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Back home and recuperating |
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Written by admin
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Monday, 17 April 2006 |
 Back home and recuperating
I returned from the hospital on Tuesday evening. The ankle is
completely immobile, thanks to a huge bandage that looks scarier than
it actually is. The knee hurts like the dickens, but that’s because I
refuse to take the pain-killers.
Once back home, I began to take cognizance of a few things that I had
always taken for granted. For example, sitting down on a couch became
an ordeal. Getting out of bed was a complete production. And I do hate
having to ask people to hand me things, and take my plate after a meal.
I had met children in Kabul who were victims of landmines and shelling.
Many of them were amputees. I had felt sorry for them then, but now I
have a better appreciation of what they must have been through.
There are a number of emotions that go through your mind when you can’t
use a leg: anger, frustration, and a feeling of helplessness. If I can
feel all of these just after a motorcycle accident, I can imagine what
it must be to lose a leg forever.
My ankle will get better. My knee will heel. I will be back on the road
and I will ride again. But the children that I met in Afghanistan will
never have that option. But I have seen hope in their eyes, and
possibly an acceptance of their situation. I have also seen some of
them laugh. It helps to bring my own problems into perspective. They
seem so trivial.
The media has mostly been responsible and unbiased in their reporting
of my accident, and I’m grateful for that. It would have been so easy
to paint me as the villain of the piece, as some news channels have
attempted. I can’t comment on their reasons for doing so, but I guess
everybody has his way of earning a living.
I am writing this in a feeble attempt to thank everybody for all the
good wishes and get-well-soon cards. I have received over 8000 mails in
the past few days and it would be impossible for me to reply to all.
I am grateful to my friends and well wishers, who have stood by me.
Also, to my parents who have scolded me with trepidation and concern in
their eyes. My sponsors, especially Yamaha have been particularly
supportive and I have no words to express my thanks.
Yes, I will ride again, and I will continue to ensure my own safety and
that of other people. I implore fellow bikers to do the same. We are
all responsible to the people who love us, and to each other. And we
must give the road the respect it deserves.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 17 April 2006 )
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