Helmets are for Brains

A Stern Lecture on Helmet Use for all you *cool* people.
By Mel

2001 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom

August 6, 2002 -- Tuesday
Last night I learned that my dear friend, Larry W. was in the hospital in critical condition with injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident.

Larry used to wear a helmet. Used to. His hard-head friends continually harangued him for wearing one. Soon, Larry stopped wearing a helmet altogether. I'm angry. Very angry.

The motorcycle you see in the picture above was mine. Larry helped me customize this bike. He came over with his heat gun and took the decals off, removed reflector brackets, and helped me polish it with his special pigment wax. The bike stood tall and looked good, just like Larry. Now Larry hardly has a face. He may lose his eyesight. He may never play harmonica. He may not remember how to play the keyboards, or sing, or even count to ten. I'm still angry. Very angry.

I'll always remember you dear "friends" who teased me about my helmet. I have a special place in my heart for a particular asshole who took great delight in knocking his fist into it while it sat on my head. But hey, you looked cooler than I. Do you think it's so cool now?

I sold my bike in May of this year. It is no longer a part of my lifestyle as I have no desire to put my life at risk.

Dear friends, please, wear a helmet. I think it's cool when you do. And those of you who don't for what ever stupid reason, I'm still angry. Very angry.

UPDATE August 7, 2002
The latest on Larry's condition: A CAT scan showed no swelling of the brain. A definite relief to us all. His only broken bones are those in his face. No other limbs were affected.

UPDATE August 30, 2002
Larry has been released from the hospital! I called to get his latest room number and the receptionist told me he had been released. What great news!

I love you dear brother. Hang tough and get well. Let the healing process begin for us all.

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