LEFT IN THE SNOW TO DIE (7min read)
A cold winter day in early February 2015. Snow was blowing in the frigid temperatures of -34 in Edmonton, Alberta. I was dreaming of Los Cabo’s Mexico and margaritas by the pool. In just 2 short weeks we were leaving on holidays with Lees Family. A nice big relaxing holiday is just what we all needed. Before we left I was doing a nice big shower job, 3x7 to be exact. Owners are really happy and everything is going really well.
I ran out of thinset for the tile and had to run to Home Depot. It was 530 anyway so it was home time. I decide to pick it up now so it saves me time in the morning. I Jump in the truck, first n foremost I hit the Tim Hortons drive thru for a coffee which is absolutely a must. I’m not sure I would survive with out coffee? It pumps through my veins and keeps me at my 14 hr a day pace. I get to Home Depot, park and answer a few emails and finish my godly coffee.
I didn’t really notice but I parked by the propane tank storage unit for all the pre-filled tanks. It’s made out of aluminum and the back is shiny bright aluminum. I step out of the truck, walk about 12 feet from my truck and WHAMMY right on my ass. Instantaneously my knee and my ankle are on fire 🔥. When I fell, my leg bent behind my back and my knee twisted. Now I’m not at all a flexible man, yoga is not my strong suit or ever will it be. I could not stand up and I’m in DIRE pain. Now most of you know I’ve written blogs about how I’ve cut a finger off and I burned my foot with boiling hot water. Add those both together, times it by 2 and it still didn’t touch the agony I was feeling in that leg.
I notice a man walking into the store from a distance, in my head I think – thank god, he can maybe help me to get up.... Fewf, glad he’s here, but wait he’s not stoping to ask if I’m alright even. We make eye contact and he keeps on walking right by ?
*ASSHOLE*! I think to myself.
I’m freezing there lying in the snow, in shorts and a t-shirt, yes work shorts and a work short sleeve shirt at -34. I’m always working inside I over heat very fast. Normally I just have to run from the truck to the house or Home Depot and really I’m fine and never cold. Sprawled out in the snow like a snow angel is a different story. But wait another person is coming, oh thank god
Made eye contact again with me and he walked right past as I squirm in pain. Two people just walked by me and some how I knew no one is stopping. So I start to drag myself to the truck, it took awhile but finally I get there. Now I have to get in? I start crawling up the tire and digging my claws in for traction. I get up along side the box of the truck and manage to get in the truck and start it.
Oh thank god, I made it
I drive to the Medi Center which is fairly close to me and the Home Depot where I slipped. Waiting what seemed to be an eternity in pain, probably about an hour. AAAAANNNNDDDD ..... I broke my ankle and tore my ACL.
So why did I mention that shiny aluminum propane tank cabinet. My thought is the sun reflected off the cabinet and on to the ground and that’s why it was so icy in that one location. Ok that’s an easy answer, but Why didn’t people stop ??? There is not a chance I would have walked by someone on the ground, in physical pain. The only reason I can think of, it’s not an excuse for these people but, I’m a big dude with tattoos that looks like I could be homeless on the best of days. Paint, caulking and I’m this case thinset on my clothes. Let’s be honest I have been homeless before (sort of) as I’ve written about in THIS blog so I could see how it got misunderstood. I was lying on the ground whining in pain and I’m a big guy I probably looked a little scary but, for those two people I say shame on you. Julie the one eyed pug was keeping me company for the days leading up to my holidays.
So with my cast and all , MEXICO HERE I COME! We had a great holiday, I made the best of it and I was glad the doc gave me an air cast so I could still swim or I mean float in the pool and drink margaritas.
Thank you for reading ❤️ Until the next one