Lesson #14

Your family is hurting as much or even more than you are!

A good friend made me aware of this early into my recovery. I worked hard to keep this at the forefront of my mind. My wife put on a strong face as she dealt with all of the possible outcomes of my accident; from death to never walking again. On top of that, she was having to carry a huge load...caring for an 18 month old, working 50 hours per week, staying with me each night and keeping a household running. She was and still is a trooper! Despite her "poker face", inside she was hurting in a big way. She almost lost me. She could have easily found me dead on the floor! I am sure that thought crossed her mind many times and the reality of it (after the shock wore off) had to be emotionally crushing.

I have said this 1000 times and will continue to say it....our family and our closest and dearest of friends stepped up and took care of Robbie, Collier and me. I will never forget all they have sacrificed to care for us. I will never forget what Robbie sacrificed for me! "...in sickness and in health..." Your wedding vows really do mean something!

The obvious lesson here is that despite what I am going through, I still must think of others and not spend all of my time thinking or focusing on ME!

Again, thank you to my wife who has given and continues to give all that she has to help me and the healing process. Thank you Collier for bringing me a book to sit in my lap and read. Thank you to my Mom and Granny for coming each month to help us take care of our house and Collier. Thank you to my Dad for all of his prayer and encouraging words. Thank you to my 2nd Mom (Robbie's Mom) for spending extra time in caring for Collier and for us and for spending nights with me at the hospital. Thank you to my 2nd Dad (Robbie's Dad) for building ramps, watching Collier and even spending the night with me in the hospital, changing light bulbs and all of the other little things you did. Thanks to my true friends who emailed, called, visited, cleaned up the mess I made in the dinning room, brought food and goodies, who watched me closely for depression and the list goes on and on..... Thanks to my Church staff who visited me in the hospital...especially Dave Hughey who came several times and spend hours with me just talking....those talks gave me peace and hope.

So many people praying and thinking of us.....God knows who you are!

Lesson #13

Lets continue with my lessons learned.....

When in a wheel chair, you are fully aware when the ground/floor is not level!

Ok, this may sound very simple, yet until you are in a wheel chair, you really do not appreciate level ground.

My first real experience with this was the first time my wife, son and me took a walk/ride around the block to get some fresh air. Half way around the block, I notice that my right arm was doing all of the work to keep my chair in motion. My right arm was killing me! I was thinking, "what is the deal here!" Even though the sidewalk seemed level, it wasn't. When the ground is not level, one arm is going to do all of the work to keep you moving in a straight line. Needless to say, we too few trips around the block in the wheel chair!

Last Post of 2008

4 months & 22 Days

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Wow! Tomorrow is the beginning of 2009! Amazing!

My Wheel Chair is Gone!

I turned my wheel chair in over 3 weeks ago. I was no longer using it and the fact that I was leasing it, I believed it was time to send it back. It was pretty cool to see the guys load it into their van and then drive off. I waved goodbye! See ya!

Healing is Progressing!

I completed my first 6 weeks of physical therapy right before the week of Christmas. On my last day, I noticed that I was doing my exercises without pain. Up to this time, I called the pool I worked out in the "torture chamber." But here I was, walking, kicking and stretching without noticeable pain!! How awesome God is!

Next week, I will begin another 6 weeks of PT. I will spend 2 days a week on land-based therapy and only 1 day per week in the pool. My therapist wants to work on the side-ways motion (eversion and inversion) of my ankles.

I was chided a little at my last doc appt to spend more time off my feet and with them elevated. So I have committed to a minimum of 2 hours per day with my feet elevated.

Please continue to pray for God to completely restore my feet!

Lesson #12

Despite the fact that a building has handicap parking, it may not be ADA compliant; not having wheel chair accessibility!

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I left the hospital in a wheel chair. For several weeks, I could not put any weight on either foot. That meant that everywhere I went outside of my home, had to be wheel chair accessible.

Case in point: I was out with my family one day and we went to a local place of business to pick up some merchandise we had ordered. We drove up to the front of the building and parked in the handicap parking because we had a permit to do so. Robbie got out and proceeded to get my wheel chair out. I told her to stop! She asked why. I said, look at the front door. She looked and muttered, "You are kidding?" The door had steps leading up to it with no ramp.

So despite the fact that the American Disability Act has been in place for many years, there are many businesses that are not in compliance! People with disabilities deal with this every day of their lives!

Lesson #11

Obedience to God; studying His word; prayer and putting others before myself are more important than my priorities and overbooked calendar!

I know the statement I just typed is more than a mouth full and may not make sense, so let me briefly explain:

I believe with all of my heart that the #1 tool Satan uses to keep us from experiencing all that God has for us is being TOO BUSY! For years I have heard this proverb, "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop." I am here to tell you that THE OPPOSITE is true and here is my new proverb: "An overbook calendar and ungodly priorities are the Devil's workshop!"

I am guilty of having ungodly priorities. I am guilty of having an overbooked calendar. And now that God has brought this storm into my life, I have realized that my priorities and my calendar are God's and He is the one that should be directing my path!

I see it everyday! Christians know the right thing to do. Christians have the best intentions. Yet our mis-guided priorities and our overbooked lives keep us for doing the right thing. Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak!

Here is what I wish to take away from my accident: Give my calendar to God and allow Him to direct my life. When someone or something tries to put an item in my calendar, I should stop and ask--is this from God? Is this going to give God honor and praise? Is this going to keep me from doing what God wants me to do?

Give my priorities to God and let Him direct them. If I am success at giving Him all of this, then I will never be too busy to spend time with Him; I will never be too busy to spend time with my family; and I will never be too busy to give back to others!

We are in the busiest time of the year! Don't let the Devil rob you of your joy and most importantly, don't let an opportunity pass to give to others!

Lesson #10

4 months + 4 days

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I am a changed person, like a person with a new name, I will never be the same and I have no desire to go back to the person I was!

This storm has changed my life. If you have been reading this blog for a while, you already know what I am saying. I still need improving. There are things that I should be doing that I am not doing well. This storm in no way has made me perfect, but it has changed me for the better. I have learned so much. I have matured so much. I have a new perspective of God that I did not have before. I have been changed. I am like a person with a new name. I will never be the same and have no desire to go back!

4 Month Anniversary

Day 120

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I have spent the last several days looking back over the past 4 months. Hard to imagine that 4 months ago to this day, I fell 14' and blew my heels away! So much has happened! Here is an update on my current status:

• I have not used my wheel chair in 2 weeks!
• Physical Therapy is progressing and is SO helpful to my recovery.
• I am walking most everywhere with the help of a crutch.
• My next doc appt is this Thursday, Dec 11.

Thanks again for all of your calls, emails and most of all, your prayers. It has been an exciting 4 months and I am so thankful for all that has transpired!

Side-Bar...I Must Chase A Rabbit!

Day 117

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I will have to include what I am about to tell in you my "Things Learned" list. If I don't write about it now, I will forget the details....because I have several things on my list!

Tonight, I was reminded of something that I never wish to forget. I have a better understanding of people who have disabilities. I have a better understanding of what people with disabilities have to go through on a daily basis. Therefore, I wish to never take some one's disability for granted!

Having a disability has proven to me how nice and generous people can be and also how inconsiderate they can be. I have had complete strangers come up to me, asking if I need assistance. In most cases, I tell them "no thank you." But recently, I made a trip to Sam's Club and I over-did it on my feet that morning. I finally made it back to my car and I was in great pain. A stranger walked up to me and asked if he could remove the items from my cart and load them in my car. I said, "Yes, sir, and thank you very much!" I have had doors opened for me and just 100s of simple kind things. It puts a smile on your face!

Unfortunately, there is a flip side of this coin. There are moments when people forget that you have a disability or they just don't take it into consideration. They invite you to an activity and yet provide you with limited opportunity to participate. And when you mention that you can't participate because of limitations, they do nothing to minimize the limitations that could allow you more participation.

This post is not a pity party for me. I just wish to convey to you the frustrations that people with disabilities have to endure. I wish for you (and me) to take into consideration the person and their disability.

I will never forget my time with a disability. It has been good for me. I have learned many things!

Lesson #9

God Is Truly All That You Need!

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Either you have already had such an experience OR you will soon go through one....but in time, you will have a moment where everything is stripped away; you will be completely exposed, raw if you will and it will be that moment when you realize God is all that is left.

I can remember a couple of these moments while I was in the hospital. I was alone and was over-come with feelings of loneliness and sadness. I could not walk. I was told I may never walk correctly again. I was in lots of pain. I could not work. I could not leave my bed. I was completely dependant on other people for everything from cooking my meals to wiping my behind. I was in control of NOTHING! For a control freak like myself, it was like my skin had been ripped off my body. I was raw and exposed to all elements and there was nothing I could do to change the situation.

The ONLY comfort I could get was from God. He was there with me. I truly was not alone at all. He comforted me. He took away my negative feelings. He put a smile on my face. He gave me joy despite my circumstances. The words He wrote in the Bible gave me hope; a hope that would not (and did not) disappoint me!

So you see, we get attached to a lot of things and people here on earth. It is easy (when things are going well) to use these attachments as our security blanket. But I am here to tell you that when these "attachments" are ripped away, you soon remember that God should be our only security blanket; our first and highest attachment!

Lesson 7 & 8

I Already Knew Who My True Friends Were!

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When I fell and even until now, my true friends, those that stuck closer to me than a brother, have proven themselves over and over again that they INDEED are my truest and closest of friends. They have sacrificed time, money and energy; doing, fixing, calling and going places for me and my family. My family would not have made it through this crisis without their help, love and devotion! Actions speak louder than words and let me tell you, their actions spoke volumes to Robbie and me!! Their actions reminded me of a covenant friendship that is found in First Samuel 18. Jonathan and David had a covenant friendship. They were not acquaintances. They were not fair-weather friends. They were not crisis-only friends. They were true friends. No matter the circumstances, they stuck to each other. They were committed to each other. They defended each other. They helped each other and they encouraged each other. Wow...how refreshing to have such friends!

The lesson here is this: You have many acquaintances, but you have only a few true friends. We must be kind and friendly to all people, but we must "stick closer than a brother" to those we have made a friendship covenant with! Cherish your true friends. Never leave their side. Never be SO BUSY that you can't carve out time for your dearest friends! Be there for them when they need you and stay with them till the end of time!

The header to this post says lessons 7 & 8. Lesson 7 is what I typed above. Lesson 8 is along the same lines, but the reverse and is a little too personal for me to write about.

This Day Finally Came!

Day 109 (since my accident)

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If you have been keeping up with my blog, you know that while I was still in the hospital, I asked God to allow me to walk (for the first time) at Thanksgiving. You see, my request and desire was to walk for the first time to my Thanksgiving dinner table; just so that I could give God all the glory and honor for my continued healing. In my heart, I believed Thanksgiving Day was appropriate for such and honor.

Beginning the day that my surgeon told me it would be December before I began to walk again, I started a countdown of days to Thanksgiving. In my mind, walking meant being on my feet and moving from point A to point B. It did not matter if I was using a walker of if someone walked on my right and left, I was going to be on my feet, moving towards our Thanksgiving table. This was my request, my hope, my heart's desire....my dream. AND I knew God was going to deliver. Yet I never in my mind believed He would answer my request in the way that He did!

As the days counted down, I kept believing in my God! As I approached my Oct 30th doctor's appointment, I started believing that the boot cast that was still on my right leg would have to stay on another 6 weeks. I just did not believe my right foot was ready for me to put weight on it. That meant that I would be in that boot past Thanksgiving. My prayer changed and I told God that I would be completely satisfied with walking on one foot....just having the privilege to walk on one foot at Thanksgiving would answer my prayer. That in itself would have been something AWESOME to praise God for!

Well, in God-like fashion, my prayer was indeed answered, but I got much MORE than I asked for. My doc told me to dump the right boot on Oct 30th and on Nov 2nd, I was walking on both feet with a walker! Many days before Thanksgiving!

But guess what! The story does not end there. On Thanksgiving Day, I stood in my living room with my family. We prayed and gave thanks to our Great God and I then walked on both feet, on my own, no assistance, to our Thanksgiving table.

Can you believe this? Is this not amazing? Isn't God just beyond anything you can imagine? Here I was ready to settle for a one-leg hop to my table, yet He delivered a full, normal walk without any assistance!

Praise Be To Our Great God!

Lesson 6

You MUST have a good network of friends and family!

We are all too busy! Our calendars and schedules are so crammed with activities, that we barely can breathe! We get this false sense of security from checking off tasks on our To-Do lists. Yet, what I have learned is that our busy lifestyles have moved us away from building lasting relationships! We have become an island of one. Nothing else seems to matter but our calendars, to-do lists and our personal activities. Because of this, we have very little time to devote to our friends and family. I must shamefully admit to you that if it were not for birthdays, I would probably never see my dearest friends. And even then, we are late to celebrate the event! It is shameful. We all know it is. We freely admit this shame, but in the end, we do nothing about it! We go back to our crazy lives and await the next time we have to bow our heads and admit we are too busy...and the cycle continues!

I AM BLESSED to have close friends and family. They came to my (AND Robbie's) rescue in my (OUR) time of crisis. They swoop'd in and took care of things so that Robbie and I could focus on healing. It was amazing to watch and even now to look back upon!

So here is what I have learned! I will stop taking my friends and family for granted. I am going to pursue my friends and family more than I have in the past. I am going to pray that they too will look for ways and implement ways to improve their relationships. My personal schedule should not stop me from cultivating the close relationships that I so desperately need in my life.

Lessons 5

I wish to pick up where I left off on the lessons I have learned so far since my accident over 3 months ago.

Lesson 5

Throw out your pride and accept help from others!

More than often, most of us reject offers of assistance. Think about it! How often do your friends and family offer to help you and you tell them, "no thanks!" Lets be completely honest here...this is a pride problem. Sure, we may say, "oh, I don't wish to bother you with my problems", or "you have plenty to do without having to help me with my problem or situation" or "I can handle it, not to worry!" That is all crap and when it boil it down....it is pride that tells people NO!

Sure, there are times when I should say no. For example, if I am out mowing my yard and my best friend comes by and asks if I need help, I would tell him, no. My yard is my responsibility and not his. But, if I have fallen through my ceiling and crushed my heels and am unable to mow, then, this is an appropriate time to say YES!

A perfect example of this happened to me today. A friend send me an email telling me that her 2 kids were very sick and that she and her husband was having a very hard week at work on top of having to stay home with sick kids. My heart immediately said, "They need someone to cook dinner for them tonight....ME!" So I told her I was bringing her dinner. Immediately, in the next email from her came excuses for me not to cook dinner for them. I told her fooey on that, that dinner was coming anyway! She was pretty insistent, but I delivered anyway.

Bottom line: There comes a time when you must dump your pride and accept help from others. I sent out an email asking my friends if they knew of a place where I could purchase fire wood for the winter. A friend called me to tell me he would bring me some fire wood. I told him I was not looking for free fire wood....that did not matter to him. He cut the wood, delivered it and stacked if for me. I was overwhelmed by his help.

Not allowing others to help you robs them of the blessing of helping. Don't be a robber!

Craziness & Fun!

Day 94

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WOW! Since being released to bear weight on my right foot, I have been doing all kinds of fun stuff! Primarily, driving! At my last doctor's appointment, I was concerned how I was going to get to my physical therapy appointments. As you read in my previous post, I have figured out how to get my wheelchair in my car and go places on my own. So my prayer!

I have completed my first week of physical therapy (PT). I spent this week in a wave pool. Walking in a pool of water cuts my weight in half and allows me to walk on my right foot without any assistance of people or devices. It was so cool to do this. It was painful, but cool nonetheless.

I spend time walking, stretching and at the end walking against water currents. Now that is very interesting. I can adjust how powerful the currents are.

Just after one week of PT, I am walking more with my walker and spending less time in the wheel chair. So cool!

The Tiger Has Been Let Out Of His Cage!

Day 86

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Since my last doctor's appointment on Oct. 30th, I have been engaging in several firsts (at least, firsts since my accident).

• On Friday, Oct 31, I drove my car 3 times. It was awesome to be driving again!! Robbie put my wheel chair in the back and we both took off to our destinations.
• On Sunday, Nov 2, a friend let me borrow his walker. After church, I WALKED FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! My goal was Nov 25, yet God allowed me to do it 23 days early. I did not go far, but it was exciting and very emotional!
• On Tuesday, Nov 4, I got into my car and drove to Sonic by myself to get a Diet Coke. I wheeled out to the garage, stood up, got into my car and drove off. Came home, got back into my chair and wheeled back into the house. So refreshing to do thing on my own!!
• TODAY--I decided I could pick my wheel chair up and put it into my SUV on my own. So, I went to Office Depot to get some storage boxes. Then I wheeled through Best Buy to get a cable for my computer and then I stopped to get a Diet Coke for my wife. I then went to her office to deliver it and surprise here. It was amazing to be out on my own. Lifting the chair in and out of my car was no big deal.

I start physical therapy tomorrow. It should help me to walk better and longer!

God is SO amazing!

Today's X-rays

Finally, I have a copy of my x-rays to show you. I had to scan them and the picture is not too good; but you can see all of the metal plates and screws that are in both heels. Pretty scary!!

xrays of heels

Lesson #4

Back On My Feet Countdown: 26 days

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Before I share lesson learned number 4, please allow me to tell you where I got the phrasing for this next lesson.

I was on the Internet reading an article about Tony Snow (previous White House Press Secretary for President Bush). In this interview, he spoke of his terminal cancer and how he was dealing with it. Of course, he spoke of God and how He was ultimately in control of his life and the direction it would go. The interviewer asked if he ever asked "why". And here is a direct quote of what he (Tony) said and my Lesson #4;

"Asking 'Why?' is designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer!"

Wow, what a powerful statement! And it speaks the truth, does it not? I set out day 1 not to ask God WHY! And I am here to tell you that I have not asked. What real difference does it make if I ask? The ultimate answer is already given in the Bible. God is constantly working to make us more like His son Jesus. We already know that this perfecting comes with great difficulty. Troubles and trials are constantly at our doorsteps. They are a part of life! Why? When we are weak, He is strong. When we struggle, our character is improved and we are able to handle more of what God has in store for us! Perseverance produces character and character produces hope and this hope is one that will not disappoint us. So what is the big deal...what does hope give me? Well, let me tell you what hopes gives me....it is a longing in my heart of things that I KNOW WILL come! I am not speaking of wishing...wishing is longing for something that may or may not come to fruition. Yet, when I persevere through trials, my character is improved or built upon. Then my improved character gives me a hope in God that only He can give. And this hope NEVER disappoints me. Why? Because a hope in God ALWAYS delivers results that are truly amazing and beyond belief! Everytime I visit my doctor, I leave with more than I came in expecting!

I know what I have said is completely true, because my friends, I am living it right now and I mean RIGHT NOW and for the last 80 days!

I love you God.

Again, God Delivers More Than I Expected!

Day 80

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Believe it or not, but 6 weeks has past since my last doc appointment and today I made my way back to his office once more to get the latest news; and what AWESOME NEWS it was!!! I went with some expectations and left completely amazed at how much more I got! Here are the specifics:

• I can begin to walk on my left leg.
• I can get rid of the boot that was on my right leg. No more boots!!!
• I can begin to put pressure on my right leg.
• I can begin physical therapy to help me walk again.
• Over the next few weeks, I can use a walker and or crutches to walk on both feet.
• I can drive again (with the help of others until I can walk on my own).
• I can wear shoes on both feet again.
• My next doc appt is in 6 weeks and my doc wants me to come on my own and walk into his office. How cool is this?

Please join with me and give all praise, honor and glory to the living God, who is the ultimate doctor!!!

Lesson #3

Day 78

Back On My Feet Countdown: 28 days

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There is a verse in the Bible that I have quoted in this blog many times, yet I have learned that it is completely true! James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

It is completely amazing! 78 days out from my accident and I still have this pure joy! I know that I would have never pulled out of this without this pure joy. And where did it come from? Did the pain pills bring it? Was is all the nice health care workers at the hospital? Could it be my dearest friends and family? Hey, I will be the first to tell you that pain pills are AWESOME! And I did have the royal treatment at the hospital. And, I could not do this without my truly Godly friends and family. BUT....none of this could deliver the joy that races through my heart and mind!

I am so thankful that God chose to give me this joy. This joy has carried me through many bouts of sadness, pain, and loneliness. When these negative emotions come, joy comes to my rescue!

I believe in my heart that my healing comes from God and His joy that is deep within me is an agent of healing!

Next Doc Appt This Week!!

This Thursday, I will visit my surgeon again. It has been 6 weeks since my last visit. I am full of hope and excitement in anticipation of the news I will get at this visit. Will I get to walk on my left leg? Will I get to lose the boot on my right foot? Who knows! But I know that whatever the news, it will be bigger and better than I ever expected!

Lesson #2

Day 72

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Since my accident, many versuses have become more real to me. One of the first ones is 2 Corinthians 12:9; "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Let me tell you this....it's true! Not that I have ever doubted the Bible to be untrue, but when you live it, experience it (not just read it), you find it to be real, very real!

When you have nothing left, nothing that you can hold on to, then all you have is God's grace. That's it! Nothing more. Nada, nill, absolute zero...when everything you found safety and comfort in is taken away, then all that is left is grace. You learn that is all you need. His power is made perfect in weakness. And in the end, all you can do is boast about what God has done because in the end, there is nothing I have or can do to boast about...because all that is left is God's grace! Wow!

Lessons Learned

Now that we are 67 days out from my accident, I wish to share with you the lessons I have learned from this trial.


Lesson #1

God's blessings come in unexpected packages. I have met people in my life that have walked through some crazy difficult situations (trials) and have come out on the other side claiming to be blessed. When I hear them say this, I just shake my head and say under my breath, "Are you crazy!?!"

Yet, I can tell you that this is something I have found to be very true. My crushed heels are a blessing. My fall was a blessing. All of my pain, and boy was there some crazy pain, was a blessing. Being in the hospital was a blessing. Being in a wheel chair is a blessing. All of this has been blessing after blessing. AND YES, these blessings came in a very unexpected package!

Another Milestone!!

Oct 17, 2008
Day 67

Back on my Feet Countdown: 40 days

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Our Sis-In-Law has been caring for Collier, here at our home, on Mondays and Fridays. Mondays and Fridays are normally my off days and I typically keep Collier. But, with crushed heels, it is impossible for me to keep him safely; that is, until NOW!

Our Sis-In-Law was blessed with a job that she started this week. That left us without someone to care for Collier. So we began to pray along with our family and friends, asking God to send us someone to fill the need. We wanted someone that could come to our house so that I could spend time with Collier on these days. Yet, as the week wore on, no specific person was coming to our minds and no one was knocking on our door. So by mid week, I began to think and pray more...and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could be that person. So I approached Robbie, asking her to be bluntly honest about my idea. I wanted to be with my son, but I also wanted protection for my feet and Collier. We were both nervous about the idea, yet we could not find a concrete reason to kill it. So we changed our prayer; asking God to kill our idea if it were not His will.

So, today, here I sit, reminiscing of the day I have spent with Collier; just the 2 of us. It has been a fun-filled day, playing, crawling around on the floor, wrestling, reading and watching a video. I have missed this greatly and I am so thankful it is back. Collier is so patient with my wheel chair. He allows me to get in it each time we need to go to another room for something. He adapts so well.

Maybe after my next doc appt on Oct 30, I will be able to do much more with less time in the chair!!!

We Can't; But God Can!

Oct 12, 20008
Day 62

Back on my Feet Countdown: 45 days

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Despite the immense blessings God has given us during this time of difficulty, needs still exists; needs that are beyond our ability to fill. They are a constant reminder that we continue to need and completely rely on God for all of our needs.

First, God has blessed our sis-in-law with a job. She has been keeping our son on Mondays and Fridays here at our house. She has been a huge blessing and we are so thankful for her help. BUT, we are more thankful that she was given this job! So now, we are left to see how God will take care of this need. I am still unable to do all that is necessary to keep Collier, therefore, we need help. Yet, I pray that we can find someone that can come to our home to keep him so that I can see him. Otherwise, I will get very little time with him as he is kept by Robbie's Mom Tuesday through Thursdays away from our home. Sure, I will have the evening hours, but I work very hard to make that time special for Robbie since she works every day. We are excited to see how God will answer this request!

Second, since we spend a great amount of time dealing with the difficulties that have come since my accident, we don't get to spend a lot of time with our friends and family. This leads to loneliness and isolation. We don't desire to be lonely or isolated, yet that is what has happened since my leaving the hospital. Please pray that God will allow us the privilege to see our family and friends often and that we will not allow these feelings to take away our joy!

Thank you so much for your prayers, calls, emails, visits and gifts of food. We are so thankful and are blessed by your contact with us!

I Knew This Day Would Come!

Oct 7, 2008
Day 59

Back on Feet Countdown: 49 days

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Ok, Russ, what are you talking about? The title of this post in your blog says you knew this day would come...so, what day are you speaking of?

Well, let me begin with an illustration. Have you ever had a leaky faucet or a toilet that constantly leak causing water to constantly run to keep the tank full? The dripping water from the leaky faucet is not so bad to listen to in the beginning, but over time, you want to SCREAM! Or, have you ever ridden a roller coaster 10 or more times in a row and by the end, you were sick of riding and just wanted to puke? Well, hopefully, you have a picture of what I am about to tell you.

My wheel chair is annoying the fire out of me! I know! I know! Where is the thankfulness? Where is the joy? Where is the happy face that God has given me over these past 59 days? Trust me, it's all still here. There is nothing that could take these things away from me. Oh, the devil will try (as he is doing right now), but he will not succeed! So, back to the chair....

I am weary of scratching walls. I am weary of dropping things because I need my hands to maneuver the chair. I am weary of not being able to reach things. But most of all, my bottom is numb from all of this sitting! I guess you get the picture....I get weary with the limitations!!!

BUT...oh yes, there is a BUT to this story! Today, I stood up 3/4 of the way on my left foot while still holding on to the locked wheels of my chair. IT WAS AWESOME!!! Isn't God so cool...just when you get weary, he gives you a glimpse of a bright future and it immediately drives away the weariness!!! I did it with no pain. Soon and very soon (23 days to be exact), I will be walking on my left foot. WOW!! HURRAY! AWESOME!! JUST FANTABULOUS!!

Thanks again to all of my friends and family for all that you do for us!

Ok, Something Funny!

Recently, I went to Chili's for dinner with my friends. The lady that greeted us, looked at me and asked if I wanted a table or booth. I give her a strange look and then looked down at my wheelchair expecting her to realize that a booth was a little out of the question. Yet, she gave me a blank stare. I was laughing inside. I said, "A table please!" We were then ushered off to a table.

Robbie did not find this as funny as I did...but it reminded me of all the dumb things I have said to people...things that should have be very obvious, yet escaped me at that very moment.

My favorite so far is the question people ask me when they see my feet: "Oh! Did that hurt?"

LOL....no, it didn't hurt at all! LOL ;)

I Did Not Expect A Roller coaster!

Oct 1, 2008
Day 53

Back On My Feet Countdown: 55 days

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I can't believe that October is already here! Time marches on despite what is going on in our lives. It is crazy! We are having some of the best fall weather here in Arkansas...love it!!

Today is day 53 since my accident and I have to tell you, not having been through something like this before, I sure didn't expect to be riding "The Emotion Express" roller coaster! It is crazy...one minute I am laughing my head off and the next moment the tears are flowing like Niagara Falls. There are days that are up and great and then there are down days that don't feel so great, yet I am called to believe that "all things work for the good of them who love God, who are called according to His purposes", therefore, I must count them as GREAT days too, right?

So, as I sit here in this chair, looking at these 4 walls here in my living room, 53 days out from my accident, I never dreamed that I would still be dealing with negative emotions. It is just further proof that the "devil is constantly seeking whom he can devour!" We have to constantly be on guard for his crazy lies and his sneaky ways in which he tries to creep into our lives to destroy our joy, the pure joy that only God can deliver.

This past Sunday, in our Bible study time at church, we were talking about change. Our discussion leader wanted us to give him situations where change is good and where change is bad. I was struck by this question, in a way that I began thinking about how God works....if He truly is working ALL things for our GOOD, then how can ANY change be BAD? Think about it for just a moment...sure, there are times in our lives when things go in a direction that we wish it would not. Take me for instance; I never wished for my accident to happen. I did not want to be in a wheelchair for 4 months. I didn't want to crush my heels. I didn't ask God to bring this suffering into my life, yet here it is. It is here!!!! So, do I count this moment as a moment of BAD CHANGE? Remember what James chapter 1 says, "count it pure joy" when bad change comes your way (a Russ paraphrase here)! I left the study believing that all change is good no matter how I perceive it at that moment!

The next time change comes into your life (this is a daily event), I challenge you to focus on how God views this change and not how you view it. It will change your entire perspective of the situation. And not only that, it will allow you to move through the change more smoothly and you will learn so much more!

So, life is really a roller coaster ride...at times an emotional one at that...so we can choose how to respond to it!

This Trial is Hard!

Sept 28, 2008
Day 50

Back on my Feet Countdown: 58 days

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I may or may not have said this already in this blog...but it bears repeating; this is the hardest thing we have ever had to tackle! Don't get me wrong, God is so good! We are experiencing pure joy as we walk through this fire, but that does not mean we are not struggling. We struggle every day. And honestly, I believe it is Robbie that has the most difficult tasks of all. She literally works 24/7 to keep our house running and taking care of Collier and me. I am in constant prayer for her! She is constantly on her feet, working hard to keep our heads above water. The simple tasks of cooking dinner, making the bed, picking up the toys are difficult. For me, some of the most difficult times are at the end of week, when I have been looking at the same 4 walls for many days and all I can think about is getting in my car and going anywhere just to change the scenery. I know Robbie would probably just like to have a normal day; one where she can talk with her friends or just sit and not have to think anything; just veg.

Probably one of the most difficult things we are dealing with is loneliness. I know, sounds crazy doesn't it! In normal circumstances, this would not be the case. But when you are in the middle of a life trial, your need for your family and friends is greatly increased! We are very thankful that we have many wonderful friends and family.

Please continue to pray for us. Call us. Come by and visit us. Email us. We would love to hear from you or see you!

Please pray for us:

• To keep a positive spirit
• Our finances
• Complete healing
• Strength for daily life
• Keep our focus on God

Thank you to all of your for your love and prayers!

Russ-Robbie-Collier

2 months--60 days!!

Sept 26, 2008
Day 48

Reflection on the Past--Hope in the Future!

Today marks 48 days since my accident on Aug 9th. In less than 2 weeks, 2 months will have passed since that day. This is just crazy! Two months? On my ride home from the hospital, that glorious day when I was discharged, I just knew time would go by so slow...I mean what was I going to do each day to pass the time, to make it go by faster so that I could walk sooner? Yet, here we are, 48 days out and I am not sure where the days went. I am so glad that I am able to do all kinds of things at home to help Robbie and to pass time.

And now, as of yesterday, I am 60 days out from walking on both feet! Just amazing! How cool is that! It is going to be an awesome day when I walk on 2 feet to my Thanksgiving Dinner Table....how appropriate...Thanksgiving Day! I can't wait to see what God is going to do!!!!

My Latest Doc Appt

Sept 25, 2008
Day 47

Back on my Feet Countdown: 61 days

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More Awesome News!!

I had another doctor's appointment this past Tuesday. Robbie and I believed in our hearts that we were going to get more great news. It is what we have prayed for and it is what we believed would happen. But in God-fashion, the news was more than just great...it was bigger and better than even we were expecting. And let me tell you, my expectations were very high!

We were called back to a room. First off, I was wheeled back for new x-rays. Once that was done, I was taken back to my room. After waiting a while, the doctor came in with the new x-rays. He threw them up on the lighted board and said, "Amazing!' "Everything looks better than I was ever expecting!" "Remarkable!" I was expecting these remarks. My doc then asked me how my feet were feeling. I told him all is great...there was some pain at night, but that was mostly attributed to swelling and the swelling was attributed to me no keeping them elevated enough. Meaning, there are some days where I am doing too much!

Here is where it gets much sweeter. My doc then said, "you can lose the left boot...I want to reward you for all of the great things that are happening here." I said, "WHAT?!" I never even considered that I would come out of this visit with one less device strapped to my legs! My left leg and foot are FREE! And then it got even better....by my next appointment (6 weeks), I should be able to stand and walk on my left foot using a walker! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?

Here are more details:

• I can start moving my left foot side to side.
• I can start bathing my right leg and foot.
• I can start moving my right foot up and down.
• I can start putting weight and pressure on my left foot.

We are thrilled! We are tickled! We are thankful!

What Does the Walking Countdown Mean?

Many have asked me what kind of walking will I be doing at Thanksgiving. I have asked God to allow me to walk by Nov 25th. My expectation is both feet on the ground, taking a few steps with a walker. BUT, knowing God the way I do, I am sure it will be bigger and better than what I have in mind. So, I want to walk to my Thanksgiving Table so that I can give all the honor and glory and thanks to God Almighty!!

Life is Good!

Sept 17, 2008
Day 39

Back On My Feet Countdown: 69 days

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Time is Moving Fast

It is amazing to watch the time go by even when you are down and your mobility is limited. I started my "Back On My Feet Countdown" at 90 days and here it is 69 days. Not only that, today is day 39; 39 days since my accident. I am so thankful that I have plenty to do. Not only that, my son is here on Mondays and Fridays with my sis-in-law. I have the privilege of playing with him on those days and on the days that Robbie is off during the week; like today for instance. I am able to get in the floor with him. I can roll and crawl on my hands and knees. Funny; here I am 41 and I am having to start over just like a baby...rolling, crawling and eventually walking. Life can change so quickly. It is that statement that has reminded me that you can't take the little things for granted. I never really thought about walking and how important it is. Yet, here I am, wishing to walk. I even dream about it often. Many nights, I wake up to tell Robbie about my walking dreams. It is so funny!

So How Am I Really Doing?

Many people ask me if I am really doing as well as I let on. The answer to that question is a BIG YES! Sure, there is so many things I could be sad about....I could sit in this recliner every day and just get all engrossed in the negative aspects of my accident and it's outcome. But I am reminded of a wonderful verse in the Bible that has been a beacon to me, James 1:2-4: "Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I can testify that God does indeed bring you PURE JOY during the dark times in your life. I am proof of that. I am truly full of PURE JOY! I am SO thankful for my accident. I am SO thankful for the pain it caused. I am SO thankful for the things I have learned and will continue to learn from this trial. I am SO thankful for the ways God has blessed me during this trial. I am SO thankful for the difficulties, frustrations and limitations that have come from my accident.

I know this sounds crazy, but I wouldn't be SO thankful if it were not for God and His work in my life. Only He could take something so bad and make it so good! "All things work for the good of them who love God and who are called according to His purposes!" So the Bible tells me that ALL THINGS work for my good. So, here I am in this wheelchair with 2 bum feet and I have learned and fully believe that this is for my good! LOVE IT!

People Say The Craziest Things

I fully understand that people try to find some way to connect to you and your situation. I am sure on many occasions, I too have said some crazy things to people who are suffering or in crazy situations. Just listen to some of these:

• Wow, I bet that hurt? No, not at all!
• You sure are in a bad predicament! Actually, no, all is good!
• I bet you won't go in the attic again! Well, duh!
• My friend's, brother's, sister's, aunt's, dog fell off a ladder and broke his ankle..... I have heard every story of any person that has hurt their legs in some way.
• Did you get hurt? I guess the wheelchair and moon boots aren't visually enough to prove that I did indeed get hurt!
• Why would you do that? Not sure now!
• Don't you know you should not be in the attic? Yes, I know now!
• Why didn't you floor your attic? I guess I am just lazy! LOL
• So, you can't walk? Hmmmmm? NO!
• What a heel you are! The heel jokes are my favs.
• You sure are lucky? LOL....one side of me says, "Are you kidding?" but then the Godly side of me says, "No, not lucky, blessed!"
• What were you thinking? I was thinking about the cables I was trying to run!

Please don't take me wrong here. I am very thankful that people are trying to connect with my injuries. Many people don't know what to say other than the first thing that comes into their minds. I am thankful that people wish to chat with me and give me their best wishes. But some of the things they say is just hilarious or completely obvious; as if I had not considered the thought at all.

Try This At Home

Ok, here is a way you can connect with my difficulties and get a good laugh at the same time. Now let me set the stage for you:

When I need to use the restroom, I must transfer from the recliner to my wheelchair. Then, I wheel into my bedroom to the entrance of my bathroom. My chair will not go through the door opening, therefore, I must transfer from my wheelchair to a cheap Wal-Mart rolling chair with no back on it. I then push my self into my bathroom and then over to the toilet room. I then transfer (with pants/shorts still on) from the rolling chair to the toilet seat.

Now here is where you come in. Go to your toilet seat, sit down and now without using your feet, unbutton your pants/shorts and pull them down to potty. Now, pull your underwear up. Now laugh! It is just hilarious!

More background info: For me, I can't completely pull my pants/shorts back up. So, I have to transfer back to the rolling chair with pants/shorts hanging; roll over to the sink to wash my hands and then push myself back to my wheelchair. Once I am back in the wheelchair, I pivot my bottom back and forth while pulling up on my pants/shorts. So many times, I have to stop and laugh.

So, you try it and then just laugh. When you live in a wheelchair, you must find crazy ways to complete tasks. You should see me make the bed in the morning! LOL!

Take care and thanks for reading my blog. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

Another Awesome Doctor's Report

Sept 9, 2008
Days 28-31

Back On My Feet Countdown: 77 days

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Checkup Time!

I had my 2nd follow-up doctor's appointment this morning. He looked at my left foot and said all is good. They removed the steri tape strips they had placed on the incision. They cleaned the area well and told me that I could now shower with my leg uncovered. This was awesome news!

He then turned to my right foot. He looked at the incision area and was very pleased. His nurse removed the cast and then removed the steri strips and cleaned the area well. There was a small area where the wound was still wet, meaning it needed another 2 weeks to heal. So they applied some betadine wrapped the wound and placed my right foot into a boot. I am not able to put my right foot in the shower as yet, but it is out of the cast!!!!!

I am scheduled to go back in 2 weeks. At that time, if the incision area on my right foot is completely healed, then we can proceed with putting weight on my left foot and start moving my right foot back and forth along my ankle.

Join me in giving thanks to God! He is the Great Physician and He is healing me.

The best phrase from my doctor during this visit was, "Remarkable!" This was his remark to my healing process. God is SO good!

Looking Back & Lessons Learned

Sept 5, 2008
Days 24-27

Back On My Feet Countdown: 80 days

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Four Week Anniversary

Today marks 4 weeks since my accident. Today, I was in our Dinning Room looking up at the ceiling remembering the day, August 9th; praising God that I am still here and the whole in my ceiling has been patched and fixed. It is pretty amazing everything that has transpired over these past 4 weeks. 17 days in the hospital. Major surgery on both heels. Eating some spectacular food in the hospital (yuck, and a BIG NOT)! I am still amazed at God's grace and how He continues to sustain me! I praise God for this accident. I praise God for the difficulties that have come from it. I praise God for the pain I endured. I praise God for the character He is perfecting. I just love Him more and more each day!

I am able to do more and more with my feet and legs everyday. Yesterday, my sis-in-law came to stay with Collier and I. I had the privilege of playing in the floor with my son. I am able to crawl, scoot and roll. I feel like a Collier; a toddler! Collier kept coming up to me, crawling all over me. Even when I had to get back in my recliner to elevate my feet, he would come running; wanting in my lap. You might think, "Well, yes, you are his daddy and of course he would be crawling on you and wanting in your lap!" As a matter of fact, this really has not been the case until today. I had been gone 17 days and he had been going back and forth between many different family and friends....and in the midst of all the confusion, we lost some of the closeness we once shared. He really would not have much to do with me when I got back home. I have been pretty sad over this and have been praying that God would restore our relationship. I can confidently say that as of yesterday, things are much better! God again answered my prayer! Thank you!

People Say Crazy Things

Robbie was off today, so we went to Little Rock to run some errands. It was a great day to do it...sunshine without a cloud in the sky and temps in the lower 80s. Just a beautiful day! Our first stop was Hobby Lobby. This store is like Wal-Mart on a Saturday; wall to wall people. And of course, they have on 2 handicap parking spots and yes, they were full. So, Robbie had to drop me off at the front door and then find a parking spot 10 miles away! I went in to the store and waited for Robbie. It is strange to sit in a wheelchair and wait. People are trying not to stare, but they can't help themselves. It is funny to watch. As we left the store, I went outside and parked my chair on the narrow sidewalk, next to the entrance while Robbie and Collier walked to parking lot Egypt to get the car. I felt like a beggar looking for food and/or money. I bet if I were to have held my hand out, I would have gotten some donations! LOL So, as I sat there, people were having to walk around me as they came and went from the store. One lady said, "Boy, you are in a bad predicament!" Well, dah! On man said, "Wow, that had to hurt!" Well of course it did! There was one person who asked if I needed any help. I told him I was waiting for my wife to bring the car around. His question was legit! :) I will watch what I say to people or just keep my mouth shut! I never want to be a person who says something stupid to someone who apparently is dealing with some kind of difficulty! :)

From Hobby Lobby, we went to Wal-Mart. Again, Wal-Mart on a Saturday....we must like pain! LOL Another thing I have learned about Wal-Mart; lots of disabled people shop there. There is never handicap parking available...and they have lots of slots to choose from! My personal favorite are the people (like me) who have the temporary disability tag you hang from your rear-view mirror; they bail out of their car and NO ONE HAS ANY APPEARANCE OF BEING DISABLED! Where is the limp? Where is the wheelchair? Where are the crutches? Where are the missing limbs? Where is the oxygen tank? Are you kidding me? Here I and anyone else who is truly disabled is in need of a parking place and there they are....got the tag but not one person with a disability! So, we park in the back 40 and wheel ourselves to the front door! You learn many things when you are in the chair....things you never knew or you took for granted.

We are going to Church tomorrow for the first time in 4 weeks. I will let you know how glorious it is!

Time Off With Family Continues--Here Comes Gustav

Sept 1, 2008
Days 22-23

Back On My Feet Countdown: 85 days

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It has been a blast being home with my family these past few days. What great timing for Robbie to be off for 5 days straight. We are learning how to live in a wheelchair. I have been working hard to find ways to help around the house; in an attempt to help Robbie with all of the added duties she picked up when I came home. I have been folding clothes, cooking lunch and dinner (with a little assistance), feeding Collier and I can clean up the kitchen. I am so thankful I can help.

Robbie is a trooper! She does it all with a smile on her face and I am SO thankful for her love, support and all that she does to take care of our family!

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During my rehab and recovery, I have become reacquainted with a song that has now become my song during this trial. The song is, In Christ Alone, by Michael English. I have adopted this song because the lyrics perfectly describe me and my situation. The lyrics point my heart to Christ and they comfort me; they allow me to give praise to God! Here see for yourself--:

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself
In battles won
For I've been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone, I overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes
Like diamonds in my hands
But these trophies could not equal
To the grace, by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone will I glory
For only by His grace
I am redeemed
And only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness
To my need
Now I seek no greater honor
Than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses
And to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory In the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

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Gustav has made its last stand here in Arkansas. The rain began last night and will continue for the next 3 to 4 days. We are expecting as much as 15" of rain in some parts of central Arkansas. Looks like our fall foliage will be spectacular this year. The more rain we get in August, the brighter the colors will be in the Fall. If you have never been to Arkansas in the Fall, you are missing some beautiful colors. I am looking forward to a wonderful Autumn!!

Maybe Too Much Fun?

August 30, 2008
Day 21

Back On My Feet Countdown: 86 days

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I have been home 5 days now and we are beginning to get a routine in place on living in a wheelchair. I have found that you can do pretty much anything you want in a wheelchair. There some limitations and plenty of frustrations. Two notable frustrations:

• First, having to ask for assistance with tasks I have never needed assistance before. For example, I can't reach the plates in our kitchen cabinets or I can get to my huge spice rack in my pantry. So frustrating, yet so surreal....it causes me to think about people who are in wheelchairs forever.
• Second, it takes a long time to get simple things done. Taking a bath, going to the restroom, making dinner....all of these simple tasks (simple for those who can walk) take a lot of time and energy to complete.

Well today, I believe I went a little over-board on activities. This morning, we went for a walk around the block. I knew it would be difficult, but a good work out for my arms. Wow...I was right...very hard and I was dead tired when I got back. But it was so much fun to be out with my family and hearing Collier squeal all around the block....he loves to ride in his car outside...so the squeals were happy ones!

In the afternoon, we made a trip to Wal-Mart. We had a long list of things to get. We left soon after Collier woke up from his afternoon nap....but as we began our Wal-Mart tour, we soon realized that it was Collier's snack time...and boy did he remind us of it. So we went to the baby food isle first....grabbed a bag of whole wheat cookies and opened them up. This is not one of our preferred snacks, but sometimes, you just have to go with the flow. Our Wal-Mart trip took forever....we sat in check-out lane #7 for the longest. Our cashier was being extra slow at a time when we needed her to be a little more efficient. Collier was starting to melt down...time to exit!!!

I just started laughing...here Robbie was with a cart full of stuff, a screaming baby and a disabled husband in a wheelchair. She was just taking it all in stride...not letting it affect her at all. I was doing all kinds of stupid tricks to keep Collier entertained while Ms. SLOW Wal-Mart #7 continued at a snail's pace. All you could do was laugh and pray!

We got home....Robbie unloaded Collier and I. She brought in the supplies and I did my best to put them up. I then started dinner. I made home-made calzones. Yum! Yum!

By the end of the day, I quickly realized that me feet were swollen and I was exhausted. I had engaged in a little too much activity......but let me tell you, it was well worth it....I will take exhaustion from being at home with my family, than another day of sitting in a bed at the hospital.

Needless to say, I had no trouble sleeping last night!!

Full Day With My Family

August 29, 2008
Day 20

What A Wonderful Day!

I had the privilege of spending the day with Robbie and Collier. Actually, this day was the beginning of 5 days of Robbie being home. We spent the morning at home and the afternoon running errands. One of our stops was the DMV (for Arkansans, the Revenue Office) to get a temporary disability tag for our car. I had forgotten it was the end of the month and that the following Monday was a holiday. We walked into a room of people waiting to be served. They were serving customer number 82 and my number was 5. Robbie took Collier out for a spin in the car while I awaited my turn. While sitting there, I saw 2 nurses that cared for me while I was in the hospital. It was good to see them again.

I was able to transfer from my wheelchair to the sofa, then to the floor to play with Collier. What a treat to be on the floor with him.

Later on in the evening, after we put Collier down for night-night, I transferred to the sofa and elevated my feet on the ottoman. Robbie and I ate popcorn and watched some shows we had DVR'd. What a great way to end the day!
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My feet are getting better and better with each passing day. I can move them more and more without pain. It is a great feeling to be able to lie on my side. It is the little things in life we take for granted and then realize how precious they are when they are taken away!

Lessons Learned Today

1. Just because a building has a handicap parking spot does not mean the entrance to the building is easily accessible to wheelchairs. We went to pick up some pictures of Collier from the photographer and yes, his building had a handicap parking spot, but steps up to the front door. Needless to say, I had to stay in the car. Bummer! I bet people with disabilities have to deal with this everyday.
2. 99% of all people will get the door for you when they see you coming in a wheelchair. Most of them will tell you of a time when they were disabled and they were always thankful when others showed them kindness. I will never forget this!

Day 19--First Doctor Appt

August 28, 2008
Day 19

Back on my Feet Countdown: 88 days

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Strengthening Feet--Family Visits--Awesome Friends--Great News!

I am sleeping better and better each night. I believe the reason for this is that my feet are not hurting or as uncomfortable as they have been. I also noticed this morning while doing my physical therapy exercises that I can move my toes and my ankles more and more without any discomfort. This is very exciting!! The swelling is much improved as well!

My dad and mom came in around 1pm today. They are on their way to Branson, MO and decided to come and spend the night with us. It was so good to see them. This is the first time I have seen my dad since my accident. My mother came the day after my accident and spent a week with us. She was so helpful! She took care of Collier and many of the household chores. I wish to take this moment to thank my mom for all of her care, love and help. You are a huge blessing to me and my family. So, my day was great....I spent the morning with my Mom-In-Law and Collier and then spent the afternoon with my Dad, Mom and Collier. It made the day go by fast and it was purely enjoyable!

My first doctor's appointment since leaving the hospital was this afternoon at 4:30pm. Since Robbie was working, my friend Liz volunteered to take me to my appointment. So we loaded up in the car, and took off. I began to tell Liz where we were going. She turned to me and said, I know where I am going! LOL Of course, she has lived here all of her life!

We got to the doctor's office at 4:20 and the waiting room was full. Liz laughed and said, "I bet we don't get out of here by 6!" Sometime around 5:30pm, I was called back. They began by removing the splints I had on. From there, we went to another room to conduct x-rays. The x-rays were completed and they decided to leave me on this very hard table, saying this would be the best place to remove my stitches and to put casts back on.

While lying on the table, Dr. Lorio comes in and hold the x-rays up to the light where he can show me what was going on. I have to admit, this is my first time to see x-rays of my feet after surgery. All I could see was pins and screws. Funny, was there in bone in there at all? Dr. Lorio begins to speak. We start with the left foot. He is very pleased with the healing process so far. And the wounds on that foot are looking good...no infection and no drainage. Then we move to the right foot, the one with the most damage. He gets this huge smile on his face and then then turns to me, smiling, and says; "I could not be any more excited about how this looks! You know as I told you after surgery, I did the best I could do rebuilding this foot. See the bone putty? See where we tried to use pins on the top to repair the damage!" He then pointed to the curvature of the bone and again was smiling....he continue to tell me how happy he was with the healing so far. No infections on the right. The wounds are looking good. There is still a little drainage, yet, all is just awesome. I looked him in the eye and said; "This is the hand of God, this is the hand of God!" He agreed with me! He left the room and all I could do was point to the ceiling and say; "You God, this news is all YOU! Thank you and praise you!"

From there, my big smile when to a squinting face and saying ouch! The stitches were coming out and boy, did they hurt. Big, big, ouch! But, it was temporary and it passed.

I left the office with a boot on the left foot (no cast, just a sock covered foot in a walking boot to keep it in place as it continues to heal) and a cast on the right one. They cut a hole in the cast so that I could clean my wound every day for the next 2 weeks. I go back in 2 weeks for another follow-up appointment. At that time, the wounds on the right will be healed enough for a boot covering as well. I am able to move my left foot back and forth to give my ankle some exercise.

So you see, God really does answer prayer. I am so thankful for this wonderful report and I praise Him and give him all the credit for this awesome news!

Day 18--First Day Alone at Home

August 27, 2008
Day 18

Back On My Feet Countdown: 90 days


Getting into the swing of things!

I fell asleep in my bed at 9:30pm last night. I had not planned on going to sleep that early, yet, I was exhausted from the day's activities. I woke up at 11:30 in a complete sweat. Not sure why, but I was soaked and so were the sheets. I had the feeling of wet sheets. YUCK! So I pealed off some of the covers and let the ceiling fan cool me down. Then back off to sleep I went. I woke up at 6:30am just in time to get dressed and feed Collier. Robbie had everything ready for me to feed him this morning. She got him up and I was at his high chair with his food and milk. We got him into his high chair. We prayed to say thanks for our food and I began to feed him. It was then that I began to sing the song that I always sing to him when I feed him: This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. I will rejoice, I will rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day (YEAH) this is the day, that the Lord has made!

Of course it took me must longer than normal to sing it as I was crying my eyes out, trying to get through the song. My tears were tears of joy....I was finally back home, singing to my son as I always did each morning I fed him. I was so thankful that I was there and had the ability to sing and interact with him. There are so many other scenarios that could have played out from my fall.....and that is why I am so thankful that I was here, singing this song and feeding my son. Oh Praise YOU GOD! Only YOU can do the impossible, the most miraculous!

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Robbie's Mom came and took Collier for the day. Robbie then got me setup for my day and she kissed me goodbye and off she went to work. Now, it was just me, God, my cats and this house. I was being overwhelmed with emotions of loneliness and wondering how I was going to make it through the next 90 days. You see, my doc and I have a goal for me to get back on my feet (or at least begin to get back on my feet) in 90 days. It was then that I spent the next hour in prayer and reading my Bible. God took away these negative feelings and I began my day in pure joy!

I went all over the house today in my wheelchair. I even ventured out to the garage. I have spent the majority of my day here in my recliner, in the living room, talking on the phone and working on my computer. It has been and great day and I look forward to Robbie and Collier's return this evening.

Day 17--At Last, Going Home!

August 26, 2008
Day 17

Home or Bust!

In my Day 16 post, the last thing I talked about was being awake at 6:30am and deciding to start my day. I could not sleep any more. I wanted out of my bed. I wanted to pack everything up....I was ready to go home! I paged my friendly, sadistic nurses! They came and bagged my legs for my shower. They brought in all of my towels and supplies. I grabbed my clothes, got into my wheelchair and into the the shower I went. It was great to sit under the jet spray of warm water and think about going home. I just sat there and praised God for His blessings! I got dressed, brushed my teeth, did all the normal morning things. I left my bathroom ready to GO!!!
Breakfast came and my doctor stopped by to cover any last minute things and to tell me they were working on my departure paperwork.

Soon after this, Robbie showed up and started packing my stuff. Some of our friends also showed up to help take home my rehab equipment. What a blessing to have friends and for them to come when you call for help!

Finally, my nurse come in at 9:30 with papers to sign. I signed them and at that point, I was a free man! Yee Haa! Hurray! Go! Go! Go! It is Home or Bust!

Home At Last!

I wheeled into my house with such delight, joy and a wee bit anxiety. What? Anxiety? You have got to be kidding. How in the world do you have anxiety when all you could think about was coming home. Well, it was there, in the pit of my stomach, anxiety! Questions starting going through my head:

• Who will help us with Collier if Robbie is called to the hospital on call night?
• How will I get around a house in a wheelchair when the house was not built with a wheelchair in mind?
• How am I going to be able to help around the house to keep my wife from being overwhelmed by all the added responsibilities?
• How in the world will I be able to take a shower since my wheelchair will not fit into any of the bathroom doorways?
• How will I keep from getting lonely sitting in an empty house each day for 10 or more hours?

It was then that I was reminded of the verse in Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

I just let those thoughts drift away and I continued to soak up all of the excitement of being home.

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We hung around the house for a little time and then decided we needed to get my prescription filled and go to Wal-Mart to get some supplies to help me with my new environment, home! So we took off, had lunch and ran our errands. We headed home, stopped by to pick up Collier and back to the house we went. We were all home...just the 3 of us! I was back home with my family. Temporarily disabled, but home nonetheless here at home, with my family!!!!

We spent the afternoon together. We setup my portable potty. Tested my ability to get from the wheelchair to the bed. Wheeled around the house to see where I could and could not go. I have to admit, it was a tad bit frustrating. Everything did not work as easily as I had hoped for, but I had to keep reminding myself, I am home...who cares if there are small little difficulties...I am home! My feet were swelling from all of the day's activities. Therefore, I got up on my bed (oh! It felt so good!), elevated my feet and just laid there for a several minutes.

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Around 5:30pm, people started showing up at my house. Robbie and our friends planned a coming home party and they were arriving with food, drinks, and their wonderful kids. So I got into my chair in the living room and spent several hours with friends and family and playing with the kids. It was pure joy! Everyone left and it was time for our nightly cuddle time with Collier. You see, Collier typically goes to bed around 8pm each night. Just after he has his last bottle of milk for the evening, he will cuddle with us until we put him into his bed. So Robbie, Collier and I sat in the big, over sized chair and ottoman....and we just snuggled for several minutes. Again, it was PURE JOY!

Day 16--Last day of PT; Waiting for Tomorrow

August 25, 2008
Day 16


Tough Workout!

My therapists worked my tail off today. We went outside and I went up and down a steep ramp in my wheelchair. Then we came back to lift weights and stretch. Thank you Michael, Fredrick, Holly, Cherry and Marcus for your outstanding help in getting me ready to go home and take care of myself. I have the confidence necessary to go home and know that I can do my daily life activities.

Wonderful Nurses!

Lora and Janice have been my night nurses for the past 3 nights. They are full of energy, fun, smiles and laughter. We cut up all night long. I will miss them. Last night, my dinner meal from the cafeteria was pretty bad. I did not eat much. I was craving a pizza. So, when Lora and Janice came on at 7pm, they came to my room to get my vital signs. I asked them what food they brought to celebrate my last night in the hospital. I was giving them a hard time and they told me I wasn't getting anything because I was a bad patient! Joking of course! Next thing I know, Lora comes back into my room with a pizza! She wouldn't let me pay her for it...she said it was her treat for my last night! This is the kind of treatment I have received during my 17 day stay! When I get home, I am going to write a letter to the CEO praising all these people by name.

Can't Sleep; Too Excited!!!

I was up until 1am because I just could not go to sleep. All I could think about was going home and how wonderful that would be. I finally dozed off. I woke up at 3:30 am and it took another 30 minutes to get back to sleep. Then I was back up again at 5:30am. I dozed back off again and woke up at 6:30am. I decided to start the day.

Today's Humor

I know I have made a lot of humor out of body parts and body waste products, but for some strange reason, this is where I am finding my humor these days.

During the night, I woke to a full bladder screaming at me to do something. So, I raised my bed, grabbed my portable urinal and proceeded to take care of business. Now, one very important thing you have to learn about portable urinals is that you have to keep the angle just right or it will overflow on to you, your clothes and your bed linens. You see by now where this story line is going! ;) While taking care of business, I drifted off to sleep and yep, you guessed it, I did not keep the angle right. So I quickly woke back up to urine soaked clothes and bed sheets!

So I page my fun-loving nurses to lend me a hand. Of course, they get a great laugh out of it....you know, they have nothing better to do than to take care of me! LOL They make everything right again, and back off to sleep I went. The whole time, all I could think about was going home in just a few hours!!!

Day 15--One Day Left!

August 24, 2008
Day 15

24 Hours And Counting!

In 24 hours, I will be leaving the hospital and going home! A friend of mine asked me if I was nervous about going home. I can answer with an absolute, NO! I am so thrilled and happy to be leaving the hospital that there is no room for nervousness. I am so thankful for the surgeon, the hospital staff, nurses, therapists, house keeping, etc. They have been so good to me. My healing had greatly benefited from their care and I am so grateful to them!

I am looking forward to finally being in the same room as my wife. I have missed her greatly. It has been very painful not having her near me. It will be great to have my son next to me again. I have missed his jabber, squeals and laughs. I am looking forward to being in my own bed. Not just the comforts of my bed, but having my wife there next to me. Very lonely without her for these past 17 days! I can do nothing but praise God for His blessings!

Suprise Field Trip!

I learned at the last minute that I could have a day trip away from the hospital. Instead of going home for the day (since I am going home on Tuesday), I asked Robbie to come and get me and take me out to eat. So we went to one of my favorite restaurants for lunch. It was so good to be out, with my wife and to eat some real food. We had a great time together and the food was just awesome. We were out for 2 1/2 hours. Robbie spent the rest of the afternoon with me playing board games and napping. It was fun!

Day 14--Rehab & Some More Rehab

August 23, 2008
Day 14

Physical Therapy Turns Into A Field Trip

My PT session today turned into a field trip outside. My Therapist strapped 35 lbs of weights to the bottom of my wheelchair and said, "Lets Go!" We went outside and he made me go up and down this ramp. Now, I have to tell you that this was the first time I had been outside of the hospital since checking in; 14 days. It felt so good to breath fresh air, feel the wind and sun on my skin. I was in heaven! I have to laugh as I write this because it seems that all of the basic things of life that I take for granted every day, are fresh and new to me again and I am writing about them as if I had just experienced them for the very first time....yet that is exactly how I am feeling when these things happen.

It is a great feeling to be able to take care of myself. As I complete each new day of PT, my skills of moving around, grooming; the daily life activities that I need to do to survive are getting easier and easier. Again, there is nothing like bathing yourself or wiping your own bottom! These are the things that make me happy today!! LOL! Laugh all you want, but if the day comes, and I pray it doesn't, where you are unable to wipe your own bottom, you will fully understand what I am telling you and why I am feeling the way that I do. You will also find that it doesn't take much to make me happy! :)

Today's Humor

1. For the past 2 evenings, I have been transferring from my wheelchair to my shower bench. From there, I shower (of course), dry, put on clean clothes and then transfer back to the wheelchair. Today, my Therapist said that for him to check off his list that I am able to do this life task, he must observe me doing it. I asked him how much my showering did he need to see...what he going to sit there and watch me or what? He laughed and said, "WHAT?" I asked if he was come kind of pervert! Of course, I was just kidding him and he knew that...but it was funny how serious he was when he was telling me that he had to observe my shower routine; as if he was going to stand there and watch me do everything...ok Mr. Fredrick (his name), here I am moving over to the bench....here I am stripping off my clothes...ok, now here is how I soap up the wash cloth to clean my arm pits....etc! He's like, DUDE! No, I am just going to be there to see you go in and come out; just so I can say that I observed your ability to do this! I was like, OK! I just wanted to make sure I understood what was going to happen. It was sooooooo funny to see his facial reactions to my inquiries of his actions. He could have killed me at this point!
2. Late this afternoon, housekeeping came in to clean my room. Housekeeping consisted of 1 guy. He came in and asked if it was OK to clean. I told him yes. So he proceeds to clean. He asked me if I liked football....and I do, a little and in trying to be nice and polite, I told him yes. He got the biggest grin on his face and began to spout out statistics and teams and players and stats and I was just pretending like I understood everything he was saying. Again, I was being nice in the hopes he would get done and move on. So I picked up my computer to do some work and he is just chatting away about football. He said he has never found anyone here that likes to talk about football until now. He was all excited about my interest in football. So he is talking, cleaning and I am stuck. He finishes his noble attempt at cleaning and then sat down in a chair and continued his football chat. Here I am, trying to look disinterested and busy and he wants to talk to his new best friend who appears to love football. Finally, he says goodbye and that he will see me tomorrow. OH NO, I HAVE A NEW FRIEND!

Day 13--2nd Full day of Rehab

August 22, 2008
Day 13

Great Workout -- Great Family & Friends -- Great Motivation

Another great workout in PT! We did lots of weight training on my arms and legs. We also worked on transferring from wheel chair to bath chair. We also did something today that brought a huge smile to my face and great joy to my heart. Drum roll please.......

We raised my hospital bed to the height of my bed at home (29.5 inches). We then practiced transferring from bed to wheel chair and wheel chair to bed. And guess what, I DID IT!!!! So what does that mean, you may ask. That means that I don't need a hospital bed at my house. I can sleep in my own bed next to my wonderful wife. I was going to jump up and do the victory dance....oh, right, my dance card is full for the next few months! LOL! So as you can see, today was a GREAT WORKOUT!

There is no way in the world Robbie, Collier and I could make it through this ordeal without the awesome help of our family and friends. Everyday, I am reminded of how great and blessed I am to have such a wonderful caring family and friends of the same caliper. They continue to step in and meet our needs...hugging and loving us along the way. I will never forget what they have done for my family! So as you can see, I have GREAT FAMILY & FRIENDS!

My verse today during my meditation time comes from James 1:2-4; "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever your face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." So as you can see , yesterday, today and every day after, I am GREATLY MOTIVATED!

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Today's Humor

While I was in PT today, the CEO of the hospital walked into the room and asked to see Mr. Russell Rhodes. They directed him over to me. He introduced himself and he mentioned his title, but I did not hear it. He told me that some friends of my had called him and asked him to stop by and meet me. While he spoke to me, I noticed how quiet the room had gotten. I then glanced at his name tag and saw the letters CEO, but it did not logged into my brain what this meant. He asked me how the hospital was treating me and if I needed anything. He then gave me his number and told me to call him if I needed anything. I thanked him and we shook hands and left. He left the room and I thank asked my Physical Therapist who he was. He laughed and said, "Are you kidding?" I shrugged my shoulders...he said, "That was the CEO of this hospital!" I said, COOL! You could tell all the workers were wondering how I knew the CEO. It was funny to watch their faces as I was finally getting a clue as to who I had just met. I felt all big inside! LOL

A Note to My Son---Collier

Collier---

I miss being with you and your mom on a daily basis. I am so thankful that I can and have given you both to the Lord. He will always sustain and keep you. I can always trust Him for keeping you! I am so thankful for this.

I love you Collier. I love your smiles. I love it when you say, 'daddy'. I love your energy and the way you examine everything that is in your world. I love your happy squeals. I love it when you crawl into my lap with a book so we can read together. I love you. I can't wait until the day I can come back home and be with you!

I can't wait to teach you the great things God has taught me through this accident. Our God is truly amazing and I can't wait for you to see this!

I love you

Daddy

A Note To My Wonderful Wife, Robbie

Robbie,

You are my soul-mate, the one God created for me to spend the rest of my life with. I am so thankful for you. So thankful you said yes to my marriage proposal some 14+ years ago. During the good times and the bad, you have been there. I could not get through my life without you and your love for me. Thank you for being my biggest fan, my cheerleader. Thank you for being my rock when I am at my weakest point. Thank you for allowing me to cry on your shoulder when I am sad. I adore you. I respect you. I need you. I want you. I love you!

You are my dearest and my treasured friend.
Russ

Day 12--First Full Day of Rehab

August 21, 2008
Day 12

Pain, Pain, Go Away...Don't Come Back Another Day!

Unfortunately, I began my evening with pain! Here at Saline, they constantly ask if you are in pain and if so, where on the scale of 0 to 10 (10 being the worst pain you could have). At around 9pm, I was at 8-9 level. I had taken my pain meds an hour before and still no relief. The nurse was knocking his brain trying to figure out what to do next. So, he unwrapped my legs and pulled my casts apart, thinking there was swelling and the pressure was causing the pain. Praise God! Within 15 minutes I was down to a pain level of 3. We left my legs unwrapped for the rest of the evening. I did not sleep very well, but was not in a lot of pain either. There is always something good in the midst of bad!!

Physical Therapy is Fantastic!!

I was so pumped by the end of this day. The Physical Therapy (PT) group worked me over hard, but it was just a fantastic day. I was totally worn out but so pumped and excited for learning how to do things for myself. I was able to take my first shower since checking in to hotel Saline Memorial. I just sat under the jets of warm water and all I could do was Praise God. It is funny how we take the simple pleasures of life for granted....when you lose them, you appreciate them so much more when you get them back!!!

Robbie spent the night with me tonight. It was great to have her here. I will never be able to put into words what a wonderful woman she is. I know she is overwhelmed by my accident. She has been a trooper....taking on additional responsibilities even though her plate is already full. Baby, I love you with all of my heart. You have and will continue to be the Wind Beneath My Wings!

Today's Humor

1. Warning: This section talks about poop! You know, I never thought must about the importance of pooping. I went 4 1/2 days without doing it and was so miserable. And when I started back up, I had to do it in my bed, with a bed pan and then call for some stranger to come and wipe me. TODAY, I transferred from my bed to my wheelchair, from my wheelchair to my toilet and well, you know the rest of the story. I sat there, doing my business, laughing because pooping is important, BUT, pooping and wiping on your own is FANTASTIC!! By the time I got back to my bed, I had burned 1000 calories and I was drenched in sweat! But life was great!
2. My nurse today was a guy from the Twilight Zone. I am serious.....he did a fantastic job, but had the strangest since of humor. He would come in my room and chat with me and get so cracked up over his own jokes that he would just ball over in laughter. His jokes weren't too funny, but watching him was amusing to me! You had to be here to get the full effect.