One step at a time . . . Welcome back, Chris, you were missed!
As sole reporter/editor of this newspaper I amusually reporting on emergencies, not being involved in them.
In March I became a statistic of the horror highway— State Highway 2 — after being in a serious road crash south of the Omokoroa Rd intersection. A car crossed the centreline, smashed into me and sent me off the road. I later learnt the driver was drunk and driving while disqualified.
But Iwas very lucky. I survived and after two months recovering I amback at work part-time.
Duringmy recovery I processed the whole incident and looked for the positives gained from the experience.
The accident remindedme of how quickly your life and that of others can be affected in an instant; how efficient and compassionate our police, fire and ambulance teams are when handling traumatic incidents and how supportive people are in our community. They say good news travels but bad news travels faster. Just days after the accident I had flowers, cards, emails and text messages from so many people, it still brings a tear to my eye.
That support helped me through those painful days, along with visits from family and friends.
Iwish to thank two passingmotoristswho helped me get out of the car that day — Shaun from Auckland and Dean Horsburgh from Mount Maunganui.
Also the emergency services in attendance, the Omokoroa First Responders and fire brigademembers, St John Ambulance officers and police, in particular Constable David Fitzpatrick.
Sadly, too many people have died on this stretch of highway between Katikati and Tauranga.
Regardless of whether it’s the road or the driver, when you get behind the wheel please obey the rules, stay alert and think of other people on the road. People are precious.
I look forward to catching up with everyone and continuing to share the news, views and happenings of the great communities we cover.