Good Evening,
Many mixed feelings today. Right now my contact lenses are messed up because of some recent emotions that came to the surface.
David really had a great day but it all seemed to come crashing in on him tonight and I'll explain in a minute.
It was a normal day of OT and PT. PT was extra fun today because three of the guys decided to put on their legs and race through the halls. Oh, my the way, the guy he was playing X-box with was Brian, not Michael. David really enjoyed passing a guy in the hall who had left the PT room about a quarter of a lap before him.
We ended up in Prosthetics where Pete began the measurement process to order a new let of liners. David's legs are changing in volume the more he exercises and it's time to change his liners and he'll probably be recast within the next two weeks.
Over the past few months, David has been having a terrible time being able to go to sleep. He has tried meditation, medicines, familiar setups that helped him sleep in the field while on deployments, and now he finally found a medication that does not keep him loopy in the morning but really gets him tired at night. That's when it all came crashing in - I was sitting there watching David in his wheelchair and could tell something was going on in his head. He said, Dad, this medication really causes some weird sensations. He didn't say those exact words but I can't remember exactly what words he used. He said he could actually feel his legs, not the tingly sensation he usually has, he could feel the mass, he could feel his knees, as he concentrated he could feel his calves tighten, he could feel his feet.
He said he didn't want to open his eyes because the feelings might go away. I saw that the feelings were opening another look at this harsh reality. I suggested that he should open his eyes so that it didn't feel quite so disturbing. He said that he felt like if he pushed down a little further his feet would hit the floor and he could stand up. He could feel the hair on his legs. It was far to real to enjoy the sensation. Out of respect for my son David and his privacy, I will end these comments.
I'm really having a hard time not being with my beautiful wife and the rest of my family, but I am also having a very hard time thinking that I'm going home for Thanksgiving and won't be here to help with any need he expresses. I am very grateful for Zack and Dave coming to be with and assist him - they'll be involved with killing the enemy on X-box and all will be fine.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Tomorrow is David's Birthday
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, 22 November 2010 at 1647
Hello Again,
I wanted to tell you something that happened while David and I were sitting waiting for one of his prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy. We were just sitting there talking and a woman walked up to David and handed him a note "I just wanted to say thank you for being such a hero for my kids to look up to. God Bless You!" within 5 minutes, a gentleman walked up to David and thanked him for his service and told him that he gave much more than just service. The man was a veteran himself and we both thanked him for his service.
I hardly saw David all day, it was my assignment to take the Jeep and get the new rack put on. It was going to take a few hours so I went over to the mall and watch Harry Potter. David just does not like the Harry Potter stuff so I took the opportunity to see the movie.
Hopefully tomorrow he will get the hand controls for the Jeep - nope, that hope just got dashed by a phone call.
David did another 450 yards today but it was quite a bit harder because he forgot to bring his headphones and didn't have the rhythm. He did about 1/4 of a lap (twice) without the use of his canes.
He's now sitting here with another great friend, Mike, playing the new Brotherhood game on the X-box. They will be lost in the game for awhile.
I'll talk to you again tomorrow - I hope.
Take Care,
Gordon
I wanted to tell you something that happened while David and I were sitting waiting for one of his prescriptions to be filled at the pharmacy. We were just sitting there talking and a woman walked up to David and handed him a note "I just wanted to say thank you for being such a hero for my kids to look up to. God Bless You!" within 5 minutes, a gentleman walked up to David and thanked him for his service and told him that he gave much more than just service. The man was a veteran himself and we both thanked him for his service.
I hardly saw David all day, it was my assignment to take the Jeep and get the new rack put on. It was going to take a few hours so I went over to the mall and watch Harry Potter. David just does not like the Harry Potter stuff so I took the opportunity to see the movie.
Hopefully tomorrow he will get the hand controls for the Jeep - nope, that hope just got dashed by a phone call.
David did another 450 yards today but it was quite a bit harder because he forgot to bring his headphones and didn't have the rhythm. He did about 1/4 of a lap (twice) without the use of his canes.
He's now sitting here with another great friend, Mike, playing the new Brotherhood game on the X-box. They will be lost in the game for awhile.
I'll talk to you again tomorrow - I hope.
Take Care,
Gordon
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 18 thru Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 1850
We're both alive. Since I hadn't written for a few days you probably thought we both had drowned in the wild Sand Diego surf. We survived and had a great time. David took his own kayak and I went with the instructor and we got safely through the surf and paddled up and down the coast for approximately 2 miles. I was really nice but we all drank some sea water on the way back in. A big wave tipped us all out. The nice thing is that they had a wheelchair that has balloon tires and I walked it right into the water and scooped David up and all is well. We did forget the earplugs for David's damaged ears but everything worked out just fine.
On Friday, they moved David up another 2 inches - his height right now hits me right about chin high and he's getting taller than many of the therapists he works with. When walking with the taller shorties, it is much more difficult. He's not got a favorite song that he walks to - if puts him in a great rhythm and he walked another 450 NON-STOP YARDS today. He is absolutely wet when he is done. He lays down directly after walking and I tie a strap around his legs to pull them together as much as possible. Laying in bed for over two months in a spread eagle position while his pelvis healed has taken it's tole on his flexibility. While his legs are strapped together he does sit ups and just continues to work hard until he is close to being sick. He obviously wants his full legs very bad.
Right now the 10th of December will be the end of 4 weeks so I think I'm looking forward to that day almost as much as David is. In case you don't remember what 4 weeks represents, that's when he gets knees and he will be standing close to full height. Very very very exciting.
This weekend has been very quite because it has been raining most of the time. Today, Sunday, David had the opportunity to spend about 7 hours with his friends at a barbecue. It was really nice for him to get away with his friends without prudy Dad hanging around.
Tomorrow is exciting, David will be getting a rack put on his jeep. Then Tuesday is really exciting because we should have the hand controls installed so David can take over the driving. I'm really liking his jeep but I would much rather him be the driver - these are all really important steps toward independence.
Thanksgiving is Thursday and my family has a tradition of going around the table and saying what we are thankful for. I'm thinking that this year I had better write it down because the second I think about all I am thankful for I get huge tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. For such a terrible situation, there is soooo much to be grateful for.
See you soon,
Gordon
On Friday, they moved David up another 2 inches - his height right now hits me right about chin high and he's getting taller than many of the therapists he works with. When walking with the taller shorties, it is much more difficult. He's not got a favorite song that he walks to - if puts him in a great rhythm and he walked another 450 NON-STOP YARDS today. He is absolutely wet when he is done. He lays down directly after walking and I tie a strap around his legs to pull them together as much as possible. Laying in bed for over two months in a spread eagle position while his pelvis healed has taken it's tole on his flexibility. While his legs are strapped together he does sit ups and just continues to work hard until he is close to being sick. He obviously wants his full legs very bad.
Right now the 10th of December will be the end of 4 weeks so I think I'm looking forward to that day almost as much as David is. In case you don't remember what 4 weeks represents, that's when he gets knees and he will be standing close to full height. Very very very exciting.
This weekend has been very quite because it has been raining most of the time. Today, Sunday, David had the opportunity to spend about 7 hours with his friends at a barbecue. It was really nice for him to get away with his friends without prudy Dad hanging around.
Tomorrow is exciting, David will be getting a rack put on his jeep. Then Tuesday is really exciting because we should have the hand controls installed so David can take over the driving. I'm really liking his jeep but I would much rather him be the driver - these are all really important steps toward independence.
Thanksgiving is Thursday and my family has a tradition of going around the table and saying what we are thankful for. I'm thinking that this year I had better write it down because the second I think about all I am thankful for I get huge tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. For such a terrible situation, there is soooo much to be grateful for.
See you soon,
Gordon
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 2221
He Da Man!
David had a fantastic day today. He didn't have any early morning appointments so he slept in a bit and he headed to the hospital about 1230. It was necessary for me to do a bit of running around taking care of errands for him and he went ahead and started his PT without me. I was a bit jealous that I wasn't there.
Yesterday I tried to do some of his exercises with David. He was using a 12 pound medicine ball so I grabbed one and laid down next to him and was trying to mimic his motions. It was not that easy. He told me the area on my sides that this particular exercise was suppose to help and I told him I couldn't really feel anything there so he told me "don't use your legs", oh my gosh, I took them out of the equation and I could feel everything. It's hard to play like you don't have legs when you do. I'm sure it's even worse to play like you have legs when you don't.
I'm going to be learning a bit more about mirror therapy so I can try to help David. David has told me that your nerves seem to remember their last impulse before they no longer existed. David's feet always feel like his heels are being pushed really hard and that his toes are forward, curled under and being crushed. In mirror therapy, Lynn (his therapist) tries to put her leg in a position that makes it look like it is an extension of his leg through the mirror - she then asks him to direct her in putting her foot in the exact position he feels. Once that is achieved, she begins to slowly move her toes and straighten her foot and relax her heal - David can feel her every movement. It is very important that we learn the technique so he can get some relief. He has been told that if he can consistently do the mirror therapy for a few weeks, the pain may completely go away.
Yesterday we also went to Dermatology. There is a laser specialist that met with us and now David is scheduled for surgery on the 6th of December. They will be working on both legs, on his right hand and arm, and on his stomach scars. This laser surgery should relieve some tight area where the scar sights have attached themselves to the muscles instead of being more like natural skin and can be moved around. The offered to permanently take the hair off of his legs but Pete, his Prosthestist (sp) is not sold on the idea because the hair enables the leg to dissipate heat and the sweat is a good thing for the pours. Now I don't want you ladies out there to think it's time to grow out your hairy legs just so you can dissipate heat and sweat better - us men like your legs just they way they are. This upcoming surgery should only be about an hour long and will not interrupt his PT or OT efforts.
I never finished telling you why David is DA MAN - it's because today he did 3 (three) (THREE) yes THREE complete laps around the halls WITHOUT STOPPING. That's approximately 450 yards without stopping. Yesterday David figured out that he could walk a little better and longer if he had music that he walks to. It helps him gain a rhythm - proving that us white guys really do have rhythm. There was only one bad part to finding out about the music - he used his top of the line cell phone to play the music and he really didn't have a way to carry it so he put it inside his shirt and his sweat destroyed the phone. We spent an hour or two last night at Sprint checking to see what happened - just shows you how manly us Lyon guys are - even our sweat is powerful.
I got some discs made of the pictures I've taken so I can get some of them on this blog and as I went through them to make sure they were acceptable photos, the tears just started to flow because there is a very distinct memory and emotion with each photograph. We, all of us who love David, are very blessed to have him and his strength in our lives. It's like saying that no matter how things get - it'll be OK through some great effort.
Tomorrow morning we're going Kayaking for David's Occupational Therapy - if I drown, I'll meet you in heaven - at least I hope I'll be able to come up there and visit all of you.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Rachelle, if I'm home for the family Christmas Party - I will be Santa.
P.S. JJ, you are a great inspiration to all of us too - you're doing incredible. David and I talk about you and your accomplishments often. He's very proud of his little brother.
P.S. I miss you all very very much and I love you!!!!
David had a fantastic day today. He didn't have any early morning appointments so he slept in a bit and he headed to the hospital about 1230. It was necessary for me to do a bit of running around taking care of errands for him and he went ahead and started his PT without me. I was a bit jealous that I wasn't there.
Yesterday I tried to do some of his exercises with David. He was using a 12 pound medicine ball so I grabbed one and laid down next to him and was trying to mimic his motions. It was not that easy. He told me the area on my sides that this particular exercise was suppose to help and I told him I couldn't really feel anything there so he told me "don't use your legs", oh my gosh, I took them out of the equation and I could feel everything. It's hard to play like you don't have legs when you do. I'm sure it's even worse to play like you have legs when you don't.
I'm going to be learning a bit more about mirror therapy so I can try to help David. David has told me that your nerves seem to remember their last impulse before they no longer existed. David's feet always feel like his heels are being pushed really hard and that his toes are forward, curled under and being crushed. In mirror therapy, Lynn (his therapist) tries to put her leg in a position that makes it look like it is an extension of his leg through the mirror - she then asks him to direct her in putting her foot in the exact position he feels. Once that is achieved, she begins to slowly move her toes and straighten her foot and relax her heal - David can feel her every movement. It is very important that we learn the technique so he can get some relief. He has been told that if he can consistently do the mirror therapy for a few weeks, the pain may completely go away.
Yesterday we also went to Dermatology. There is a laser specialist that met with us and now David is scheduled for surgery on the 6th of December. They will be working on both legs, on his right hand and arm, and on his stomach scars. This laser surgery should relieve some tight area where the scar sights have attached themselves to the muscles instead of being more like natural skin and can be moved around. The offered to permanently take the hair off of his legs but Pete, his Prosthestist (sp) is not sold on the idea because the hair enables the leg to dissipate heat and the sweat is a good thing for the pours. Now I don't want you ladies out there to think it's time to grow out your hairy legs just so you can dissipate heat and sweat better - us men like your legs just they way they are. This upcoming surgery should only be about an hour long and will not interrupt his PT or OT efforts.
I never finished telling you why David is DA MAN - it's because today he did 3 (three) (THREE) yes THREE complete laps around the halls WITHOUT STOPPING. That's approximately 450 yards without stopping. Yesterday David figured out that he could walk a little better and longer if he had music that he walks to. It helps him gain a rhythm - proving that us white guys really do have rhythm. There was only one bad part to finding out about the music - he used his top of the line cell phone to play the music and he really didn't have a way to carry it so he put it inside his shirt and his sweat destroyed the phone. We spent an hour or two last night at Sprint checking to see what happened - just shows you how manly us Lyon guys are - even our sweat is powerful.
I got some discs made of the pictures I've taken so I can get some of them on this blog and as I went through them to make sure they were acceptable photos, the tears just started to flow because there is a very distinct memory and emotion with each photograph. We, all of us who love David, are very blessed to have him and his strength in our lives. It's like saying that no matter how things get - it'll be OK through some great effort.
Tomorrow morning we're going Kayaking for David's Occupational Therapy - if I drown, I'll meet you in heaven - at least I hope I'll be able to come up there and visit all of you.
All My Love
Gordon
P.S. Rachelle, if I'm home for the family Christmas Party - I will be Santa.
P.S. JJ, you are a great inspiration to all of us too - you're doing incredible. David and I talk about you and your accomplishments often. He's very proud of his little brother.
P.S. I miss you all very very much and I love you!!!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 1936
Hope You've All Had A Great Weekend,
I'll try to bring you up to date since Wednesday. This has really been a calm week. Thursday was a holiday for David as well as much of the U.S. for Veteran's Day. David did, however, do almost 9 hours or occupational therapy on his hand - yep, he bought the new X-box 360 Call To Duty and spent the entire day doing Black Ops and shooting Zombies. You'd think that, after being at war much like is depicted in these games, these guys would shy away from the "heat of the battle" but that is not the case at all. When they get together they talk war stories and compare scars. David now gives high fours since he is missing his pinky finger. He really brings a great deal of humor to this ordeal.
Friday was another day of the same OT and PT. David did walk another 150 yards or so. It is really a painful thing because, either the casting or the liner or the sock or the belt pinches or slips or rubs - there is just absolutely no ideal fit as of yet but we're both very optimistic that the time will come when everything just feels right. When we were in PT, Dr. Peo came in an put some acupuncture pins in David's right ear to see if it would help with the phantom pains - so far it hasn't really helped. While we are watching TV, which consists of Mythbusters, Overhaulin, Orange County Chopper, and Office, out of the blue will come the phantom pains. His latest pains just shoot down his legs and his feet feel like their being crushed. I know that when I have put in a hard day of exercise (preferably Golf or Hunting) I often get leg cramps that take me close to tears - my wife could testify of how hard they hit. David gets hit with that almost every day. We're trying to figure out how he is sitting or what he has or hasn't done to trigger the pain.
On Friday he tried a little more mirror therapy but it didn't work very well. I can't imagine it would work at all because this therapist is about 5 foot tall, has olive skin, and has dark red painted toe nails on a size 4 foot - David needs to be looking at a hairy, boot beaten size 11 in order to think it is his own. Plain and simple - sometimes nothing helps, he just has to wait for the wave of pain to pass by.
We spent a few hours with Stanley, the assist dog that David is looking for. He is really fun and he really seems to like David. From everything I have seen, it would be a great match.
The Lobster trapping we were planning did not happen but we'll give you a report when it does happen next time.
Dr. Peo told David that he could start walking with knees in 4 weeks - that is extremely exciting news. Try walking without knees or ankles and you'll soon realize why this is such great news.
Today we went to the Tattoo Expo - I was so tempted to get a tattoo (NOT).
Other than that, there isn't a great deal to tell you. David's friend, Dan came over on Saturday and I can't possibly tell you what an incredible boost that gives David. It's nice to hear the laughs, the concern for other soldiers and their families, the war stories - and boy do they have the war stories.
Today we were watching Mythbusters and they used 5000 pounds of explosives - I acted so impressed by the impact and David said, "Amateurs!" and showed me a clip where they use 20,000 pounds of old bombs in one blast. Ohhhhhh the joy of blowing something up!!!!!!
I sincerely thank all of you who have done so much for David through your friendships - you're a great part of the strength he has shown and continues to show. Thank YOU!
See you on the next post.
Gordon
I'll try to bring you up to date since Wednesday. This has really been a calm week. Thursday was a holiday for David as well as much of the U.S. for Veteran's Day. David did, however, do almost 9 hours or occupational therapy on his hand - yep, he bought the new X-box 360 Call To Duty and spent the entire day doing Black Ops and shooting Zombies. You'd think that, after being at war much like is depicted in these games, these guys would shy away from the "heat of the battle" but that is not the case at all. When they get together they talk war stories and compare scars. David now gives high fours since he is missing his pinky finger. He really brings a great deal of humor to this ordeal.
Friday was another day of the same OT and PT. David did walk another 150 yards or so. It is really a painful thing because, either the casting or the liner or the sock or the belt pinches or slips or rubs - there is just absolutely no ideal fit as of yet but we're both very optimistic that the time will come when everything just feels right. When we were in PT, Dr. Peo came in an put some acupuncture pins in David's right ear to see if it would help with the phantom pains - so far it hasn't really helped. While we are watching TV, which consists of Mythbusters, Overhaulin, Orange County Chopper, and Office, out of the blue will come the phantom pains. His latest pains just shoot down his legs and his feet feel like their being crushed. I know that when I have put in a hard day of exercise (preferably Golf or Hunting) I often get leg cramps that take me close to tears - my wife could testify of how hard they hit. David gets hit with that almost every day. We're trying to figure out how he is sitting or what he has or hasn't done to trigger the pain.
On Friday he tried a little more mirror therapy but it didn't work very well. I can't imagine it would work at all because this therapist is about 5 foot tall, has olive skin, and has dark red painted toe nails on a size 4 foot - David needs to be looking at a hairy, boot beaten size 11 in order to think it is his own. Plain and simple - sometimes nothing helps, he just has to wait for the wave of pain to pass by.
We spent a few hours with Stanley, the assist dog that David is looking for. He is really fun and he really seems to like David. From everything I have seen, it would be a great match.
The Lobster trapping we were planning did not happen but we'll give you a report when it does happen next time.
Dr. Peo told David that he could start walking with knees in 4 weeks - that is extremely exciting news. Try walking without knees or ankles and you'll soon realize why this is such great news.
Today we went to the Tattoo Expo - I was so tempted to get a tattoo (NOT).
Other than that, there isn't a great deal to tell you. David's friend, Dan came over on Saturday and I can't possibly tell you what an incredible boost that gives David. It's nice to hear the laughs, the concern for other soldiers and their families, the war stories - and boy do they have the war stories.
Today we were watching Mythbusters and they used 5000 pounds of explosives - I acted so impressed by the impact and David said, "Amateurs!" and showed me a clip where they use 20,000 pounds of old bombs in one blast. Ohhhhhh the joy of blowing something up!!!!!!
I sincerely thank all of you who have done so much for David through your friendships - you're a great part of the strength he has shown and continues to show. Thank YOU!
See you on the next post.
Gordon
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, 10 November 2010 at 2112
Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps
Yesterday was a short day, David was quite sick and so we just came home and let him rest.
Today was another day - places to go, people to see, and things to do. It was a day of much of the same appointments - OT, PT, Prosthetics, oh and we met with the VA today to get things set up to do the vehicle modifications so David can drive his own Jeep.
The one thing that I thought you would really be interested in today was when we went to Prosthetics to get David some smaller shrinkers. David hasn't worn them for over a month because the skin just keeps breaking down. While we were sitting there talking to Pete, David mentioned that he wasn't going to walk today because he just wasn't feeling very good. Pete immediately stopped the conversation and told David that he never wanted to hear that again. He said that, today, tomorrow, 20 years from now and 40 years from now David had to get up and put his legs on and walk. He said that he didn't care how bad he felt, those legs have to be a routine that is never broken unless you are sick enough to be in the hospital. He said he wanted David to walk every day for the rest of his life and work out at least an hour per day.
I personally thought that was the greatest part of this day and so did David. We all need to do that, we need to build routines to maintain our own health, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Pete has run the Iron Man 11 times, which consists of a 2 1/2 mile swim, a 26.2 mile run, and a 110 mile bicycle ride) I may not have those numbers a bit off but, needless to say, Pete knows how to succeed and I believe every word out of his mouth today.
Immediately after that speech from Pete, David went over and got in his legs and did a lap around the place. He had to stop a couple times so he didn't throw up, but he took everything that Pete had to say to heart and I don't think he'll take another break.
There are many changes to come, including the way David keeps his legs on - the current method seems very loose and he feels like he is going to step out of the left leg most of the time. We're told that it will all change many times and to not get discouraged - it's all building strength for the "Big Time!"
Have a great night and have a great Veteran's Day tomorrow.
Good Night
Gordon
Yesterday was a short day, David was quite sick and so we just came home and let him rest.
Today was another day - places to go, people to see, and things to do. It was a day of much of the same appointments - OT, PT, Prosthetics, oh and we met with the VA today to get things set up to do the vehicle modifications so David can drive his own Jeep.
The one thing that I thought you would really be interested in today was when we went to Prosthetics to get David some smaller shrinkers. David hasn't worn them for over a month because the skin just keeps breaking down. While we were sitting there talking to Pete, David mentioned that he wasn't going to walk today because he just wasn't feeling very good. Pete immediately stopped the conversation and told David that he never wanted to hear that again. He said that, today, tomorrow, 20 years from now and 40 years from now David had to get up and put his legs on and walk. He said that he didn't care how bad he felt, those legs have to be a routine that is never broken unless you are sick enough to be in the hospital. He said he wanted David to walk every day for the rest of his life and work out at least an hour per day.
I personally thought that was the greatest part of this day and so did David. We all need to do that, we need to build routines to maintain our own health, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Pete has run the Iron Man 11 times, which consists of a 2 1/2 mile swim, a 26.2 mile run, and a 110 mile bicycle ride) I may not have those numbers a bit off but, needless to say, Pete knows how to succeed and I believe every word out of his mouth today.
Immediately after that speech from Pete, David went over and got in his legs and did a lap around the place. He had to stop a couple times so he didn't throw up, but he took everything that Pete had to say to heart and I don't think he'll take another break.
There are many changes to come, including the way David keeps his legs on - the current method seems very loose and he feels like he is going to step out of the left leg most of the time. We're told that it will all change many times and to not get discouraged - it's all building strength for the "Big Time!"
Have a great night and have a great Veteran's Day tomorrow.
Good Night
Gordon
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010 at 2213
A very busy and great day.
David had appointments at 10:30 and 2:30 today - OT and PT respectively. Prior to his first appointment he found out that his group would be arriving at approximately noon from Afghanistan. David desperately wanted to be standing to greet them and so we left early for the hospital in hopes that Pete could put his legs together fast enough. As soon as we got there we got hit with a curve - Pete told us that David's PT Therapist and his Primary Care Doctor would have to sign off on allowing David to stand at full height so soon.
David immediately took off to see April, his PT Therapist and I took off to meet with Dr. Pyo. Together we good all the approvals needed and the C-legs were immediately plugged in to charge a little before we had to leave. These people are so good to work with, they at the top of their respective professions and they are as personable as you can possibly imagine. Pete immediately put David's legs together but didn't have everything necessary to make David the full 6'4" man, but he did get him to about 6'1" which was close enough. The two legs together, including the sockets and the waist harness that he wears right now weigh 20.5 lbs.
I've discovered that, when you don't have the strength of your legs and the feel of your ankles and feet, all of the strength you need to stand comes from your lower back, your rear, and what's left of your thighs. David doesn't have a great deal of his left thigh so most of the stability comes from his rear and his lower back and it is amazing how much strength that takes.
Pete didn't have the time to hook the computer up and program the resistance in the legs. We got David in the legs and, yep, I choked up. He was taller than me and I loved every second of it.
He was standing on the ramp of the parallel bars which brought him up about 3 extra inches, so he was right where he belonged - 6'4" compared to me at 6' standing on the floor. I got a few photos and I still can't get the pictures from my camera to this computer so they'll have to come in a few days.
We immediately went out to the Jeep and got David in - that was a bit more of a trial but we succeeded. We got to Camp Pendleton as soon as we could because David did not want to miss this opportunity. I'll have to repent later for breaking a few minor speeding rules. I didn't run any stop signs though. That's a family joke. When David's younger sister, who shall remain anonymous, was learning to drive, David talked her in to believing that the Stop Signs with a white stripe around them were "Optional!" The first time she was pulled over for running a white striped stop sign, the policeman really got a good laugh out of David's training. I don't think he had the heart to give her the ticket.
We got to Pendleton in plenty of time because the bus bringing the guys from March AFB broke down on the freeway. When the bus arrived, a few of us helped David to his feet so he could greet his friends. What a beautiful sight - it was really much better than I could have imagined it. During the process I stood close to him so he could put some weight on me and I could feel his muscles trembling. My muscles almost got to the trembling stage because he is no small man, as a matter of fact, he is dang heavy.
It seemed like everyone had to get to David, they all embraced him as their friend and brother. I stood there as a very proud father. David was very glad to see all of them. I wish I could remember all of their names. Many of them just went by and initial. V, Z, D. It was just plain great. I met Adam, the soldier that was hurt during the same blast that hit David, and he had a few scars from the blast but never left the country.
If you remember from the early days of this blog, Adam Perkins was killed a few hours prior to David being hit. David didn't know for several weeks until I told him once I felt he was strong enough to deal with it. Adam Perkins should have been walking off that bus today. David pointed out his parents and I had the privilege of talking with them for awhile. They are wonderful people. We talked a bit about the soldiers who came to our doors to deliver the news and I couldn't hold my emotions. I don't know if it was the emotion of what I felt when the Marines came to my door or the emotion I thought Adam's mother must have felt when they came to her door. For whatever reason, I just put my head down and couldn't say anything for a few seconds as Adam's father put his arm around me. I feel like I have another family. The Perkins were incredible as well as Adam's wife Ignacia and their son they call Moose. They didn't have a son getting off that bus but they were there to show their support and I really admire their strength.
You know, I've learned some great things through all this. I feel like I'm learning how our Savior must feel about all of us. He looks past the tattoos, the cigarettes, the swearing, the crudeness, our judgemental behavior, etc., etc., etc., he looks past all of our imperfections and just sees the greatness and potential in each of us. If you were standing where I was today, I feel like you would know exactly what I am talking about, they are wonderful people doing wonderful things. I loved every minute of the day.
David tried to get a little closer to where the men were coming out of the bus ( I hope his therapist don't read this blog because David wasn't suppose to walk, just stand). David expressed that the steps with the full legs was actually easier than walking with the stubbies. That would have been fine if the left leg wouldn't have come off. Not really OFF, it just that David could feel himself lifting out of it each time he took another step. Needless to say, walking was not a good option - not yet anyway. I think he really liked looking up and the ones he use to look up at and down to the ones he has always been taller than.
I thought it would have made a great picture with me walking back to David's apartment. Here is David tooling along in his wheelchair with me walking behind with two legs with feet, socks, and shoes draped over my shoulder. I know some of you read this blog and think how devastating this must be, but please know that, as this whole store continues to unfold, it is very easy to smile and look forward to a very bring tomorrow.
Love You All,
Gordon
P.S. David had many special friends that just returned and I hope you know who you are. I don't put your names in here because I don't want you singled out, but please know how much he loves each of you. This was a very good day for him and it's your fault.
David had appointments at 10:30 and 2:30 today - OT and PT respectively. Prior to his first appointment he found out that his group would be arriving at approximately noon from Afghanistan. David desperately wanted to be standing to greet them and so we left early for the hospital in hopes that Pete could put his legs together fast enough. As soon as we got there we got hit with a curve - Pete told us that David's PT Therapist and his Primary Care Doctor would have to sign off on allowing David to stand at full height so soon.
David immediately took off to see April, his PT Therapist and I took off to meet with Dr. Pyo. Together we good all the approvals needed and the C-legs were immediately plugged in to charge a little before we had to leave. These people are so good to work with, they at the top of their respective professions and they are as personable as you can possibly imagine. Pete immediately put David's legs together but didn't have everything necessary to make David the full 6'4" man, but he did get him to about 6'1" which was close enough. The two legs together, including the sockets and the waist harness that he wears right now weigh 20.5 lbs.
I've discovered that, when you don't have the strength of your legs and the feel of your ankles and feet, all of the strength you need to stand comes from your lower back, your rear, and what's left of your thighs. David doesn't have a great deal of his left thigh so most of the stability comes from his rear and his lower back and it is amazing how much strength that takes.
Pete didn't have the time to hook the computer up and program the resistance in the legs. We got David in the legs and, yep, I choked up. He was taller than me and I loved every second of it.
He was standing on the ramp of the parallel bars which brought him up about 3 extra inches, so he was right where he belonged - 6'4" compared to me at 6' standing on the floor. I got a few photos and I still can't get the pictures from my camera to this computer so they'll have to come in a few days.
We immediately went out to the Jeep and got David in - that was a bit more of a trial but we succeeded. We got to Camp Pendleton as soon as we could because David did not want to miss this opportunity. I'll have to repent later for breaking a few minor speeding rules. I didn't run any stop signs though. That's a family joke. When David's younger sister, who shall remain anonymous, was learning to drive, David talked her in to believing that the Stop Signs with a white stripe around them were "Optional!" The first time she was pulled over for running a white striped stop sign, the policeman really got a good laugh out of David's training. I don't think he had the heart to give her the ticket.
We got to Pendleton in plenty of time because the bus bringing the guys from March AFB broke down on the freeway. When the bus arrived, a few of us helped David to his feet so he could greet his friends. What a beautiful sight - it was really much better than I could have imagined it. During the process I stood close to him so he could put some weight on me and I could feel his muscles trembling. My muscles almost got to the trembling stage because he is no small man, as a matter of fact, he is dang heavy.
It seemed like everyone had to get to David, they all embraced him as their friend and brother. I stood there as a very proud father. David was very glad to see all of them. I wish I could remember all of their names. Many of them just went by and initial. V, Z, D. It was just plain great. I met Adam, the soldier that was hurt during the same blast that hit David, and he had a few scars from the blast but never left the country.
If you remember from the early days of this blog, Adam Perkins was killed a few hours prior to David being hit. David didn't know for several weeks until I told him once I felt he was strong enough to deal with it. Adam Perkins should have been walking off that bus today. David pointed out his parents and I had the privilege of talking with them for awhile. They are wonderful people. We talked a bit about the soldiers who came to our doors to deliver the news and I couldn't hold my emotions. I don't know if it was the emotion of what I felt when the Marines came to my door or the emotion I thought Adam's mother must have felt when they came to her door. For whatever reason, I just put my head down and couldn't say anything for a few seconds as Adam's father put his arm around me. I feel like I have another family. The Perkins were incredible as well as Adam's wife Ignacia and their son they call Moose. They didn't have a son getting off that bus but they were there to show their support and I really admire their strength.
You know, I've learned some great things through all this. I feel like I'm learning how our Savior must feel about all of us. He looks past the tattoos, the cigarettes, the swearing, the crudeness, our judgemental behavior, etc., etc., etc., he looks past all of our imperfections and just sees the greatness and potential in each of us. If you were standing where I was today, I feel like you would know exactly what I am talking about, they are wonderful people doing wonderful things. I loved every minute of the day.
David tried to get a little closer to where the men were coming out of the bus ( I hope his therapist don't read this blog because David wasn't suppose to walk, just stand). David expressed that the steps with the full legs was actually easier than walking with the stubbies. That would have been fine if the left leg wouldn't have come off. Not really OFF, it just that David could feel himself lifting out of it each time he took another step. Needless to say, walking was not a good option - not yet anyway. I think he really liked looking up and the ones he use to look up at and down to the ones he has always been taller than.
I thought it would have made a great picture with me walking back to David's apartment. Here is David tooling along in his wheelchair with me walking behind with two legs with feet, socks, and shoes draped over my shoulder. I know some of you read this blog and think how devastating this must be, but please know that, as this whole store continues to unfold, it is very easy to smile and look forward to a very bring tomorrow.
Love You All,
Gordon
P.S. David had many special friends that just returned and I hope you know who you are. I don't put your names in here because I don't want you singled out, but please know how much he loves each of you. This was a very good day for him and it's your fault.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010 @ 1704
Hope You Had A Great Week...
Things are going just fine around here. On Thursday, when we arrived at OT (Occupational Therapy) they had David scheduled for a wood turning class. It's great! Five or Six Veterans bring their portable lathes and teach these wounded warriors, and other individuals that may have had a stroke to turn wood into a bowl or a top or a canter cork. I would have never thought it to be a "therapy" but it really is - with their concentration being so intense on that piece of wood, everything else seems to just go away, plus it really takes a great deal for them control some of these damaged limbs and control the intricate moves that must be made to accomplish an acceptable result. It was fun to watch and David really enjoyed it.
We had some time between appointments so David decided that we were going to go and visit some of the new inpatients. We talked to a Cpl Weiss who had been shot in the hand. It was a great visit and I was impressed by his upbeat attitude.
David, as a passing note, told me that he lost another friend in Afghanistan. We all want this to stop - I'm learning that a major reason this mess continues is because of the stupid individuals that continue to push the drug trade or take the drugs. Many of the people of Afghanistan have two choices, die or grow the drugs they are told to grow. I really don't know how to feel about the whole mess.
On Friday, there was a great amount of the military I remember - Hurry Up and Wait. Everything David tried to do seem to become harder and harder to get done because of one thing or another. When he was walking, every step sounded like he had a leaky valve or a flat tire. We ended up in prosthetics and they had to put some sealant around his relief valve and that ended the walking for the day. It was a bit discouraging to David because he just wants to keep going. He is worried that, if he doesn't push it to the limit each day, he'll pick up extra weight. With most of us, picking up 10 pounds is not a serious thing, with prosthetics, 10 pounds could mean a socket that doesn't fit - it's a very careful balance that much be achieved and maintained.
After he realized there would be no more walking for the day we went back to PT and he did a bunch of pilates until he was wet wit sweat. That rhymed!!!
David was extremely lifted by the presence of Jesse Cottle, a double amputee from about 14 or 15 months ago. He was there getting a new fitting on his prosthetics and, if you didn't notice the titanium and plastic on the end of his legs, you would think they were his natural legs. He looked great. He had been training for a marathon just before this adjustment had to be made and he is a double AK (above the knee) amputee just like David. David was totally encouraged and said, "if that is what I look like when this is all over, it will be great with me."
Tomorrow, the group of Marines that David was with when he deployed to Afghanistan will return. Pete, David's Prosthetist, is allowing him to put on his full legs - if you remember, that's approximately $225,000 worth of technology in Civilian dollars. David always gets upset at me when I take another photo of him but I've told him that I don't care whether he likes it or not, I'm taking a picture of him when he is 6'4" again. My emotions are really close to the surface with the thought of tomorrow. David and I were watching an extremely stupid movie, Hot Rod, and I even found spots in that movie to get a lump in my throat. I think David is really looking forward to that feeling.
Today as I was coming back from church I saw a beautiful 1969 fully restored Chevelle coming the opposite direction and I saw a gloved hand waving from the passenger side. I quickly realized it was David waving good-bye as he went out with his buddies. I am so glad he has such great friends. Tony and Brian and David just went cruisin'. He came back in great spirits. This is all going to be fine.
I wish I had a movie camera to get a recording of him standing - I'll do what I can and get it on the blog as soon as I can.
Have a great sleep - goodnight!
Gordon
Things are going just fine around here. On Thursday, when we arrived at OT (Occupational Therapy) they had David scheduled for a wood turning class. It's great! Five or Six Veterans bring their portable lathes and teach these wounded warriors, and other individuals that may have had a stroke to turn wood into a bowl or a top or a canter cork. I would have never thought it to be a "therapy" but it really is - with their concentration being so intense on that piece of wood, everything else seems to just go away, plus it really takes a great deal for them control some of these damaged limbs and control the intricate moves that must be made to accomplish an acceptable result. It was fun to watch and David really enjoyed it.
We had some time between appointments so David decided that we were going to go and visit some of the new inpatients. We talked to a Cpl Weiss who had been shot in the hand. It was a great visit and I was impressed by his upbeat attitude.
David, as a passing note, told me that he lost another friend in Afghanistan. We all want this to stop - I'm learning that a major reason this mess continues is because of the stupid individuals that continue to push the drug trade or take the drugs. Many of the people of Afghanistan have two choices, die or grow the drugs they are told to grow. I really don't know how to feel about the whole mess.
On Friday, there was a great amount of the military I remember - Hurry Up and Wait. Everything David tried to do seem to become harder and harder to get done because of one thing or another. When he was walking, every step sounded like he had a leaky valve or a flat tire. We ended up in prosthetics and they had to put some sealant around his relief valve and that ended the walking for the day. It was a bit discouraging to David because he just wants to keep going. He is worried that, if he doesn't push it to the limit each day, he'll pick up extra weight. With most of us, picking up 10 pounds is not a serious thing, with prosthetics, 10 pounds could mean a socket that doesn't fit - it's a very careful balance that much be achieved and maintained.
After he realized there would be no more walking for the day we went back to PT and he did a bunch of pilates until he was wet wit sweat. That rhymed!!!
David was extremely lifted by the presence of Jesse Cottle, a double amputee from about 14 or 15 months ago. He was there getting a new fitting on his prosthetics and, if you didn't notice the titanium and plastic on the end of his legs, you would think they were his natural legs. He looked great. He had been training for a marathon just before this adjustment had to be made and he is a double AK (above the knee) amputee just like David. David was totally encouraged and said, "if that is what I look like when this is all over, it will be great with me."
Tomorrow, the group of Marines that David was with when he deployed to Afghanistan will return. Pete, David's Prosthetist, is allowing him to put on his full legs - if you remember, that's approximately $225,000 worth of technology in Civilian dollars. David always gets upset at me when I take another photo of him but I've told him that I don't care whether he likes it or not, I'm taking a picture of him when he is 6'4" again. My emotions are really close to the surface with the thought of tomorrow. David and I were watching an extremely stupid movie, Hot Rod, and I even found spots in that movie to get a lump in my throat. I think David is really looking forward to that feeling.
Today as I was coming back from church I saw a beautiful 1969 fully restored Chevelle coming the opposite direction and I saw a gloved hand waving from the passenger side. I quickly realized it was David waving good-bye as he went out with his buddies. I am so glad he has such great friends. Tony and Brian and David just went cruisin'. He came back in great spirits. This is all going to be fine.
I wish I had a movie camera to get a recording of him standing - I'll do what I can and get it on the blog as soon as I can.
Have a great sleep - goodnight!
Gordon
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 at 2159
These last 3 days have been a real emotional roller coaster. I wish it could all just level out for David but I guess we all seem to go through our ups and downs.
On Monday when we arrived at PT, remember this is after the Friday that I dumped David on the ground - he was still a bit sore. He put on his legs to give it a try and the pain was a bit more than he had anticipated. It took about 4 steps and was really feeling the HO as it gave him the sensation of bones grinding against each other. He stopped and got a bit angry, not at me, just at the fact that he might be slowed down again. He gritted his teeth and said, "Let's Go!" He was so mad that he just kept walking - 2 straight laps which would be approximately 230 yards.
It reminded me of some of our time at Walter Reed. While there we were around a great number of Marines that had a variety of serious injuries. As we watched them work out, we noticed that almost every one of them had stretch marks between their arm pits and their shoulder. It was from running with 80 to 120 pound packs - the shoulder straps would stretch their skin as they stretched their physical limits. David, no matter what the pain was, was not going to be stopped. David's walking, April is following him with a rolling stool, and I'm following her with the wheelchair in case he needs to stop. I can't remember the name of the dance, but I'm in the back humming "do da do da do do, do da do, do da do da do do, dooo dooo dooo!" We try to make all of it fun if we can. People all around the hall are calling out encouragement from their offices. It's really quite inspiring. All in all, Monday felt like a great day.
Tuesday was a bit different, David started in Occupational Therapy and they really worked on his hand and arm - one of the therapists doesn't allow herself to look at David's face when she is doing the therapy because, when she sees how much pain David is enduring, she wants to stop. The other therapist is really quite different, she watches David's legs because, when she gets to the really painful point, David's legs shoot off the table. I can assure you that David does not enjoy some of these little signals as much as the therapists do, but he still laughs and kids about it.
We went to PT early and I saw there was a Yoga class in process so I grabbed a mat and jumped into the Yoga exercises. My shoulders are still sore - she said I was a natural but I think she had to say that because her last name is LYON and she may want me to try it again. David was stretching his muscles on the table in front of me and I think he was enjoying watching his dad in some pain. The instructor kept saying "...breathe out and that's good..." I'm thinking, how can something so painful be "Good!"
When the Yoga class was completed, David put on his new legs that had been revised. They were pushing on areas that were extremely painful and I took the bad leg over to prosthetics to have them make some other adjustments. Once he was standing, David realized that his effort from the day before had put a stop to anymore walking today. It was a bit of a discouragement, but Thursday will be another day.
I said Thursday and you thought I must have made a mistake but you are mistaken. I said Thursday because Wednesday was the funeral for Joshua James "JJ" Cullins who gave his life in Afghanistan on October 19, 2010. He was on his way to pick up his replacements when he was hit. The funeral was in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. There had to be at least 2000 men and women in Uniform as JJ was on the LAPD and went back to Afghanistan in a Reserve role. The funeral was beautiful and I want to give you some of the information that really touched me. I think I was crying before we even got there - I really hurt when I think any of those I love are hurting.
For those of you that have never heard "The Marine Prayer", here it is:
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. (All my life I have prayed that my children would recognize the will of our Heavenly Father and put His will first!) Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen
It's amazing to me that so many young men join the military to get away from the strict influence of their parents and they walk into a fantastic organization, The United States Marine Corps, and are taught exactly what most parents have been trying to teach their children all their lives. It is a beautiful prayer and it was printed on the program for the funeral.
The Cathedral had a gentleman singing on several occasions and he had one of the most beautiful Tenor voices I have heard. His singing placed a beautiful peace on the situation. A couple quotes that really struck me and gave me pause, as I sat next to my son and Joe Fraley, were "An ordinary man doing extraordinary things!" and "All gave some, some gave all!" My son gave all he knew to give and it cost him some of himself, many of his friends were in the process of giving all they could give until the time came that there was no more they could give. It was an amazing time for me to reflect on the 2000 or so men and women in that Cathedral who do just that every day. They are beautiful, amazing, strong, courageous, and a tribute to humanity. The last thought that really struck me and continues to humble me is the same thing that was said of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "No one has greater love than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends..." These young men and women are doing what our Savior has already done and has asked us to do. We are those friends, the Iraqi and Afghani people are those friends, and these soldiers, heroes, warriors are out there showing the greatest love that can be shown - they're offering the safety of their own life for their friends, their comrades, for people they have never meet and will, more than likely never meet, and for us. It is really quite a bit to comprehend and makes me think of my own pettiness from time to time.
It was an absolutely beautiful tribute to, whom I understand, was a great man.
I hope I didn't take this blog a little too far, but you have to admit, this whole situation has made us all reflect a little deeper than we may have before. Even more amazing is that these men and women don't look at their service in this way at all, it is just what has to be done - plain and simple. As I sit here just thinking about what I've written, I gain a new love and appreciation for my Wife and for each of my children and the challenges they all face. To Lynnette, Christina, Michael, Rachelle, David, Mary, JJ, and Stephen, I love you very very much and am very proud of every one of you.
Good Night
I love you too Mom and Grandma Tasto
On Monday when we arrived at PT, remember this is after the Friday that I dumped David on the ground - he was still a bit sore. He put on his legs to give it a try and the pain was a bit more than he had anticipated. It took about 4 steps and was really feeling the HO as it gave him the sensation of bones grinding against each other. He stopped and got a bit angry, not at me, just at the fact that he might be slowed down again. He gritted his teeth and said, "Let's Go!" He was so mad that he just kept walking - 2 straight laps which would be approximately 230 yards.
It reminded me of some of our time at Walter Reed. While there we were around a great number of Marines that had a variety of serious injuries. As we watched them work out, we noticed that almost every one of them had stretch marks between their arm pits and their shoulder. It was from running with 80 to 120 pound packs - the shoulder straps would stretch their skin as they stretched their physical limits. David, no matter what the pain was, was not going to be stopped. David's walking, April is following him with a rolling stool, and I'm following her with the wheelchair in case he needs to stop. I can't remember the name of the dance, but I'm in the back humming "do da do da do do, do da do, do da do da do do, dooo dooo dooo!" We try to make all of it fun if we can. People all around the hall are calling out encouragement from their offices. It's really quite inspiring. All in all, Monday felt like a great day.
Tuesday was a bit different, David started in Occupational Therapy and they really worked on his hand and arm - one of the therapists doesn't allow herself to look at David's face when she is doing the therapy because, when she sees how much pain David is enduring, she wants to stop. The other therapist is really quite different, she watches David's legs because, when she gets to the really painful point, David's legs shoot off the table. I can assure you that David does not enjoy some of these little signals as much as the therapists do, but he still laughs and kids about it.
We went to PT early and I saw there was a Yoga class in process so I grabbed a mat and jumped into the Yoga exercises. My shoulders are still sore - she said I was a natural but I think she had to say that because her last name is LYON and she may want me to try it again. David was stretching his muscles on the table in front of me and I think he was enjoying watching his dad in some pain. The instructor kept saying "...breathe out and that's good..." I'm thinking, how can something so painful be "Good!"
When the Yoga class was completed, David put on his new legs that had been revised. They were pushing on areas that were extremely painful and I took the bad leg over to prosthetics to have them make some other adjustments. Once he was standing, David realized that his effort from the day before had put a stop to anymore walking today. It was a bit of a discouragement, but Thursday will be another day.
I said Thursday and you thought I must have made a mistake but you are mistaken. I said Thursday because Wednesday was the funeral for Joshua James "JJ" Cullins who gave his life in Afghanistan on October 19, 2010. He was on his way to pick up his replacements when he was hit. The funeral was in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. There had to be at least 2000 men and women in Uniform as JJ was on the LAPD and went back to Afghanistan in a Reserve role. The funeral was beautiful and I want to give you some of the information that really touched me. I think I was crying before we even got there - I really hurt when I think any of those I love are hurting.
For those of you that have never heard "The Marine Prayer", here it is:
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. (All my life I have prayed that my children would recognize the will of our Heavenly Father and put His will first!) Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose in deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen
It's amazing to me that so many young men join the military to get away from the strict influence of their parents and they walk into a fantastic organization, The United States Marine Corps, and are taught exactly what most parents have been trying to teach their children all their lives. It is a beautiful prayer and it was printed on the program for the funeral.
The Cathedral had a gentleman singing on several occasions and he had one of the most beautiful Tenor voices I have heard. His singing placed a beautiful peace on the situation. A couple quotes that really struck me and gave me pause, as I sat next to my son and Joe Fraley, were "An ordinary man doing extraordinary things!" and "All gave some, some gave all!" My son gave all he knew to give and it cost him some of himself, many of his friends were in the process of giving all they could give until the time came that there was no more they could give. It was an amazing time for me to reflect on the 2000 or so men and women in that Cathedral who do just that every day. They are beautiful, amazing, strong, courageous, and a tribute to humanity. The last thought that really struck me and continues to humble me is the same thing that was said of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, "No one has greater love than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends..." These young men and women are doing what our Savior has already done and has asked us to do. We are those friends, the Iraqi and Afghani people are those friends, and these soldiers, heroes, warriors are out there showing the greatest love that can be shown - they're offering the safety of their own life for their friends, their comrades, for people they have never meet and will, more than likely never meet, and for us. It is really quite a bit to comprehend and makes me think of my own pettiness from time to time.
It was an absolutely beautiful tribute to, whom I understand, was a great man.
I hope I didn't take this blog a little too far, but you have to admit, this whole situation has made us all reflect a little deeper than we may have before. Even more amazing is that these men and women don't look at their service in this way at all, it is just what has to be done - plain and simple. As I sit here just thinking about what I've written, I gain a new love and appreciation for my Wife and for each of my children and the challenges they all face. To Lynnette, Christina, Michael, Rachelle, David, Mary, JJ, and Stephen, I love you very very much and am very proud of every one of you.
Good Night
I love you too Mom and Grandma Tasto
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