Hello friends:

One year ago yesterday, I went hang gliding in Deering, NH.  A few seconds after launch, I lay close to death on the side of Hedgehog Mountain, with polytrauma severe enough that, in the words of one of my doctors, "I didn't think you were going to make it".  

Yesterday, for the first time since the accident, I climbed to the launch site with my wife Tricia. We wanted to mark the moment; my alive day as Tricia calls it. Physically, I feel close to recovered. Though the C2 vertebra in my neck is still cracked, my surgeon is optimistic and cautions patience. I am scheduled for an x-ray in October, and as long as I am careful not to fall, I don't have to wear a neck brace. Other than that, the only legacy from the accident is some stiffness and a few modest bills.  

Mentally, I am still processing. I am grateful to be alive, walking, and in the lingo of Spaulding Rehab Hospital, cognitively intact. Thank you to Sam and Jessica, my hang gliding buddies who helped the first responders save my life. Thank you to my doctors, my neighbors, my friends, and the community of people who came to our aid for the long haul. Thank you to the Harris Center for the incredible support I received during what would become a protracted absence. I finally went back to work full time at the beginning of July. And finally, thank you to my wife Tricia for her incredible support. Anyone would be lucky to have such devotion.  

My flying days in this life are over and I hope not to be on Caring Bridge ever again. As a friend remarked, having a Caring Bridge account is like seeing Anderson Cooper in your driveway during hurricane season. It's never a good sign. But this is one story with a happy ending. Thank you all for helping make it so. 

Signing off, 

Eric 

And now a few words from Tricia: 

Hello all! 

Thanks to everyone for following Eric's journey so closely on this site -- your comments and encouragement were invaluable. Thanks to Chris Mann for keeping it going -- it would not have happened but for her. And thanks to all our dear friends near and far who supported us in a myriad of ways. We continue to swim in a sea of grace. 

The photo below is us on the mountain yesterday.  The moment says it all!

With much love, 

Tricia