zsmith62 Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 About 4 months ago, i managed to flip my truck and get myself thrown from the cab. As a result i managed to break my spinal cord just below my ribcage. I am now paralyzed. Despite the new challenges i face, i will still continue to do everything i was doing before the wreck, i just have to approach things differently. Hunting and fishing will be do-able, just more challenging. Fishing will be so releiving, i cant tell you guys how much "therapy" i would have gotten out of just being able to hit the water while i stayed up at the hospital. Anyways, I now have been freed from all of my braces and such so fly casting should be no problem. As far as accessing the old fishing holes, i've figured out a way to still be able to wade in the waters beneath the dam. Me and my physical therapist see no issues in transferring to one of those personal pontoon boats. As long as i watch the generation and dont end up washing down to rockaway beach, I shouldn't have any problems. I think that ill be able to fish just about anywhere I want, i just have to work things out in a trial and error fashion. Hunting will be even less of an issue, I will just install a backrest on one of my buddys atv's with an automatic transmission and transfer straight to it. That way, i can get just about anywhere on the farm without any issues. The bad thing about the timing of my accident was that i managed to miss out on most of deer season. In fact, it is most likely that trying to swerve a deer is what left me in this condition, because the police have said that judging by my skid marks i wasnt speeding or driving recklessly. So come next deer season, i've got a little vendetta to settle. I plan to leave a body count if you know what i mean. (lol) The way I see it, this is just god's way of making things a little more of a challenge because they were just getting too easy before... All kidding aside, my doctor tells me that with medical research, I should be up and walking again in 5-10 years. And with this new bill that Obama signed just recently, Stem Cells should make this a lot more promising. Anyways, I would like to let everyone know that Im back and ready to go, just have to do things differently. I want to say thanks to my buddy Brady (Bucknasty91), All of the crew over at Backcountry Outfitters for all their help and the magazines Michael sent up to the hospital to make my stay more enjoyable. I'd also like to throw out a thanks to all of my family and friends who have helped make my adjustment go more smoothly. Zach Smith
laker67 Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Zach, This is the first that I knew about your accident. You certainly have the right mental attitude. I wish you all the best. When you are out there fishing in that personal pontoon, be sure and make a left hand turn before you get to powersite dam. Keep us informed on your future hunting and fishing trips.
ozark trout fisher Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 About 4 months ago, i managed to flip my truck and get myself thrown from the cab. As a result i managed to break my spinal cord just below my ribcage. I am now paralyzed. Despite the new challenges i face, i will still continue to do everything i was doing before the wreck, i just have to approach things differently. Hunting and fishing will be do-able, just more challenging. Fishing will be so releiving, i cant tell you guys how much "therapy" i would have gotten out of just being able to hit the water while i stayed up at the hospital. Anyways, I now have been freed from all of my braces and such so fly casting should be no problem. As far as accessing the old fishing holes, i've figured out a way to still be able to wade in the waters beneath the dam. Me and my physical therapist see no issues in transferring to one of those personal pontoon boats. As long as i watch the generation and dont end up washing down to rockaway beach, I shouldn't have any problems. I think that ill be able to fish just about anywhere I want, i just have to work things out in a trial and error fashion. Hunting will be even less of an issue, I will just install a backrest on one of my buddys atv's with an automatic transmission and transfer straight to it. That way, i can get just about anywhere on the farm without any issues. The bad thing about the timing of my accident was that i managed to miss out on most of deer season. In fact, it is most likely that trying to swerve a deer is what left me in this condition, because the police have said that judging by my skid marks i wasnt speeding or driving recklessly. So come next deer season, i've got a little vendetta to settle. I plan to leave a body count if you know what i mean. (lol) The way I see it, this is just god's way of making things a little more of a challenge because they were just getting too easy before... All kidding aside, my doctor tells me that with medical research, I should be up and walking again in 5-10 years. And with this new bill that Obama signed just recently, Stem Cells should make this a lot more promising. Anyways, I would like to let everyone know that Im back and ready to go, just have to do things differently. I want to say thanks to my buddy Brady (Bucknasty91), All of the crew over at Backcountry Outfitters for all their help and the magazines Michael sent up to the hospital to make my stay more enjoyable. I'd also like to throw out a thanks to all of my family and friends who have helped make my adjustment go more smoothly. You sound like one tough fellow. I'm sure you'll really love getting back into the sport, congratulations that you're able to start again.
Chief Grey Bear Posted March 10, 2009 Posted March 10, 2009 Glad to hear about your recovery and your positive attitude. Buzz and I would love to take you on a float trip this summer if you would like. If I have to walk beside the canoe to keep it safe, then that is what I will do! We will get you fixed up for some great fishing! Chief Grey Bear Living is dangerous to your health Owner Ozark Fishing Expeditions Co-Owner, Chief Executive Product Development Team Jerm Werm Executive Pro Staff Team Agnew Executive Pro Staff Paul Dallas Productions Executive Pro Staff Team Heddon, River Division Chief Primary Consultant Missouri Smallmouth Alliance Executive Vice President Ronnie Moore Outdoors
zsmith62 Posted March 11, 2009 Author Posted March 11, 2009 Thanks for all of the support guys, it really means a lot. I will keep all posted on future trips and such. One thing I forgot to mention in the previous post, when I was in the ICU, still unconcious from my concussion, and on a respirator one of the respitory therapists aparently started talking with my parents and eventually fishing came up... it turns out that the guy and one of his buddies did a lot of fishind at taney and actually remembered reading some of my fishing reports before he would go out. Another thing i failed to bring up was how much this site helped me pull through during my stay at the hostpital. Being able to read reports and see how things were goin did a lot for me. Not only do i have to figure out how to access everything i did before, but now i've got to teach my dad how to fly fish...ive kinda got my hands full... Zach Smith
brownieman Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 You have the right mindset...it makes a huge difference. I've had my share of bs wrong...keep goin hard as you can...it's all we all can do. If I can EVER lend you a hand doing anything...I have some friends with private lakes and stuff, be more than glad to accomodate...you just say the word. Had a friend years back that lost a hand in an accident. Bunch of friends devised him an apparatus (reel) that strapped to his forearm and he used his other hand rigged with a battery powered button that reeled for him...worked pretty darn good and was a good thing for all involved. Stay strong, rely on your faith, family and friends and you'll be trungin the creek banks before you know it. My friends say I'm a douche bag ?? Avatar...mister brownie bm <><
trout fanatic Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Best of luck. With your attitude and perserverance, good karma is coming your way. I can feel it. What chief said goes for me too. I don't get down that way often but when I do-you got yourself a boat rower.
Bman Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 I usually have a jet boat with me when I'm at Taney in case the water's runnin. You are welcome in my boat anytime, if you wish. Bman The only good line is a tight line
Terry Beeson Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Wow, Zach... I didn't know about this either. But you have a GREAT attitude!!! Keep it up, man!! I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of you with big fish, turkey, bucks, etc. etc.... TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Danoinark Posted March 11, 2009 Posted March 11, 2009 Zach First knowledge of this too. My hats off to you for your attitude that I can see will be a blessing to others that face the same things. Whatever we can do as a group to assist please don't be as humble and let us know what we can do. I would be proud to wet a line with you any day just as all of the others here. God Bless. Dano Glass Has Class "from the laid back lane in the Arkansas Ozarks"
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