Ok this blog was not meant for this however I feel that I have to put this in words. On year ago today my brother James Schat Jr. wrecked his motor bike.
I got the call when on my way to Tinker Air Force Base to pick up our freight. I don't normally take calls when I'm driving a semi truck and trailer. This time it was from my family that normally would not call me during work. I heard that there was a wreck and he was being Medaflight to OU Med Center. I called my Dispatch after I got on base and settled down. Told them all I knew and that I would get what I could out there then I'm heading in. If they had nothing I'm going to OU Med Center. I went in and told my friends what was going on and I would really like them to call cut off on air freight. Of course they did. I received very little from Tinker that day, but I headed out quickly back to the dock.
After getting off the clock I sped to Presbyterian Tower our Trauma canter in OKC. Then met with family and listened to a Dr. that walked in on our Family of RN's and RNA's. Poor Dr didn't look at all the Scrubs when he walked in. He at first tried to over talk every one, then they started asking questions that I would not nor could not have thought to ask. The Dr. was no more ready for them as they were ready for him. Around 8pm that night we got to start taking turns seeing him.
Two weeks after that awful day my uncle had been put into Hospice. His cancer was winning and this was his choice from years before when they thought he was done. During my route I would stop by the hospital and see my big brother. Then I heard about my Uncle James, I drove my work truck up there and seen him for the last time. Little did I know two months later I would be back there for my big brother.
I've had people that I've known die due to motorcycles, my cousin had even died on a quad wheeler. As I told lots of people I've known lots of people die on or because of bikes, however this is the closes. The part very few know is that I almost gave up two wheels because of that long two months. However the last thing Jimmy gave me was a little bell for my bike. This last spring I went out Tagged my bike and put that bell on my bike. Now no matter where I ride he will always be there with me. I miss him every day he was my riding partner and we would just go out for nice rides together. I know he would not have liked me to give up the ride nor would I want any one else give up the ride because of me.
The Purpose of the Guardian® Bell
Many of us have heard the story about Evil Road Spirits. They are little gremlins that live on your bike. They love to ride, and they’re also responsible for most of your bike’s problems. Sometimes your turn signals refuse to work; your battery goes dead, the clutch needs adjustment, or any of several hundred things that can go wrong. These problems are caused by Evil Road Spirits.
Evil Road Spirits can’t live in the presence of the bell, because they get trapped in the hollow of the bell. Among other things, their hearing is supersensitive, so the constant ringing of the bell and the confined space drives them insane. They lose their grip and eventually fall to the roadway. Have you ever wondered how potholes are formed? The bell has served its purpose.
If you pick up a Guardian® Bell of your own, the magic will work, but if your bell is given to you, the power is doubled, and you know that somewhere you have a special friend helping to look after you.
So, if you have a friend who doesn’t have a bell, why not give them one? It’s a nice feeling for the recipient to know you care. The bell, plus a good preventive maintenance program by the bikes owner, will help eliminate Evil Road Spirits.
