Finally, after a 5 1/2 month stint at the Dunedin hospital system, Karlton was deemed fit for society and released (some of us know better, right?) Months of rehab, therapy, and determination culminated in an effortless flight from Dunedin Airport through Auckland across the Pacific Pond to LAX in beautiful California. (Karlton reports that LA in winter is terrifically warmer and more comfortable than Dunedin at any time of the year.)
Once States-side, he reunited with his elder sister Jennifer. For quality control purposes, they checked out a local Japanese restaurant where Karlton was formerly employed. It had been a long time since Karlton was able to enjoy the taste of fine sushi. Alec, Jennifers husband, later returned from a business trip, further enhancing the reunion night for them all.
Karlton is extremely pleased to be back in the USA, the country in which he has grown, been educated and spent the majority of his life. He reports that previous to the accident, he never considered the United States to be terrific, but his newfound perspective since this ordeal has turned his mindset to believe that indeed, the United States is a good country to be in, especially if one has his or her roots set within it.
Due to the onset of the holiday season, Karlton had only a short time in California before he had to awake at four AM to catch an early flight to Rhode Island, the state in which his parents now reside, and also where he attended high school. Karlton was accompanied by an escort nurse Jackie, a most humble and helpful Scottish nurse from Australia, who was consistently mindful of Karltons needs and wishes, even waking at four AM as well to catch the early flight to Rhode Island with Karlton.
What a world of difference between who Karlton was physically at that time and who hes been forced to become. Nevertheless, Karlton is cognitively much the same as he always has been. On a positive note, however, the experiences Karlton has been through have turned him into a more appreciative and often more thoughtful person, as several family members have attested.
Two days after Karlton reached Rhode Island, both Jennifer and Alec arrived as well, coming to celebrate Thanksgiving. This was an extremely joyous occasion, and we enjoyed each others company. Karlton was nearly worn down by all the stimulation. He had a neurologist appointment the day before Thanksgiving, and a meeting with a counselor in the office of vocational rehabilitation the day after. Over all, Karlton performed well and maintained high spirits. He was very pleased by the high praise the neurologist offered regarding the care he received in New Zealand and the amazing progress he has made.
This site was originally created to chronicle my status beginning at the time of my snowboarding accident in New Zealand on July 5, 2002. Now, this is where I occasionally post things that are of interest to me. 
{Karlton Bontrager} 