View Full Version : My daughter - hit by lightening yesterday
Yesterday my daughter and her boyfriend were struck by lightening near a sliding rock on the Whitewater River above Whitewater Falls in NC. They were tossed about 10'. Although my daughter initially lost most of her vision, it is slowly returning. She also received 4 stiches in her face, because she struck a rock when she landed. Her boyfriend thinks he broke a rib - but refused to be treated because he was concerned about my daughter - who got the worst of it.
They were treated & released from the Highlands/Cashiers Hospital and spent the night at my Mom's cabin near Pickens, SC. My wife cut short her trip to Myrtle Beach and stayed at the cabin last night. They are all on their way home.
Some scary business - but thankfully everyone is relatively OK. The boyfriend is going to the doctor as soon as he arrives home in Chattanooga later this afternoon.
Just a reminder to be careful out there.
Man, I am so thankful that they survived and I am so happy for you too. I bet that as soon as things settle down that young lady is going to have a message for the world to hear.....
Big Dawg
07-04-2006, 10:46
Sorry to hear that MOWGLI. Hope they heal ok.
stickman
07-04-2006, 10:47
MOWGLI16, man that sounds like a really close call! I'm glad they aren't more seriously hurt and wish them well for a full and speedy recovery.
Stickman
SawnieRobertson
07-04-2006, 10:55
Thank God, they are alive. From previous reading I have learned that there is more than a physical healing process ahead, after affects that are difficult to deal with. She is fortunate to have a loving mom and dad still around to help her through this. Aren't you glad that you have taken care of yourself so that you can be there for her. :-)
Mowgli, I wish them a speedy recovery. Lightning is serious business for outdoor lovers.
Thanks folks. I don't have the full story yet, but a boy and his uncle were there too. They all felt a tingling in their feet and quickly got out of the water and headed for a rock overhang to get under. They saw a flash (heard no sound) and awoke 10' from where they were last. Naomi's BF had to lead her .5 miles back to the car. She basically had no vision - but as of this morning has about 80% of her vision. It'll be good to see them later today. They're all stopping in Highland, NC for lunch. My guess is they'll savor that meal.
That seems to be what is refered to as a close call. Sure glad they are ok and recover 100%. I've gotten real close to lightening a couple of times....screamed like a little girl.:o
This case reminds me of a couple I met in Maine in 2000 that took a indirect hit I guess you would call it. They were in the woods, he was listening to his walkman. They both flew 10 feet and escaped w/ minor injury but......... they never found a trace of the walkman......
max patch
07-04-2006, 11:06
Scary.
Prayers for a speedy and complete recovery.
dixicritter
07-04-2006, 11:17
Mowgli, sorry to hear about this, they are in our prayers for a speedy recovery.
the goat
07-04-2006, 11:22
wow, this really is a demonstration of how violently raw nature can be. i'm glad both seem to be doing alright. prayers for a speedy recovery.
Skidsteer
07-04-2006, 11:42
Thank God no one was killed. Best wishes to your daughter and BF, Mowgli.
peter_pan
07-04-2006, 12:14
Best wishes for a speedy recovery for all...
Pan
SGT Rock
07-04-2006, 12:21
I hope that everyone recovers OK. What a story to have to tell someday.
What a scare. It is great they they were not hurt worse. We will keep them in ours prayers.
Alligator
07-04-2006, 12:26
Wow, sorry to hear about this. Hope she regains her full vision and suffers no lasting effects. Best wishes for a quick recovery.
gsingjane
07-04-2006, 13:17
Best wishes to your daughter, her boyfriend, and the rest of your family. You all will be in my thoughts. And, thanks for the reminder that lightning is serious business. We all need to hear that repeatedly.
Jane in CT
Very scarry stuff. You are all in my thoughts, too.
SGT Rock
07-04-2006, 13:49
Don't want to seem like I am harping and hope I am not picking a bad time to highlight this:
...They all felt a tingling in their feet and quickly got out of the water and headed for a rock overhang to get under. They saw a flash (heard no sound) and awoke 10' from where they were last...
I know this is a bad idea to do, see it as a no-no in many lightning safety articles. But as a test I just asked about 4 guys I work with to name places to avoid during a thunder storm and none of them knew this was a place to avoid. These guys have a combined total of about 75-80 years in the Army with lots of safety briefings, Range Safety Officer experience, and lots of field time in all weather and they all said they never heard this. I figured there might be some hikers out there that don't know this either, so I thought I would highlight it and bring it up.
For a reference see the lightning safety article on this site.
Again, I am glad they are all recovering. Hope this doesn't scare them out of the woods. :sun
Big Dawg
07-04-2006, 14:16
Thanks for bringing that up, Rock. I didn't know either.
Since neither Naomi or her BF are avid hikers or outdoor enthusiasts, it didn't surprise me to learn that they made some mistakes. Naomi's younger sister is the hiker in the family. Unfortunately, most people don't think about getting struck by lightening. I learned this morning that the kids didn't realize (at the time) that there was a large tree growing on top of the rock, which made the location anything but safe. I'm just grateful that they survived.
I have since learned that my daughters vision problems are fairly serious. My wife teaches the blind & visually impaired, and thinks she has about 50% of her vision at this time. We're obviously hoping that'll improve over the next week or so. Looks like it'll be a little while before she puts this behind her.
Again, thanks for all the kind sentiments.
I always thought I knew a good bit about lightning safety, but I have read a lot of new info lately. In the way Mowgli has described the incident, I doubt the group had much of chance to ponder their options. Just last week I finished the book Shattered Air by Bob Madgic. It's an account of a tragic lightning storm on Yosemite's Half Dome in 1985 involving backpackers. Overall it was a good book with lots of good info on lightning.
Mowgli, Once again my prayers are with your family. I hope all involved make it through this difficult time. ED Bell
Mountain Man
07-04-2006, 15:04
Mowgli, your family is is my prayers also. Hope & pray they are back 100% soon. After reading Sgt. Rock's post it reminded me of a friend that was caught on a mountain during a lighting storm. The two of them got under a over hanging rock. My friend had his hands against the rock wall to balance his self when the lighting hit close by. His hand went numb from the strike and it was about a month before he got all the feeling back. Good as new now though.
I hope your daughter has a full recovery. my prayers wil be with her.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
07-04-2006, 15:49
Adding my prayers. How frightening for the kids and the parents.
Rain Man
07-04-2006, 16:49
Although dads _have_ to let their daughters go (as I know all too well), I sure hope I never receive a phone call like you must have.
Best wishes to you, her, the family and boyfriend, and for a speedy and complete recovery.
Please do keep us posted.
Rain Man
.
Nightwalker
07-04-2006, 18:34
I'm really glad that she's going to be alright.
One of the freaky parts of this, to me, is that is right at my most-hiked trail (Foothills).
I hope that YOU are okay as well. I'd be absolutely beside myself.
Be well, Jeffrey.
Amigi'sLastStand
07-04-2006, 19:13
Hope all works out and they recover. Here her see an opthamologist after the holiday. She may have received a flash burn to the cornea. They will prescribe an eye drop, painless stuff. Lightning sure is beautiful in the distance, but really sucks close up.
blindeye
07-04-2006, 20:43
best wishes and i hope all is well
MedicineMan
07-04-2006, 22:22
this is a tramautic even , thanking God no loss of life...Little Bear I've got a 17 year old and know the fear...consider some minor counseling in this, this kind of trauma goes deep, deeper than any of us can know without having gone through it.
eArThworm
07-04-2006, 22:51
L. B., Can't begin to express how sorry I am. I'll be praying for your daughter's full recovery.
I know you'll get some expert Dr's. working on her behalf. Prayers for you and your wife, too.
Time heals all wounds, as they say. Keep us posted, please.
Wow, I have been away for a few days. I sure home everything turns out for the best for your daughter Jeff. My prayers are with you and your daughter.
Just an update. Since there was a lot of swelling in her eyes, we took her to the ER here in Chattanooga last night. They gave her a CAT scan and had an Opthamologist look at her. She has abrasions on both corneas, but she should get back 100% of her sight. She may end up developing cataracts, but those are dealt with easily these days. In other words, at this point it looks like she is going to be physically OK. I think there is still some emotional trauma. When the thunder rumbles, she's going to be understandably freaked out for a while.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and prayers. It really means a lot to my family & I.
I am praying for 100% recovery.....................!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes on a speedy recovery.
When I read that part "headed for a rock overhang to get under", alarm bells went off. Between Backpacker magazine and Louis L'Amour books, I know not to do that! If I hadn't read it before, that is exactly what I would have done, though. Thanks so much for bringing that up, Rock. Please, have them share their story to help other hikers.
orangebug
07-05-2006, 10:35
Glad to hear that she is doing better. I hope that she continues to enjoy the great outdoors, but cautious enough to learn a few safety tips. I trust her date is doing well also. He sounds like a real stand up guy to take good care of her.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
07-05-2006, 10:46
So glad to hear your daughter's eyes are going to be OK. How is the young man? Were his ribs just bruised or actually broken? Having had broken ribs, I'll be surprised if he was able to ignore the pain to care for his lovely lady with broken ribs.
Hope both kids get a bit of professional help to deal with the trauma. There are techniques to deal with the panic that naturally ensues after such a traumatic event and the overall damage is lessened considerably by early treatment.
All the parents and children involved are still in our prayers.
Stonewall
07-05-2006, 10:52
I hope for a speedy and full recovery, and strength to you all.
Cookerhiker
07-05-2006, 11:19
Jeffrey, thanks for sharing this gut-wrenching story. No doubt it was difficult for you to post this but you have helped remind all of us about the dangers and how something that happens in less than 1 second can turn one's life priorities around with profound implications. My thoughts and prayers are with Naomi, you, and the rest of your family.
Tha Wookie
07-05-2006, 11:22
Wow Jeff, sorry your family has to go through that. I am so thankful they were not more seriously injured. My dad was electrified with thousands of volts when he was a teen. He's still living a long and healthy life, save the monster scar on his arm where it entered. I hope they do as well.
Two things are for sure: 1) It wasn't their time to go (something is keeping them here) 2) Something very good will come out of it
I'm relieved to hear her vision will probably return fully! She has gained a new perspective that will serve her and others well in life.
take care Hunters,
nate
Streamweaver
07-05-2006, 11:26
Man Im sorry to hear that!!! I hope they both make a full recovery!! Lighting is right up there with fire and water as far as being freaky scary!!
sorry to hear about what happened. Glad to know you daughters eyesight is improving. Best Wishes to you and your family
Lanthar Mandragoran
07-05-2006, 11:40
Wow, Mowgli, that is crazy, I'm glad to hear that the prognosis for future recovery if promising.
Best Wishes
Mowgli wishing your daughter and her boyfriend a full speedy recovey. I am glad she had good news from the ER
knicksin2010
07-05-2006, 13:01
Wow, that's scary. I hope they have a speedy recovery
Time To Fly 97
07-05-2006, 14:32
Wow, glad they are OK! Maybe with luck they will end up with super powers...
TTF
RockyTrail
07-05-2006, 15:52
Mowgli/Jeff:
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter (and her boyfriend).
I hope they (and all of y'all) get well soon and can put this behind you.
Thank goodness they are not hurt any worse, we will say a prayer for them.
Best regards, RT
TJ aka Teej
07-05-2006, 18:10
at this point it looks like she is going to be physically OK.
Great news! I hope her recovery is speedy, Jeff
Catsgoing
07-05-2006, 18:26
:eek: What a scare Mother Earth gave them. I live in Florida near the beach and have seen lightening hit miles before a storm is even in sight.
Glad they are OK....
If Boyfriend has broken ribs or rib. They don't do anything for that type of injury anymore. A lot of times a broken rib won't even show up broken in the first X Ray. Only when it starts to heal does it show up.
I am not a Doctor but worked 9 years as a Medical Technician in Orthopedics.
Many Blessings To You And The Victims Of Mother Earth's Furry
Yesterday my daughter and her boyfriend were struck by lightening near a sliding rock on the Whitewater River above Whitewater Falls in NC. They were tossed about 10'. Although my daughter initially lost most of her vision, it is slowly returning. She also received 4 stiches in her face, because she struck a rock when she landed. Her boyfriend thinks he broke a rib - but refused to be treated because he was concerned about my daughter - who got the worst of it.
They were treated & released from the Highlands/Cashiers Hospital and spent the night at my Mom's cabin near Pickens, SC. My wife cut short her trip to Myrtle Beach and stayed at the cabin last night. They are all on their way home.
Some scary business - but thankfully everyone is relatively OK. The boyfriend is going to the doctor as soon as he arrives home in Chattanooga later this afternoon.
Just a reminder to be careful out there.
sorry to hear about your daudghter and her boyfriend jeffery,we will pray
for a full recovery:cool: neo
TIDE-HSV
07-05-2006, 21:58
it's turned out as well as it has so far. I've come close but never had anything more than all my hair standing on end (Krewzer and I on Wesser Bald). I'm glad that Rock mentioned the overhang problem. An electrode in a spark plug is not a comfortable thing to be, particularly with a large antenna nearby...
Hikerhead
07-05-2006, 22:20
I'm glad to hear that she's going to be OK Jeff. That had to have been really something for her to go through. I know that the phone call that you got was one that you don't want to get again too.
Good luck to her, you and the family.
Thanks again everybody. I'm still in a state of disbelief. Hit by lightening???? Every time I think about it, I just kind of shake my head.
I talked to Naomi today and she was laughing and in good spirits. Her BF had x-rays and everything seems in place. Wow! Talk about a lucky break.
Big Dawg
07-05-2006, 22:40
That's great to hear Jeff! We're happy for you and your family. This must have been a really tough few days.
papa john
07-05-2006, 22:40
That was close, glad to hear they are going to be OK, Little Bear! What an experience!
TIDE-HSV
07-06-2006, 00:04
may still have a broken or cracked rib and should follow up with another film, if he continues to have pain upon breathing, coughing, etc. Back in the early 90s, on the Ocoee, another kayaker speared me with his bow in my left side, breaking four ribs, displacing and overlapping the bottom one and bruising my left kidney. I spent hours in the Cleveland, TN, hospital having dye studies done on my kidney. There was no choice but to go back to the camper on the river to sleep. I rigged a loop of rope over the bunk support to turn over in the night, and, when I did, there was a "whomp" which knocked the breath out of me. When I got back to Huntsville the next day and had another film shot, my orthopedist said he would have sworn the bottom rib wasn't broken, if he didn't have the film from the night before. I had set the rib by turning over with the rope. Another film, taken later, showed the calcification from the healing clearly...
.....John Muir is :) .....;) What an experience ( and a great story to tell the grandkids:o ); glad everyone is doing well.:sun
Lightening, Tree limbs and sheets of ice falling from trees scare the *** out of me. And, in the mountains, the lightening and storms can sneak up quickly.
LIhikers
07-07-2006, 12:08
I sure am sorry to hear about your daughter's problem. I hope she and her BF have a 100% recovery.
An update on Naomi. Her vision has not improved all that much. She is 20/60 in both eyes, but with a 30% vision loss in one eye, and 40% in the other.
She is still out of work, and unfortunately off of the payroll. To boot, she does not have health insurance. Bummer.
We're taking her to a Specialist in Asheville, NC tomorrow morning. We'll hit the road at 5 AM for a 9:20 appointment. The doctor we're seeing has treated many patients who have been struck by lightening.
So... our vacation plans are temporarily on hold until we get Naomi squared away. Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and prayers. They are much appreciated.
Jeffrey Hunter
Best wishes in her speedy and full recovery.
Blissful
07-18-2006, 20:04
Wow!! Just read about this - so sorry to hear what happened. Keep us posted on your daughter - hope the specialist can help her regain her vision.
An update on Naomi......
....We're taking her to a Specialist in Asheville, NC tomorrow morning. We'll hit the road at 5 AM for a 9:20 appointment. The doctor we're seeing has treated many patients who have been struck by lightening.
So... our vacation plans are temporarily on hold until we get Naomi squared away. Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and prayers. They are much appreciated.
Jeffrey HunterMowgli, good move on having her examined by a doctor with lightning strike experience. It is a medical issue that most doctors have little experience with. My prayers are with your family. Keep us posted.:sun
TJ aka Teej
07-18-2006, 21:35
We're taking her to a Specialist in Asheville, NC tomorrow morning. We'll hit the road at 5 AM for a 9:20 appointment. The doctor we're seeing has treated many patients who have been struck by lightening.
Travel safe, and best wishes for Naomi's recovery. I'll add her new doctor to my prayers!
TIDE-HSV
07-18-2006, 22:46
best wishes from this quarter also...
dixicritter
07-18-2006, 23:53
Mowgli, Hope the doc can help. Will continue to keep her in my prayers.
SGT Rock
08-05-2006, 09:24
Mowgli, HOI and I were hiking that section of trail yesterday and were thinking of your daughter. How is she doing?
Thanks for asking. Her extreme light sensitivity is diminishing, but she still needs wrap around sunglasses to go outside.
The lightening did a couple of things. It started the development of cataracts in both eyes - and it created cysts in the macula. Cysts are essentially air bubbles which the body may or may not heal itself. Unlike the cataract condition, there is no treatment for the cysts. Essentially she has black spots in her field of vision due to the bubbles.
She is still out of work. Her fine vision is currently damaged to the point where she can't drive - because she can't read the road signs. Still, she is seeing some slow steady improvement. Hopefully that trend will continue.
Thanks for asking.
StarLyte
08-05-2006, 10:13
Mowgli--I will think positive thoughts for you and your family. I was wondering about her condition now also.
Big Dawg
08-05-2006, 10:27
MOWGLI,, glad to hear she's making "improvements",, even though they are slow. I'll continue praying for a speedy recovery.
SGT Rock
08-05-2006, 12:03
Thanks for the update. I hope she recovers fully eventually.
SawnieRobertson
08-05-2006, 14:58
Okay, now, Jeff. She IS going to come along with you to The Gathering to hear her dad's presentation and so that WE CAN MEET HER, isn't she? I hope so.--Kinnickinic
Amigi'sLastStand
08-05-2006, 22:05
Good luck and a prayer, Mowgli, again for your daughter and family.
much prayer from this neck of the woods.....
May Naomi continue to improve and be thankful that she can see.... that she has a loving family.
Time To Fly 97
08-07-2006, 11:15
Hi Mowgli,
I hope Naomi heals fast. Eyes take a long time. I had PRK Lasik this year and it took 3 months to completely heal. Little naps with ice packs on my eyes felt heavenly.
Sending prayers.
TTF
Hey Mowgli,
Haven't heard anything in a little while, how's Naomi doing?
Wish her the best for us.:sun
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-22-2006, 11:29
Continued prayers for Naomi.
Hey Mowgli,
Haven't heard anything in a little while, how's Naomi doing?
Wish her the best for us.:sun
I think he is hiking the JMT right now
vipahman
08-22-2006, 13:12
She is still out of work. Her fine vision is currently damaged to the point where she can't drive - because she can't read the road signs. Still, she is seeing some slow steady improvement. Hopefully that trend will continue.
I'm not a doctor but vitamin A has always been good for the eyes. Eat lost of carrots. Pay close attention to her mental state. Depression will not help her recovery. Keep her will up. And I wish her a speedy recovery.
Mowgli,
I see your back from being gone a while.
How's Naomi doing?
Just an update on my daughter. Her vision is still a problem. She had six eye conditions as a result of the lightening - and one of them has resolved itself. She still can't drive or work - and can only read with magnification. We're hopeful that things will progress - but progress has been frustratingly slow.
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and concerns. It is appreciated by my family.
Creek Dancer
09-13-2006, 10:33
Oh my. This must be a difficult time for you and your family. I will keep her in my prayers.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
09-13-2006, 10:41
Jeff, continued prayers. Is there anything we can do to help make this difficult time easier for your family and your daughter?
Jeff, continued prayers. Is there anything we can do to help make this difficult time easier for your family and your daughter?
FD: Thanks for asking - but I really can't think of anything. Again, the thoughts and prayers are very heartwarming.
Amigi'sLastStand
09-13-2006, 10:48
Thanks for the update.
Living in the lightning capital of the Western Hemispere has always been hard at times. It can really suck when out hiking.
I think of Naomi whenever I am out on the trail, or smoking a cig and drinking coffee watching the nighttime fireworks. My continued prayers.
How's her boyfriend(?) doing?
Chuck
How's her boyfriend (fiance) doing?
Chuck
He's doing OK. I wish the lightening would have knocked some humility into him. After all, it's the Father-In-Law's job to be the know-it-all. ;)
SGT Rock
09-13-2006, 12:24
He's doing OK. I wish the lightening would have knocked some humility into him. After all, it's the Father-In-Law's job to be the know-it-all. ;)
Father-in-law?
I thought this guy was only a boyfriend.
You need some of us Tennessee WhiteBlazers to follow him in the woods and teach him some humility ;)
Scary things in those woods at night :eek:
Father-in-law?
I thought this guy was only a boyfriend.
You need some of us Tennessee WhiteBlazers to follow him in the woods and teach him some humility ;)
Scary things in those woods at night :eek:
I second that motion.............
Amigi'sLastStand
09-13-2006, 12:56
Father-in-law?
I thought this guy was only a boyfriend.
You need some of us Tennessee WhiteBlazers to follow him in the woods and teach him some humility
Scary things in those woods at night
I'll help.;) :D :cool:
Father-in-law?
I thought this guy was only a boyfriend.
He is only the boyfriend. But they are seriously talking marriage.
He's a nice kid, but father's can be very critical of the men that date their daughters. Anyone who has daughters would almost certainly agree with me.
In that regard, Naomi's older sister was married two weekends ago to a nice lad. They have moved from Alpharetta, GA to Denver, CO. Could Mowgli and Mrs. Mowgli follow in 3 years or so? Stay tuned...
Wow! That should be a reminder that we can't be assured that it won't or can't happen to any one of us. We should live every day like it's our last. Never miss an opportunity to say "thanks" or "I love you".
Your daughter is very, very blessed to be here with us. If she realizes it, she's bigger than I am most of the time.
May God bless you and your family. I wish your daughter a full recovery.
SGT Rock
09-14-2006, 03:04
He's a nice kid, but father's can be very critical of the men that date their daughters. Anyone who has daughters would almost certainly agree with me.
Say it isn't so!
My daughter accused me of being a big meany when she was dating when it came to her boyfriends. I know I discourage quite a few from coming around. In hindsight I did the right thing.:cool:
Get 'em dad.
Just an update. Naomi is in need of surgery to remove cataracts. No date has been set yet. There is the little matter of health insurance - or lack thereof. We're working on it.
The cataracts formed as a result of the lightening strike. That is a common side effect. Even withthe cataracts removed, she still has other issues, so this will not completely restore her vision.
Unfortunately Naomi will NOT be accompanying me to the ALDHA Gathering. Some of you had asked me if she would be. My wife Suzanne and daugter Martha will be there with me.
Looking forward to seeing many of you there!
Thanks again for everyone's thoughts & prayers.
Turbo Joe
10-04-2006, 11:55
heres to a quick recovery for the highlanders
Frolicking Dinosaurs
10-04-2006, 12:16
::: grinning about the Dad and BF sparring over the fair damsel :::
Remember, your wife's Dad likely had doubts about you....
Continued prayers for Naomi and your family
Remember, your wife's Dad likely had doubts about you....
Anyone with half a brain would. ;)
OK, so it's been a while since I posted an update about Naomi. My wife started a fundraising campaign for her, and it has resulted in funds sufficient to pay all her back bills. The local Lions Club has agreed to pay for cataract surgery, and she is scheduled for surgery late in January.
Yesterday my wife received a call, and the head vision doctor at Vanderbilt University in Nashville has offered to see Naomi - for free - to offer a second opinion. She will likely need further surgery after the cataracts are dealt with, as she has tears in both retinas.
I appreciate everyone's kind sentiments and thoughtful gestures. One WB member even burned Naomi a dozen CDs and mailed them to her.
If you would like to visit a site my wife designed to keep people updated about Naomi, you can do so here (www.caringbridge.org/visit/naomigboas). There is a photo or two of Naomi, and a guestbook. If you sign the guestbook, please do so in large print. Otherwise it is impossible for her to read it.
Thanks again! Happy Holidays!
orangebug
12-21-2006, 12:00
That is wonderful news. You might want to tell those ignorant ones among us (such as me) how to get a larger font into those messages.
That is wonderful news. You might want to tell those ignorant ones among us (such as me) how to get a larger font into those messages.
Hit "Go Advanced" under the edit box. You'll find all the familiar text editing tools, including font-selection and font-size.
orangebug
12-21-2006, 12:29
What, I'm supposed to read the instructions?
Never will happen.
What, I'm supposed to read the instructions?
Never will happen.
You'd probably ask for directions before THAT happened! ;) Thanks for the kind note OB.
Jim Adams
12-21-2006, 13:46
good luck and i hope all goes well. lightening was the closest i've come to death and it made me gun shy for some time.
geek
What, I'm supposed to read the instructions?
Never will happen.
Would it help if we put a blaze on it?
iamscottym
12-21-2006, 15:23
Hey mowgli,
My grandpa has lost most of his sight due to diabetes. Anyway, he has software that blows everything up on the computer- much bigger than changing the resolution. It's called Zoomtext. It works great. He also has some special glasses that allow him to drive. One day he discovered that binoculars would allow him to see fairly clearly- so he went to the Dr. with this discovery and got some eyeglasses that do the same thing. I believe this worked for him because his diabetes created big blurry spots in the middle of his vision, but his peripheral vision was fine. I'm not sure if this will help, but it can't hurt.
Oh, he also has a nice magnifying glass that he used to use to read. He just recently got this little device that looks like a gameboy except with a 3x5" lcd screen. There's a camera on one side. You lay it down on a newspaper or whatever and it displays the paper on the screen- magnified. It works great, though it was pricey. I believe it was $800, but the VA paid for his. I can get you the names of all these products if you like.
Regards,
iamscottym
Frolicking Dinosaurs
12-21-2006, 19:08
Jeff, just dropping by to tell you that if you hold down the control key and move the wheel in the middle of the mouse, it increases and decrease the size of anything typed on a web page. This should enable Naomi to read not only regular size entries in her journal, but other web pages as well. Continued prayer for your daughter. ::: hasty retreat :::
Jeff, just dropping by to tell you that if you hold down the control key and move the wheel in the middle of the mouse, it increases and decrease the size of anything typed on a web page....
Now, that was an awesome bit of advice. Thanks!!!
Hey mowgli,
My grandpa has lost most of his sight due to diabetes. Anyway, he has software that blows everything up on the computer- much bigger than changing the resolution. It's called Zoomtext. It works great. He also has some special glasses that allow him to drive. One day he discovered that binoculars would allow him to see fairly clearly- so he went to the Dr. with this discovery and got some eyeglasses that do the same thing. I believe this worked for him because his diabetes created big blurry spots in the middle of his vision, but his peripheral vision was fine. I'm not sure if this will help, but it can't hurt.
Oh, he also has a nice magnifying glass that he used to use to read. He just recently got this little device that looks like a gameboy except with a 3x5" lcd screen. There's a camera on one side. You lay it down on a newspaper or whatever and it displays the paper on the screen- magnified. It works great, though it was pricey. I believe it was $800, but the VA paid for his. I can get you the names of all these products if you like.
Regards,
iamscottym
iamscottym:
Thanks for the heads up! I'll pass this info along.
FD:
Great tip! We'll miss you around these parts!
Jim Adams:
Thanks Bro!
Hammock Hanger
12-21-2006, 21:10
Jeff, just dropping by to tell you that if you hold down the control key and move the wheel in the middle of the mouse, it increases and decrease the size of anything typed on a web page. This should enable Naomi to read not only regular size entries in her journal, but other web pages as well. Continued prayer for your daughter. ::: hasty retreat :::
As my eyesight diminishes with age I use this control more and more...:o
Two Speed
12-21-2006, 21:17
Mowgli, I don't feel that I know you or your daughter well enough to be signing her guest book but I have to say my heart goes out to her and her boyfriend. Back in the day I've cleaned up the mess left by a lightning strike and even in my early twenties I was impressed by the speed and power expressed by a lightning strike. Knocked the tops clean off of transformers and sent them flying for hundreds of yards, blew pieces of switch gear and fuse tubes all over creation, split poles, started fires, you name it and it can happen when lightning strikes. I can't even begin to imagine being close to that when that cut loose on those two poor kids. The fact that they're coming back as well as they are says a great deal about their character and spirit that words simply cannot express.
Amigi'sLastStand
12-22-2006, 07:33
Mowgli, I don't feel that I know you or your daughter well enough to be signing her guest book ...
Me neither, but I signed it anyway. I have never met Jeff, but I still would feel very comfortable if we bumped into each other to shake his hand and have a beer. So that said, I feel close enough to express my feelings for his daughter. I have three stepkids who I love to death, and man, I cant even imagine what this experience has been like for Jeff and his family, but all the support they can get from anywhere I'm sure is appreciated. God Bless once again Jeff.
Chuck
TJ aka Teej
12-22-2006, 11:02
Thanks for the update & link to her page, Mowgli!
leeki pole
12-22-2006, 12:04
Mowgli:
Thanks for the link, I left a note. My dad has macular degeneration and it's been really difficult for him, so I know how you feel. I've never met you, but I can certainly empathize with the situation. Hopes and prayers coming your way this Holiday season!:sun keith
iamscottym
12-24-2006, 01:35
leeki pole: See my above post about my grandpa. Macular generation is what he has, I just couldn't think of the name at the time. It might help your dad out.
-iamscottym
Naomi had her first cataract surgery on January 15 on her left eye, and had the cataract removed from her right eye yesterday. She's in good spirits and looking forward to possibly driving again, and definitely finding a job in the near future. She stayed with us last night, and will be staying with us for a few more days while she recuperates.
I just thought I'd provide an update - since so many of you have expressed kind thoughts and concerns for her health.
TJ aka Teej
01-30-2007, 12:48
She's in good spirits and looking forward to possibly driving again, and definitely finding a job in the near future.
Thanks for the update, Jeffrey!
dixicritter
01-30-2007, 13:27
Naomi had her first cataract surgery on January 15 on her left eye, and had the cataract removed from her right eye yesterday. She's in good spirits and looking forward to possibly driving again, and definitely finding a job in the near future. She stayed with us last night, and will be staying with us for a few more days while she recuperates.
I just thought I'd provide an update - since so many of you have expressed kind thoughts and concerns for her health.
That's good news. Thanks for the update! Hope she continues to do well.
Nightwalker
01-30-2007, 14:35
Naomi had her first cataract surgery on January 15 on her left eye, and had the cataract removed from her right eye yesterday.
If the replacement lenses fog up later, tell her not to freak. The fix is just a quick laser zap from the eye-guy who did the original surgery,
Glad she's doing well!
Frolicking Dinosaurs
01-30-2007, 14:43
Naomi had her first cataract surgery on January 15 on her left eye, and had the cataract removed from her right eye yesterday. She's in good spirits and looking forward to possibly driving again, and definitely finding a job in the near future. She stayed with us last night, and will be staying with us for a few more days while she recuperates.
I just thought I'd provide an update - since so many of you have expressed kind thoughts and concerns for her health.Praise God from whom all blessing flow.... so thankful to hear Naomi may be able to drive and work again soon.
Thank you for letting us know and hope you will let us know in the future. Give her a big ol' dino hug :D
that is such good news....go to know she is doing well..wishing her a speedy recovery
Hana_Hanger
01-30-2007, 17:18
This is wonderful news to hear. When one is so young driving is so important to them...:sun
vipahman
01-30-2007, 17:59
She's in good spirits and looking forward to possibly driving again, and definitely finding a job in the near future.
That's great news. :sun
TIDE-HSV
01-31-2007, 00:06
All of us (and particularly those with daughters and who've come close to being hit) are overjoyed...
the goat
01-31-2007, 00:27
glad naomi's doing well, mowg!