Far too many of us take hunting and Christmases for granted.
Thirteen years — that’s how long it’s been since I fell 25 feet from my treestand. I survived the fall and the hospital stay and made it home for that Christmas in 2001.
It happened at 8:20 a.m. on Dec. 16. I had to walk home from the swamp I was hunting because I had walked to my stand that morning. No one knew exactly where I was, and cell phones weren’t common back then.
Every step was agony, and when I finally made it home, my 21-year-old son rushed me to the hospital. As we got in the car, I told my youngest son to tell my wife what had happened. I had been spitting up double handfuls of blood since I left the treestand, and I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever see her again.
I was in intensive care for four days, and the doctors didn’t know if I would pull through or not. They wouldn’t let anyone in to see me except my wife. I believe the Lord put his hands on me, and that’s why I’m still here today.
As it turned out, I had 10 broken ribs — seven on my right side (all broken in at least two places) and three on my left. Both lungs were punctured, my right shoulder was knocked out of place, and I chipped four bones in my lower back. Two of the ribs actually popped out of my sternum. I also broke a rib in my back, which was crushed by my scope. I had my rifle slung across my back, and the doctors said that might have saved my life.
The rifle was bent in the fall, but I got it fixed up, and still use it to this day.
I’ve been an avid deer hunter since the age of 5. I’m now 62 years old and disabled with degenerative joint disease in my back and hip. I also have Parkinson’s disease. Both were caused by the fall, according to my doctors.
It just goes to show that no matter how good of a woodsman you are, it takes less than a second for disaster to strike.
I still deer hunt because I love the sport, and it keeps me active. I’m still blessed to take a deer now and then, but I don’t take hunting or even living for granted anymore.
Make sure you’re around for more Christmases and deer seasons to come. Don’t leave safety to chance.