Deuce 1 #1 January 8, 2003 I case you missed it, Franck was involved in a midair collision with Carrol at Byron last Sunday. One of my mentors, Gareth, posted about how he got into the ICU to see Carrol. You have to be a relative, so voila! I'm Carrol's nephew now. I'm also Franck's cousin. Really. Anyhow, Carrol first. Carrol is a tough son of a bitch, and one of the nicest, most generous people you will ever meet. When I had like 17 jumps, he regularly did RW with me. He, along with the other very generous expert belly fliers at Byron brought my skill level up as fast as possible by being patient, motivating and constructive in their criticism. Carrol actually didn't look that bad. He's on a respirator, and has some drainage stuff hooked up, and has leg compression garments, but his color was good, he had warm hands and feet, and his pulse went up when I talked to him. His eyes aren't really tracking, but he does open them when someone talks directly to him. His lung doctor and his nurse said they thought he was going to be OK. The hospital is on my way home from work, so I'll be stopping by a couple times a week until he gets out. I suspect it will be a while. Franck, our buddy from Eloy, is going to be fine. He had some internal injuries that were fixed via emergency surgery, and has some broken vertebrae. He has no paralysis. He was awake and lucid, and feeling very crappy about being in the collision. He is very preoccupied with how Carrol is doing. I was very impressed with his compassion, and he would not talk about his own injuries until I had told him everything I knew about Carrol's, which really was not much. Franck was having a true Byron Love day until the accident. Carrol, and Mad John and another jumper he couldn't remember by name were doing 4 ways. Franck couldn't get over how open and friendly the jumpers at Byron were, and his gratitude for the hospitality while jumping and the tenderness he experienced while waiting for the helicopter were very touching. I'm so proud to be a part of the Byron love. Apparently yesterday, due to the narcotics, he was only speaking French and couldn't understand why noone could understand him. Thanks to Bonnie, Gareth, and Liz for updating me on how they were doing, and how to get in to visit them. This was deliberately not posted in incidents. I will not discuss any details I happen to know about the collision. Please say a prayer for our brothers. Or vibes or whatever. And when it's my turn to be in that bed, come and visit me and touch my face and hold my hand. Fly well. JP Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #2 January 8, 2003 Thanks much for the update. Twas very nice of you to go visit them. Good thoughts are sent their way!! ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lizzieb 0 #3 January 8, 2003 Thanks for the update JP! I'm sure both Franck and Carrol apreciated your visit tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with them both. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebazz1 2 #4 January 8, 2003 Duece you are a good man. Thank you for the update. Glad to hear the positive thoughts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #5 January 8, 2003 Thanks you darlin' for updating us and as far as this goes....QuoteAnd when it's my turn to be in that bed, come and visit me and touch my face and hold my hand. May you never be there my friend....but if you should....I'll be there. With Real and True Affection B~Squared Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #6 January 8, 2003 My thoughts and prayers are with Franck and Carrol. I wish them a speedy recovery. Thank you for taking such good care of our brothers. Skydivers are good people. And next time you visit, wish them well from the Hellfish. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #7 January 8, 2003 "Touch my face and hold my hand" What a perfect thing to say and do. It is important, especially for the patient that may not be able to communicate with you, to let them know you are there and you care. J -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jceman 1 #8 January 8, 2003 Thanks for the update, Deuce. Glad you're making some good deposits in the Karma Bank. I know that was not your intent, but that only increases your interest rate. Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money. Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if we can't shoot them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #9 January 8, 2003 Speedy and complete recovery to both. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,587 #10 January 8, 2003 Likewise thanks for the update. And please send them our best wishes, particularly when things get long and dreary. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #11 January 8, 2003 Thank yo so much for going by and extending our love to Franck and Carrol. I really enjoyed meeting "Franck from France" said in my best French accent which always got a smile. Please tell him I asked about him and if you are up to it pass along one of my hugs. I don't know Carrol but I know I would like him so feel free to pass along a hug there too. My thoughts and prayers are with them both. Just curious...does Franck have any relatives here? Is there anything either of them needs? Let us know. -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #12 January 8, 2003 I only met franck when he knocked on my door to ride to eloy! he is a cool dude. I did a few FUN jumps with him and am very happy to hear that BOTH jumpers will be fine! Thanks Duece for the update...and the relief!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #13 January 8, 2003 Franck's wife is here. He also said he's got some other friends that are bringing him stuff. I'll try and find some French language stuff for him. And Lisa, you would LOVE Carrol. He's not out of the woods just yet, but I think he's on the way. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #14 January 8, 2003 sending vibes to the west........... i didn't relise it was franck from france until just reding this thread, this is the first time i "know"(have atleast talked to before and jumped with once) somebody that has gotten hurt in this sport. i wish both of em a speedy and full rcovery..... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celljumper 0 #15 January 9, 2003 I'm sending buckets of love to Carroll, Franck and Valerie and their familes and hope for a very speedy recovery. And let's all do our best to stay safe in this new year. -M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #16 January 9, 2003 http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/gallery/imageFolio.cgi?action=view&link=Dropzone_Members/Dropzone_Gatherings/2002_Eloy_Christmas_Boogie/katiebear21&image=Deuce%20Lou%20Mouth%20Franch.jpg&img=30&tt= That's Franck closest to the photographer, KatieBear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #17 January 9, 2003 thanx for the update JP.I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lilit 0 #18 January 10, 2003 Hi, I'm Valerie, Franck's wife. I wanted to thank you all for your care and updates concerning Carrol and Franck. Special thanks to JP, Franck was really happy to see you I passed along everybody's messages and posts to Franck and to Francie, Carrol's wife. I am especially grateful to the Byron folks for their warm hospitality and for being so friendly to us. Last Sunday was our first visit to BAS and we quickly found that the "Byron love" lives up to its reputation. When I came back to the DZ with some beers after I had such a good day, I heard the ambulance sirens approaching. Jeff kindly took care of my kids, while I ran to find out what happened. Many jumpers were staying around supporting and helping Carrol and Franck, until and after the paramedics were there. I was deeply touched that several of them took the time and found the strength to come and comfort me, even after it had become obvious how critical Carrol's condition was. So, many, many thanks to you all in Byron (I can't remember all the names, but among them were Bonnie, Randy, Jeff, and Mike) for your help, kindness and professionalism. I have been in constant touch with Francie, or her close family. She told me that she would get you posted about Carrol's latest news, as she was about to see him tonight when I left her. As for Franck, he just started drinking some juice tonight (his digestive system works again since the intestine surgery). The back surgery should then occur next week, if not before, and he will wear braces for about six months. Valerie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #19 January 10, 2003 Thank you for keeping us updated on Franck and Carrol's conditions. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
r2hubert 0 #20 January 10, 2003 Thank you Valerie to take the time to keep us informed. All my thoughts are with you, all.... -- Renaud SMA #9 "Mind is like parachute. It only functions when it's open." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lizzieb 0 #21 January 10, 2003 Thanks for keeping us updated Valerie! All my best...call if you need anything Liz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
celljumper 0 #22 January 10, 2003 Hey Valerie.... Great to hear from you and I'm glad things are looking up. We'll see you soon and thanks for keeping us posted! Meg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #23 January 10, 2003 Wow that sucks ... I was very busy with work these last few days so I was kind of ignoring DZ.COM, but I'm sorry to hear this bad news. Sending get well vibes to those involved. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebazz1 2 #24 January 10, 2003 Thank for keeping us updated Valerie. Super duper mega healing powers heading in Carol & Francks direction Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #25 January 10, 2003 Best wishes to Franck and Carrol and their families. Hope all get well soon.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
