Off-off topic request

[CanoeStream]

I would like to throw out a chance for readers to greet and wish a good recovery to a young family friend undergoing orthopedic surgery in Beijing at this very moment. We have camped and adventured with his family since our old tenting days. Paul has been successfully studying abroad at Peking University this academic year. Guided (liberally speaking) by a young Norwegian and two Austrians, Jens, Georg and Tomas, Paul went snowboarding on Sunday. The purpose of this thread (yeah, right ) is to emphasize the value of what we often discuss about protective gear. Paul is the Irish/Swedish-American redhead in this pic...

I hope you will give me a moment to explain that they were wearing boxers (oh, what must their hosts think? Just wait for the Olympics...), and by way of demonstrating how warm it was...

So. (a complete thought) Moving on from the youthful giddiness of the above pics, my friend Paul managed both to fracture and dislocate his right pinkie.

If I could ask for anyone to respond, why don't you please let Paul know about how we assure safety with proper inflation pressures, antisway rigs ... or just simply wearing protective gear when snowboarding!

Paul's concerned parents recruited medical colleagues to arrange a suitable treatment venue in Beijing. Paul is in surgery at this hour. Say 'hi' if you would and send some cheer a long way away! Happy New Years Paul!!

Thank you,
Bob (and Susie, Kirsten & Patrick)

[Silver Threads]

Hi Paul, wishing you a very speedy recovery and a Happy New Year!

[ArtStream]

Paul!
Hope that pinkie is back in the pink in no time

M

[codybear]

Hi Paul,

Best wishes for a speedy recovery1

[tin sista]

Hey Paul best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

[safari57]

Paul (and to you too Bob and your family)

Wishing for Peace, Health and a year full of good times and no more "accidents" for you.

Barry

[BamCamper]

I hope no one else had an accident while being distracted by the cute guys in boxers in the snow!

Hope all goes well and you are back on the slopes soon.

I like your style but maybe more protective gear could come in "handy"...

Happy New Year to all!

[CanoeStream]

Thanks folks! I had an update at the start of the weekend. Paul made it through okay but had trouble getting adequate pain management. Other details make me believe Beijing hospitals should quickly add bilingual patient advocates before the '08 Olympics. Paul benefited from some very solid bilingual contacts in my local community

[codybear]

hi bob,

whoohoo!! cheers to Paul!..and to you

[love vintage]

Hey guys, wish you all the best.

Think positive, 2008 presents you with a new year (new phase in life).
Anything is possible... be confident, determined, and focused.

Happy New Year from the Maritimes!

[68 Tradewind]

I feel your pain, had the same thing happen to me while playing football. Even though that was over 20 + years ago, I still remember the pain. You might want to consider better protective gear next time you snow board, thre's more important body parts you could have fractured!

[CanoeStream]

Medicine in China is very conservative & paternalistic. The hospital was going to keep him for at least a week. Paul had finals starting on Jan 2, so he discharged himself against medical advice on the condition that he return daily for IV fluids and IV antibiotics.

How they will deal with emergency services for all the Olympic spectators is a topic for a whole 'nother discussion. I've got to Walbernize that week anyway...

Paul comes home to Minnesota next week for the period between terms. Thanks for your responses. He's not getting over that I posted this here.