Walter (Reed), our pet squirrel, has been moved to rehab. We rescued him after his mother died. He would sit in the palm of our hands and eat peanuts. When it was clear he wouldn't survive the winter (and was very clearly going through his "terrible twos"), two soldiers delivered him to an animal rescue organization. They were eyed suspiciously and asked how long they'd kept him....
Three days. Really.
More amputees have joined us. Dozens have arrived in just the past few weeks at Bethesda and Walter Reed, the hospital. I worry about them. One new quad amputee's girlfriend broke all of the dishes in his California apartment, ripped his uniforms to shreds and the apartment complex management is evicting him. It's not like he can fly out West to fight them as he is missing both arms and both legs. Don't worry, I'm on it...
I have gone through more surgery. I have been advised on whether I will keep my "other" leg (chances, 50-50). I am in line, I hope, for the new "power foot", which by all accounts is awesome. Tested in Texas, rumor has it the amputees wouldn't give them back at the end of the trials.
I am learning to drive again. Well, my right foot is. My teacher is concerned about my stops since I'm hesitant to slam on the brakes with my tender foot.
Another journalist has joined us here. I won't give out his private details but a quick Google search should tell you who it is. I get sick to my stomach when I think about what's ahead for him. But I am thankful he's alive.
I have celebrated another birthday.
I am looking for a new home.
I feed the birds and squirrels every day. They recognize me and surround my wheelchair when I roll out back. I'm a f*cking Disney movie.
I love the Fall but missed most of the color because I was laid up after surgery. Luckily I had company.
I go back and forth between looking forward to my new life and worrying obsessively about it.
Veterans Day has come and gone. I am grateful I got stories on the radio about the number of wounded coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq.
My nephew has just graduated from Ranger school. I worry sick about what is coming for him but am so very proud.
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3 comments:
It's wonderful to hear from you again after your long absence. I hope that things continue to get better for you, and that you continue to stay positive through it all. God bless you for all you have done for our country in the past, and now, I pray that now our country will continue to take care of you.
In my philosophy class yesterday, the professor brought up a wonderful thought. We are supposed to be preparing for the future now. And if you flip "now" backwards, it says "won". If we prepare ourselves for the future by being optimistic, and continually bettering ourselves, we have already won.
I took not hearing from you for so long as a good sign. I have been hoping that you were too busy or just had other interest. That appears to be the case and I'm glad. Those of us who can be nothing but "well wishers" have been well wishing you a lot.
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month does not go by unnoticed in this house.
Glad to get some update - loved seeing the "walking on the stage" video you posted.
I've update my website and, yes, have a blog going now.
www.barbaranelson.com
Hope to see you in New York.
Best.
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