Wondering why I hadn't heard from a mate

[pauljh74]

The last contact I had with a friend was almost 2 years ago - I had sent a few e-mails and got no response. I thought he's not the sort of person to blow people off like that. Perhaps he moved and lost my info I was thinking. Then last night I got a call from him.

He said he was in a car accident in November 2007. Driving along Heatherton Rd crossing Westall Rd in Clayton South, he said both roads had a green signal and he got hit by a semi doing about 80km/h. I assume some witnesses provided this info. He was driving an early 90's Pulsar SSS. There wouldn't have been much little left of it afterwards. The fact there's anything left of him is surprising in itself.

So he's spent a year in hospital, 5 months in special accommodation associated with the hospital and had heaps of physio. He just got out recently and is staying with his folks for a little bit. He's had numerous operations and will be having another for a titanium elbow soon as his arm was broken in 6 places. He suffered skull fractures, broken ribs, punctured lungs and he said he suffered some brain damage as his lungs weren't getting enough oxygen to the brain after the crash. Whether the damage is permanent I don't know at this point. He sounded normal. The call wasn't too long, so I'll get more details off him when I catch up with him.

The TAC has paid for a motorised scooter so he can get around, as he needs a crutch to aid walking. With such extensive injuries, it's a matter of how "normal" he will be after recovery.