Last Thursday I received a text from a friend. He wanted to alert me to the fact that the news channels were reporting Harrison Ford in “critical condition” after a plane crash. After the recent loss of Leonard Nimoy, this second blow was just too much for one little geek heart to handle. Thankfully, the stories started pouring in with more accuracy and detail fairly quickly. Harrison was injured, but conscious and stable.
There was an outpouring of love and support on the internet as we all waited to hear how Harrison was doing.
Peter Mayhew shared his well wishes.
Here’s hoping my buddy comes away with just another scar to match his crooked smile. Speedy Recovery Harrison! http://t.co/c0wyzR9wPJ
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) March 5, 2015
Once we knew he was going to be okay, the good natured Han Solo-like ribbing began. I mean, who can blame us for feeling relieved AND celebrating Ford’s similarities to our favorite scoundrel?
I love how the witnesses say that whoever landed the plane did a hell of a job, considering the crash. Damn right he did.
— Geek Girl Diva (@geekgirldiva) March 6, 2015
From Critical > Severe > Moderate > Fair in the span of an hour. Is #HarrisonFord Han Solo or Wolverine? #NeverTellMeTheOdds
— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars) March 6, 2015
Never tell him the odds… #GetWellHarrison #HarrisonFord pic.twitter.com/LdOr6dCDqN
— StarWarsintheClass (@StarWarsinClass) March 6, 2015
Can’t believe Harrison Ford crashed on a golf course pic.twitter.com/eT5jfwbcmf
— Tyler Peterson (@Gingernaut) March 6, 2015
Carrie Fisher to Harrison Ford: ‘Can I Drive Next Time?’ http://t.co/a7Aab047Zv via @People pic.twitter.com/lO6nBlZslN
— Consetta Parker (@parkerpublicist) March 7, 2015
What I didn’t know was that Harrison Ford made the rank of Life Scout during his teen years, and rescued a lost Boy Scout in 2001. Scouting Magazine posted an article about the event shortly after Ford’s crash. He was part of the search team.
“At the time Cody recalls Ford being interviewed about the rescue, and the Indiana Jones actor said, “I’m gonna fly anyway, so I might as well fly search and rescue and help people.”.
His volunteer work saved the local rescue department over $1,000 an hour. That’s the man on whom I had my first crush as a preteen? I feel pretty good about that.
This drawing by JohnDiBiaseArt on Etsy shows exactly the Solo I adore. Confident, soft-hearted, and a scoundrel with a heart of gold.
We love you, Harrison Ford. Oh, he knows.
Until next week – may the Force be with you!
