Turning lemons into sweet lemonade

[mselenaous]

Yesterday morning, I was struck by the tenacity of the human spirit and modern medical marvel that is Rob Murphy as he walked unaided down the dock toward the Emerald (scuba diving jupiter). Rob amazed me as he climbed onto the boat at high tide without assistance (something I can not do). And this was our introduction.

After surviving the mother of all bad diving accidents in 2008, Rob passionately pursues his sport through the use of some very creative adaptive techniques. He remains a very avid diver and underwater hunter. His enthusiasm and cheer are infectious making everyone aboard smile. I enjoyed watching Rob zoom by on his scooter as I struggled against the current. And, he brought up the biggest hogfish. Dude, you rock! Best of luck with the court system. I hope to dive with you again soon.

 

[mselenaous]

For those who don't know about Rob's diving accident:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/divers-disabilities/324847-disabled-still-gets-down.html


http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/scuba-related-court-cases/348415-rob-murphys-day-court.html

 

[Johnoly]

Rob is a big inspiration to all of us.

Thanks for the dive report and great to see NetDoc getting wet and doing a bit of hunting!!

 

[The Chairman]

It was an awesome three dives, on the awesome Emerald Charters with beyond awesome divers. What a fun and enlightening day.

The first time I met Rob, we were both in Wheelchairs. I had just popped my right Achilles tendon playing around at Sheri Daye's the Blue Wild, and frankly I was feeling sorry for myself. Chad Carney had told me about a meeting with FWC about dive flags, and I just had to go: pain or no pain. Sitting across from Rob, I felt kind of foolish for feeling sorry for myself. I was certain I would walk and dive again, but I could not say that for Rob. In fact, in spite of him telling us he was raring to get into the water again, I saw little hope of that happening. Lesson? Don't underestimate Rob and his ability to defy Murphy's Law. There are Youtube videos of him diving and I was going to get to finally see it in person.

To state the obvious, it was great to see Rob walking down the boarding dock. His friends, both new and old, helped him get his gear aboard and stowed. Rob was pretty adept at getting his BC, tank and regs together as you would expect any experienced diver. But it didn't stop there. He was very efficient with the rest of his preparation, which is a lot more than most of us have to worry about. To his credit, Rob has a fierce desire to be as independent as possible, yet he is humble enough to know when he needs help. I had a great boat trip out talking with Rob, and getting to listen to his triumphs and frustrations. The man has my respect without any caveats.

So, we had flat seas and flat reefs (very little structure). Still Rob managed to out shoot the boat with a rather scrumptious hogfish. Of course, his humility made him claim that the other Hogfish was just a tad bigger, and really it did not matter. We all had fun teasing the guy with the teensy (but legal) hogfish in the center. Me? I managed to miss a large Cubera snapper and hit the margate in front of him as well as a few lobsters (yum). I also got to see Rob cruising the reef on his scooter. I pity the fish he gets in his sites.

 

[Tropicalwolf]

An inspration!

 

[headhunter561]

HEEEELLLLOOOOO Scubaboard. I just signed up and am happy to be a member!! I know I have a lot of supporters here and I am very grateful for that. I am so excited to be back in the water after a long time off due to additional surgeries. Looking forward to getting to know the community better. Elena, so nice to meet you and thanks for the kind words, and Pete, great to see you and dive with you, hope to do it again soon! Randy served up another great day on the Emerald with a great group of people, if you want to see Jupiter, you can't go wrong with the Emerald!

-Rob Murphy

 

[OneRestlessNative]

Welcome to the board Rob. Your story is quite tragic but your courage to continue with the passion that we all share and your friends support is quite admirable. It is great to see you one the forum and back in the water.

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

Welcome to the board Rob. Glad to see you back and in the water.

 

[wrybosome]

That made my Friday, thanks Rob.

 

[ScubaSam]

Welcome Rob, great to have you here and back in the water!