E-mail update sent on August 25, 2002:

Hello

Today is Sunday, August 25, 2002. It is an anniversary for me. Three years ago today, August 25, 1999, I abruptly encountered the side of a train engine while riding in my car. What a tremendous change that brought about in my life!

I reflected on that today as I visited the site of the crash. How different my life is now. But, before you think it’s worse, let me quickly say that while it’s a bit more limited in sight and mobility, my life has never been better. I am happier now than ever before. Sure, I get tired of putting on a leg each morning and I get tired of not being able to see very well, but
I’ve found a passion that has begun to consume me and I’m enjoying working toward that goal. I’ll tell you about it in a few
moments.

First, I got my primary prosthesis as I related in my last email. I’ve now worn it longer than most people do wear the first prosthesis, however, my insurance company has a limit on the amount they’ll pay in any calendar year for prosthetic devices so I have to wait until I can afford to purchase the definitive leg myself.  Artificial legs are pretty costly I’ve found out. Mine will be close to $15,000. Fortunately, I will have the money soon so things are not as bad as they could seem. Also, I’m exploring alternatives to funding it myself. There’s a chance the VA will help and supposedly, I’ll be eligible for Medicare insurance soon that will fund part of the leg.  So things are looking good.

If you haven’t seen me, I’m almost back to where I was in terms of walking. I cannot stand as long as I used to do and cannot walk as far but my ability to walk for short distances is almost as good as before the wreck. Compared to where I was this time in 1999, I’m fantastic!

Since I don’t remember the month of September and most of October of 1999, each year at this time is a joyous occasion for me. To be aware of what’s around me is a blessing I never appreciated before. I’ll know this year whether I’m in San
Antonio, Houston, Arkansas or any of the other places my mind told me I was in during this period of 1999.

Now, I told you I would tell you about my latest passion. After having the leg amputated, I lay in the hospital for about a week wishing I could talk to another amputee about what it was like to be an amputee. Fortunately, an elderly gentleman who recently went on to his reward, called me to encourage me. That helped greatly. However, there were things I forgot to ask and being a bit younger than he and single as well, there were things we did not share in common. I longed for someone locally to talk to.

That caused me to take note, about 8 weeks later, when in the prosthetist’s office I saw a notice about an amputee support group meeting. I went to that meeting and learned about a peer visitor program sponsored by a national group called the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA). It seems the ACA will train volunteer amputees to visit other new amputees in the hospital or at home or where ever, to offer encouragement, information, and a positive role model. Before one can become an ACA certified Peer Visitor, he or she must pass a course the ACA offers, demonstrate your capability to handle the visitation, and be successfully coping with your own amputation. In July of this year, I attended an ACA training class in Anaheim, California and got certified as a peer visitor.

Now the opportunity to be informed of the need and accomplish the visit was all that was lacking. To my surprise, I had learned there was no such program in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Guess what?  There will be!  I’ve found a few other amputees who are interested in developing such a program and we are off and running.  Since we need other certified Peer Visitors, we’d scheduled a training class here in October with the hope of realizing 10 – 15 new certified Peer Visitors to involve in the new program. Meanwhile, I’m working to form a not-for-profit organization to administer the visitation program and working to develop the infrastructure. 

I haven’t felt so energized in years!  I’ve often asked myself what the reason for such a change in my life could be. I’ve never believed it was simply coincidence or just happened. I think it’s completely possible this Peer Visitation thing could be the reason. Think of the opportunity I’ll have to give to people who have a need just like I had earlier this year. This has happened fast, but things are really falling into place. My goal is to have an organization capable of functioning without me by this time next year. It can be done and I’m really enjoying the start.

There’s been very little in this email about my health issues. I continue to thrive. I’m doing well. The diabetes is still under control without medication. The infection isn’t presenting a problem and generally I’m in very good health physically and mentally. Now do you doubt I’m the most blessed man you know?  I’m sure I’m not, but sometimes it really does feel that way to me. God has been exceptionally good to me!

One-eyed, peg-leg John.


P.S. Have a great week! I really appreciate your
support!