By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA-Buck Creek Stained Glass Owner David Schlueter has been riding motorcycles all his life and the day before Easter started out just as any other day until things changed quickly.

Schlueter was riding towards Mount Cheaha when he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident that left him seriously injured.

“I’ve had close calls before but people just don’t watch out as much for motorcycles on the road,” said Schlueter. “You always have to anticipate what other drivers are going to do and if you think someone might come over on you, you have to act as if they aren’t going to see you.”

The crash left Schlueter with severe injuries that included a crushed ankle, severed Achilles tendon, a broken tibia and a broken left wrist all on his left side.

Schlueter described the recovery process and emphasized that the injuries would take several months if not a full year to heal.

“I was in the hospital for five days and it’s a very slow recovery time,” said Schueter. “The tibia and Achilles injuries are non-weight bearing injuries and the Achilles can take up to a year to heal.”

The problem Schlueter now faces is that he has not been to work and is in pain almost 24 hours a day.

Normally Schlueter would be on his feet about 95 percent of the day walking and working at his business at Buck Creek Stained Glass but he admits it has been extremely difficult being out of work and trying to provide as a single parent of a special needs child.

Schlueter said that he does most of the work in the studio and is getting ready to have students help him out but he also admits that his injuries could’ve been way worse and he’s lucky to be alive today.

“I’m totally blessed and things could’ve been a lot worse,” said Schlueter. “Just seeing my daughter again was just great and the most amazing thing.”

With Schlueter being the sole proprietor of his business, when he isn’t working he isn’t making money so a fundraiser website has been set up to help with the medical costs to help get Schlueter back on his feet.

Those wishing to help can visit https://www.youcaring.com/davidschlueter or send money to 4114 Helena Road, Helena AL 35080 to assist Schlueter as he makes his long road back to recovery.