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My Buck knife has been replaced with a new Buck 112. It is tang stamped:
BUCK
112
USA
It came complete with a leather sheath and a note. The sheath and the note will go in a drawer and the knife will go in my pocket.
It is a beautiful knife and is something that already has special meaning to me as it was given to me by a good man, someone who has taken time to help me through some difficult times. I call him a friend.
This may become a lengthy post. I have a lot to say to that man and to many of you in what I will call the Power Wagon Nation.
Almost two years ago, Momma started a thread that described a structure fire accident in which I fell through a weakened, burned out floor. It was the only time she ever logged onto the forums. Many of you will recall the thread, because many of you responded to her call for thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the outpouring of support from the Power Wagon Nation.
In my years as a firefighter I had experienced many injuries, and many close calls. The injuries were always minor and I felt like the close calls would always be close calls and nothing more. I was ignorant.
At the time of Momma’s thread, it was believed that my injuries were limited to some broken ribs, broken toes, a torn rotator cuff, and some bruising to my legs, back, and chest. As things evolved, we discovered that my injuries also included two herniated discs in my neck. These injuries would eventually require a long string of treatment that finally culminated in neck surgery. The surgery repaired only one of the herniated discs. The opinion of the doctors was that it would be too risky and too invasive to repair both.
What I didn’t know at the time, and what doctors didn’t tell me was that I would never be allowed to return to work as a firefighter. My medical retirement became final in June of 2009. Losing my career was a loss I can’t describe. It has taken until now for me to talk much about it.
Heaped on top of that was the fact that my dad and my son became very ill. They still are very ill.
I retired from the Fire Department with honors, some of the honors were honors never before bestowed upon a DsM firefighter, but there was also a considerable amount of grief. You may have been able to detect the grief in The Long View. But, trust me, I was trying to harbor it and hide it.
I visit these forums almost daily if only for an hour. I don’t visit here solely to learn about truck repairs and look at pictures. I log on also to read the words of the many people I have come to know as friends.
Through all of this, I have leaned very hard on Gordon. His is a voice I trust. He was there on the night in Iowa City when I made my final trip to the University hospitals… the night they made the decision. He has been there many times since. I have written long letters to him and always received a thoughtful response. He has given me the Long View. I can’t tell you how grateful I have been for this opportunity to move forward.
Again, I thank you all for your support and I will give back what I can. I apologize for the lengthy post, but, as I listened to the rhythm of the clock, I felt the time was right.
Thank you Gordon for the beautiful knife.
BUCK
112
USA
It came complete with a leather sheath and a note. The sheath and the note will go in a drawer and the knife will go in my pocket.
It is a beautiful knife and is something that already has special meaning to me as it was given to me by a good man, someone who has taken time to help me through some difficult times. I call him a friend.
This may become a lengthy post. I have a lot to say to that man and to many of you in what I will call the Power Wagon Nation.
Almost two years ago, Momma started a thread that described a structure fire accident in which I fell through a weakened, burned out floor. It was the only time she ever logged onto the forums. Many of you will recall the thread, because many of you responded to her call for thoughts and prayers. I will never forget the outpouring of support from the Power Wagon Nation.
In my years as a firefighter I had experienced many injuries, and many close calls. The injuries were always minor and I felt like the close calls would always be close calls and nothing more. I was ignorant.
At the time of Momma’s thread, it was believed that my injuries were limited to some broken ribs, broken toes, a torn rotator cuff, and some bruising to my legs, back, and chest. As things evolved, we discovered that my injuries also included two herniated discs in my neck. These injuries would eventually require a long string of treatment that finally culminated in neck surgery. The surgery repaired only one of the herniated discs. The opinion of the doctors was that it would be too risky and too invasive to repair both.
What I didn’t know at the time, and what doctors didn’t tell me was that I would never be allowed to return to work as a firefighter. My medical retirement became final in June of 2009. Losing my career was a loss I can’t describe. It has taken until now for me to talk much about it.
Heaped on top of that was the fact that my dad and my son became very ill. They still are very ill.
I retired from the Fire Department with honors, some of the honors were honors never before bestowed upon a DsM firefighter, but there was also a considerable amount of grief. You may have been able to detect the grief in The Long View. But, trust me, I was trying to harbor it and hide it.
I visit these forums almost daily if only for an hour. I don’t visit here solely to learn about truck repairs and look at pictures. I log on also to read the words of the many people I have come to know as friends.
Through all of this, I have leaned very hard on Gordon. His is a voice I trust. He was there on the night in Iowa City when I made my final trip to the University hospitals… the night they made the decision. He has been there many times since. I have written long letters to him and always received a thoughtful response. He has given me the Long View. I can’t tell you how grateful I have been for this opportunity to move forward.
Again, I thank you all for your support and I will give back what I can. I apologize for the lengthy post, but, as I listened to the rhythm of the clock, I felt the time was right.
Thank you Gordon for the beautiful knife.
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