May 20 2025 but for the grace of God should have been the date in my gravestone. I did everything that you would do to win a Darwin award.
Alone, this 70 year old fudd takes the TLB into the woods to harvest a few trees for firewood. Did not wear protective gear as usual. I also did a bit ot backhoe work.
I carried out 3 bucket loads of wood, and decided I would back the BH to the edge of a 12 to 15' rocky embankment to bang around the hoe to shake off all the dirt.
I set the bucket the in crushed stone. I did not set the brake or lower the stabilizers. I was off the machine and was done cleaning the machine, about to put in the equipment building and get lunch
The tractor started to roll backwards over the embankment. At that point I could have just grabbed the forward reverser lever, or just let her go. Foolishly I reached across the floorboard and unsuccessfully tried to push the brakes.
I was dragged with the tractor down the steep rocky embankment covered with dirt, leaves and dog feces from the kennel
I sort of slow motion, the tractor front tire rolled over my left calf, dragging me along in it's decent.
Hand the rear wheel or buck done this, I would have been smushed lifeless.
Calf was crushed. Multiple compound fractures bone piercing the bloody flesh.
I screamed for help. Fortunately my wife was in barn, and called for the EMT's.
They did a great job getting to me to the trauma center 35 minutes away.
I was dehydrated in shock, bleeding and otherwise beat up all over.
My platoon of guardian angels prevented my knee and ankle from being destroyed, thus the surgical team was able to install at least a 1/2 pound of titanium to reconstruct what was left of my calf, as there was enough bone left to attach the titanium bones to the joints. I have nerve damage.
There is no need to comment how stupid, careless, and lucky to be alive I am.
I know PTSD well now. Thanking God for another chance
At some point I need to publish my 7 rules of gun safety also
