God’s purpose is seen in motorcycle tragedy- John Shaft Story
John Shaft is used to getting the most out of life. Even after a tragic accident, which nearly ended his life, he sees no reason to change.
In whatever he did, John pushed himself to excel. He served his country in the marines, one of the most physically demanding branches of the armed forces.
Following his service, he earned a black belt in karate and a yellow belt in tae kwon do. He was an assistant coach of a church track and field team, and he ran ten miles a day four times per week.
Over the years there was one goal John had in the back of his mind, and that was to own a motorcycle. He first rode one as a young child, but never bought one until after he moved to Georgia a decade ago.
John had to work multiple jobs and save enough money to reach that goal. Finally the day came and he was hooked. "I loved the freedom of the ride," he said.
John joined a motorcycle club and made a group of new friends who would go riding together, and participate in community projects.
Driving a motorcycle can be risky, especially on the highways around Georgia where John said, “automobile drivers are the biggest concern for a rider.”
John had a couple of minor accidents while riding. The first was a "lay-down" where he lost balance and fell on his side. In the second he was hit by an automobile and broke his wrist. His motorcycle was ruined, but the insurance payout got him a new ride and he was back on the road before long.
The third time was not a charm. In 2007 John was in a bad motorcycle accident and fractured two vertebrae in his spine. The ex-marine, avid runner, and martial artist, who was in training for the Senior Olympics, was now a paraplegic.
John spent a month in a coma, and to this day he cannot remember anything from two months before the accident until he woke up.
"When I woke up I didn't know where I was," John said.
Later in our conversation I asked John what got him through. Without hesitation, he said "I was prayed up. Without that I wouldn't be here today."
While John was in his coma his wife continuously prayed for him. Many other people did too.
It was an answer to prayer when John finally woke up, but there were more challenges to face. Of course there were the obvious ones related to physiotherapy and adjusting to new realities.
But there was a less apparent one, and that was the mental battle.
"My wife expected me to be the same person when I woke up," John said. "But I was different. She said I was in a deep depression."
John said he was fortunate because he received plenty of support from visitors, including members of his motorcycle club. Even after he got out of the hospital they urged him to stay involved with them.
When there were no visitors, John spent his waking moments doing two things. The first was rehabilitating.
The second was reading the Word and praying.
John said his memory, which was not the best before the accident, was worse after, so he does not remember specific scripture, but for those six months in the hospital and beyond, he read his Bible and prayed without ceasing.
"I know it made a difference," he said.
John would continue to have challenges after being released from the hospital. It took him seven years to find a job. He went to school to learn computer assisted design. This has helped him to create designs for building and renovation projects.
That grew from another dream he had, which was to be an architect. "I always loved to draw, but I soon realized architects don't draw!" John said.
As one can expect from speaking with him, John also has a second job, which is selling real estate. He gets around by driving a modified car with hand controls.
John is still involved with his motorcycle club, which is active in the community with raising funds and helping those less fortunate.
He also wants to ride again, and has his eyes on a modified two-wheel motorcycle.
"A lot of people ask me what I've learned from my experience," John said. "I tell them to not hide, not to fear. You only live once. Plenty of people have passed on since my accident but only one or two that I know of did it on a motorcycle. I tell them you could die crossing the street."
John's was truly a near death experience. Even though he was used to living his life to the fullest, that philosophy took on new meaning.
"I was actually pronounced dead after the accident, so I know what it means to cherish every day."
"Tomorrow's not promised. Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life."
