thank you all

[Greg]

Matt,
I'm sorry but I can't recall the UPS... I'm probably one of the bigger space cadets, faces I remember, much more is questionable. I have friends from years back that I can't remember their names at all..
Now to get back to your re-enterduction: I highly encourage you to re-up your lesson package!! I'm NOT an instructor and I'm self taught, that said I know as much as most instructors.. I personally want you to be comfortable, confident and watched after for a little while. I've read progress reports and you seem to be doing REALLY WELL considering what happened. I just want to help, I have the time and believe it or not I'm really patient. I've also had a little head trama so I understand this may take some time, days or even a week is fine, THAT'S COOL- No PROBLEM!
PLEASE dont be shy about taking me up on my offer, my son died from brain injury, YOU will be HELPING ME in more ways then you can fathom.
L.M.G.

[splatto]

Well in that case LMG I'll take you up on your offer for sure. Thanks again, and I'm sorry to hear about the other.
And in reply to the previous post I would love to ride Sherman again. Just to spit in it's face for trying to kill me!!!!!! I learned at Sherman also. I was going to try to make it there seeing as I have all this time off. Is it pretty much walker/wheelchair accessable? Maybe in a week I will get cleared to walk so I will hopefully see you'all soon.

[vant20]

I stopped at Sherman 3-4 times since the season ended. There is seldom anybody there. I talked to fishermen a couple of times, they were not interested in the wind :-)

It is not worth making the trip unless you go there when it is blowing and people took time off to play in it.

[splatto]

I meant La Ventana. I have been by Sherman, including right after the hospital lockdown. But thanks for the insight on when people are going to be around, since I can't kite it's to hang out and help out where I can. I would like to visit the other spots I have not been to in the bay area. I did go to Crissy Field to watch the competitions before the accident, but not to kite. Thanks again.

[splatto]

Well, update. I am freakin walking with no help from canes, walkers, or wheel chairs. Emotionally it feels awesome. Physically it hurts like hell. I go back to work in about 2 weeks, if I still have a job....The doctor really doesn't want to take out the rod. No matter how much evidence I bring him, he hasn't changed his mind. THe bottom break hasn't heald all the way and my never becuase of the size of the breaks without a bone graft. I asked to have the bone graft if needed but he isn't going for that either. Any doctors help would be appreciated. I think his idea is to keep me from riding again. In fact I told him that if he wouldn't send me to a surgeon I'd do it in my garage with a razor blade, sawzall and bearing puller. He seems to be changeing his mind about he rod. And since he has heard from my parents about my past escapades he believes I would actually do it, and I just might. Hopefully after about a year I can have the surgery to remove the rod. BUT I AM WLAKING ALL ON MY OWN!!!! Just in rime for the snow to come. Not that The doctor has given me permission, but DO I CARE WHAT HE SAYS? NO!

[jbirdmarin]

Hey Matt, nice to hear your update and progress. I'm not a doctor, but I did stay at a holiday inn last night (budda boom). I've had 4 surgeries and only once asked for a second opinion, which greatly paid off. I wished I'd asked for a second on my first major operation - it might have changed my mind.

Anyway, that's my suggestion - get another doc's perspective before you break out the exacto knife and vice grips in the garage. Best of luck with that!

[Greg]

Matt-
Glade to hear your getting around better!! Keep up the good work!! Remember your gonna have to push yourself really hard to get back in shape-- TAKE your time, but DO IT!!
Greg

[splatto]

Thanks for all the help, I am pushing my self really hard. Even before I got the ok to walk I was going to the gym for 2-3 hours a day. Turns out from others I know that exercising in the pool is realy good for me because it's not weight bearing. So Iwas doing about 40 laps walking regular, 40 laps walking side to side, 20 laps breast stroke, 20 laps back stroke, and finished with 40 laps walking backwards, a day. Now that I am weight bearing allowed I can start hitting the machines. Even before I got permisission to bear weight exercising was extremely painful. But I AM GOING TO GET THERE, and there's only one way there. Actually the pool was really good exercise, so I may do them and the weights. I'm GONNA ride this summer. Gonna start with wakeboarding to get my board skills back then I really wanna kite again! Seee you all soon.

[OliverG]

Matt, you're going to get there and you are tough and an inspiration! Thank you for the updates, and keep up the good work!

Ollie

[Greg]

YES!
Matt, sounds like you are going strong!! Work on flexability too..
Getting you going on a surfboard behind the ski will be very do-able..
Perhaps you will be able to do some spotting for others off the ski as a way of easing into riding kites again..

Glade to hear your training is going so well!! Sounds like you are going to be one hell of a swimmer!! Thats REALLY GOOD, that will give you confindence and endurance, thats makes you independant.
Matt-I'm STOKED for you!!

Where do you swimm?,
L.M.G.