37 Comments

Omg! I am soo happy you're ok. Next car will have lane departure warning and break assist standard! New cars have nice features for us old folks. We have to meet more often. Speedy recovery..

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Thanks so much Peter. And you make a good point about the "nice features for us old folks" that new cars have. Unfortunately I can't really afford a new car on the payout from the old one, but I'm going to pause to at least look for some of what you discuss. Take care yourself and speak soon,

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So glad y’all are ok. Never underestimate a public school teacher AND a marathoner wordsmith. ❤️

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Appreciated, Robert.

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Shocked to hear about your accident! Relieved you are both ok. Life is fragile and every moment counts. Fortunately you know that and make the most of every second. Very glad neither of you were badly hurt.

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Thanks Alan.

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Sorry to hear, Tony. Best wishes to you and lots of love to you and Paula. I was in a bad car wreck with my girlfriend in college -- she was driving and was badly hurt, I was not -- so I know how terrifying that is. I appreciate your thoughtful essay in the face of such trauma. Cheers.

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Thank you Dave, and I am sorry you had to go through something that sounds far worse. Peace.

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Bloody hell, Tony. I hope you’re both recovering well. Your optimism is always a tonic, and your other recent post is another sign to me that you have to write a book about running.

Sorry my team (West Ham) had to beat Crystal Palace yesterday. These things have to be done.

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Cheers Alastair, be happy for you to pop and say that third sentence over on the post itself. Maybe it is indeed the project I need to do...

As for West Ham beating Palace, hang on, aren't you Scottish? What gives? (And it was painful to watch though I guess, fortunately, did not serve to make me laugh.)

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I will try and repost that line.

I’m a lifelong Hammer because I was born in Harold Wood. My dad was working at a power station in London and used to go and watch West Ham. So I inherited the affliction.

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ouch, take it easy Tony and sending love to you both x

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Thanks Tim!

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Very sorry to hear of your accident Tony, hope you are both making a speedy recovery, Fortunately, my motoring mishaps have been limited to the odd bump and scape, nothing serious. I gave up cars and driving some years ago now, there's a great public transport system here so it saves a lot on expenditure and stress!

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I loved my years in NYC without a car - and didn't enjoy owning once I had a kid and it became truly necessary. My years in London without a car? Well, put it this way, it was before the country woke up to the fact that some people are still awake after 11pm. Cheers and thanks for the post.

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Aug 24Liked by Tony Fletcher

So glad you're both okay and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Hoping for a swift recovery. ✊

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So sorry to hear of your accident Tony, wishing you and your wife a speedy recovery. Having been in a serious accident in 2012 from which I was extremely lucky to walk away with only a one night stay in hospital, I can relate to some degree.

My advice to you, over the coming weeks and months, is to be gentle with yourself and to expect that PTSD may appear in some form. For me it was dreams from which I’d bolt awake, doused in sweat with my heart racing. And the first time I saw a car accident (a first person view) in a TV show was quite a visceral and arresting experience, one which impacted me deeply.

So don’t worry, but be prepared for the possible ways in which your brain and body’s responses to that traumatic experience may manifest themselves.

Take care.

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Thank you Mark all around, and especially for that heads-up. When we went back to the tow pound and got everything from the car (my computer as well as my clothes were in there, ditto Paula), it all seemed okay and we got it all done and I got all questions answered. Then I got back in the provided rental car, and realized just what it had taken from me. We made another stop soon after just to process it all. After that I was okay, but I take your warning to heart. Thank you and all best.

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Aug 24Liked by Tony Fletcher

Great stuff, Tony! Glad you both are okay! #HarrisWalz2024

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What a story Tony. But beautifully written. What struck me was the help of the doctors. That's the difference between America and Europe. Glad they were able to help you; My best wishes for a speedy recovery for you and your partner Paula!

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Thanks Pe... slightly curious, do you meant the doctors who stopped to help us? (Their help was really needed, especially for Paula.) If so, sad to think that wouldn't happen elsewhere, but if you mean the hospital care, please let me know and elaborate. Cheers.

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I meant the doctors. I don't see that happening over here in Belgium. But then again I could be mistaken. Two years ago I moved to the French speaking part of the country and one the reasons I adore it over here is that people are much more friendly and open. They are ready to help if you need it.

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Glad your accident was not worse. Heal well and quickly. I to am an optimist by nature and grateful for it. I'm hoping i"m pleased come November and am buoyed by the turn of events that have revived what seemed like a moribund Biden campaign.

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Cheers Steve.

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wow, Tony, glad you and Paula are OK! wishing you a speedy and complete recovery and lots of joy and adventures (off-road) to come

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Thank you Ken. You will surely enjoy tomorrow's delayed post.

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blessings my friend to you and your family and your new partner. I’m glad you’re still with us. Vinyl and Vino Night will occur the next few weeks. Hope you can make it.

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Thanks my man... I do hope to see you next time around if dates align.

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I'm very sorry to learn of your accident and equally thankful that neither of you were more badly hurt. Wishing you and Paula a fast recovery and happier days ahead.

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Thank you!

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Well said, my friend. I am so glad you walked away with your spirit intact.

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