The last thing I ever saw was the bear that took my eyesThe last thing I ever saw was the bear that took my eyesI was living in Girdwood, Alaska, a little ski town squeezed by mountains, with hiking and backcountry skiing out my back door. I had a dream job as a recreational therapist for emotionally disturbed kids. I was newly in love, and had just bought a cabin high in the Chugach Mountains with a view that went forever.
Then, after a stellar day of salmon fishing on the Russian River, within sight of the parking lot, a grizzly came at me at a dead run. I dove for cover, but the sow had me before I hit the ground. This bear wanted me dead. She sunk her claws and teeth into my arms, legs, back and shoulders, then flipped me over, clamped her jaws around my face and chomped hard enough to pulverize bone.
Fading in and out of consciousness, lying alone and mangled on the ground, I fought the urge to let go. Long before the paramedics and helicopter arrived, I promised myself, that if I lived, I would never look back and regret it.
I didn’t know at the time the mauling had left me blind.
The next two years were devoted to healing inside and out as I struggled to make sense of what happened. The pain, the surgeries, the nightmares, the depression – all were part of the package. But I refused to let the darkness get in the way of who I am and all I am capable of being. One thing I heard over and over from the doctors and surgeons who pieced me back together is that it’s a miracle I survived. But I’m not just a survivor; I am thriving.
Today, I’m married, have a young son and am finishing up a master’s degree in social work with a 4.0 grade point average. I counsel kids and families dealing with trauma of their own. I still fish, though now with my guide dog, Anderson. And I have returned to that spot on the Russian River where I came so close to dying to remind myself how grateful I am to be alive.
Working with a professional writer, I’m now in the process of writing a book about what happened that day and the impact it’s had on my life. This website will keep you posted on the book’s progress as I work through the steps of securing an agent, finding a publisher and so on. Eventually, there will be links provided for purchasing the book. You will also find a place to leave your e-mail address if you’d like special updates along the way.
For now, the book has the working title,"Blind Sided: A Bear, A Brotherhood, And A Journey Out Of Darkness " but we are also considering the title “Stolen Eyes”. We like these, but are open to others.
We’re also considering several subtitles, including, "How the bear that blinded me gave me a new way to see," "Blinded by a bear," or "A grizzly encounter." We like these, too, but also want your feedback. So please leave your comments about what you think of these, as well as ideas of your own.
Where are we in the process?
We have sent out an initial round of query letters and have heard back from some interested agents who are waiting to receive a book proposal. The proposal includes an outline of the chapters, sample chapters, and other information about the book's marketing and publicity plan. We hope to have the proposal ready to send in within the next couple of months. Once we have an agent, he or she will help to get us a deal with a publisher.
Special Update
I received some very exciting news. I have been chosen to receive the "Alaskan of the Year Award." This award is given annually by the Governor's Committee On Employment and Rehabilitation Of People With Disabilities to a disabled person who serves as an inspiration to all.
I went to Fairbanks on September 30 to receive the award and address the committee. My wife Amber and my son Alden were able to accompany me to Fairbanks to receive this special award.
Please leave your comments about the website and any ideas you may have to improve it.
Email: Dan@danbigley.com
Thanks! Dan, Amber, and Alden