Finally we have proof that DSE/Spot is a Transformer from the Xray. I think we can assume that he's an autobot from the landing! ;-) Spot's always transforming into something new and usually not broken.... ;-) but then there is his megatron-like temper........ rumors from the NCIS people........


Get well Spot, put some shock absorbers on those crutches for those sudden landings....

Wow - just got back from a family vacation where the better half insisted I did not spend time on the internet and I just caught this thread.

Spot, my thoughts and prayers go out to you for a speedy rehab. What a blow your body took. I cannot imagine what hell you've been through.

Best wishes from Elaine and myself.

Tom

Feel better dude!

Ed.

Spot took a very bad spill yesterday that will set back my healing by a few weeks at the least. I will be exceptionally lucky to be back in the air or editing full-time in the year 2009. Sucks, but there you have it boyz n' girls.
I'm completing the Vegas 9 Pro book, but that's probably my single accomplishment (aside from Production Assistant team) for the year. Honestly really struggling with the ball and chain placed on my body and soul right now. This just _isn't_ my style.
Thank you all for the tremendous support. My eyes well up each time I see how this thread topic has grown.
Three weeks ago yesterday, I was given a 15% chance of survival. Today, I'm "walking" around with a walker albeit slower than a turtle going uphill on a very hot day. I have you guys to thanks for part of these small successes that are my current focus. It's difficult to admit to someone that your greatest success of the day was that you were able to use the toilet and that you didn't fall off the bed, or that you didn't spill your drink from a straw, but that's the whole of it. I'm sure others have been here before, just as I won't be the last. Gotta hand it to the PM that coined the phrase "Eagle Knievel." It's sticking in the skydiving community....
My favorite comparison however, is to Monty Python's "Holy Grail" and the Black Knight. Like him, I'm useless below the waist. Hell, i'm lucky to not be paralyzed. That being said, "It's only a flesh wound."

"

Friggin bloody hell mate. What happened to you before wasn't "stupid", just the luck of the draw. If what happened this time was from not taking proper care of your injured body, now that is stupid. I know, you're thinking about how much time you've wasted and how little you've got done this year.....

Guess what though, this year you cheated death. That's enough for anyone in one year. The rest of what you could have done can go get stuffed because it doesn't matter. No one's life depends on a book or anything else you think you should have gotten done this year. Your life does depend on you taking proper care of your body. There's people around you who care, heed their advice and let them help you. It's time for the 'what goes around comes around' to come back to YOU.

Oh and even though I think anyone who jumps out of a seviceable aircraft to be certifiable, yes, you gotta jump again, at least once.

Bob.

Hey Spot,
I have a friend who had a knee replacement a coupla years ago.
Impatient to get back to "normal" as soon as possible he several times ignored medical advice and tried cycling and many other activities before he was ready, as a result had several setbacks and his rehabilitation took around six months longer than it could have.

I hope you can try and turn your situation around by seeing that whilst there are many things you can't presently do, there are maybe new things that you now have a unique opportunity to experience.

Best of luck/patience/wisdom ...

Thank goodness you are on the recovery rebound Spot,
I had no idea that the the accident was so severe...
(we could have lost you....Thank God that wasn't the case)
Just seriously want to wish you a speedy and full recovery Friend.

That’s good advice Peter

My older brother spent almost a year in hospital and not long after being released was racing motorbikes again
And that puts a different kind of strain on family and friends

SPOT,

I haven't said much, because it is hard to hear that your hero is fighting more battles. My family asks constantly to hear any updates and we have been following you as closely as possible.

You are a stubborn SOB and a mere collision with an immovable object like a planet can't beat you. That said, take it easy and let some healing happen while you work through your PT and recover.

You should not be surprised that this forum and a community of people around the world care about what happens to you. You have spent so much time spreading your passion and caring to people around the world. It is time for some of that to come back.

I worry most, not about your body, but about your spirit. You have overcome pain before, but this time you must overcome the time that it will take to recover without frustration and without the blasted sadness that can come with it. Celebrate each time you are able to move to the toilet on your own. Celebrate each step that you take with a little more surety. Do not allow frustration over set backs consume you, but instead view them as the ups and downs that help you work the bugs out.

Most people do not know about the physical and non-physical challenges that you have lived with, faced, and beaten into submission. They know you are strong, but they do not know that half of how strong you are.

I treasure having shaken your hand and I am grateful for all that you have done for me. I would not have gotten through my health challenges past without you. If there is anything I can do to help, call me. I can stay in Mountain View and teach you how to race walkers. Honestly, if I can help, call me anytime.

Keith

I'm with Bob and Keith. And Ray. And so many others.
Whatever success my video business has achieved over the years, you are responsible for a measurable part of it. Not just because you wrote a book, or produced DVDs, but because you are a teacher, and a mentor, a resource, and a friend.
I KNOW you want full mobility now, but it's going to take time. I couldn't tell from the posts if you are not minding the PT's and docs, but just in case you aren't, know that Christie will come up there and kick the rest of your a$$ if you don't comply. :)
As Keith said, celebrate each step. And know that we're pulling for you.

David & Christie

Just found out about the Skydiving accident. You're banged up pretty badly but will survive! I will be praying for you and your recovery. God bless, Rest.

Wish you a full recovery! We will keep you in our prayers.

Tom E

Hi Spot.

I've been woefully absent from this forum, and only recently learned about your tiff with gravity and an this large object we call Earth.
Yikes, mate... I feel for you - but not as much as you do, certainly.

Slow down a bit and take the advice of your admiring fans here. Be well and be swell and let your body heal a spell.

We can't do without you.

Godspeed, my friend.

I had been refraining from posting in this thread because I know Spot is a very private person. But as I read through it and see his positive responses and how these writings have spurred him to fight harder for his recovery I am compelled to offer my wishes.

Spot "found" me years ago when I was on a beta team with him. He offered me a book to write, then another, a DVD tutorial, and finally a trip to NAB to work a booth. I still look back fondly on my first working trip to NAB. Before meeting Spot I would never have had the belief in myself to think I could write a book, even with his constant guidance and support. I must say that I am extremely proud of all of the work I have done with Spot. And it would have never happened if he hadn't believed in me. Whenever I work with Spot I always learn, am always pushed beyond what I think I can do. In short I am "infected" with his astounding drive and determination. I also know that many others in this thead, and countless who have not posted here, feel the same way.

I also know that this "infection" works both ways and that our drive and determination and well wishes are working their way into his body, and just as more importantly his soul, as he recovers from this temporary setback.

Keep the faith buddy.

Mark

"I'm completing the Vegas 9 Pro book, but that's probably my single accomplishment (aside from Production Assistant team) for the year."

Wrong. That's hardly your only accomplishment and there are about 130 reasons and growing in this thread that prove it. You've instructed and/or inspired everyone in this thread at least once in their lives. That they are as concerned for your well-being as they are demonstrating is testament to your accomplishments in 2009 (and years past).

Let your body heal so it serves you well for years to come. In the meantime, dust off that flute and write some new songs. I love that stuff.

Wishing you a speedy recovery along with the rest of the gang here...

Meanwhile, here's a way to take an 'armchair' jump from a Zeppelin...
http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=5VbtcC9k2ao]

Eileen

Thanks for that, Eileen. Geofff is a friend. The title of that video is misleading, it's not the first Zepplin NT jump, but still very cool.
For the camera geeks, he's wearing a GoProHero on his helmet, held in place with double stick tape. These are excellent crash cams, and super for a lot of "want a camera, can't afford to really put one there" type of shots. Has a 180 degree lens and a water proof housing and sells for under 200.00.
Very cool.

As far as "speedy" recovery....that's a dream. Nearly 4 weeks in, I've only got 15 more to go before I can walk without assistance.

Spot,
I've moved from a relatively active member (define "active"...) to a mere browser of this forum: I am merely a "om and pop"user of Vegas, but much of my devotion to the programme comes from your spirit, dedication and contribution.
A sad day is when accidents occur, but sadly they do.. Very happy as all to know the worst is over and life is ahead, albeit with toil, trials and tribulations.
I do hope that things move forward quickly. All I can say is that I'm very relieved that the worst is over. If you are ever in Madrid (Spain)and need a hand, just let me know.

All the best!

Hi Spot,
For a cheap little camera it sure does the job of "taking me for a ride" on something - thin air- I'm too damned chicken to even consider doing!
I break out with sweaty palms just watching the video....
Heights scare me but sailing across oceans is easy. Guess we each have our own 'elements' we enjoy and those that scare the bejeezus out of us...
I have no doubt you'll be jumping into 'thin air' again someday...

All the best,
Eileen

Spot, I did think "back in the sky November" was ambitious, although the tough do seem to heal quickly. But you have many decades ahead for doing all that stuff and now the job is repair and that process alone now needs most of your time and dedication. Of course you could use the time to make a documentary of this important journey. Next year you can get on with more interesting, if not more important, things.
Our very best wishes.
Serena

Wow, I've been gone from this forum for a while and then I read the horrible news. My heart skipped a beat when I read what happened. Spot, I hardly ever post here, as I'm just an amateur user of Vegas, but even though we've never met, I feel like I know you through your videos, DVD's, books and posts here. I am very glad you are still with us, and wish you my very best for a quick recovery! My heart goes out to you and your family and wish you the very best through these troubling times.

You may not realize it, but your influence on this community is PROFOUND. I'm really a nobody here, but directly because of you, I feel like I have a VERY good handle on using Vegas for my own video productions. In fact, I've been so successful that I am now the "video guru" for all of my family and friends. All of that, I attribute to you and your instruction!

Spot, you're an inspirational person. I send lots of positive and healing energy your way. Get well, my friend! : )

I've been holding off posting because sometimes I'm a superstitious person, but I truly hope and pray you have a full recovery with no long lasting pain. No matter what, you are one of the great teachers in this field and whether or not you go back to sky diving, you will. always have that.

And yes, the reason I use Vegas is because of Spot.