Garnet, would you be comfortable sharing...

ladysimpkins · September 2009

Your DH's story and how he lost the leg and everything? I just love stories about vets actually being treated right. I can't imagine that was easy for you either...

If you're not comfy with it, I understand...Just curious.

pretty_helmet · September 2009

i too am curious. i remember you telling his story when all that craziness about racism and active duty DH's was going on, but i was trying to stay far away from the people spouting nonsense.

Garnetbaby09 · September 2009

Storytime!! Haha I don't mind now. Its been 2 years and a long road but things are finally on the upswing.

Dh was on his second tour in Iraq (Moqudadiya) and had 4 months left before coming home. He served as a combat medic with a scout troop. They went on missions everyday. Before the IED that hit him, he had been hit or rattled by 23 others. July 15, 2007 they were out on a mission and DH was the only man in the back of the Bradley (tank-like vehicle) and they ran over a remotely detonated IED and it exploded literally right under DH. His legs were intact but badly mangled, he lost all of his front teeth, severe concussion ending up with TBI and post concussive syndrome. They flew him out of Balad to Germany (Lanstuhl AFB) then finally home to me July 20th 2007. I saw him for the first time at Brooke Army Medical Center looped out on morphine but I will never forget that toothless smile when he saw me for the first time. LOL He underwent 19 surgeries to try and salvage his left leg and finally argued with the surgeron to just amputate it. I worked in prosthetics and orthotics about 3 years prior to his injuries so we both knew the possibilites he would have if they did amputate vs. trying to save a limb that was so mangled and painful. They were able to save his right leg and reconstruct it with pins and screws. Ironically, when he is on a prosthesis, his prosthetic leg is his "good leg." His right one has very limited range of motion and he lost the majority of his nerves in the ankle/shin. I always tell DH when he gets down and depressed about not being able to run and chase Lillian that she is going to know her daddy. So many soldier's children will grow up without their daddies/mommies. I tell him I am so happy all I got is a phone call explaining he would be coming home in a hospital plane vs. getting a visit from the solidiers in uniform. I can't imagine going through all of that having had children. We met so many families while DH was in therapy/rehab that had babies and women who were pregnant. I have so much respect for those families.

ladysimpkins · September 2009

and i have so much respect for you and especially for your DH...

please tell him My family thanks him for everything....and if you dont mind, give him a very long hug...

Unknown · September 2009

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pretty_helmet · September 2009

i think i just fell in love with you and DH.

adamwife · September 2009

I am in tears Garnet. God bless him.

Mistyl · September 2009

Garnet- I just want to say thank you so much to your DH and yourself for the sacrifices made for our country! I can only imagine how hard it must be, but I am so glad things are getting better.

newestmrsmason · September 2009

Oh wow...I'm in tears (both happy and sad). DH is military and we have the possibility of him being deployed to Afghanistan in the very near future and while other deployments are hard, this one is really rattling me. I pray for your strength and outlook.

God Bless

JessiRaye · September 2009

What an amazing story. Had to have been a really scary time! You tell your story with such an upbeat attitude. God bless our men and women who serve this country!

pixiedustie · September 2009

You two are so strong and wonderful, and you are right your children will know their Daddy, and I am sure be very very proud of him. What a touching story, I wish the best for both of you.

MamaMyers22 · September 2009

pretty_helmet:
i think i just fell in love with you and DH.

Me too ::hugs::

djandkellen · September 2009

Thanks to you and your DH! I'm glad everything is better now. I'm also proud to be in a country that has men and women like your DH who serve to protect us and others around the world. Smile