'I started going through life differently'

It was 2 August 2003. While driving along the A1, a lorry suddenly veered into his lane from the opposite side beneath a flyover bridge. The result was a catastrophic head-on collision between a car and the lorry, leading to the tragic loss of two lives.

Jeff Katzenmeier crashed his bike into the car and was seriously injured. His heart momentarily stopped beating. The then 43-year-old survivor's recollections of the incident were fragmented.

"The only thing I remember is just that at a certain moment I had seen something like a staircase. I went up, and when I reached the top, the sun was shining. It was bright and full of yellow flowers, I remember that. And the next thing I saw was on the ceiling, there were holes in it, vents. That was when I was in rehab," Katzenmeier recounts.

His wife was with him at that moment and said, "It's going to be all right."

"Death is part of life"

In the ensuing months, hospitals and rehabilitation centres dominated the family's life, where Katzenmeier had to relearn basic functions like walking and breathing independently. Today, 20 years after the life-altering accident, the passionate motorcyclist is able to talk about this challenging period. One year after the accident, he returned to work.

"I started going through life differently, with my eyes opened wider. I had learned that it can all be over very quickly. Just look forward to what's coming and enjoy your day," Katzenmeier reflects.

He credits the unwavering support of family and friends as a source of strength, both then and now. Over the years, the father of two has also become a proud grandfather of two.

A new challenge: MS

In the wake of this life-altering accident, Katzenmeier's perspective on death evolved. He started recognising death as a part of life itself. At 63, he no longer fears death and continues to enjoy life.

And this is all despite the fact that, years after the accident, he once again has to deal with health issues. Several years ago, Katzenmeier received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune condition.

"Family gives me the strength to stay positive"

This diagnosis initially ushered in a blend of profound disappointment and a little bit of fear. The looming question, "What is going to happen to me now?" lingered constantly in his thoughts.

Katzenmeier, inherently an optimistic individual, confronts the situation with a buoyant outlook: "I just have a few aches and pains now, so I have to make the best of it. Each morning, I get up and just see what happens."

His message to others who are going through difficult times: "No matter what, there will come a time when you'll be able to laugh again."