First Foot

Robert's first foot is perfect for someone actively working outdoors. It's a College Park trustep. Check it out here!

First Day Walking

Today's good news - he can walk with support (walker, crutches, cane). Today's challenge - it was painful because he's still healing. Our next goal - tomorrow we take the leg home overnight and try it to see if there are any issues. Our homework tomorrow is to go somewhere and he's considering going motorcycle shopping. Video here

It was a great day! His stitches were removed with no bleeding, so there was little pain when Robert tried his first gel sleeve, which is a tightly fitting sleeve that he will wear over the stump. After that, the prosthetist made a cast of his leg, which he will use tomorrow to build the upper part of the prosthesis. We're ahead of schedule! :) 

Hunting Accident and Below the Knee Amputation

Bad news: 

On February 6, 2014 Robert had a hunting accident and shot his left ankle while guiding at a South Texas ranch. He was moving another gentleman's rifle from the front of the truck to the back and it went off, leaving him with no ankle as it was a .220 loaded with a hollow point. Lesson #1 - never leave a round in the chamber. Lesson #2 - only move your own guns.

Long story, short - he was life flighted to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi where he stayed for five days, six bags worth of blood transfusions, and three surgeries to try and save his foot. With God's help and the help of friends, Robert was relocated by ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital for two more surgeries and then, finally, a BKE (below the knee amputation). When the reconstruction specialist said he would never be able to ranch again with a reconstructed foot and would only walk on level ground at best and with pain and no ankle movement, Robert decided to lose his foot to gain back 90% of his life - being the outdoors-man that he is. 

Good news:

Robert is alive, in good spirits, has a ton of support from our loving friends, family, and former workplaces and churches AND we travel to Houston tomorrow for his stitch removal followed by a week of learning to use his first prosthesis - a boot one! :) 

We could not be more grateful to God for His mercy through this whole ordeal. It's the best it could be for something so horrible because he will be able to keep living a full life doing what he loves; plus, we have the full favor and support of our Lord, our friends and family, and our bosses. Stayed tuned to see how God blesses Robert.

The injured leg with an external fixator device - ouch.

At least he's still here and we're together. :)

Already back at ranching and with only one working leg at this point; that's my baby.

Robert being silly experimenting with a new use for a stump sock!

Bundled Up for Snow

This is our best hunting dog, Buck, sporting his new sweater for the winter weather. He's 13 years old. Most pointers live to be around 11 years old. We love our Buck.

Family

Family

Family 2014

Family 2014