| Author | Message | ||
     Buckinfubba |
well today is the 3 year anniversary of dale earnharts death and my death but revived day. Same hospital a couple hours apart. I was at daytona for my first daytona 500, I went by myself and bought a ticket outside the track about 10 mins before the green flag at $45 dollars less than face value. So it was going to be a great day. I called some friends from the track who I knew were watching it on TV just to rub it in. I had a nice liesurely ride over there that morning from Orlando. The big orange M2 was a gleamin in the sun. I sat next to some folks that came from Ohio and they were nice enuff to feed me and buy me a coke. Since I was on a student budget at the time going to MMI. Well early in the race Tony stewart ended up upside down on the backstretch. That sucked because he's my favorite Indiana loud mouth next to myself and Bobby Knight. Then the end of the race and my seat is at the end of turn 4. Waltrip and JR are working together and just might pull this off with the help of Dale blocking for them. and Then the wreck happens and the crowd goes nuts because waltrip is gonna win. The wreck didn't look that violent compared to others I have seen. Well The cars come to rest and I see kenny Schrader go over to dales car and stick his head in the window. He backs away immediately wavy his arms in the air. At this moment those of us that are right infront of this and see this know that things are bad. We stand their forfor what seems like hours but wasn't and then the tarp gets pulled over the car. This means only one thing in nascar racing. Well I have seen enuff and I leave. The traffic is hell so I hang out in the parking lot listening to everybody speculate that there is no way dale is dead. While I know different. after sitting there and talking for about an hour the official announcment comes on the radio, dale is dead........ I hang out for another hour not talking with anyone. Its not that I was a fan of BIG E but a gre4at racer has just lost his life and this will be one of my main memories of the day. This will be the big marker of that day in my history of life. fast forward about 45 mins to around 7pm. my last memory is drive thru deland, FL by some car dealership. I come to in the hospital 3 or 4 days later its hard to remmeber things from the morphine haze that I am in. I learn that I was hit by a drunk driver head on. the driver just kept driving but luckily they catch him. He is now serving three years in prison. they tell me I was lifelined and died in the helicopter. I'd like to thank the paramedics that kept me alive long enuff to make it to halifax hospital in Daytona. It was the day of the start of a whole new life for me that involves a lil pain every day right now that will probably become a big pain in years to come. 2 broken wrist, broken back, collapsed lung, ruptured spleen, broken foot, torn legimants knee, nerve damage in left shoulder, minor abbrasions, thanks to good gear. No brain damage(from the wreck) thanks to a full face helmet. 6 months lost work and school time basically a miserable time for me at the time. I thank my lucky stars most days that I am still here and I can still ride. I will take a silent trip tonight down to D.E.I. tonight and pay my respect to the man that lost his life that day doing what he loved, and I guess god figured he'd had his fill that day and left me on this earth. forever I will be attached to His death and my life in some wierd way. I always come back to view these 2 photos to remind me of how precious life is and how quickly it can disappear. one was taken 1 week before the race and one was taken 2 days after the wreck.   everyone have a good day and rememeber to live like you mean it. | ||
| Daves |
I'm glad you are still here too Bubba! Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Nice Story Bubba, I am glad you came out of it alive and well, not many make it back from that. Obviously it was not your time and your back to enrich the lives of others. I am glad I met you this past year. By the way, You sure about the brain damage?????  | ||
| Spooky |
Brian, I can't speak for everyone hear. You've been one hell of a friend. Don't know what I would do with out you giving me a hard time and coaching me though the bad times. Eric | ||
| Bomber |
Bubba that which does not kill you makes you stronger . . . .I'm glad you're here to post the story . . .. a little pain every day is managable, and can help you remember (through the hustlte and bustle and hassles of our day to day lives) how blessed we are to have come through whatever trials we've been presented with, standing tall and annoying people . . . . thanks for the post, brer Bub . . . . | ||
| Cj_xb |
Great post Bubba !!! CJ | ||
| Glitch |
Damn Bubba, I had no idea. I don'y know you that well, but from what I do know, I'm glad you made it through. Buelldom would suffer without you buttin' heads with those that be. Dave | ||
| Turnagain |
I remember news & pictures of your accident, but never put it together that it was you 'til now. Hard to believe it's been three years -- truly a terrible day. take care, Steve | ||
| Buckinfubba |
Glad to be here still also. the funny thing is if you look at the bike and gander at the right mirror....the attitude was flying high in my lil decal. I thoguht it would ward off bad spirits. I always wonder if that registered in his drunk brain. a hearty F.U. | ||
| Crusty |
Hell, I don't know what to say. I'm glad you're still with us, and I won't forget that you and Greg sent me that package when my mom died. You're a class act. | ||
| Ferris |
glad you're still with us, Bubba. like some of the others on here, i had no idea. it also explains why your posts are always so full of passion and enthusiasm. i'm not the world's biggest NASCAR fan, but i appreciate it for what it is, and anybody that disses it as being lame or over-glamorized hasn't driven in traffic at 190 mph. the sport lost a giant three years ago, whether you liked him or not, and i suspect MOST people did. Race in Peace, Dale. thanks for the words, Bubba, keep 'em comin'. FB | ||
| Blackbelt |
Bubba, your a good man, and a kind heart on this page. Glad to see that God gave ya a 2nd chance to make people smile. My glass is raised to ya bro.... | ||
| Golin |
Hey Bri, I always forget how recently this wreck was for you. I think I met you less than a year after it happened up at the old Tilley shop. Thanks for coming through that mess. Otherwise I'd be at least one good friend short right now. See you in a couple weeks. | ||
| Anonymous |
Having been over that edge twice myself, it makes you believe that you have some reason for being left here. Certainly some of the very best move on, like Dale. I figured I must have lot things to do before I was worthy to leave, and so have kept at it ever since. Bubba, you sure are an example of someone whose life here makes a lot of difference to people, and I guess that's what we're meant to do. Enjoy every day like it could be your last, and remember you will be judged for it...even by yourself. | ||
| Henrik |
Thanks for the story, Bubba. Happy you're still around  Henrik | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Brain, Your story stopped me in my tracks. At lunch today I relayed the event to a couple of coworkers. The car got pretty quiet..... Very glad you are still here. You have made a difference and suspect will continue to do so. Too bad stuff like this has to happen to shake things up and make us focus on the really important things in life. For me, your story is enough of a jolt for me to stop and reflect. Thanks much for sharing. Brad | ||
| Boomerm2 |
Thanks for telling your story. It makes me appreciate things more and realize it can happen to anyone, anytime. Glad you are still with us and I'd like to meet you again sometime. Mike Iowa Farm Mafia | ||
| Scrap |
You know it is funny how truly short life is. Often times we take for granted the little things in life like a simple ride on our motorcycles or perhaps people in our lives that affect us day to day and never realize they do. It kinda makes you think about the next time you throw a leg over or strap a helmet on it may be your last, so next time someone crosses your path think about how will you answer to God if he brings you home in the next instant, were you nice or were you rude, better yet, is your life right with God so that you know were you are going? If not, maybe it is time to renegotiate with the man upstairs, because without him I assure you the alternative is gloomy. I myself have had to ask myself these very questions in the recent. just a thought.. RN | ||
| Cj_xb |
Excellent post Scrap, I wholeheartedly agree !! I sometimes think I'm only going to barely make it into heaven and better try to straighten out my ways !! I even think about it sometimes when I'm posting not so nicely here on Badweb !!  We should all appreciate every day and our friends, family, health and all we have !! CJ  | ||
| Fullpower |
well bubba, happy anniversry, damn glad you are still around to celebrate it. i know you are digging your 'second chance' take care pal, dean | ||
| Buckinfubba |
Thanks for all the kind words everybody. its been a weird day...my head ain't been here much today. I would have missed it altogether if it hadn't been for the news last night. and they come on talking about dale sr and whamo all the memories and stuff come back in , then I start thinking about life and love and all that stuff. Just taking stock of it all. and I have come to this conclusion. I am glad I am here to be able to take stock of it all and have a mentally goofy day. the alternative kinda sucks. so tonight I will drink a toast to life and love and friends. which when all this gets broken down to the simpelist of terms is all that matters. thanks again for the kind words. now if I could just convince myself that this diet and losing weight is small potato's in the big scheme of things. huh that was easy enuff...the fat boy lives god am I really talking to myself this much  | ||
| Ray_maines |
Brian: Glad you're here, pal! Scrap: I'm not sure that life is short, but I know for sure - and Brian agrees - that it's fragile. | ||
| Blake |
Brian, I recall very clearly the posts and sincere concern shared here about three years ago for some guy named "Brian" who had been a victim of a drunk driver in FL. I had no idea that was you! So damn glad that you came back from death's door. You are a true inspiration on BadWeB and we are ALL richer for your participation here. Scrap, A'men brother. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
blake Inspiration- you betcha....on what not to do most times! Richer- well ofcourse because I am cheap and easy...save most some cash. "Humor will get us all thru most things comfortably,except in extrme surcumstances where the laughter is side splitting" bubba 04 scrap you are so right....when I recovered, my mother a fairly religious woman, ask if I saw the light that some see in the death near death experience. In my usual way I say , nope and I feel pretty ripped off by this. she says to me well you know brian maybe thats because you were going the other way. Now you know where this twisted outlook on trying not to be to serious comes from. | ||
| Honu |
Being new to the board, I have learned alot from you Brian. Thanks for the knowledge and humor you bring to these pages. Craig | ||
| Timbo |
Wow Brian, I would say you are doing well with the second chance you have been given. I'm glad to see it, and listen to your mother, she loves you more than anyone. Timbo | ||
| Unibear12r |
Thank you fubba. For sharing & caring. And for the knowledge & laughter. I'm glad you are still with us. | ||
| Cj_xb |
Well Bubba, I met you at the Buell 20th and have kept in touch since, and I certainly count you among one of my friends !! So I'm sure glad your still around to enjoy life and to keep me entertained like you do !! CJ  Okay, enough of the mushy stuff now, yuk !! | ||
| Buckinfubba |
squish squish squish.....damn its getting soft around here.... ooooooooooohh so soft and nice.... quit squeezing the charman |
