Accident reaffirms couple’s lifelong commitment
March 23 is a special anniversary for Arlin and Mary Jane Severson. This anniversary is of a different nature than what would normally come to mind. It is, however, truly a celebration of life – for one year ago, March 23, 2007, an accident nearly claimed Arlin’s life.
That day began in an ordinary manner – working around the couple’s rural New Hampton home in the morning, friends, Jim and Judy Arjes coming for lunch. After their friends left, Arlie (a nickname of long standing) went into the back yard (around 1 p.m.). He had earlier cut down a large tree and while surveying the remnants, noticed a large limb on another tree that needed to be trimmed.
“I did something that I have never done before in my life,” stated Arlie, a former shop teacher and wrestling coach at New Hampton High School. “I disregarded something that I have preached all my life – safety. I left my safety gear on the ground and climbed the ladder to trim that branch.”
The limb fell the wrong way, knocking the ladder out from under Arlie, who fell 25 feet to the ground.