The go-kart was a fast one, and I was fixing it up for the grandkids. Unlike basic go-karts, this one has a 125cc engine, three speed transmission, and a good suspension. Would guess top end was about 50mph. We were having a family gathering to remember Twyla's passing and the go-kart was brought out to run down the street in front of the house. Only three houses on the entire street and it is a dead end so traffic was not a real concern.

Running down the street, I swung wide into the grass to avoid water standing in the road. What I didn't know about, or could see, were the three large rocks completely hidden in the grass. After impact, I went airborne, twisting and going end-over-end before smashing into the ground on my left side. One of my grandsons was the first to reach me and immediately turned off the engine and the gas. Thankful for that!

I remember none of this. Family that watched it happen told me later.

Injuries included a bruised face, broken ribs (clean breaks, nothing punctured internally), broken clavicle, left shoulder, and a broken neck. Surgery to fuse several cervical vertebrae was successful and left me with a six inch scar on the back of my neck. I will need to wear the 'cone of shame' (LOL) neck brace for some time until the other broken vertebra heals.

--
Ele era velho.
Ele era corajoso.
Ele era feio.