Gawain 0 #1 April 8, 2006 Well, I won't beat around the bush with it: This afternoon, I was able to stand up for the first time in a month, with the help of a prosthesis on my left leg. My right ankle was being augmented by support from parallel bars (broken ankle not allowed to bear weight, but I know that by accident my arms let up), but it was still me. After being in bed and wheel chairs for a month, I can tell you that it was a great change. Hell yeah! All positive, especially after being in bed for a long ass time. There were some negative feelings that ultimately came along with this, among them, the friggin prosthetic leg is heavier than I thought (by a noticeable margin we'll say). Also, it made me miss my real leg for the first time since I was flown out of Iraq. That was difficult to bear, but not impossible. Final negative, I don't "get" the leg until Monday, so I couldn't grab some crutches and "play" during the weekend. Who'd know, right? Progress is indeed swift according to many. I'm also on outpatient status now, so if anyone has tried to reach me and failed, send me a PM so I can cover all the bases. That's the news from here. Bitter-sweet in a way, but I now have a complete range of tangible objectives: master re-learning to walk with the prosthetic, continue healing the ankle and achieve full range of motion, and get back in the air (hopefully still being supported by one very patient, yet ready for business, yet very cool individual) upon my return to Fort Campbell. Take care, and I'll let you know when I've started running too... Blue skies, MaxSo I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #2 April 8, 2006 Great news!"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #4 April 8, 2006 Max - that's FANTASTIC news!! Congratulations just doesn't cover it.... you fuckin ROCK!!!!!!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
soulshine 0 #5 April 8, 2006 You are such an amazing person! You have my respect and admiration. Great job with your progress and please keep us posted on how you're doing. We need more people like you in this world. Bombing for peace is like fucking for virginity! ~DEVIOUS BEEF~~FGF #69~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #6 April 8, 2006 Quote You are such an amazing person! You have my respect and admiration. Yeah. What she said. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites marks 0 #7 April 8, 2006 thanks for what you do, we owe you a leg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wingnut 0 #8 April 8, 2006 glad everything is coming along..... but remeber, let that ankle heal before ya start working it to much, sunshine didn't let her ankle heal long enough and now it gives her problems.. we don't want you ending up like sunny, for god's sake, we would so have to make fun of you while you drank smirnoff Razz.. lol... heal up the rest of the way fast dude... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites littlejohn 0 #9 April 8, 2006 great to heardeath before dishonor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites matthewcline 0 #10 April 8, 2006 Max, Awesome! You have the numbers so feel free any time to give me a buzz, I am gonna break my own rule and carry the cell on the FTX next week. Keep your progress steady, with your positive attitude and drive, I think you'll find it hard not to over do it. but as others said don't over do it so you'll be good to go for your return to the air. And again to your wife, your an outstanding person and Max should take ya on a nice trip to a beach resort and let a cabana boy pamper ya! As an old fuddy duddy it is nice to see such support for a fellow "Screaming Eagle".An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites warpedskydiver 0 #11 April 8, 2006 Awesome news Max, geez what a difference 20 plus years woth of medical advancements makes in the rapid recovery from wounds...it used to be that guys were in the hospital forever and didn't achieve such milestones until much much later...Drive on young Trooper!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites namgrunt 0 #12 April 8, 2006 YES thats great news hurry and get well..everyone is waiting to jump with you. HOOAH ..59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites thegreekone 0 #13 April 8, 2006 Great news! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mx757 4 #14 April 8, 2006 Great news Max.. see.. I told you you'd be jumping with us Pieces of Eight amputee skydivers by this September...in Perris.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ladyskydiver 0 #15 April 8, 2006 Great news, Max! Hugs, my friend.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites TheAnvil 0 #16 April 8, 2006 Congrats, dude! Badfuckingbadass. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites BIGUN 1,053 #17 April 8, 2006 Good luck on your continued progress.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kbordson 8 #18 April 9, 2006 Max, I've never met you, but I am inspired by your drive and enthusiasm! You seem to take life as a full challenge and meet it head on! Not accepting to lose any chance or opportunity. The negative times might get your attention briefly, but then you're back in the fight without a hesitation. You are amazing!! And I truly belive that live will reward you for this motivation! May you have all the love and support necessary to make it through this recovery time! And may the future bring you pride and honor with your journey. Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ntrprnr 0 #19 April 9, 2006 Hoo-ya, sir. Congratulations. My respect and admiration._______________ "Why'd you track away at 7,000 feet?" "Even in freefall, I have commitment issues." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites morningdove831 0 #20 April 9, 2006 Max, I don't know you but I am inspired by your progress and most of all, your positive attitude! Thanks for sharing with us and my best wishes for a continued speedy and smooth recovery!! One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wontbcaged 0 #21 April 9, 2006 What a guy. Keep up the positive attitude. The majority of us should be ashamed for complaining and taking everything for granted. A big hug for you and your wife. I hope the day comes when I can meet the both of you. Marilyn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rebecca 0 #22 April 9, 2006 Damn... Man, I don't know what the source of your strength is, but if you could bottle it... you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Laurel 0 #23 April 10, 2006 That's awesome! Your progress is happening so fast. When Wm was learning to walk again, it took quite a while because he was atrophied so much. But you seem to be doing great! Keep up the good work. According to one post - I hear you drink Smirnoff Razz. That is the saddest news I have ever heard. Can I intrest you in a good drink? If you like rasberries, try an Abita Purple Haze or top off good vodka (kettle One, Grey Goose) with Chamborde...................................................................... PMS#28, Pelogrande Rodriguez#1074 My Pink M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gawain 0 #24 April 10, 2006 QuoteThat's awesome! Your progress is happening so fast. When Wm was learning to walk again, it took quite a while because he was atrophied so much. But you seem to be doing great! Keep up the good work. I've been pretty fortunate to not have my muscles in my right leg atrophe too much (they have, believe me, compared to the machine I was in Iraq, I'm a Mr. Wimpy now). My ankle will keep me from getting their strength up for while. In the meantime, I can just watch and pinch a flab of skin on my leg and laugh. QuoteAccording to one post - I hear you drink Smirnoff Razz. That is the saddest news I have ever heard. Can I intrest you in a good drink? If you like rasberries, try an Abita Purple Haze or top off good vodka (kettle One, Grey Goose) with Chamborde. Actually, a Coca-Cola is all that is necessary. I can't drink alcohol...amazing isn't it. How do I survive... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites katiebear21 0 #25 April 14, 2006 Amazing, Max! I was worried you'd have to wait longer for your prosthetic. I think it's interesting how you tackle your pain and your feelings in such an organized, military manner. Quotebut I now have a complete range of tangible objectives: master re-learning to walk with the prosthetic, continue healing the ankle and achieve full range of motion, and get back in the air (hopefully still being supported by one very patient, yet ready for business, yet very cool individual) upon my return to Fort Campbell. It makes me giggle because my mind works the same way - except for the fact that I'm a woman so all the crazy psycho tendancies creep into my thought processes at times! Your wife is truly amazing as well. You two are the bomb-diggity! Hugs to you both! Ktbear Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
marks 0 #7 April 8, 2006 thanks for what you do, we owe you a leg. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #8 April 8, 2006 glad everything is coming along..... but remeber, let that ankle heal before ya start working it to much, sunshine didn't let her ankle heal long enough and now it gives her problems.. we don't want you ending up like sunny, for god's sake, we would so have to make fun of you while you drank smirnoff Razz.. lol... heal up the rest of the way fast dude... ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
littlejohn 0 #9 April 8, 2006 great to heardeath before dishonor Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #10 April 8, 2006 Max, Awesome! You have the numbers so feel free any time to give me a buzz, I am gonna break my own rule and carry the cell on the FTX next week. Keep your progress steady, with your positive attitude and drive, I think you'll find it hard not to over do it. but as others said don't over do it so you'll be good to go for your return to the air. And again to your wife, your an outstanding person and Max should take ya on a nice trip to a beach resort and let a cabana boy pamper ya! As an old fuddy duddy it is nice to see such support for a fellow "Screaming Eagle".An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #11 April 8, 2006 Awesome news Max, geez what a difference 20 plus years woth of medical advancements makes in the rapid recovery from wounds...it used to be that guys were in the hospital forever and didn't achieve such milestones until much much later...Drive on young Trooper!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
namgrunt 0 #12 April 8, 2006 YES thats great news hurry and get well..everyone is waiting to jump with you. HOOAH ..59 YEARS,OVERWEIGHT,BALDIND,X-GRUNT LAST MIL. JUMP VIET-NAM(QUAN-TRI) www.dzmemories.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mx757 4 #14 April 8, 2006 Great news Max.. see.. I told you you'd be jumping with us Pieces of Eight amputee skydivers by this September...in Perris.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #15 April 8, 2006 Great news, Max! Hugs, my friend.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #16 April 8, 2006 Congrats, dude! Badfuckingbadass. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,053 #17 April 8, 2006 Good luck on your continued progress.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kbordson 8 #18 April 9, 2006 Max, I've never met you, but I am inspired by your drive and enthusiasm! You seem to take life as a full challenge and meet it head on! Not accepting to lose any chance or opportunity. The negative times might get your attention briefly, but then you're back in the fight without a hesitation. You are amazing!! And I truly belive that live will reward you for this motivation! May you have all the love and support necessary to make it through this recovery time! And may the future bring you pride and honor with your journey. Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ntrprnr 0 #19 April 9, 2006 Hoo-ya, sir. Congratulations. My respect and admiration._______________ "Why'd you track away at 7,000 feet?" "Even in freefall, I have commitment issues." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
morningdove831 0 #20 April 9, 2006 Max, I don't know you but I am inspired by your progress and most of all, your positive attitude! Thanks for sharing with us and my best wishes for a continued speedy and smooth recovery!! One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wontbcaged 0 #21 April 9, 2006 What a guy. Keep up the positive attitude. The majority of us should be ashamed for complaining and taking everything for granted. A big hug for you and your wife. I hope the day comes when I can meet the both of you. Marilyn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rebecca 0 #22 April 9, 2006 Damn... Man, I don't know what the source of your strength is, but if you could bottle it... you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel loquacious?' -- well do you, punk? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laurel 0 #23 April 10, 2006 That's awesome! Your progress is happening so fast. When Wm was learning to walk again, it took quite a while because he was atrophied so much. But you seem to be doing great! Keep up the good work. According to one post - I hear you drink Smirnoff Razz. That is the saddest news I have ever heard. Can I intrest you in a good drink? If you like rasberries, try an Abita Purple Haze or top off good vodka (kettle One, Grey Goose) with Chamborde...................................................................... PMS#28, Pelogrande Rodriguez#1074 My Pink M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #24 April 10, 2006 QuoteThat's awesome! Your progress is happening so fast. When Wm was learning to walk again, it took quite a while because he was atrophied so much. But you seem to be doing great! Keep up the good work. I've been pretty fortunate to not have my muscles in my right leg atrophe too much (they have, believe me, compared to the machine I was in Iraq, I'm a Mr. Wimpy now). My ankle will keep me from getting their strength up for while. In the meantime, I can just watch and pinch a flab of skin on my leg and laugh. QuoteAccording to one post - I hear you drink Smirnoff Razz. That is the saddest news I have ever heard. Can I intrest you in a good drink? If you like rasberries, try an Abita Purple Haze or top off good vodka (kettle One, Grey Goose) with Chamborde. Actually, a Coca-Cola is all that is necessary. I can't drink alcohol...amazing isn't it. How do I survive... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
katiebear21 0 #25 April 14, 2006 Amazing, Max! I was worried you'd have to wait longer for your prosthetic. I think it's interesting how you tackle your pain and your feelings in such an organized, military manner. Quotebut I now have a complete range of tangible objectives: master re-learning to walk with the prosthetic, continue healing the ankle and achieve full range of motion, and get back in the air (hopefully still being supported by one very patient, yet ready for business, yet very cool individual) upon my return to Fort Campbell. It makes me giggle because my mind works the same way - except for the fact that I'm a woman so all the crazy psycho tendancies creep into my thought processes at times! Your wife is truly amazing as well. You two are the bomb-diggity! Hugs to you both! Ktbear Katie Get your PMS glass necklace here Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites