Christmas, 1974. Got a new Schwinn. One of the proudest days of my life. Four days later, playing in the snow with friends, I slide down a steel slide (a waterslide in summer, ends in hard ice in winter) and hurt my leg. Not being a pansy, I stayed out the rest of the day, playing, skating, sledding, etc.

later that evening Dad says “Come on in for supper”.

me: “I don’t feel much like eating”

dad: “Start the car, mama, we got to get this kid to the hospital”

Four fractures to the tibia and fibula (two each) and several of the small bones of the ankle damaged. To this day, if I swivel my ankle it pops like popcorn.

Worst part, they cut off my red suede denim leisure suit pants. Pissed me off no end, they were also a Christmas present.

Five months in casts. Didn’t get to ride my bike till midsummer.