I can’t believe I’m sitting here comfortably, albeit with plenty of medication. Most of my life I’ve taken pride in being skilled and self-reliant. This illusion was revealed in an instant on a recent Sunday. One bad roll of a rock left me broken on the ground, as helpless as a baby, completely dependent on others, a long way from a hospital.

It took an embarrassingly large number of people to put their lives on hold and help me. They gave up their warm clothes to cover me and shivered, raced down to cars to bring more supplies, and huddled close around me, blocking the cold wind and tirelessly holding my broken parts immobile until professionals arrived. Search and rescue were awesome, the staff at Mercy fantastic. I mean, really, to a person. Every transfer and procedure brought another kind face – some who knew me or my family, some I’d never met before, but all amazingly competent and caring. My family and I eternally are grateful.

Taking care of yourself is great but just a moment in time. We all will need help from others at some point, and they will need help from us. If you play on the trails and in the mountains, don’t forget to buy a wilderness card! And, please, consider volunteering or making a donation to the search-and-rescue teams. They can be a godsend. Trust me.

David W. Farmer

Durango