BOISE -- It was a story we first brought you one year ago -- a well-known, well-liked Idaho State Police director was clinging to life after a terrible rafting accident.
Dan Charboneau survived and for the first time, he shares his story.
That story is surprisingly one filled with gratitude.
The Charboneaus held what they call a "thank you" gathering Sunday night marking the anniversary of Dan’s accident -- not with a celebration, but with a show of appreciation toward those who showed them such kindness in their time of need.
At age 60, after nearly four decades in law enforcement, Dan Charboneau retired last year as the director of the Idaho State Police. It gave him the flexibility to spend even more time doing what he loved to do -- river rafting with his wife, his son and their closest friends.
Exactly one year ago -- that group -- 19 experienced rafters launched a week-long, 100 mile trip. But on that trip everything would change for Dan Charboneau and his family.
"I knew I was in trouble, I just didn't know how bad until we got to the emergency room," said Dan Charboneau.
A recent rockslide on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River had created a new, uncharted rapid. Others in his group passed through safely, but Dan was not as fortunate and was launched from his raft and hit his head.
"I remember life lines being thrown to me, but I couldn't grab them because my arms and legs were paralyzed," said Dan Charboneau.
That's exactly what had happened -- the impact to his head badly bruised the spinal cord in his neck, forcing paralysis. While he is slowly regaining some movement in all his extremities, Dan is a quadriplegic.
"But I'll tell you, really, the people who struggle with this are my family," said Dan Charboneau.
"You'd think it would be big hairy things that go on, but it's that daily thing you take for granted," said Jo Charboneau.
Dan's wife, Jo, says it's the partnership she misses most -- the ability to divide and conquer their daily duties. But life has been made somewhat more manageable by the generosity of others.
During his three-month stay in the hospital, friends and family remodeled their Boise home to accommodate Dan's new needs.
Now, a massive bathroom with easy access to the master bedroom -- and off that -- a custom built, handicap accessible deck -- a place for Dan and Jo to enjoy the outdoors -- albeit not the way they're accustomed to embracing nature.
"You know, I wish it hadn't happened. But when it did happen I was with my good friends, I was doing something I loved," said Dan Charboneau. "God's got something planned for me because he spared me. I just don't know what it is yet."
The doctors say Dan will know in another year what the extent of his physical recovery will be.
He has shown signs of improvement -- it's just a matter of how much further his body will be able to heal -- and that, they say, is totally unpredictable.
