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Norwegian
Trad climber
the tip of god's middle finger
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May 14, 2013 - 08:43am PT
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way to go, mike.
i hope that your new stride
carries you strong and proud.
you have earned a bountiful gait.
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 11, 2013 - 09:43pm PT
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Hey All..long time no posts... Mike's been a busy boy since he got home (May 11). Despite the fact that he coulda used another month in GF Strong, he seems to be doing quite well with his transition of being home. His motivation could use some help right now. I'm posting today though cuz I wanted some of you awesome peeps to see some of the things I've been up to other than rope-gunning for Mike since his return home:
Weege's lamp
Tammi! I found the PERFECT space to hang the painting you made for the big guy... one of the nicest, not to mention, most meaningful, pieces we have in our collection. The photo of it doesn't do it justice...the walls are actually white not yellow and the painting glows blue during the day. Thank you!
And I also made a Get-Well Collage out of all the nice cards and messages which is hanging on our kitchen wall...
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Jun 11, 2013 - 10:17pm PT
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Keep working Big Mike. I hope to see you in the needles or tower sometime and I still have to get to Squamish. I hope you are ready to give me the tour when I get there. I haven't been checking in with the taco too much lately, but it sounds like you are making great progress.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 11, 2013 - 10:40pm PT
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hey there say, sandra... thanks for posting all the 'at home and settled'...
i will sure send 'keep on keeping on' the ol' trail, motivation to
big mike!
when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
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MH2
climber
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Jun 11, 2013 - 11:43pm PT
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Great to see those pictures, Sandra. Thanks!
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Jun 12, 2013 - 12:56am PT
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All the best, Big Mike!
Not sure how you are doing, exactly, likely sorta mixed, some good, some not so good. You're in this for the long haul. You're still young and your nerves and spine will be improving for many, many months ahead. For goals, just figure on doing something, some hiking/walking, if nothing more, each and every day. Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come.
One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
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wayne w
Trad climber
the nw
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Jun 12, 2013 - 01:10am PT
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Mike! Keep at it Brother. You are going to be amazed by the progress that there is to be made by staying positive and working really hard. Healing is a strange and mysterious thing. It comes on its own schedule, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. However, by being patient you can expect more of it than you may be able to imagine in this still fairly early phase of your recovery. Adapting to your situation and focusing on getting the parts of your body that do work well to be as honed as possible is a great plan. The rest will come in time.
Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.
Gandhi
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MH2
climber
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Jun 12, 2013 - 01:59am PT
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Not sure about indomitable, but Big Mike has good enough will.
(I happened to meet Will S today)
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:12am PT
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when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
Thanks NeeBee...been quite the journey thus far. We are hitting a bit of a wall...but like you say, "try new strategies" and move ahead some more.
We hung the dreamcatcher above our bed (more over Mike's head then mine...haha...) but i think it managed to capture a few good dreams..and chase some bad ones away.
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:24am PT
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Don't sweat it if you feel like doing nothing, taking a day or three or so off. Go with the flow. You got to find a balance that works between training for the future and enjoying what you have. Good luck!
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Baby Doll
Trad climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 02:33am PT
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Not sure how you are doing, exactly, likely sorta mixed, some good, some not so good. You're in this for the long haul. You're still young and your nerves and spine will be improving for many, many months ahead. For goals, just figure on doing something, some hiking/walking, if nothing more, each and every day. Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come.
One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
Thanks for your words of wisdom Crunch...sounds like you (unfortunately) know a little about recovery from injury of the more traumatic nature. Even though I've had to rehab my own (past) minor injuries, its important for not just Mike, but for me as well to hear this advice. He's been super positive for the most part but now that he's home and our pace has slightly calmed, we have both really started to process our new reality. I believe I've been a bit more of a 'basketcase' than Mike (haha) but we're both working through it. The "many, many months ahead", as you say, WILL bring positive results with patience and time...we just have to remember to take time outs and properly absorb whatever emotions creep up to the surface. The 'waterworks' have become a norm for Mike and I as of late, but so has the push and will for him to do as much as he can to stay positive about his recovery. We've been doing a lot together lately....gym, pool, hiking and climbing gym with a side of cragging. Its been a different kinda fun for us nonetheless. :)
You are going to be amazed by the progress that there is to be made by staying positive and working really hard. Healing is a strange and mysterious thing. It comes on its own schedule, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. However, by being patient you can expect more of it than you may be able to imagine in this still fairly early phase of your recovery. Adapting to your situation and focusing on getting the parts of your body that do work well to be as honed as possible is a great plan. The rest will come in time.
And Wayne, yes, i totally agree and know from personal experience that "healing is strange and mysterious and definitely has its own schedule". With some gentle coaxing and positivity, Mike will make the most of his recovery.
Thanks for appreciating the photos MH2 :)
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RyanD
climber
Squamish
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Jun 12, 2013 - 03:26am PT
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Hey that lamp is awesome!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 12, 2013 - 07:32pm PT
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hey there say, sandra... as, well, too...
somewhere along the line, in life, we all have situations where things have seemed to either come undone, or roof caved in, or rug pulled out, etc...
and--us, being human, MUST adjust and in some ways even change our 'trail strategy' and not in the usual 'human sense, as to make things smooth, spiffy and easy' --nope, the change may involve HARD work, or self diciipline... and:
many folks learn sadly face this in the middle ages, or, when folks that are young, have kids TOO soon, before they UNDERSTAND the process of life:
life is meant for living for a whole picture, NOT just ourself...
so--frustrations sets in, and relationships fall apart when the 'easy self ways' bite the dust, and the hard trail part, kicks in...
if folks are shallow, they will never understand the great meadows and views that are to be AFTER these precious hard-tests...
relationships and love are better and sweeter and so are friendships with all that tackled or helped, or supported or encourages, during these times...
it is BETTER now, that you and big mike learn all this now, while young...
if you were still together, without this in the older years, it would have been much harder to deal with--both being set in the ways of 'youthful vigor, eyes on the end of world' etc...
also, for folks that later have kids, this is PRACTICE... practice to tackle whatever needs be, for that little one that needs all kinds of help that is not seen until 'individual baby situations surface' for each kid, trying to grow, grow up, and learn to live in the world...
trails are always best, when you know that the trail is more than you think, at first look... :)
easier to accept and take the challenges, then...
and --to win the prize...
god's grace and wisdom, and prayers to you both...
oh, and say:
hey there big mike, may the day be sweet today! and the evening,
a blessing, :)
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 05:15pm PT
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Hi all!
Long time, no post. Sorry about that! Truth is, this summer's been rather challenging, both physically, and mentally.
I did ok for the first month or so after i left Gf Strong, kept up with my exercises, but didn't work much.
Things changed a bit when the boys needed more help on site, though. I started working a bit more to pick up the slack and started feeling guilty about not having enough energy to do both work, and rehab.
This lead me to depression, but i think it was also feelings that i never really dealt with after the accident.
Things are slowly getting better though. My business is paying a few bills again, rather than loosing money, so that is a great stress off my shoulders.. I'm feeling stronger all the time and my pain is getting significantly better, accupunture's been huge. It really does wonders for me, and helps my body loosen up. I get uber tight again when i don't go.
I've been climbing a bit, definitely getting stronger, but the loss of feeling in my left foot still makes things very interesting. It's hard not to skate off a slab when you can't feel your big toe, but i'm getting better at it.
My biggest effort so far was Calculus Crack, a 5 pitch 5.8 on the apron. Kieran was kind enough to ropegun us up there, and Nina and Kyle had a beautiful dinner waiting for us, at the top, on memorial ledge!
Ropegun, extraordinaire.
Sandra on p2
She cleaned it, despite having dinner and a huge thermarest on her back!
Me on p3
Kieran Brownie photo
Sandra on p3
Kieran starting up p4
Memorial Ledge (they set up the handline for the cripple...)
Dinner!!
I'm headed to the Valley this week for Facelift, so hopefully see ya'll there!!
Thanks again to everyone for all your support!! I would not be where i am today without it!!
Special Thanks to Sandra. Without her, all this would have been so much harder!! I love u babe!
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 06:37pm PT
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It's a start of a new journey. It's not going to be easy but you'll make it through and be fine, with that strong will and super positive energy!
Keep healing and recovering!! Looking forward to more of your mini adventures - whether in town or in the mountains!
Thanks Powder!! Sorry i never got back to you, my communication skills have been lacking this summer.
Dude glad your on the mend. I'm going the workout thing too. Thought climbing was enough. Found out I got to work to keep the weight off. Down 16 pounds and working out nearly everyday.
Ya Plaid! You killed it this summer buddy!! You're my inspiration now!!
That is a hell of a task. I've read countless stories of people suffering injuries to their spine, and even though everyone told them they'd never do X,Y,Z, etc again (including their doc), they showed them differently with training, positive thinking, and a whole lot of stubbornness. Good beer too, probably.
You're right burch. Not allowing oneself to accept failure is the key. Stubborness. Pure and simple.
Awesome Mike,glad to see u where u are man. Really amazing how fast this time had cruised by & the adversity which u have overcome.
Thanks Ryan. Funny, for me, things seem so slow, but when i compare myself to other friends with spinal issues, i've managed pretty well.
Rock on, big fella!
Ps
Aren't you just a little worried about ODing on good vibes?
Thanks Reilly! Can you od on vibes?? Lol ;)
Can't wait to see you back out there Mike. Thanks for helping put most of my petty woes into perspective. I try to feel thankful every day for what I have, because things can change so fast.
Thanks Kris! I'm trying!! Thanks for everthing man! I can't tell you how much your hospital visits meant to me!!
Awesome news Mr Mike, totally stoked to see you kicking ass and making a strong recovery.
It'll be a pleasure to get out there again with ya!
Heck ya buddy! Sorry i haven't been in touch this summer. I'll call u when i get back from the valley!!
way to go, mike.
i hope that your new stride
carries you strong and proud.
you have earned a bountiful gait.
Thanks Chuck!! Thanks for the lamp too! It rules!!
you've dealings in the past
with heir gravity.
your present quarrel with her
is surmountable.
Thank you for this. Is was my new motto the moment i read it!
Keep working Big Mike. I hope to see you in the needles or tower sometime and I still have to get to Squamish. I hope you are ready to give me the tour when I get there. I haven't been checking in with the taco too much lately, but it sounds like you are making great progress.
Thanks Mike! Sorry i never got back to your squamish moderates thread!! I will certainly be ready to give you and Jack a tour next summer!!
when the trail twists and turns a bit, or hits a new uncharted spot, or an old sore spot, the nice breeze can fizzle a bit...
you can or may want to slow a bit, think and contemplate, and try new strategies, then--you will find you are moving ahead again, :)
with grace and dignity, :) and a happy heart... :)
Thanks neebs! How did you get so wise?? ;)
Improvements will come slow (too slow, I know too well) but they WILL come. One day at a time; appreciate and relish everything you CAN do.
Crunch! You know this all too well! I still have to slap myself occasionally and remember just how far i've come.
crunch
Social climber
CO
Jun 11, 2013 - 11:24pm PT
Don't sweat it if you feel like doing nothing, taking a day or three or so off. Go with the flow. You got to find a balance that works between training for the future and enjoying what you have. Good luck!
Thanks for this too. It's too easy to beat myself up for not doing enough sometimes. It's been good to remember i need time to heal too.
Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.
U got that right Wayne! I'm not perfect by any means, but i ain't giving up!
Hey that lamp is awesome!
Ya it is! My own piece of the sierra's hand made by an amazing artist!!
it is BETTER now, that you and big mike learn all this now, while young...
if you were still together, without this in the older years, it would have been much harder to deal with--both being set in the ways of 'youthful vigor, eyes on the end of world' etc...
Neebee is wise!!
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Sep 22, 2013 - 08:45pm PT
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tx 4 the tr.
cant believe how clean calculus crack looks now.
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MH2
climber
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Sep 22, 2013 - 10:10pm PT
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Extraordinaire all around, Mike.
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Big Mike
Trad climber
BC
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Sep 22, 2013 - 10:57pm PT
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cant believe how clean calculus crack looks now.
Thanks to Scrubber!! There's a new direct start too. It's sweet!!
Thanks Andy! It was great to see you last week!!
all tied to a bad pelvic break sustained when she got taken down in a road race
Ugh.. So glad my pelvis stayed intact!!!! I wish her well!!!
No oxy's but still using the hydromophone. sparingly though, down to 3mg per day. I usually skip it if I'm not doing anything though.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 22, 2013 - 11:09pm PT
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Great you're up and at it, Mike. I have about 25% feeling in my left foot, zero in my big toe so it's weird, I know.
Hang tough and get better.
JL
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ncrockclimber
climber
The Desert Oven
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Sep 22, 2013 - 11:20pm PT
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BIG props to you, Mike! I wish I would have found this thread earlier. Your attitude is inspirational, and your recovery is nothing short of amazing. Keep strong! If I ever have the pleasure of meeting you, the beers are on me!
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