I'm Back...

First off, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get back on here and update everyone on how everything is going with my progress on getting back to work shape and life in general. To be honest, I've been more than a little depressed and couldn't bring myself to write about what I was feeling at the time. I have had to come to the realization that returning to my previous employer within the time allotted is not a possibility, this in no uncertain terms crushed me. To add to my disgust was rumors of high ranking members of this organization wanting to "break me" if I should attempt to return to work there. (You'll notice I am being vague about where I work/worked, they have put out a department wide memo that any mention of the company outside of approved outlets will be met with punishment, up to and including termination. Since, I am currently an employee there I will obey by their rules.) I have been facing the fact that I am unable to push my body to the point I need it to be in order to return to the ambulance in the time I have left. As of writing this I have 4 days left and I have found that building up the strength in the hip flexor and gaining the endurance/stamina needed to return to work has been much more daunting than I had originally expected. Luckily, I have other places to go to work once I am able.

It's not all been doom and gloom here in the Prosthetic Medic household. As I have said before, Kate and I will be welcoming home a baby boy sometime in the December/January timeframe. We have decided to name him "William Lewis" and call him "Liam."

Also, I had the distinct pleasure of being featured by Otto Bock, the company that makes my prosthesis, in a video/photo shoot. They featured my recovery effort and interviewed one of my best friends and coworkers to ask what  impact I have had on his EMS career. I was joined by a local police sergeant who is also an above knee and a volunteer fire fighter who is a bilateral below knee amputee. It was an amazing 2 days. I got some great advice from the officer who is a mentor of sorts to me. He just reminded me of what I am working for and how important it is to show my sons how to overcome adversity, not only say it, but show them with my actions.

When I finally cleared my head and took the time to focus on the positives I have in my life, the fact that I still not only have a life to live, but have created another one, has given me the motivation I had lost. I'm ready to try again, not only to get back to being a medic, but to get back to living the life I want and not the one I have been handed. If any of you still follow me, or even read this, thank you for your understanding and look forward to more regular updates in the future. Back on the horse, hoping the buggy follows....The Prosthetic Medic

Daniel and I at the Otto Bock Photo Shoot