"I Don't Have Time to Bleed" (not by Jesse Ventura)

Riding into Willow River Farms was an extremely rewarding experience. Many of the residents of The Center were walking around greeting the riders. The best part of participating in the fundraising rides is meeting the people that you are riding for. I found the map of the premises and where the First Aid station was located. My goal was to get my wounds bandaged so I could get to the Katy game on time. I went to Cottage #6, no one was home. The First Aid sign was in front of the house, but I guess the medical personnel were getting barbecue.

At first I thought about skipping the barbecue and going directly home to clean up my mess. That thought passed as I caught the aroma of Texas barbecue. Walking to where they were serving lunch, I tried to hold my arm in the right position so I wouldn't freak people out. I realized there wasn't much I could do. Finally, I decided the best way to do this was to get in and out as fast as I could, then go home. That is what I did. Most people were engaged in conversations and their own needs, so I didn't attract too much attention.

Driving thirty miles home, eating my delicious barbecue lunch on the way wasn't too bad. As soon as I was home, I immediately went to the shower. I did my best to clean the wounds. Phyllis was at the game already. Hydrogen peroxide and taping a ripped up pillow case was about the best I could do for now. I put my shorts on and my Katy t-shirt, and I was ready.

When I arrived at the game, it was already the beginning of the second quarter. Phyllis had given me the play by play on the way by cell phone. I found my seat, and began watching the game. It wasn't long before my bandages were soaked with blood. Katy's colors are red and white, so I felt like it was another way to show support. At least the concession stand had plenty of napkins. Women in the stands started passing me Tylenol. Katy won the game, 48-0. We are on our way to the second round of the playoffs!

After going home and cleaning the wounds again, I went to my friends house who was a medic in the Navy. Phyllis deferred after she saw the wounds. My thinking was that he could apply butterfly bandages and I would be on my way. Sam and his wife, Tracey looked at my arm and knee and suggested an urgent care center or emergency room. Sam mentioned something about infection, lock jaw, and other diseases.

My next stop was the Katy Memorial Hermann Hospital emergency room.