Accident happened.

I am usually a nice guy, I help when I can and if I see the need. But then again, I don't see all needs. I don't look in all places for those who need help.

So the other day I went to help a fried pour concrete ends over his culvert. He had previous poured the bottom half, and now was ready for the top half. I didn't say anything when I didn't see any 2 bys as part of his forms. Instead it was 1/2" OSB or plywood. He did use screws, but screws don't work in end grain. Besides OSB and plywood have a tendency to flex. Which they did.

What was worst was the concrete truck driver did some things which he knew better but we all don't think the little things will hurt. Wrong.

The bottom of the forms blew out and we stopped the pour. At which time the driver should have cleaned out the shoot. Otherwise, if allowed to sit, it will harden in a short amount of time. Which it did.

We spent some time trying to shore up the base of these forms. I will never work concrete unless there are 2 bys as part of the forms. And these 2 bys must be on the outside of the forms.

I wouldn't say we lost much, but way less than a yard spilled. Also the form didn't allow a large enough opening to easily get the concrete into the forms. This friend tried to make an funnel but its smallest part wasn't small enough without allowing concrete to spill out. And some of the material he used for this funnel was OSB and even used screws. Near the end of the pour, that funnel gave out.

So with the rest of the concrete the driver poured some into the wheelbarrow and the rest near the base of the forms.

OK, so I'll move the wheelbarrow and dump it where it was needed. Heavy, work area not level, braces in the way, and me. I got up the little bump, but it started to tip over, I tried to catch it, and oh holy hell broke in my body.

It was like being shot by lighting. Some muscle in my leg gave way/tore/or something like that, and I was in P A I N. I didn't fall, but I wish I had. But I was unable to lift my arms, raise my head, nor speak very loud. I was unconscious. They called 911, and I was on my way to the hospital. If I tried to move my leg, the pain was intense. The pain was greater than the leg cramps that I usually get.

Doesn't matter, when I got the hospital they only x-rayed my knee. That it.

So after a while, my wife showed, and this friend. He was so worried he was upchucking. A few pills later, they put a splint on my leg, and sent me home. Did you ever try to get into a Jeep with your leg clamped straight? After a fashion I made it. Felling little pain, we stopped at the drug store to fill the prescriptions. And then home.

I can walk on the leg, but not big steeps. I like to sleep on my side, but that is out of the question. Flat on my back or flat on my stomach. Funny, I can bend my knee but not with anything on it or stand.

So here I sit.

If time waits for no man, what am I doing?

W. Kirk Crawford
Tularosa, New Mexico