See the little black dot in the sky? That's Daddy's helicopter flying over Colorado Springs...
It's getting closer...
Here it is landing at a Hospital in Colorado Springs!Yep, Daddy went on a helicopter ride May16, 2008. We were climbing at a local area called Turkey Rocks. We had a wonderful day full of fun climbs, finding blue beetles (Lucas befriended many of them) and the best weather in months. It was the last climb of the day when Daddy started climbing and his foot slipped before getting any protection in. He fell about 12-15 feet landing on his feet and butt. His back instantly hurt so we realized quickly he would not be hiking out anytime soon. Luckily, there were three other couples climbing in the same area and they rushed to help. Lucas was swept away by two pretty girls, Emily and Annie, who kept him occupied and entertained while we helped to keep Daddy "comfortable." The helicopter came quickly and before we know it, he was off to hospital.
After a night at the hospital and a transfer to Denver for another 4 days it was determined that Mike broke four vertebrae in his lower back but would NOT need surgery! What a long wait but we were all excited to hear the outcome. He was fitted to a back brace and able to come home on Tuesday evening.
Mikes brother and his wife (Mark & Kate) are currently living with us and have been a tremendous help. They stayed at a hotel with Lucas and I for the duration and help distract us all during the long days in Denver.
Daddy is doing extremely well, he's able to move around a bit and walk slowly. He's really been enjoying his birthday gift...a remote control helicopter from my parents...thank you Dad and Wanda! Lucas loves it too!
Mommy and Lucas at Washington Park.Oh, did I mention it was my birthday on May 18 two days after the accident? We made the most of the day. My parents came to visit Mike in the hospital and then we all headed to Washington Park where we all took a little bike ride. This was no average bike ride, it was a four person peddling cart with a front basket perfect for Lucas who rang the bell each time we got close to the crosswalks. It was sooo much fun. We made sure no one could pass us and Uncle Mark rode is own bike and clocked how fast we got going...top speed was 17 mph! Kate and I took the lead seat and my parents were in the back...it was a great team and we laughed and laughed. It's exactly what we needed. Unfortunately, the batteries in the camera died so we don't have any fun photos to document the event.
After a nice afternoon at the park, we headed to the hospital to visit Mike and have birthday ice cream cake. It was delicious! We had to say good night to Daddy and then went out to dinner at the Rio Grande downtown Denver . The margarita was yummy and needed too! Unfortunately, Lucas got very sick and lost everything right there at dinner. This was the start to 3 days of the flu that cycled around each of us...no fun!
Here's daddy in his turtle shell brace and this is his new favorite spot in the house. We arm him with the remote, the phone, suduko, pillows, blankets, meds and snacks!
Here's daddy and Lucas opening up the remote control helicopter. Lucas is besides himself...so is daddy! Playing with the helicopter in the garage works well for the first couple flights to practice. As you can see, the climbing wall has been taken down. (Thank you Mark!)
Lucas is a big helper and gets the helicopter each time it crashes or gets too close to the walls. Super fun!We are all doing well and getting used to our new routines. We are so fortunate that things were not more serious and are now enjoying some down time with each other.
Big hugs.
Love, The Anderson's
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