DENVER — Months ago, a man’s life was forever changed in an instant. He was mountain biking when he flipped over the handlebars and landed on his head, almost completely paralyzing him.

He was released from months of therapy at Craig Hospital in January. On Friday, he reunited with his therapist. Only this time, for a different kind of therapy.

“Who wants to be at the hospital?” said Craig Hospital occupational therapist Sarah Harrison.

Most of the patients , standing by to sail catamaran-style on Friday’s Craig Hospital “Hobie Day,” have had enough time in the hospital.

“When James came in, he just had a little bicep going, he could just move his arm like this,” Harrison said.

After four months of therapy, Harrison said her favorite patient, James Murtha, is making her proud. Friday was no exception.

While Harrison and Murtha were hard at work for months together, Friday was a day to celebrate. Once hydrated and life vest on, it was time to sail away.

While mostly smooth sailing, just like Murtha has learned in life, there are a few unexpected bumps. It’s not hard to tell that these two shipmates have a special friendship.

While their journey together may be done, there’s no denying their friendship helped to bring James back to solid ground.

“It was nice to be out there with a good friend,” Murtha said.

“I’m just so happy he can get back out doing things he loves doing,” Harrison said.

This is an annual event for Craig Hospital called “Hobie Day.”

Murtha painted the logo on the t-shirts worn at the event. Harrison got him into painting during therapy and it’s now become his favorite hobby.