Steve and Barb are going thru a rough time right now. Their son Adam was in a motorcycle accident this past weekend, and is presently in Intensive Care.
Tests show no signs of brain or spine damage, but they are waiting for more news on his condition.
Needless to say they will be unavailable for awhile as their attentions go towards this tragedy.
Barb asked me if IM's were working and I said I didn't know but for her not to worry about it right now. So if they are not, it may be alittle while before it becomes a priority for them.
Just letting folks here know the circumstances as best as I know them to date. If you've tried to contact Steve or Barb recently with an email they may not be available to respond for abit. Please understand.
Let's all root for Adam to get better soon!
Nettie
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Thanks for letting us know...
Posted by Kissymatina (Member # 2028) on :
Thanks Nettie. Sending good thoughts
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Janette....Barb & Steve, if you get reading this - I'm so sorry, hang in there, I hope everything is all right. Call if you feel the need to talk or vent.
Posted by Barry Branscum (Member # 445) on :
Here's hopin and praying that all goes well. Nothing is more frightful than an accident involving your kids.
Bless you both! We are all pulling for you!
[ August 08, 2005, 03:20 PM: Message edited by: Barry Branscum ]
Posted by Felix Marcano (Member # 1833) on :
Hope all goes well, Steve & Barb.
Posted by Don Coplen (Member # 127) on :
My thoughts are with Adam, and Steve and Barb.
Thank God that they didn't have this to deal with at the same time that prick from Kansas was raising hell.
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Barb, I remember us both discussing our boys and their motorcycles recently. This is one of a parent's worst fears. I will pray for all of you and I sure hope things work out OK. Love yins....Jill
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
so sorry to hear of adam's m/c accident. we are all praying for his quick recovery! hang in there!
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Love you guys - sending my best thoughts for Adam's speedy recovery.
Something like the IMs is so trivial it's not even on the radar right now. PLEASE, don't worry about things here - we'll behave.
Posted by Camille Norvaisas (Member # 501) on :
sorry to hear this - barb & steve I'm thinking of you and praying for you and adam!
Posted by Jason Davie (Member # 2172) on :
Sorry to hear this, hoping for a speedy recovery
jason d
Posted by Steve Racz (Member # 4376) on :
Saying prayers for your family Steve an Barb.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
All the best Barb and Steve and Adam.
Posted by William DeBekker (Member # 3848) on :
Prayers to all your family.
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
All our best to you and your family! Hang in there and be there by his bedside. Our prayers are with you. Don't worry about us here. We will all behave, right guys?! Posted by Wayne Osborne (Member # 4569) on :
Thinking of you all .
Posted by Suelynn Sedor (Member # 442) on :
Thinking of you here too. What a scary thing.
Love ya,
Suelynn
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
It's a parents worst nightmare. Thoughts and prayers heading your way. Don't worry about Letterville. We'll get by and it's family that counts the most.
Posted by sarge (Member # 1022) on :
We're thinking of you down here too guys... We wish you all the best. Don't worry about this place Barb.... A lot of good people will watch out for it.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
we're praying for you Adam!!
You too Steve & Barb. Hope all goes well.
Posted by Elaine Beauchemin (Member # 136) on :
All with you Barb, Steve and Adam. Hang in there.
Love
É & Isa
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Sorry to hear that. I'll pray for Adam, Steve & Barb.
Posted by Bevin Finlay (Member # 2159) on :
So very sorry to hear about this after just seeing you guys at your party last week and talking to Adam about how much he was enjoying his motorcycle. I'll be praying for you folks and will talk to you soon.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Sorry to hear of Adam's m/c accident. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing Adam a speedy recovery. Judy
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Barb & Steve, I am so sorry to hear about this! I will be praying for Adam, & for peace in your hearts, too. It must be so very hard.
We are all pulling for him here in Letterville.
Posted by Jed Pedersen (Member # 2344) on :
Steve and Barb,
Our thoughts and prayers are with Adam and you. I've been on the other side of the equation (6 helmets and 3 sets of leathers).
I know the power of good thoughts and prayers and there are a lot of that here on the board. Tell Adam to get better soon!
Jed
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
A speedy recovery for Adam and patience for you to get thru this will be in my prayers...
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
I posted earlier but don't see it anymore????
We thinking of you. Get well Adam.
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Thanks for letting us know Nettie.
Shirl and I will be sending good vibes to you guys. We hope that Adam makes it through this well, healthy and quickly.
Posted by Bob Peach (Member # 2620) on :
Hang in there Steve and Barb. We are hoping for a speedy recovery for Adam.
Posted by Ray Rheaume (Member # 3794) on :
Thanks, Nettie.
We'll be keeping Adam and the family in our thoughts here.
Get well soon, Adam. Rapid
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Barb, Steve, Adam: my prayers are with you. So thankful that some injuries have been ruled out. It's time to let letterville give back what you have given us. Don't worry about anything but your family, and thanks Nettie (from a Harley family, Deb)
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
Thoughts and prayers sent your way Steve and Barb. Hoping Adam recovers completely.
Posted by Dave Utter (Member # 634) on :
our thoughts are with you also.
Posted by Henry Barker (Member # 174) on :
Good luck Adam, hope you have a speedy recovery
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
Prayers have gone out from Olive Branch, Mississippi . . .git well Adam - Carl, Sandy, Melissa, Amanda, & Hannah Wood
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
Hope everything will be just fine, our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Take care!
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Steve and Barb, hang in there and think positive, we all are praying for you and him. My grandson was in a motorcycle accident this week end too. I don't know of anyone who owns a motorcycle who hasn't been in a serious accident.
Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
We are praying for a speedy recovery. Hang in there.
Peace out, Bob
Posted by Rick Beisiegel (Member # 3723) on :
Adam, Steve & Barb
Our thoughts are with you during this troublesome time. Keep the courage to fight the unknown. We're all pulling for you!
Posted by Gene Golden (Member # 3934) on :
Adam, Hang in there!
Steve and Barb, you too! I know it has to be hard on you.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
hope all is well in Shortreed land. This is one ride I'm sure you wanted to miss.
You'll be kept in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by Tom & Kathy Durham (Member # 776) on :
Hang in there, you've got alot of positive thoughts and prayers with your worldwide brothers and sisters.
Posted by frank weidman (Member # 4378) on :
Prayers are coming this way from us also. the Weidman Family
Posted by Myra Grozinger (Member # 327) on :
I'm saying Prayers, and expressing Love and worry as well.
Nettie, if you know anything else we could do, please pass it on.
Posted by William Holohan (Member # 2514) on :
My sincere sympathy to Barb and Steve. Prayers for Adams rapid and complete recovery.
Irish
Posted by Pierre Tardif (Member # 3229) on :
Sending positive vibes! Good luck.
The Tardifs
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Steve and Barb ...our prayers are with you and Adam...take care and don't worry about the small stuff til your big stuff is back on line.
God bless you!
Posted by John Lennig (Member # 2455) on :
Barb and Steve, thinking of you, and Adam. A parents wish...that you all come through well and strong.
John and Lyn
Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
Our prayers from here, too.
Frank
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Thanks for the heads up Nettie. Steve and Barb, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your son.
Posted by Robert Lambie (Member # 4258) on :
This has got to be hard for you both... wasn’t long ago I heard Steve had went through major surgery, now this. My thoughts are with you all. Hope you make a fast recovery Adam.
Posted by Mark Yearwood (Member # 2723) on :
Our prayers are with you here in Oklahoma, too! I hope all is well, soon.
Love you guys.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
The shortreeds continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
-grampa dan
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Ataching this need to a prayer list... ~The entire state of Alabama sends prayers up for you Mr. Mayor and first Lady and your son Adam!
Posted by Donald Thompson (Member # 3726) on :
Adam is a strong guy, so that is a great asset to have in a time like this. Our prayers are with all three of you.
Posted by Gonzalo (Peewee)Curiel (Member # 3837) on :
From one rider to another.. Hang in there!
Posted by Susan Banasky (Member # 1164) on :
Steve and Barb...we are thinking of you na wishing Adam a speedy and complete recovery. Think positive.
Posted by Bill Dirkes (Member # 1000) on :
Steve, Barb & Adam My prayers are with y'all. and with those skilled folks caring for Adam. Love always wins Shalom Bill
Posted by Alan Ackerson (Member # 3224) on :
Thoughts and prayers for the family from New Jersey too.
Hang in there!
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
I'm very sorry to hear the news,our prayer's will be with you.Randy,Joy and Bruce.
Posted by Jon Aston (Member # 1725) on :
Best wished for Adam's speedy recovery.
Posted by Scott Telfer (Member # 3949) on :
Best wishes from Scotland Big guy... Get well soon.
Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
We wish the best to all and hope for a full recovery.
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Anyone got an update on his condition?
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
Thank You for all your thoughts and prayers. We've had a real scare the last few days, but things are finally starting to sort themselves out.
It all started with a phone call early Sunday morning around 2am. Some of Adam's friends were on the line. There was lots of crying and hysterics as they explained that Adam had ran his bike off the road, and was laying hurt in a wheat field somewhere. Thank God he had his cell phone.
I had them keep him on the line while I drove across town to pickup the people with Adam on the phone. They talked to him while we speed out of town towards the general area he described. Adam was able to tell us what country road he was on, and that the motorcycle headlight was still on. That was our second big break.
We were just about to make a left onto the road Adam thought he was on when someone spotted a light about 50-60 yards back in this wheat field. We had found him.
Adam was sprawled out face down beside his new 1100 Yamaha Road Star. The bike was off, but we quickly turned off the gas. He was conscious, but obviously hurt. I had his buddy call 911 while the rest of us kept Adam from moving or trying to get up. Barb was at home watching our Grandkid Lydia, so I called to let her know the situation.
Within minutes, the ambulance arrived and the paramedics went to work. A short time later, 3 police cruisers and 2 firetrucks arrived at the scene. Adam was able to discribe pain in his left ankle and middle of his back. The ankle was braced and a neck brace placed on him. He was then loaded on a back board and taken to the Fergus hospital.
I headed home with a young couple to watch Lydia, picked up Barb and headed for the hospital. At this time, I assumed his injuries were minor and the worse was over. I was wrong.
After arriving at hospital, Adam's lung began to collapse. At first, it was just one, but then a second began to fail. As his condition deteriated, an air ambulance was called to transfer him to a trama hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. 15 minutes by air...an hour and half by land. We watched as the helicoptor lifted off and then headed for Hamilton. That's pretty well where we have been until now.
As I write this Adam is still in the ICU Unit at Hamilton General. His left ankle was fractured. That required surgery to insert a steel plate and screws. His left collar bone was also dislocated. He's been on a respirator, unable to speak, but that should be out today. Until they have his lungs working 100%, he will remain in the ICU Unit.
The bike has extensive damage to the front end, but looks repairable. That's the least of our worries at this point. On a personal level, I have learned some valuable lessons.
Our kids, especially our Sons, have a hunger for their Dad's approval. It's important we remember to let them know just how valuable they are to us. I know that my Dad has always had a hard time expressing his love. At 52, I still long to hear him say that I turned out ok and met his expectations. This whole deal has made me aware that I have work to do on myself before I start passing judgement on others.
Life is a precious gift. My other Son john and I revisited the accident scene yesterday. As we stood on the shoulder of this busy highway, I was so thankful we were not there to build one of those accident memorials you see along the road.
We have much to be thankful for. Our Letterville Family is a wonderful gift.
[ August 10, 2005, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
Posted by Jane Diaz (Member # 595) on :
SSOOOOO glad things are looking up a bit. You ALL will still be in our thoughts and prayers. Those kind of experiences can really make you thankful for all you have, can't they? And they also remind you of how much worse things COULD have been! Glad to hear Adam is on the mend and will recover soon. Our best to all!
Posted by KARYN BUSH (Member # 1948) on :
so relieved to hear that adam is on the mend...i'm sure he is just hankerin to get rid of that respirator and speak! keep strong folks...you have a bazillion shares of positive energy coming from all over the world!! Posted by Brian W (Member # 42) on :
Our thoughts are with you Steve, Barb and Adam.
Posted by Amy Brown (Member # 1963) on :
Thanks for the update! Glad to hear things are looking up. Make sure you get some rest and take care of yourself.
Posted by Harris Kohen (Member # 2139) on :
Thanks for the Update Steve, My prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.
Posted by J & N Signs (Member # 901) on :
Good news!
Posted by Mark Smith (Member # 298) on :
Good to hear this Steve - thanks for the update. We're all pulling for Adam and thinking about the rest of you.
Posted by Russ McMullin (Member # 5617) on :
I'm glad to hear that things are looking better. I wish you the best, and a full recovery for Adam.
Posted by Kent Smith (Member # 251) on :
Glad to hear Adam is on the mend, our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
My hope is for complete recovery and that any lessons learned might be of benefit to others.
Steve, thanks for the update.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Thanks for the update, Steve. We're rooting and praying for full recovery for Adam. God bless you guys. You've been through so much together, your family, and have been keeping the faith and the strength. May your family be closer through these challenges.
Posted by Jon Harl (Member # 4427) on :
I want to express my gratitude that your son is alive and on the mend. I'll pray for a quick and complete recovery.
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Let me know when I can visit him Steve.With God speed he will be out of icu very soon.
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Thank you for the good news update, Steve. As others, we will continue to keep your family in our prayers.
Even in situations that are tragic there are some good things we learn. You expressed one of them. Thankfully, there are still opportunities to express deep feelings to those we love.
As I've said many times - tell those close to you how much they mean to you NOW and not over a casket when it is too late.
Posted by Bill Diaz (Member # 2549) on :
My heart goes out to you folks. It sounds like Adam is going to pull through O.K. Any call involving your children and an accident is your worse nightmare. We'll pray that everything turns out fine for him and you.
Posted by Doug Downey (Member # 829) on :
We will keep you in our prayers also!
Posted by Barb Schilling (Member # 13) on :
Wishing Adam a speedy recovery. Our prayers are for you all. Steve, Did they tell you what made the lungs collapse? From your description, no chest trauma was indicated.
Barb
Posted by Don Lopez (Member # 131) on :
My regards to you Steve and Barb. Thanks for the update. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Posted by Judy Pate (Member # 237) on :
Thanks for the update,Steve! We will continue to keep Adam and your family in our prayers. Judy
Posted by Sid Besserman (Member # 5502) on :
Love and prayers for your son, Adam. We'd all gladly trade places with our hurt children if we could. God speed to his recovery.
Posted by david drane (Member # 507) on :
I have been too busy to visit the board lately and I recieved quite a sock when my good friend Deb fowler told me what had happened.Steve and Barb, may I offer my sincere wishes for a full and quick recovery for adam and may you both have the best result you could possibly wish for. I am sure the Boss will look after you.
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
Adam is out of ICU and is in step down, he still has one tube in his left lung but we are hoping that can be removed today or tomorrow.
Thank You all for you thoughts & prayers and e-mails, phone calls.
We'll keep you posted.
[ August 13, 2005, 12:56 AM: Message edited by: Barb. Shortreed ]
Posted by Kristi Percell (Member # 255) on :
Our thoughts and prayers are with Adam, Steve & Barb.
Please keep us posted on his status.
The Percell's
Posted by Sheila Ferrell (Member # 3741) on :
Glad to hear of Adam's significant improvements.
Also still thinking of you and Steve as a hospitalized family member takes it's toll on anyone's time and energy. Please try to get rest as often as you can, and avoid stressing out on things.
Storms never last.
Posted by Jackie B (Member # 186) on :
Our house is sending best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Hang in there. Hugs to all Bomba-Dear
Posted by Nancy B. Bennett (Member # 1451) on :
You're in our hearts and prayers in Iowa, too.
Posted by Mark Neurohr (Member # 2470) on :
WOW!! Barb n Steve, I just found this post.
Thinking of you two and your son Adam.
Posted by R T Thomas (Member # 355) on :
Hi Guys,
Glad to hear Adam is doing a lot better. I haven't posted on this until now, but I've been keeping up with his progress. Sounds as though he is going to put this behind him. Hope so! I hope you guys the best!
R.T.
Posted by Steve Shortreed (Member # 436) on :
A quick update. Adam is home from hospital. He walked in the door late Saturday afternoon.
I think they let him out too early. He just got out of ICU on Thursday! He's still in tremendous pain and having a hard time sleeping tonight.
On another note. I got a call from the heart defrib people. Seems a recent x ray shows the wire leads from the unit are out of place. They want me back in London early Monday morning to redo the surgery. Damn! I just got my chest all healed up from the first procedure.
Fate seems to be doing all it can to prevent our long anticipated trip to Jill's meet. It's been almost a year since we have seen all of you. We're still hoping to make it happen.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
bummer Steve, I'm really sorry to hear you are being burdened with complications in your own health battles on top of everything else. I hope Adam bounces right back & gets through the pain quick enough that you don't have to continue worrying if he's really ready to be out from under their care at the hospital. We'll keep praying for you & hoping after all your other prayers are answered that you can make it to Jill's meet too. Good Luck with everything!
[ August 14, 2005, 03:43 AM: Message edited by: Doug Allan ]
Posted by Mark Neurohr (Member # 2470) on :
Steve, we'll all keep you and Adam in our prayers. Barb, same to you too Sweetheart! I know this has got to be real tough on you too!
We're all here if you needs us guys!
Posted by Jill Marie Welsh (Member # 1912) on :
Maybe when they were making you shake by remote they jarred something loose? I sure hope everything works out for you guys. You've really had it tough lately. Love....Jill
Posted by Valerie Lavallee (Member # 5111) on :
My prayers are with all of you, in this time of difficulty, wishing your son a speedy recovery.
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