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Seeing The World Differently

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Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

On November 29th, 2021 - I was run over by a truck pulling a commercial trailer while riding my bike in a bike lane. It was a hit and run. I was permanently disabled that day and now live handicapped with titanium rods in the bone marrow of my left leg and hip. I'm blessed they miraculously caught the driver.

I woke up in the hospital after 4 days and some surgery, and already I was seeing the world differently. With no feeling from the waist down, I feared the worst and thought I'd be paralyzed for life. Turns out it was the epidural and pain blockers.

Thank God I survived that day and am able to tell the story today. 

Here's why I titled this "Seeing the world differently" because it has multiple meanings and application. I saw the world so differently laying in the street in pain and helpless. Just lucky to be alive according to eye witnesses.

Then I saw it soo differently from that hospital bed and wheelchair.  The fear of an unknown future really started to settle in and I felt completely helpless and totally  hopeless. I saw the world so differently, in a way I wish I never had. 

New Life Tools of the TradeMy new set of tools for some time to come...

Then they sent me home and for almost three years now I've had to think about, live through, and continue living through the mental and physical pains but also the legal and courts systems. I'm the victim, and now the plaintiff. Geez whiz.

Here's why seeing the world differently has helped me survive, cope, and even overcome this incident and all that it has consumed from me. 

  1. I had vowed to never ride a bicycle again after the accident. I have since gotten back on the horse and started riding again. I no longer feel robbed of the joy! Now I go out and pedal my way through life's up's and down's. 

  2. Since it was my bike that almost put me into a wheelchair, I now use that very bike as my wheels-chair and it takes me where I could have and never would have walked before. What a concept?!? I need a mini handicapped-plate?!
    (Who says you can't have wheels in front and back instead of on the sides)

  3. I've always been afraid of heights so now I ride my bike to locations I'd never go and I fly my camera in the sky using a drone and I get to SEE THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY even though I've been to many of these locations hundreds and thousands of time. 

This is a sample of some of my self inflicted therapeutic recovery and the results that come from it. Seeing the world differently from the sky is showing me how much I miss below and how much there truly is to see and learn in the world!!

I am an amateur and only do this for fun and recreationally. If you're interested in seeing more, you're welcome to see some other areas where "iDrone The World" as I see the world differently. I am blessed and grateful to witness every miracle! 

PS. Before this accident and the opportunity to "see the world differently", I was a caretaker for Maya Mae. How ironic and blessed to have her swap roles with me and be my caretaker from that day forward. <3

Comments(23)

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George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Brad Andersohn you are an example of the way we need to handle negative situations in our lives.  What happened to you could have caused to turn into a very negative person with a pity me attitude.  BUT instead you have, as the saying goes, turned lemons into lemon aid.

Sep 04, 2024 12:39 PM
Brad Andersohn

Hey George, believe me there was a “pity me attitude and a negative person” time, but having access to the many friends, support people, and tools out there has helped me enjoy that lemonade!

There will always and forever be “good and bad days“ for everybody.

Sep 05, 2024 09:19 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Brad- I remember when I read of your accident on Facebook (I can't remember how long ago) I said a prayer. The light you shine lifts all of our spirits. Thank you for always being "Giving Brad.

Sep 04, 2024 07:04 PM
Brad Andersohn

Thank you for your prayers, you can see they worked!!! This little light of mine, almost went out. So now I'm  looking for the matches or lighter to help see and find my way again. 

Sep 05, 2024 09:25 AM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

It is amazing what a strong person can do once they are faced with a life changing event. You have the inner strength to succeed, not everyone does. Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Keep the faith...especially in yourself. You got what it takes to keep on keeping on!

Sep 05, 2024 02:02 AM
Brad Andersohn

Thank you, Debra. Believe me, there were times where strength didn’t exist in me as a person. The inner strength I found to succeed came from people jlike you. I needed to hear those words before, during, and even now after the accident. That’s really what’s given me what it takes to keep on keeping on. Thank you, and God bless you. 🥰🙏

Sep 05, 2024 09:35 AM
Debra Leisek

God Bless and keep you safe in his love.... Brad Andersohn 

Sep 06, 2024 12:17 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Brad - the multiple meanings of your post title are a reminder that we often don't know the story behind a story.   

Sep 05, 2024 02:58 AM
Brad Andersohn

Michael, that is true, and unless people feel comfortable talking about it, and sharing it, most often we will never know those stories. Glad I can finally share mine. I

Sep 06, 2024 09:44 AM
Edward Gilmartin
CRE - Boston, MA

Something needs to be done about careless, distracted and just plain bad drivers. Two brothers were just killed bicycling in New Jersey by a drunk driver .

Sep 05, 2024 03:04 AM
Brad Andersohn

Hey Edward, I agree. But the world is just becoming overpopulated and so every day that you go out into it, the risk goes up.

I am sooo sorry to hear about the brothers in New Jersey, I can only imagine how many this happens to every day?!

On November 29th, 2021... 17 pedestrians were (listed in a California News Report)  killed in California alone. I was not listed in that report, only the deaths on scene or at hospital. They file this report for California everyday. Imagine all 50 states???

Something does need to be done, but bikes and cars/trucks will never be equal in that bikes are like BB Guns, and Cars are TANKS. Bikes will lose every time. 

Sep 06, 2024 09:53 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

For some reason, I didn't realize you'd been in such a horrible accident. Good for you for remaining positive - your use of the bicycle as a wheelchair! your taking up drone photography for fun - love it. Good luck as the plaintiff. I hope for justice.

Sep 05, 2024 06:03 AM
Brad Andersohn

Hi Kat, the reason you didn't realize it was because I don't really like to talk about it. ActiveRain is my family, and I feel safe sharing my story here.

It hasn't always been a positive path, but every step and every breath has definitely been a learning experience. There is a trial date set for January next year. I too, hope for justice. Thank you so much. <3 :-)

Sep 06, 2024 09:57 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Brad, thank you for sharing this deeply moving story! You have certainly been through a lot! I fondly remember meeting you in person in Dallas at one of our first Rain Camps. Kudos to you for getting, "back on the horse"! You are an inspiration. Hugs to you.

Sep 05, 2024 07:16 AM
Brad Andersohn

I remember that Dallas Raincamp, I actually treasure every memory of each Camp we did. I miss those days.

It's been good getting back out there, even today I got to go see the world differently... it's either positively distracting me, or it's just good mental and physical therapy?!  

Sep 06, 2024 10:03 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Brad things, life can change in an instant, seeing things differently has allowed you to approach the changes and challenges with such positivity. I am impressed with your resilience, but having heard your joie de vivre it does not surprise me. Keep it up, and keep seeing things differently, you never know where that might lead you.

Sep 05, 2024 07:16 AM
Brad Andersohn

Thank you Nick. I accept that things changed for me and my family in a second of a heartbeat that day, and I still don't know where all this is leading me?!

I do know that there is a reason I am still here and what ever power used this to get my attention... well, let's just say I'm now always intently listening.  ;-) 

BTW - Had to look up "joie de vivre".... thank you!!  🤪 

Sep 06, 2024 10:12 AM
Dorte Engel
RE/MAX Leading Edge - Bowie, MD
ABC - Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton & rest of Maryland

Dear Brad,

So glad you survived & are cantankerous enough to get back on your bike in search of new adventures. So many drivers pretend that their vehicles are already self-driving and type away on their phones while at it. Not sure, why your assailant did not see you, but clearly distracted by something. Since we all drive so much, stay vigilant, since those people are out there all over the place.

Sep 05, 2024 07:45 AM
Brad Andersohn

Hello Dorte - thank you for reading and commenting.

The more people around you in any location, the more your risk goes up of accident/injury/death according to population studies in major cities and communities.

Stay safe out there and don't compete with the BIG DOGS that are driving down the road and not paying attention.

Sep 06, 2024 10:16 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Thanks so much for this post.  Very touching.

 

 

Sep 05, 2024 08:17 AM
Brad Andersohn

Thank you Ginger for reading and commenting :-)

Sep 06, 2024 10:17 AM
Jacki Tait, CLHMS
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Flagstaff, AZ
Finding Your Place in Flagstaff, Arizona

Wow! Thank you for sharing your story and giving us a little insight into your world and how you've adapted. You're an inspiration!

Sep 05, 2024 09:37 AM
Brad Andersohn

Thanks Jacki - if sharing this inspired you in any way at all, then that is why I walked away that day!

Seriously, even to touch one person makes it totally worth the efforts! You are equally an inspiration to me, thank you. 😋

Sep 06, 2024 10:20 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Thank you for your positive post, Brad Andersohn 

We all know that you are lucky to be alive! It is rare to have such a second chance. You have grasped the opportunity and are making a good life out of it.

By the way, I recognized the town of Capitola as soon as I opened your post. 

Sep 05, 2024 10:53 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

 John – you are more than welcome. I am grateful for the luck to still be here. Making a good life is all any of us really want and seek.

Getting a rare second chance has given me the opportunity to open my eyes, realize what's most important in life, and truly see the world differently.

That includes Capitola my friend!! Come visit us anytime! :-)))

Here's one of my 4K 360 images of Capitola for you. 

Sep 06, 2024 10:35 AM
Steve Higgins
RE/MAX Kelowna - Kelowna, BC

Hi Brad,

I am sorry to hear this happened to you. I am happy that you are here to share your new perspective and able to tell about it. Wishing you a speedy full recovery, take care.

 

Sep 06, 2024 06:40 PM
Brad Andersohn

Thanks Steve, there are days I’m really sorry too but then I realize if this didn’t happen, how sorry I’d be living on in Bliss. 

Sep 07, 2024 02:27 PM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Sometimes, we stumble upon the boundless power within us, dormant until awakened by a spark. Remember the age-old advice to live each day as if it were your last. Seize every moment and make it unforgettable!

Thank you for this post, Brad.

Sep 06, 2024 07:02 PM
Brad Andersohn

Aura - great advice and I do live every hour of every day as though it’s my last! ;-) Unless I’m doing dishes, grocery shopping, or paying taxes etc. 😝😜

Sep 07, 2024 02:29 PM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

Brad Andersohn  thank you for sharing your inspiring journey. You are an inspiration for others to look at the world differently!

Sep 07, 2024 04:32 AM
Brad Andersohn

Sometimes it takes a good shaking to wake up and stand at attention!! Glad my story and journey can inspire others to share theirs, it’s amazing how much people DONT share and now I think I understand. 👍

Sep 07, 2024 02:32 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Brad,
I am so sorry you've had to go through all that... are still going through it.  Life has a way of sending us in directions we never imagined, doesn't it. I love your drone footage. What course is that? I want to play it!

Sep 07, 2024 06:57 AM
Brad Andersohn

Yes it does my friend, directions and places one never even knew existed. That course is Golf Links at Half Moon Bay, right next to the Rita Carlton. 

Sep 07, 2024 02:33 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, Brad, for sharing some of your story. Best wishes for good health.

Thank you very much for following my blog. Your comments are always welcome.

 

Sep 08, 2024 07:51 AM
Jayson Gibson
NewHomesSection.com - Queen Creek, AZ

Very inspiring post, thanks for sharing. It's good to hear you've chosen to look at the good things in your life; it's certainly easy to go the victim route. You're even taking on things you feared. I am sorry about your accident and glad you are doing better and most importantly, still here to remind us all how many good things are in our lives. I hope you continue seeing the world differently, we all need adjustments often. Animals are amazing. I think they know us better than we know them. Stay well and keep us updated. 

Sep 10, 2024 09:35 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Jayson - thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I truly feel blessed and at the same time humbled to be able to live on and share my story. My journey continues so my story continues, thank God we didn’t land at the page in my journey that said, “the end!

Sep 12, 2024 07:10 PM