Road Rash

[Izaak]

DSCN4285 by flympher, on Flickr
Hook: Mustad Signature R70, size 14
Thread: Uni 8/0 tan
Hackle: Partridge
Body: Hare's mask
Rib: Red flashabou

My apologies for being away for a while. My 18 year old son, who is an avid road cyclist and competitive racer, was involved in a bad crash during the last lap of a race 10 days ago. He is just fine! But he suffered a concussion and numerous bad abrasions (road rash) on his face and body, along with a shiny black eye! X-rays didn't show any broken bones so there was no serious damage. He suffered some short term memory loss for a while but has since recovered very well and even took an hour long bike ride today! He'll be ready to race in another week or so! Glad it wasn't any worse and especially so since he recently got an athletic scholarship to race for the USA Cycling national collegiate champions, the Marian University Knights. So...I have been spending more time hanging out with him and the family lately.....along with having to do some spring lawn and garden work. Glad to be back!

[Izaak]

DSCN4259 by flympher, on Flickr

Believe me....he is just fine! Handsome as ever!

[wayneb]

OUCH! Glad he's. Ok!

By the way, nice tie and I can definetly see the inspiration.

Wayneb

[DUBBN]

Missed your flys sir.

[DUBBN]

I will take your word for it, because it looks pretty bad. Not the fly, the accident. The fly looks good!

I was worried you ran away after we found out your true identity!

[Izaak]

DSCN4274 by flympher, on Flickr

His watch didn't fare as well. Still works though!

[Hans Weilenmann]

Welcome back Tom

Sorry to hear about your son's crash (and your heart stopping for an instant, no doubt, on the first news). Good to hear he is bouncing back so strongly.

Cheers,
Hans W

[William Anderson]

Tom, I wondered where you went. Glad you're back and that the accident was relatively minor. The pics are very worrisome. I raced in high school and college and a spill like that is on your mind most of the time. I took a bad fall once (my last race) and in very slow motion all I could think about was keeping my bike off the road surface. Youth is funny like that. My best to your son. Thank god he's ok.

Seems strange after seeing the accident to complement you on such a lovely fly . Very nicely done. And it looks like you've raised a great son as well.

[letumgo]

Tom - As a parent, I can imagine the concern you must have felt (shudder). I am relieved to hear your son is recovering quickly. Amen. It is great to have you back.

[Mataura mayfly]

Yep, the fly is good.

But, be thankful your boy is going to bounce back to full health. Bikes and tarmac + speed = cheese grater in a fall.
Cradeling one of your own whilst waiting for an ambulance is one of lifes gut wrenching experiences, with a sence of hoplessness thrown in. In hindsight though it gives you an appreciation of being a parent.
Best to your son Tom and may his recovery be simple and short lived.