This is what it looked like before things went awry:

We couldn’t dive today because Ida was making big waves in the ocean after dropping lots of rain overnight.  Renting scooters was the next option, since no one wanted to be stuck at the hotel all day long.  I have been on motorcycles and have driven dirt bikes in the past, so scooters seemed doable.  My over-confidence mixed with a lack of experience ended with me running into a lovely woman in our group, Cindy, and then I slid down the road on my side.  I may have cussed, though this cannot be confirmed.

I was able to get to my feet and move all my joints, though my ankle and heel were sore.  I realized I was bleeding from the leg and arm, and then there was some shock, complete with white face and nausea.  The police came, as well as the ambulance, carrying a very nice woman named Judith who cleaned and bandaged my road rash on my arm and leg.  I did not get any pictures of this event, however, several of my friends were kind enough to photo-document my pain, bleeding, shock, and other exciting elements of my disastrous experience.  Cindy’s shoulder hurt and she had some scrapes, but she was well enough to continue riding.  I feel so bad that I took her down with me.  I’d trade more pain for less guilt in that area.

It’s very hard for me to be the recipient of someone else’s generosity, to be the one in need who has to lean on others.  I hate it, and it’s a struggle to be gracious.  I’d rather disappear until I became self-sufficient and return whole and healthy and independent.

But, I am reminded, we are designed to live in community, to live interdependently.  Not just “they” and “he”, but “me” and “us”.  It’s a pleasure and a privilege to rub shoulders with giving and generous people.  Judith the EMT was so gentle and compassionate while she cleaned my wounds.  Jose drove me back to the hotel and was kind enough to take me to a pharmacy first for some supplies.  Melissa checked on me and gave me some medicine.  Beth and Cassie are right now buying more supplies.  Adam agreed to do some wound care later and finish removing grit from the sore spots.  There is an overwhelming measure of thankfulness in my mind, and that is squeezing out the embarrassment and shame.