“I was certain I was paralyzed. My legs were totally limp, I was hanging upside down and the only thing stopping me from falling 160-feet headfirst into the talus below, was this rope that was wrapped around my foot,” remembers Craig Gorder. In November, 2016, Craig took a fall in Indian Creek that injured him badly, and dramatically altered the course of his life. “But I don’t really identify with the story of the accident. As intense as it was, it’s just this thing that happened. What does matter is: what happens after you get hurt? What happens after you lose your identity and your sense of self?” In this episode, we follow Craig through the first year of his recovery through a series of updates and reflections that document the day to day questions and decisions, setbacks and victories, mini-crises and mini-epiphanies that really make up the recovery process.
Note: In the credits, we asked you to consider donating to Craig’s GoFundMe. Craig contacted us after the episode came out to say that he’s currently caught up on his medical bills and to ask that that people not donate to his GoFundMe, but save their money for some more urgent cause. Thanks!
Music: If Walls Could Talk by Jacob Bain & Nis Kotto • sleep! by The F*cked Up Beat • Live at Bazillus by Aidan Baker • Monsanto Fields II by The F*cked Up Beat • Manly Nunn Steps Out by Doctor Turtle • Your Ghost by Richard Smith • Save My Soul by MC Cullah • Long Way Down by Vienna Ditto • Whatever Comes My Way by Vienna Ditto • Prowl by Hopeless Jack • Moontime by The IMG • nostalgia! by The F*cked Up Beat • Conviction by Little Glass Men • Lau by Richard Smith
Tracks provided by Free Music Archive and with permission from the artists.
Great episode, this guy has the most amazing attitude on life. I can’t imagine being so positive in those circumstances. We can probably all learn from his example on how to deal with things. I know I will.
Thank you for this episode. As someone who faced my own life changing injury, it was nice to hear a story so relatable and that captures the roller coaster of emotions so well. As always, an amazing episode!
What an incredible story guys. I’ve been listening to DB diaries for just over two years now and this one really hit an emotional cord. I was listening to the second half while running on Mt Tabor this drizzly green morning and when he started to describe the sun reflecting off the droplets on the moss-covered rock, I was reduced to a sobbing wet mess. In a good way. Also shed tears of joy when I heard him pee. Please tell me Craig is single 🙂
I also have cried to these stories more than once. Craig, check out this comment! 😍
I see it! I see it! 🙂
Great story. Craigs got a great attitude I really relate to it. After back surgery 6 months ago, I can barely walk. I was stuck in bed for 3 months instead of the week the surgeon claimed. Still can’t walk due to pain. This story is very relatable and I’ll use it as inspiration for my recovery. So glad Craig is almost recovered.
Wow. Amazing story and amazing guy. I loved his personality, honesty, openness, sense of humor and humility. Craig is going to make an amazing nurse. Good call on skipping the climbing ranger gig! Your calling is nursing.
I could only listen to 21 minutes of this emotional story. Having a traumatic accident my self and listening to this carbon copys details and the laughter when most people cry really inspires. Craig I live in Bend also and would like to meet you if possible.
Yes! I’m so down! Shoot me an email — crgorder@gmail.com
Everything everyone has already said. Craig’s story is real. Craig is real and feels accessible. That’s the best part. Thanks for this, I needed it.
My favorite episode so far – I loved the unique angle on the unfortunately common adventure accident story. Kudos on the editing; I’m sure there was plenty of content to choose from over such a long period but the snippets of Craig’s story that were told were unfailingly compelling and thoughtful. More like this, please!
Craig, thank you SOOOOO MUCH for your story. Like so many others, I’m a climber who can’t climb and an injury with an unknown eventual outcome. It’s only been a few months, but I was starting to sit on my pitty pot a little too much and feeling all alone in my experience, frightened by the ambivalence and cluelessness of the Med world. I haven’t finished the episode yet, but whatever the outcome: you have so inspired me!! Thank you!!
Hey, thanks Donna! I hope you heal up well. It was always annoying when people would be overly positive toward me, but I’ll do it to you anyways: getting hurt is a really amazing experience that you’d never choose to have yourself, it’s just great in the way that takes a long time to be great.
I’m seeing aspects of that for sure…can I ask where you found your answers on getting better? I’m hopping around doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, seeing an osteopath in two weeks. Really trying to avoid the spine surgeon as I’m worried he’s only going to see a place to apply scalpels… I’m getting better, but still looking for answers.
Craig, you have an incredibly inspiring attitude–one I could definitely learn from. Thank you for sharing it so openly. You’re a rad dude, and I hope you continue pursuing those things that make you happy! If you ever wind your way over to Missoula, MT, I’ll buy you a drink (or a coffee). 🙂
Hey, thanks! I have a thing for missoula, so I very well may! Or out around the crags of the universe.
Thank you Craig, for opening up with such raw honesty and sharing your story. It’s been a four-year series of ups and downs trying to get the torn-up ligaments and tendons in my ankles sewn back together, after falling on a backpacking trip. Now in a cast and wheelchair, there’s a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. And hey, for a fresh chapter too! Thank you for your inspiration, and the reminder that even when life hits a low point to never give in and let yourself stay there. Cheers! Hoping your recovery continues onwards and (literally) upwards!
My god this was an amazing one. And Craig, you’re an amazing person. I’ve seen people more jaded that their fast food lunch wasn’t fast enough, and here you overcoming an unbelievable obstacle. Hell, MANY obstacles. You’re an inspiration. I’m so stoked for your new found career path of helping others. It seems like the path you were meant to take. We’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Bend up in PDX. If our paths ever crossed down in Bend, I’ll buy you a beer. Cheers man. Phenomenal story. Also, same to you all at the Diaries. My friends put me on to you guys a few years back. I’ve happily listened to every single episode. Fought back tears at my desk. Laughed out loud in a quiet office. Sat here jealous while listening to stories of adventure. I love it all. Thanks!