Helicopter pickup at Sherman Island

[Greg]

Posted: Yesterday at 11:08 pm  Post subject: (No subject)
YOU ALL MUST WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW!!!

Here's an amazing speech by a lady who is a neuroscientist and had a stroke (really just a different type of brain injury). She explains what the whole process was like as someone who understands the brain -- and goes on into a deeper point that is very inspiring:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/jill ... sight.html

Jono, Thank you for posting this talk, it is very interesting to see the differance of one sided thinking and full spectrum thought processes. Also I find it truely inspiring to see just how "complete" the body,mind,spirit is and how amazing it is at repairing itsself.

I have often wondered what my son's purpose was on this planet and to what level he achieved that purpose. My current belief/feelings are that he completed his personal lesson plan that day and moved on to next level- Mentor.

With love,
G.

[dpca10]

I can't comment more specifically on Matt's condition but the fact that he can remember his SS # and DL # is very promising . ICU psychosis is very real and reverses itself once patients get there day/night cycle working again, especially in the setting of head trauma. I wish him all the best, thank god he was wearing a helmet.
-Dave

[jimrhut@yahoo.com]

His name is Matt Parker and he is doing well. I talked to him yesterday SEP1 and he sounded much better. One eye is still not working properly, and his meds are taking him on a roller coaster ride, but over all after hearing people say he wasn't going to make it to him grabbing nurses butts as he is wheeling around the halls I think hes doing wonderful. If you know Matt you know what a relentless fighter he can be and he swears he will be back on a kite as soon as he can, but this time maybe OUT SIDE the buoys, a little further from the land. And if you know Matt like i do (like fifteen years) he would love to talk to you anytime at any hour. I don't have the room number but the phone is 707-651-3216 just ask for Mathew Parker they all know him. And on a personal note, I think you kite-rs are nucking futs!

[OliverG]

Anyone have any updates on our friend?

[jimrhut@yahoo.com]

Matt is at home living with his folks for the mean time. Walks or wheels himself were and when ever he wants. And all in all is looking good. Just don't take him to Starbucks and let him order 6 shots of espresso let me tell ya! He has been out to kitetopia or whatever you guys call it (Sherman island) twice i think. Has some glasses on the way so he can see, and is looking (no pun intended) for some one or something to take his mind off the monotony of life living at his parents house! Call him some time he loves to talk and needs the conversation! 209-456-2695.

[jono]

All:

I spoke to Matt last weekend at Sherman for about an hour or so. He was very interested in saying thanks and "giving hugs" to those that helped him. Was really looking for Nat and Maui Mike and the ex-life guard guy who was at Nat's trailer after it happened and explained what went down to me (can't recall the name). Mike pinned him down when he was panicking and reset his leg. But, he "had lot's of people to thank for helping me."

He can't use the computer right now and I explained some software that might help him and how there are all kinds of podcasts you can listen to and books on tape, etc. Can't see real well out of either eye, but doc says it will improve. Shoulder is still messed up so we didn't fly the trainer kite from the wheel chair, but soon will be ok.

He has amnesia about a lot of stuff still (more than just the crash), but it's coming back. He wants more stories about that day, what happened, and pics if people have it -- he thinks it will help him bring back that area.

I told him all I remembered, but it wasn't much, I drove out cause the wind came up, got out there and just remembered the weird light and energy in the air. Wonder who's new Prius got rotor washed -- I think the state might pay for that if you ask ;).

It was amazing to see how fast he's recovering -- he really wants to learn to kite even more now, sees it as the challenge that will drive him to do all the work it will take to recover and be the reward he gets for doing it. Let those of us who aren't recuperating not forget or take kiting (or anything else we love) for granted either.

[Loscocco]

I can't comment more specifically on Matt's condition but the fact that he can remember his SS # and DL # is very promising .
-Dave

hell i can hardly remember my SS# and i have no clue what my CA DL# is lol
glad to hear he is doing good

[JustLettingUKnow]

I want to apologize right from the start for this post, but not being familiar with your boards, this was the only place I could think to put this. It is with a very heavy heart I that I notify you of the unexpected passing of Matt Parker this past weekend. Matt was very appreciative of all the well wishes he recieved from the Bay Area Kite-Boarding community, and I felt it important to pass this information on to you. Thank you for all your support following his accident.

The link to his obituary is:

http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/article/6065/

[windhorny]

NO! ? how can this be? What a sad loss. Last i saw him he was at the Live2Kite party. Very warm friendly person. This is one of those things that puts a black fog around your head. So sorry for everyone close to him. Short on words.

I pray he is in good hands and his spirit flies free.

[funkiatdabeech]

Oh man..... what a sad sad news. I totally was hoping that Matt will recover soon. I just have that feeling that we just never know when we going to go. Shit just happens and good people leave us. . . . Epic Don comes to mind too.... My condolences and you are with God now Matt.