Big News and why I haven't been around (graphic photos)

[gandalf]

Some of you know I've had a rough year and also it's about to get much better. To start off with, I had a serious surfing injury during hurricane bill and was lucky to survive with only 20 some fractures in my nasal bone and destroyed cartilage.

Pre-accident:

Post reconstruction:

So, I think they did a pretty good job but I'm just glad I lived. Now for the really good news. I'm not going to be able to do the Scrub Pine because we are finally about to go pick our our first son and have to fly to Seoul Korea to get him. We've been in process to adopt him for 21 months now and have been matched with him since last September. If you're interested in following along on our journey, please visit our site where will post pictures and sometimes possibly something interesting.

Our Journey to Kai

Take care and see you at the Greenbriar!

-- gandalf
"Proud new dad, finally!"

 

[dfeckel]

The honker looks great, Gandalf. Why didn't you get them to work on the rest of your "features" while they were in there? (I kid! I kid!)

And congrats on going to Korea to meet and bring your son home. Parenthood is really awesome. Just last night, my wife and son went to his Cub Scout lock-in/sleepover at the Franklin Institute while my daughter and I moved the family room furniture out of the way and set up my little dome tent in front of the TV--we had our own little sleepover/campout!

See you at Greenbrier

 

[ioneater]

Looks good, glad you were fixable! Congrats with your adoption news as well. I have a buddy who went through that process after serving in Korea in the mid 90's for a year. He fell in love with the people, couldn't have their own baby, so went with adoption. Neat!

 

[Dirtdame]

Whups, probably shouldn't have looked at these pics while eating breakfast. Congratulations on the recovery and your new son.

 

[Wetdog]

My goodnes that was a nasty bump on the nose. That god you live in a country where it can get fixed so well.

 

[Coffee]

Congrats!

Cute kid!

Your life will never be the same.

Whups, probably shouldn't have looked at these pics while eating breakfast. Congratulations on the recovery and your new son.

That caught me by surprise too. I edited the title so others will be more prepared.

 

[Muddy Waters]

Mmmm…I think I’ll have pizza tonight…

Man they did a good job on you, you look better
After that ordeal we should probably call you Gandalf the white

Congrats on your new son

 

[Bagman]

The honker looks great, Gandalf. Why didn't you get them to work on the rest of your "features" while they were in there? (I kid! I kid!)

And congrats on going to Korea to meet and bring your son home. Parenthood is really awesome. Just last night, my wife and son went to his Cub Scout lock-in/sleepover at the Franklin Institute while my daughter and I moved the family room furniture out of the way and set up my little dome tent in front of the TV--we had our own little sleepover/campout!

See you at Greenbrier

The fun is just beginning! Wait till you have grandkids, it gets even better. Also Gandalf, my son in law's sister has adopted this way about 2 years ago & she is a sweety! She has brought much happiness I'm sure & yours will too!

 

[Joe Chod]

Glad to see you are all better. Sure there was no "wizard" magic involved in your recovery? Whether the taliban or surfboards....why is it all the handsome looking Husky dudes get bashed in the face? It is true the docs can do great stuff....too bad it is not as simple and quick as putting on new graphics on a shroud.
Congrats on the adoption and hope to see you at a NJ ECEA event soon.

Joe

 

[Motosportz]

Great stuff man, very happy for you. Love kids, got three myself (we even planned two of them :>) Seems as though you and your wife really have your heads screwed on straight. The world needs more REAL parents these days. Good on you and I'm sure it will bring a life of joy. Been married 19 years, 16 yo boy, 14 yo girl and our little and most wonderful surprise 6 yo girl. Kids can have a way of making you feel more than what you are. Congratulations.

why is it all the handsome looking Husky dudes get bashed in the face?

mmmmm.... must be why i have never been hit in the face.

 

[Bagman]

Great stuff man, very happy for you. Love kids, got three myself (we even planned two of them :>) Seems as though you and your wife really have your heads screwed on straight. The world needs more REAL parents these days. Good on you and I'm sure it will bring a life of joy. Been married 19 years, 16 yo boy, 14 yo girl and our little and most wonderful surprise 6 yo girl. Kids can have a way of making you feel more than what you are. Congratulations.



mmmmm.... must be why i have never been hit in the face.

I like what you said about kids have a way of making you feel more than what you are. I never heard of that but have felt it. Sounds like you know a little something more than motocycles.

 

[gandalf]

I really like that saying Kelly. I might have to quote you for the second time in my signature.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes and I hope to have recovered from the lack of sleep during our trip soon and get back online a little more often. I haven't ridden my bike since last July so I'm going through some serious withdrawal and can't wait to get a little ride in soon and a warmup for the Greenbriar.