Message Board Comments |
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Donna Agren said... Hi Regina, There are other ways of riding your goal out. Hang in there we are all praying for you. Donna Anonymous said... Regina, I guess amongst our plans of life, God has his plans too. On a positive note, you will certainly grab the attention of the media even more so now. However you decide to finish your journey know that people will continue to respect you for all that you have accomplished and not disrespect you for what is still to be completed. This has been a courageous journey for you. One that marks the beginning of many postitive changes for anyone who has Celiac. May God continue to watch over you. I send a hug to you and Alex both. Love, Critter Annelb said... Hi Regina, Oh so sorry that you were hit by a truck but thankful that you were not injured more seriously. I hope that you feel well enough to continue on to Savannah or Charleston and reach your goal of "Coast to Coast." I am here on the sidelines cheering you on toward your goal. I admire and respect your bravery. May you meet only careful and polite drivers and encounter only lovely weather the rest of the journey. "Hi" to Alex and Bev. Your Favorite PEZman said... Regina... I am so sorry to hear of your unfortunate accident. Sad to hear that he hit and ran! Maybe you will find he was racing away to get to a computer to make a huge donation to your cause! What he doesn't know about you is your rebounding spirit. Do not let this dampen your goals. Do what is right for you. To those of us you have left behind as you went on this journey, you have already made us proud and you have already reached your goal. No matter what way you complete your journey, you will have been a success. You are a real American with spirit! They should do a PEZ dispenser of your likeness! I love you! The PEZ Man! Anonymous said... Hi Ms. Erskine, I really hope that you get better soon. Even though you may not do what was plan you still accomplished a lot. A lot of people have seen what you have done to help the cause of celiac, and they respect you for that. From Brittany Pio Jasmine Powell said... Dear Mrs. Erskine, We have all read about your accident, and are truly sorry and hope for the best, We're very proud to have a teacher strong and brave enough to do the things you do. Hang in there, only a little longer. We're all thinking about you. Be safe! Linzertin and Sydertin said... Howdy Ms. Erskine, We're so sorry about the accident and we wish you the best of luck on recovering. We know that you're disappointed that you are unable to continue, but don't think about that, think about how much you did accomplish, and how thankful we all are that you helped others recognize this disease. At school we are still raising money with the pennies per mile drive, Wyeth is in 2nd place and we wanna win! Once again good luck, and we're proud of ya! "A closing door, always opens a new door..."-Syd From-Lindsay Dearborn and Syd Doyon Anonymous said... Sorry you got hurt, hope you will recover soon and be able to finish! From-No one in particular! Monica Chhum said... Ms. Erskine, I recently just got hit by a car. When she hit me I was very surprised. When she hit me I was fine but two days later I was really sore. I was sore for about three weeks. It was pretty scary. I took physical therapy for a week. My story and your story are very similar. There was a witness who got the license plate. I could'nt run track for about three weeks and now I am running again. If you dont get to finish you can finish next summer. I just hope you get better and write back to me. TIP: If you are sore, take a long or big sock and put some rice in it the put it in the microwave for about five minutes and put it anyware your sore. Anonymous said... Dear Mrs. Erskine, We have all read about your accident, and are truly sorry and hope for the best.We all hope you feel better soon. Natasha Danielle and Catherine said... Hi Ms. Erskine!! We are sorry about what happened to you. Don't feel bad that you couldn't make it the whole way because some people couldn't even make it as far as you are. Hurry up and come back. We all miss you..... and remember everything happens for a reason!! Samantha and James said... Hello Mrs.Erskine, We're sorry to hear about your accident. We hope you recover from your injury so you can get back out on your bike and finish your tour! Get well soon.. Samantha D. and James I. Anonymous said... Hey Ms. Erskine. We hope that you'll feel better soon and we are sorry that you got hurt. Can't wait til you get here. Hopefully you'll get back on track so we can meet up at the Eastern Prom. Your Wyeth House students, Anonymous said... Hey Ms. Erskine. I read that you were hit by a truck and I am very sorry that it might take you longer to accomplish what you have been wanting to for a long time and I hope that you get better and finish. We all miss you. Take care. Bye! Anonymous said... Hey Ms. Erskine, we really hope you get better soon and can get back on track again! You have made a lot of progress on your trip so far and we all believe in you! Good luck! Anonymous said... Hey Mrs. Erskine, I heard you had a bad day...Well everything is going to be ok. Keep your head up and keep riding towards your goal and I'll be sure to talk to you later and see how you're doing. Sincerely, Stephanie Hem Patti said... Hi Regina, Alex & Bev...Geez, Ron The Pezhead almost got me crying right here at work! I let Patty know and you'll be getting another nagging email from a caring friend who wants you to put your health first. I hope you read all these emails and it sinks in how proud everyone is of you guys and you're just awesome to even attempt it & spread the word. I know you're not a "quitter", but it's not quitting. Don't think of it that way. "stuff happens". We're all here for you whatever you decide. Get some rest and soak in the love. ...Patti Your secret admirer said... Regina, I am so proud of you and so sad you are hurt. What will I do without you? We miss you. Nadine Prime said... Ms. Erskine, I was terribly disappointed to hear about your accident. Not that you are at a current pause in your trip, but that you are hurt. I believe in you along with many others. I know that you will heal and continue your trek like the strong, brave person that you truly are. I respect your courage and may God be with you! I wish you the best of luck. Carey Anderson said... Hey Ms. Erskine, This is Carey from Lyman Moore. I'm so sorry to hear about your accident and how the driver of the truck just kept driving. I hope you become better and find some way to finish the trip. Good Luck, Sam Silberstein said... Dear Mrs. Erskine, Hope you get better soon and are able to finish your ride. Sam Silberstein Anonymous student said... Hi Ms. Erskine, I am so sad about what happened to you. I hope you get better soon. You should know that we are so proud of you and have spread tons of awareness and do not need to keep going if you are in pain. Hope you return when you have planned. I will be there cheering you on. Sophie Dj said... Hey Ms. Erskine, I hope you're feeling better. Just remember don't give up on your dreams.That was just a speed bump on your journey, well a very rough, bumpy, high, and hard hitting speed bump. But it is also a miracle that you survived. I always knew there was something about you that was strong and I don't mean your legs, muscles. Now your main goal should be for right now is to get better and heal your body. You should be happy you're still breathing because I know we all are. Just get better and keep on e-mailing us. Just remember we all appreciate, respect and love you, so get better so we can see you again. Sincerely, Dj Jane F. said... Ms. Erskine, Sorry to hear about your accident....I hope for the best on your remaining adventures (whatever they may be!) Feel better! Jane smh said... this is my song/ poem about you... dont let the closed doors stay closed good luck Anonymous said... This is a poem I invented to liven your spirits.. We all try --The Best of Wishes and Luck Anonymous said... YOU'RE MY HERO! Emily said... Hi Mrs. Erskine, WOW! I'm so sorry to hear about such an unfortunate accident. But you have such a strong spirit that I know you will figure out how to finish your bike ride. If nothing works you could always ride along in the car. Sorry again. See you in July Brianna Fournier said... Well Mrs. Erskine I am sorry about what happend and I wish there was something I could do, but I don't think there is. I can just say I miss you and I hope it will all be worth it in the end. See you when you get back. Sincerely, Brianna Anonymous said... Hey Ms. Erskine, Sorry to hear about your accident. That is horrible. But you went into this trip thinking positively, and we think that was a very brave thing to do. Hang in there. Hope to see you next year fully recovered. From over on the East Side.. Much lovins, Olivia Rogosienski, Lauren Lakin, and Eddie T. Danielle said... Hi, I can't believe you got hit. That is so horrible! Of all the rotten
things that could happen you get hit by a truck.:( Bye, LIA* said... Hey! This is Lia Howard. I am very sorry about your accident. I hope that you get better and accomplish your goal. The trucker is a dummy! Love, loud mouth LIA P.S. Good things happen to good people so I know u will get better!!!! Nick Taddia said... I hope you get well soon. Anonymous said... Thank God that you weren't hurt seriously! The three of you enjoy the rest of the trip at a slow, safe, easy pace. The comments from all the kids at Lyman Moore and from so many admirers are wonderful! With Love to all! MOM Anonymous said... As Rudyard Kipling said, success and defeat are impostors. You have a great heart to have even attempted this. Stay healthy! William Anonymous said... I hope you heal quickly and well and am so glad the driver was caught!! I am glad you are getting the word out for CD and hope you can make it to the coast and the rest of your ride is very uneventful! Praying for you! aklap said... Regina, You don't know me, but we have a common aquaintance...Anne (annelb) from GFCA in Little Rock. She told us of your accident. I am sorry to hear of your misfortune! I will hold you in my prayers for a speedy recovery and for the rest of your journey. Godspeed Regina! - Al in Wisconsin Debbie Brett said... Hi, Regina! Nothing ever is easy or runs smoothly for Cancerians--that's why we're so resourceful! I am so proud of your accomplishments and to call you my friend (my famous friend, to be precise!). Still looking forward to seeing you at the celebration...NO MATTER WHAT! Take care of yourself...follow doctor's orders... Stowe Hse. kids say "hi!" Anna from Moore said... You are so famous now! The paper and the radio in one day! Too bad it is for a bad reason. After so many challenges you have overcome we know you'll pull through. I hope you stop hurting : ) Anonymous said... I always knew you would be famous some day. It is fitting however that it is for breaking bones and road rash while undergoing some insanely challenging task. I would be worried that you would not be having fun if you didn't have some sort of war wound as a souvenir. I'm so proud to have you as my sister. I get to brag all the time about your bravery and never ending motivation. Please take care and be safe. Love, Pinecone and Baby Pine Anonymous said... As a member of the Bicycle Advocacy of Central Arkansas ( BACA ) I am very sorry to hear of your accident. It is an embarassment to us that this would happen in Arkansas to a person with such a noble cause. Cole Hutchison said... Dear Ms. Erskine, I am so sad to hear what happened to you... thats terrible... I hope your back on the road soon, but not too soon. If the nurse says to wait a few days I think you should, even though I know how much you hate to be behind shedule. Joe G. said... Good luck on your recovery. I hope you continue your trip. I am also CD and got whacked by a car while riding my bike 2 years ago. I'm still recovering and have ridden 15 miles so far this year. May you have better luck. Anonymous said... HANG IN THERE REGINA!!!! I just learned of both your bike ride and your accident on the same day through the Delphi Celiac Forum. You are an amazing woman for raising awareness this way. As a newly diagnosed person with celiac, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this. And as a person, I am sooooo sorry for what happened to you. I hope that you heal soon and well. Do not push yourself too hard and no matter what, you succeeded!!! Take care, Ami Claxton Harris Kathy Lucas said... Hi Regina, So sorry to hear of your terrible tumble. Phil and I are in VA visiting our new grandson. Judy Kirk called me and told us of your news. Do hope that each day finds you feeling a little less sore. Can only imagine how awful those road burns must be. On our drive to VA Phil and I had discussed your brave venture and wondered where you might be in your journey. We certainly did not expext this news. I know that you will do all in your power to finish the race.However, I do so hope that you will listen to your body and remember that you have accomplished more than most of us would ever dream of. Please make a good decision for YOU! We are planning to join the celebration on July 2.See you then. Love, Kathy Lucas Anonymous said... Regina, I just heard of your news (i'm a little out of the loop). I am so sorry for your accident. I know it must be hard on you not being able to finish. But you have already done so much (and as I hear it all the interesting stuff). Everyone back home is so proud of you and amazed with you. I teared
up reading the sweet thoughts from your kids. They really get it. Jeff |
A Very, Very, Very Bad Day Saturday, June 04, 2005 |
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When you start out on a bike trip like this, you make a lot of plans and assumptions. You make plans for the route that you're going to take, how long it will take, and if all goes just according to plan, that you'll finish up on a certain date and everything will be all smiles and joy and fond memories. It will never rain, the hills won't be so bad, the people will be nice, nothing will go wrong with the bike, and there won't be any accidents. Well, on Wednesday I was in an accident. We had left the town of Marvel, Arkansas and were excited because we were about to cross over the Mississippi River, a symbolic moment in any cross-country trip. We had only made it about 4 miles when suddenly, disaster struck. A pick-up truck hit me as he passed by me, sending me off the road in a tumble. I was scraped up pretty badly, and my back hurt. The driver didn't even stop, but witnesses to the accident had gotten his license plate number, and he was later apprehended by the police. An ambulance was called, and I was taken to the local hospital in Helena, AR. I had a pretty severe case of "road rash" (which are all the surface cuts you get when you roll around on the pavement) on my right arm and leg, and on my left leg, and on my stomach, and, well, pretty much everywhere. And I also found out that I had a compressed fracture of one of my vertebrae. I was devastated. All my plans and goals had been wiped out in an instant by one careless driver. The hospital in Helena was a small local hospital, and I wanted a second opinion. So we drove up to Memphis, TN to a larger hospital and had them examine me. They took X-rays and did a CAT-scan of my back, and concurred with the diagnosis of a compressed fracture. They have told me to stay off the bike for a little while. With time and rest, I will heal, but for right now, I am still in a lot of pain. Part of that pain is knowing that I cannot finish what I had set out to do, which was to ride my bicycle from San Diego to Portland, ME and to spread awareness of celiac disease. I know that I have accomplished much already, but it still seems like I haven't completed the job. I am currently looking at my options from here. I know that I cannot stick to the original plan, but I am hoping that I can still complete this "coast to coast" ride in some fashion. Right now, I'm thinking that instead of riding all the way to Maine, I will ride from here to the nearest coast (probably Savannah, GA or Charleston, SC), dip my wheel in the Atlantic and call it quits there. If my back is bothering to the point where I cannot ride even that far, then Alex will finish the ride for me and then we'll head back to Maine. We still plan on having our finishing celebration on July 2 in Portland, as I believe we still have much to celebrate. Even today, while we were resting and recouperating at a hotel in Tunica, MS, I was able to get on a local radio show and do a five-minute interview. In a weird way, being hit by a truck gives my story more of a kick, and it makes me more "newsworthy." Whatever it takes, right? Well, even I wouldn't go that far... So I wish that I could say that everything is going fine, but it's not. I try to tell myself that it could have been much worse, and that I'm lucky to be in one piece. I will try to overcome this, and to finish what I have started if at all possible. Stay tuned to the website, and I will let you all know how it turns out. Thanks for all your well-wishes. Regina |