Hey, Ward --
Glad to hear you're still kickin', man! I'll echo the sentiments of the folks on here who said "get back on the horse!"
You've repeatedly pointed out (correctly) the hypocracy around blaming motorcycles for accidents that weren't their fault. Likewise -- just as a point to consider -- you shouldn't blame the bike for getting hit (nor should you let Mrs. Ward bust your ****** too badly).
You're living proof that GEAR WORKS. You wore the appropriate gear which mitigated much of the worst effects of the crash. In a sense you're proving more that motorcycles CAN BE SAFE -- or, at least, safer than modern American culture gives them credit for.
Ask any of the Limey members of the board -- the guys in Ol' Blighty ride year round in all weather, and y'know what? They do fine. They treat their bikes like real transportation rather than a toy, and they reap the benefits thereof (better millage, better insurance, easier parking, etc).
I won't say that bikes are as "safe" as cars, but virtually nobody gets in an automobile accident and says "I'm never driving again!" Thus, why should you swear off bikes from a wreck? That, and think of all the folks who're killed every year in cages!
The upshot is that life is not safe, and to pretend otherwise is folly, I don't care how big your SUV or the speed of your airbag. And motorcycles are just more fun.
Hang in there, man! Good luck, and hope you're back up on 2 soon!!!
Oh, yeah -- and get a Triumph.
--Jaeger
