Today marks 3 months since Justin was injured. Today is also is also two days before the 12th anniversary of the events that sparked the war that Justin was fighting when he got injured. Who knew on that morning of September 11, 2001 as I was getting ready for school just how much that day would change my life in ways I never could have imagined. If someone had come up to me on September 10th and said, tomorrow terrorists are going to hijack some airplanes. Two will fly into the Twin Towers, one into the Pentagon, and another will miss its mark because of some brave passengers. Oh, and one day, you’re going to marry a soldier who will eventually deploy three times and on the third time will get seriously injured and you’ll live at Walter Reed for a time. I would have looked at the person like they were totally insane. Yet, here I am, and thankfully, Justin’s here with me.
Right now, the only thing holding him up for prosthetics is the open wound areas on both legs. Because of how the blast hit, it originally looked like the left leg would be the holdup since it sustained worse injuries and needed the skin graft. Now it’s the right leg that’s causing a little bit of concern as to its healing. Due to the way his leg had to be closed up (picture moccasin type stitching around the end of right leg), the last section to heal is right at the end where he would need to be putting pressure to bear weight. The left leg was closed up in more of an X pattern across the top of the leg, and they’re hopeful to start the process of casting it and getting ready to bear weight. He’ll be able to start that even if the right leg isn't ready yet. It’s more difficult to walk with just one prosthetic, but I’ve seen plenty of guys here start out like that. Please continue to pray that both legs will finish healing.
Corey’s been up here with us almost a month now. We’ve had some times of adjustment that weren’t too fun, but we’re working through them. He’s enjoying “working out” with Justin for PT/OT. He wants to do everything his daddy does. We’ve gotten to do some fun things together as a family since he’s been up here like the fly fishing tournament, the zoo, and some of the museums and monuments in D.C. I think Justin has another fishing trip this coming weekend that we’ll all be able to go to, also through Project Healing Waters. So thankful for organizations like these that provide opportunity for Justin to get back into his hobbies and let Corey and I come along for the ride to enjoy it with him.
Even though there are days when hate it here and just plain want to go home (whether that be to GA or to FL), I’m thankful for the opportunity for us all to be together and for the good times where we can make new memories. Not all of my memories from the Walter Reed days will be pleasant, but there are plenty that are…just like any other situation I’ve been in and every place I’ve lived and really, life in general. There will always be ups and downs. Things I’d rather not have to deal with, and things that are a pleasure to experience. Through the difficult times, you can definitely see who your friends are, and let me tell you, I’m blessed with some really awesome friends and family (and friends who are like family). Barely a day goes by that I don’t get a message on facebook or my email, a text or call on my cellphone, or a card or letter in the mail from friends and family and even complete strangers. Some days up here are pretty crazy, so if I don’t reply/call back right away, I apologize. I do really appreciate each and every message I get. Sometimes I just have a minute to read them and then am pulled in several different directions, and by the time I’m able to reply, I’ve got 50 other things on my mind and forget or it’s too late at night to call. Anyway, thank you all for being there for me and my family in so many ways that I couldn’t begin to name them all without leaving something or someone out. You all are the best!
