mantras and approach, but you are putting it in practice in the most difficult of circumstances, truly exhibiting what it’s all about. You are strong and brave and insightful. Keep your face to the sunshine, one day at a time.

    Reply
  18. Oh dear. Oh dear. So sorry to hear it Nora. Though I’ve never met you, reading your forthright words here for so many months I feel I know you somewhat like a sister (well, o.k. maybe a close cousin) πŸ˜‰ Little I can say (that hasn’t already been said here) save that I pray you and your partner’s recoveries are swift.

    Well that and… yes, your two mantras: “It seems everything happens for a reason.” and indeed “This too, shall pass.” No doubt ever so true and comforting.

    Point is – though I’m sure this has been a nightmare for you – both you and your partner SURVIVED! And that’s all that really matters. You’re still here to witness the splendor of another magical sunrise, and enjoy no doubt many more years, and years of adventure in ever more fascinating corners of the globe.

    Reply
  19. Nora:

    When you are ready, you could use this as the basis for an article on what to expect as a LIP traveler in an accident. What happened, whose fault, was any blame/responsibility assigned and if so is there a financial responsibility also attached and so forth.

    Reply
  20. Hi Nora,

    I’m very, very sorry for you and above all for your partner who you said “he may never walk properly or without aid again.”

    To avoid completely a risk like that why don’t you move temporarily to Toronto ( your hometown, at your parents’ house for example ) to receive the best professional advice and above all the best cures, treatments and therapies for your partner!!

    It would be a wise move because if:

    “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest” by Benjamin Franklin

    even more so by analagy:

    An investment in health always pays the best interest!!

    Obviously I suppose you have already thought about this solution but keep on thinking about it and you’ll come up with a smart and creative solution!!

    You’re a strong and creative woman and so you’ll make it, as usual!!!

    All the very best with your recovering!!!!

    Fab, greetings from Italy.

    Reply
  21. Thank you again for all your kind responses….I’m sorry I don’t have the energy to respond to each of you individually.

    But to answer a few questions, getting to another hospital or another country is almost impossible – until he can walk. At that point we’ll go somewhere where he can get a look-over and some rehabilitation.
    As for me, I visited a dear friend in Florida and got some top notch medical care from a lovely PA I visited last year when I was there:
    https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/the-best-and-cheapest-doctor-i-ever-visited-was-in-the-usa/

    …and a few extra injuries were diagnosed, and some proper courses of treatment prescribed.
    I’m back in Grenada and tending to my partner now….I’m still moving slowly, but in the right direction!

    Thank you all for the positive vibes!

    Reply
  22. I’m so sorry to hear about your accident. I admire your spirit and attitude about getting through this. It must be very difficult.

    Reply
  23. Nora,

    Wow. What to say except my deepest thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to you. I hope you get better and your thoughts less hazy and your partner walks again and if you ever need anything, please reach out!

    – Matt

    Reply
  24. Nora, I’m so sorry to hear you have to go through this unfortunate experience.

    For what it’s worth, you just reaffirmed my phobia of scooters, motorbikes, ATV’s (ever see the tumble Anthony Bourdain took?), etc. Heck, I wouldn’t even ride a bicycle on the streets of Medellin seeing the way cars drive here.

    I don’t know if you’re a spiritual person, but I found a lot of wisdom in a certain book I bought last year by one of my favorite Buddhist authors (A Lamp in the Darkness). I’m going to send it to you now πŸ™‚

    Reply
  25. I’m not good at elaborately responding to things like this. So I’m sorry if I’m keeping this short. I just want to wish you strength, courage and the best of recovery.

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  26. Nora,
    We’re so sorry to hear about your accident. The trauma of it must be overwhelming at times – but you are a strong and courageous person who faced the challenges of living life on the road and made a wonderful life out of it. Your strength and courage will get you through this too. We’re wishing you and your partner all the best as you make your way through this life changing experience.

    Reply
  27. Wow – I’m overwhelmed at this show of support! Dave – Thank you so much for the book – what a kind gift, and one that will go to good use!

    To everybody else: Your positive vibes are well received! I am awed and very thankful.

    Reply
  28. Yikes! Sorry to hear about this. Living and working in the motorcycling world for much of my life, I’ve unfortunately been all too familiar with these kind of things, and I know there’s not much I can say that will amount to much more than good thoughts. I’ve blog-stalked you for years, and please let me know if you need anything.

    Reply
  29. I have no doubt that you have the inner strength to survive this ordeal, and ultimately once again thrive in your life.

    A few years back, I was able to meet Alison Wright, a photojournalist and travel writer, who survived a horrific vehicle accident while traveling in Laos. Her book, Learning to Breathe, is an inspirational story that you might find strength from.

    If you can’t easily get a copy, email me your address and I will send it to you.

    Reply
  30. Nora! Sometimes people ask, Why me? Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this! And there is a feeling of sadness, and anger, and helplessness, too. It’s important to know that in the spoken wisdom of my father: ” … son, “shit happens” … and it happens to good people, and bad people, and everybody in between …” It’s easy to say, if I hadn’t bought this damned scooter … or if I had stopped at this place, or made that turn instead … let me tell you, IF is the biggest little word in the English language and you cannot be responsible for what the Universe decides to hand to you; this accident also happened to the driver of the car who has to live with what happened to both of you, and all of the repercussions of your injuries, their own, if any, and their decision to use a cell phone in the car or whatever the distraction was … this event affects them, their family, both of yours, and your boyfriend’s daughter; it has a ripple effect across many areas of all of your lives. IF that driver had paid attention to the road, or stopped at some place along the route, or made a different turn, things would be very different for everybody and I am sure this driver is suffering emotionally and perhaps physically, as well – this person now has great financial responsibility to face, as well as tremendous guilt. Everything happens for a reason and you may never discover what that reason is; you can look at it that way, or you can look at it the way my father did: there is a certain randomness to what happens in the Universe, too. If you think you can control the Universe by being a good person or being deserving of something better than this, or if you think you are being punished for something or think that somehow you brought this on, yourself, perhaps by having had thoughts about dropping the scooter before this happened and somehow those negs signaled the Universe to allow this to happen … you are giving yourself powers the rest of us don’t have … so one very healing thing you can do is just to realize that as, my father used to say, sometimes, Nora, shit just happens … now, you rebuild and heal and am start making more plans …

    Reply
    • Hi David,
      Yep. I agree with everything you say. As an empath, I tend to be in touch with other people’s emotions (perhaps a little better than my own), and have philosophically stood in the shoes of many of the people who are involved in one way or another.

      And I also agree that you can “what if” yourself to death. In fact, I kind of see this accident as a way of the Universe reminding me that control is an illusion…”life happens”! (which is similar to what your dad said…” πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • Yes, indeed! Sorry about the exact quote but my father was of the WWII generation and sort of told it like it is! I miss him. My adventures are taking me from Hollywood to Wilmington, North Carolina next! This will be my “base” for some time to come! Screen Gems Studios is located there and plenty of artists, and a very long ocean beach and boardwalk I intend to stroll on a warm evening …

        Reply
        • Sounds like a nice travel plan. Enjoy North Carolina – I hear it’s beautiful. I didn’t realize it was also a hub for film production. Cool!

          Reply
          • Nora, they shoot a lot of TV shows there, and the latest IRON MAN was one of their summer long shoots. My daughter Erin is in film school in NYC and might be able to get an internship or work there in some way if she takes a summer quarter off – NYC is a 9 hour drive from Wilmington. Btw, I once broke a toe and it stiffened up and wouldn’t move for nearly a year. But it is now as flexible as it ever was, so stiff joints will again move if you are patient and your physical therapy will be a real help with diligence and patience. A lot of pain across joints (like over the rotor cuff in your shoulder) is caused by scar tissue and this can be stretched out to relieve that pain. On the knee it is a different thing, you can’t heal torn cartilage. I suggest drinking a lot of liquids, juices and plain old water. This will lubricate those joints and energize your whole body. An artist I admire says, “Whatever you think about, comes about” so think about being healed and back on the road of life!

  31. Wow Nora, I have just watched a Youtube video of Alison Wright being interviewed about her accident and recovery, and her book Learning to Breathe. Now I KNOW you and your partner WILL fully recover because, with that book and the attitude you have (which is like Alison’s I would think…and hope) it is all possible. I shall keep you in my thoughts.

    Reply
  32. Nora, as an avid reader of your blog posts, you have (as many of us will attest) made us feel like far away friends. As such, we feel your pain a little more strongly than most. You are, dear heart, in our thoughts and we all wish you and your guy a full recovery. I’m not sure that everything happens for a reason, if you think that, you could drive yourself crazy looking for that reason. I believe it’s more like – stuff happens. Good stuff – bad stuff. that’s life. Get over it quickly. Live every day as if it were your last and feel awed by the incredibly lucky second chance that life has given you.
    All the very best to you.

    Reply
  33. Hello Nora,

    Wow, I can’t believe all of this was going on and you were still emailing us back! As you said, everything happens for a reason. Just keep positive and use this recovery time to reflect and relax, it’s once you go into “victim” mode that everything seems to spiral downwards. All the best to you & your partner during this time πŸ™‚

    Sending you and your partner postive, healing thoughts!

    Dariece

    Reply
  34. I’m so sorry to read about your accident and injuries. I don’t personally believe that things happen for a reason other than the factual reason- a bad driver hit you. But I admire your attitude and spirit and am hoping for the best for both of you. I wouldn’t ride a scooter but I’m accident probe so now that I’m older I paid to be a member of MedJet so I can get evacuated and brought home if something awful happens. I hope I never have to find out how well that would work in reality. You sound strong and compassionate. Try to find any humor you can – laughing doesn’t help the physical energies but it can really help mentally. Take care.

    Reply
  35. What a nightmare, Nora!
    Sending a bucket load of positive vibes your way… and you are right, this too shall pass. It always does, just sometimes takes a bit longer than you want, but it happens πŸ™‚

    Reply
  36. Thank you ladies! I’ve been reflecting on the “everything happens for a reason” quote, and although I do subscribe to the idea that “what is, is” without reason, I also wonder if that accident stopped something worse from happening later on….or introduced me to somebody who might change my life…or taught me something I’ll need later. I dunno! Let’s see… πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Nora, I know there is a certain randomness to the Universe but also tend to believe that SOME things happen for a reason. And it may become apparent to you what that is later on; something along the way may become clear to you because whatever was going to happen if you had not had this accident has been changed and along this new path will be events that never would have happened – how you respond to this accident will determine a great deal about your future. Attitude really is everything!

      Reply
  37. Nora,
    I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, and have always admired your capacity to deal with whatever life throws at you. I wish you and your partner all the best in your recovery, and for the future.
    Nich

    Reply
  38. Nora,

    As I have expressed to you elsewhere, and I see it is echoed many times over in these comments, you have the energy and attitude to make it through anything–even if what you describe defies my imagination.

    You incredible “joie de vivre” and your lively mind always brings me a smile when I read whatever you have written for us and for others.

    You may think that your memory is slipping, but your writing is as clear and vivid as ever, so you must keep that in perspective as you go through the initial stages of recovery. Having traveled non-stop for so long, you have likely have a wealth of great images, memories, and epiphanies to draw on as your wounds heal. Not to mention the well-wishes of all your friends, as evidenced here.

    My thoughts are with you, and I wish your partner the very best in his recovery. People who are in great physical condition, who love life, very often defy all odds. It is that element that science cannot identify called “will” which doctors cannot account for in their diagnosis and long-term prognosis. You remain a huge inspiration to a large community who follow you.

    Best wishes,

    Greg

    Reply
  39. So sorry to hear about your accident Nora! And thank you for responding to my email so quickly. Take everything day by day. I know you know everything will be fine! Sending my prayers your way! Love & light

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  40. I’m more and more touched by the kind thoughts and words here every day. This sense of community and warmth is most certainly helping to keep my attitude in-check and on-line! Thank you!

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  41. Hugs Nora!
    I have a couple more mantras that might help:
    So what? I’ll handle it!

    and

    I just have to cope. I don’t need to cope well.

    Hope this helps.

    Reply
    • Thank you kazari!
      That is very familiar to the advice I received from my doctor about post-traumatic stress. When flashbacks get bad, I was told to audibly say “So what? It’s in the past. I’m over it,” in order to teach my subconscious that it’s not worth dwelling on.

      I like the idea that I don’t need to cope well. I wonder what I would have done differently if I had given myself that permission? Hmm… πŸ™‚

      Reply
  42. Hello,
    I found your blog and I wish you and your partner continued recovery to complete and full health. Sending lots of light, love and positive energy to you both.
    Blessings,
    Tracey
    PS. Thank you for sharing your story with us all. I have really enjoyed reading through your stories.

    Reply
  43. Hi Nora, I am so sorry to hear about your collision. How terrifying. I hope that you and your partner recover, but it sounds like it is going to be a long road. It looks like you have the right attitude thought. As your friend said, I imagine it is the most important thing for recovery. Staying optimistic can be difficult, but if anyone can, I believe you can. I hope that your partner is able to walk without assistance in the future and I hope that all your wounds heal well too. Dave and I are thinking of you and wish you all the best.

    Reply
    • Hey Deb – thank you so much for your confidence in me (which I must admit, sometimes wanes). I hold you and Dave close to my heart, and I hope we get to see each other in Toronto at TBEX this June! (My attendance is still up in the air).

      Reply
  44. Very sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you both recover and can continue along your journey. I’ve had way too many close-call experiences on roads abroad, and each one makes me appreciate life that much more.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Thomas. Indeed – it’s the close calls (and sometimes even the REALLY close calls like my recent crash) that make you appreciate life all the more. Cheers.

      Reply
    • Baron’s – See, now, that’s just the problem. If I interpret recent events as a sign to move on an do something different……well, what’s the next part to this equation? What do I do? Where do I go? Who do I become? And do I throw away all the hard work and blood/sweat/tears poured into becoming a writer and Professional Hobo on the premise that a head-on collision was a sign that I need to shake things up?
      (As you can probably tell, I’ve been down this road a few times before, asking these questions).

      This is why what I think I need is patience….and to wait for something else to come along (even if that something is an idea. Right now I don’t even have any ideas).

      Reply
      • Nora! My two cents says take your time, heal yourselves, absorb and deal with this event and use its energy to go forward. You now have plenty to say about what to do if a disaster such as this strikes right in the middle of your travels, or life, and that is something valuable to be able to write about for others; I have about 300 miles left of a trip in a small car across the USA to the East coast and I could write plenty about the conditions of the roadways under the weight of interstate trucks – pot holes in some places an inch to six inches deep and bigger than your favorite sized large pizza! You hit these at 65-70 or more and in a small car you might do some much damage to your wheel and suspension that you could literally go off the road! I spend all day trying to avoid hitting them when they come up on the roadways (they are not on every inch of the highways but some when they are bad – you better watch out! I had one tire blowout and had to balance the others before the car would drive straight! This is one kind of danger to be aware of driving the interstate but what would I do if I had been taken off the road by any of these crater sized holes? That whole discussion is what you can offer to people in your articles about recovering from something that you have no control over’ an accident that is life-threatening, life-changing, and how to deal with it! If you decided, and I know you won’t, to give up years of hard work and go against your wandering nature, you would be miserable. Better to overcome the present difficulties and take yourself on the journey’s you want and need to go on … grist for the mill, baby …

        Reply
        • Thanks, David. I believe, as you say, that this is all a progression, and the lessons I’ve learned through this experience will give me a chance to complement my existing writing and career.
          I’m not averse to change either; everything is an evolution, as my 7 years of travels so far have proven in spades!

          Reply
  45. I was very sorry to read about this awful accident, but I know that you will recover and be even happier than ever before. I wish you and your partner a speedy recovery and lots of love and support from one another and those important to you.

    Reply
  46. I don’t know how I missed this post by you! I was reading the March 19th article and was like “what, she got into an accident.” I hope that you and your partner make a recovery! One part of this that is touching is where you say ” I was lucky.” I was reading an article about positive and negative people and how positive people always put a good spin to misfortune! I am sure you will be fine no matter what.

    Reply
    • Hi Julio – Thank you! Indeed, it’s a somewhat natural tendency for me to try to put a good spin on things….to be honest, sometimes I need to “fake it till I make it” by talking positively even if I don’t feel that way, but the silver lining is usually there – you just have to find it!

      Reply
  47. Shit!! I didn’t know this happened Nora. I’ve recently seen the aftermath of 2 moto accidents in Thailand and they weren’t pretty. Hope the both of you recover quickly, and I’m glad it wasn’t worse. Stay strong!

    Reply
    • Hey, Matthew! Given the sheer amount of moto traffic in SE Asia in general, I’m actually quite surprised that I didn’t see more accidents.
      Thanks for your kind words….I hope the accidents you saw weren’t too bad.

      Reply
  48. To your recovery Nora,
    My good wishes for a speedy recovery. What is done is done and it can not be changed. These are words that have helped me move on in extreme circumstances. You have had lots of advice already so I will say no more about it.
    I have been enjoying you writings about travels and how to do! It has been inspiring. You have had the courage to do the things I am still dreaming about.
    I look forward to reading about what you do next, what ever it is, nothing remains the same.
    Barbara

    Reply
  49. Hi Nora,

    I’m so sorry to hear about this accident and how badly you were both injured. Just never know what life is going to toss your way, both the good and bad.

    Take care and keeping you in my prayers,

    Tina

    Reply
    • Thanks, Tina – indeed, life’s twists and turns are rarely on our maps! Ah well – it does keep things interesting…. πŸ™‚

      Reply
  50. I am yet another reader who missed this-it sounds very serious but please don’t give up on a full recovery in some shape or form for you and your partner; sending best wishes and healing thoughts.

    Reply
    • Thanks Melanie! It’s still a day-to-day thing, but more than two months on, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

      Reply
  51. Sorry to hear about the accident, as you said It happens for a reason and the reason most probably is: It is high time for you to change direction as you reached a dead end in that place you are, it is high time to leave the island and the relationship behind, but you know men, they will do anything to keep you by their side. Be strong, recover, sort out the the finances and the emotions and just leave to continue this project. It is your soul telling you to move on.

    Reply
    • Hey mister –
      I think there are more solutions available than the one you illustrate. I’ve heeded “signs” in the past and changed my life on a dime, but the same “signs” kept coming up, with patterns being repeated in different ways. It might be a matter of not changing what we DO, but instead changing HOW we do it.
      I don’t know if you’ve already read this post, but it’s very relevant:
      https://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/

      Reply
  52. I’m SO sorry to hear about your accident. What a horrible ordeal. I think the way you’re dealing with it is not only brave but practical. Know that you have loyal readers who care about you and wish you nothing but the very best. I hope both of your recoveries goes fast and smooth and that your partner fares better than what you’ve been told. Take good care!

    Reply
    • Thank you Andrea! At this stage of the game, the greatest virtue I need is patience, as I’m unable to go anywhere or do anything until legalities are sorted out here.

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  53. Nora, soooo sorry to hear about your accident and that there will be long lasting implications. Thoughts are with you. I’m impressed that even this early on you’ve got such a positive attitude. That can be incredibly difficult when you’re in the thick of things.

    Reply
    • Thanks Laurel,
      Silver linings are important. The woods are starting to clear now though….life will go on! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  54. I’m so sorry to read about your accident, that’s terrible, but your attitude towards what happened is very inspiring. Way to go, Nora! Wishing you and your partner soon recovery. Take care! x

    Reply
    • Thank you Lenka! Hey – if the glass isn’t half full, then just stay in bed for the day and spare yourself and the world! Ha ha.

      Reply
  55. Don’t know how I missed this post, but sorry I haven’t commented till now. You and I have had some time to talk about our accidents (mine being a minor pittance in comparison), but I just wanted to drop a note on this post to tell you I’m still thinking about you and hoping everything is still progressing.

    Reply
    • Thanks, Michael! Things are moving along, (very) slowly but surely. I hope your own injuries are on the mend too.

      Reply
  56. It seems there’re a few latecomers to hearing this rotten news –
    But if you’re planning on going to TBEX sounds as though things are beginning to move forward in a more ‘normal’ manner?
    Positive attitude missiling your way (in case yours is wearing thin!) πŸ˜‰

    Reply
    • Thanks, Linda! I’m largely healed, but not fully back to my former self in terms of mobility (I may never be). That’s okay – not very much can stop me!

      Reply
  57. Nora, so sorry to hear that! Hope you’re feeling better and that your partner is on his way to recovery. Yikes, it’s always hard when something like that happens. I’ll be in Toronto for TBEX this June, hope to see you!

    Reply
    • Hey Nellie,
      Great to hear you’ll be at TBEX….I’ll see you (again) there! Thanks for your kind thoughts.

      Reply
  58. I had read your blog for awhile…sorry for the news,,,but you are strong and you will overcome all of this for sure.
    I wish you the best.
    Edgar

    Reply
  59. Ouch! A lot of people here talk about things happening for a reason and the chaos of the universe, but in S.E. Asia this sort of thing is inevitable. It’s not a a question of if you will get in a wreck, it’s only a question of when, how bad it will be and if you were wearing a helmet. Nearly all of my friends here have their scars. Some of them from multiple serious accidents. I broke my wrist and had to remap my keyboard to learn how to do my job as a web developer with one hand. Today, I never drive. I take the pedicab!

    Reply
    • John,
      I guess in Grenada, I just didn’t expect there to be a problem. S.E. Asia? Of course. Like you say, it’s a matter of time. But Grenada? I figured I was a better rider than that; what I didn’t anticipate was a car doing something so wrong on the road, and so unavoidably catastrophic.
      I’ll be with you in the cab! πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t realize that Grenada is in Spain until I looked it up. I assumed it was in S. America! πŸ˜‰

        I agree, I wouldn’t expect there to be as much of a problem in the U.S. or Europe. It’s still risky though.

        Reply
        • Actually John, you were more right the first time: I’m in GrEnada, which is in the Caribbean. There’s also a GrAnada in Spain, and I believe there’s also a Grenada in Nicaragua.

          Reply
  60. “This too shall pass” is something I’ve been saying every time things are hard, but you’ve certainly put it in perspective as I haven’t experienced -this-…

    You are so right that attitude is one of the most important factors. My thoughts are with you and your partner – take care of eachother and stay positive (easy for me to say, I know). You’ll get through this too <3

    Reply
  61. Hey Nora – wishing you a much much better 2014….I had the same year as you…pretty horrendous but am determined not to take it in to the new year. Wishing you both a speedy recovery and a million more adventures and better times πŸ™‚ Look after yourself!

    Reply
  62. Hi,
    I just stumbled on your blog, which is great. Six years out from your nasty accident I wonder how everything is going for you? I’m an ER and flight nurse and I deal with the immediate aftermath of what you described all too often. I would be (and I bet others would be too) interested to hear your perspective now that some time has passed. I hope that your partner made a better recovery than originally forecast….
    Best wishes!
    Chris

    Reply
    • Hey Chris,
      Thanks for asking!
      So. It was a long recovery, that’s for sure. While I never thought I’d be able to walk without pain (my mountain hiking days were over), I’m happy to say that after 1-1.5 years, that pain went away. To what degree that recovery had to do with some very deep inner exploration using plant medicine, who knows. It’s a deep rabbit-hole. πŸ˜‰

      A few years after THAT, I will now say that my left knee (which took a bad hit in the accident) is giving me some trouble. It is now limiting what I’m capable of doing (ie: rock climbing would be difficult if not impossible; sometimes just walking is painful. I’m working on this with an osteopath).

      Emotionally and logistically (and cosmically???), this accident was the catalyst for a bigger shift, and the beginning of the end of my relationship – which was a good thing to end, as it was a very unhealthy situation I now see.

      So all in all, I can say the accident was a perverse sort of blessing. Though ask me again in another 10 years and my knee might have something else to say about that. Ha!

      Reply

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