Preface

This is the story of my journey and the events leading up to it. I have retold the story of the accident for several reasons. First, is to tell the story for people who know my family and really wanted to know what happened, but didn't for whatever reason. Secondly, so that it may impact somebody for the better. Lastly, it is a very important part of my life and the biggest contributing factor to the journey chronicled here.

First and foremost to Dennis, my uncle, who helped me figure out which way was up in Colorado. Next (only because they are not blood) to Bill and Rona Wyant, friends of the family since I was a young boy. Bill was also in Colorado with Dennis also helped me greatly with the business end of a death. Rona arranged virtually all my travel to and from Colorado multiple times, at her inconvenience, I am sure.

Thank you to all the people at the Fruita Co-op. I could not have asked for a more helpful group of people. Strangers, really at the start. Never the less, I would count any one of them as friends now. They always offered help and never seemed to be bothered by my imposing on them. A special thanks to Virgil & Saundra and Vicki & Lowell, who helped immensely with the moving, even when they were not asked and took mom and I into their homes on several occasions.

Thank you to everybody at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction for their professional care and understanding with a special thanks to the Chaplin's office who helped emotionally and even let us hold the memorial service in the hospital chapel.

Thank you to all our neighbors on Willow Creek drive. Bob & Lori for being especially down right neighborly. And also to another Lori for going out for beers with me and helping me get away from things when I was stressed.

There are so many other thank yous due for all the people who offered advice when I did not know what to do, who offered their sympathies and a shoulder when I needed it, and who offered an escape when I needed it as well.