Gawain 0 #1 July 29, 2006 Hi guys! I'm afraid I felt compelled to shower you with more good news. Can you stand it? Moving onward, and wow, things have been busy. I've been making steady progress since getting blown up and losing my leg in Iraq nearly five months ago. I continue to walk every day and have pretty much put the wheelchair in the closet. The challenges continue to shift. Fatigue is quickly melting away and the focus turns now to learning to run. This has me really, really excited. To prepare me for that, I'll be learning a whole new batch of exercises in Physical Therapy. Up to now, a lot of concentration has been on balance exercises (and it will continue to be). One of the machines I've played with is called the Proprio. The platform basically jerks itself in all different directions at varying speeds. It's challenging for people with two legs, let alone one leg-and-a-stump. I'm getting myself used to a new socket which I'll be using when I start the actual running. I'm also trying out a different kind of micro-processor knee, called the Rheo Knee by a company called Ossur (based in Iceland). I'm very impressed with it. I can't compare it directly to the C-Leg (my first knee), but they are like apples and oranges anyway. The elliptical machines continue to be a favorite of mine and I am seriously thinking of buying one when I am done here. It's super cardio and it doesn't sap my strength. Good stuff. Walter Reed Army Medical Center is still on top of its game as far as I can tell. The go-ahead for my learning to run was due to an apparent "thumbs up" from a bone density scan I had this morning. They require a check of the hips and spine to ensure the body can continue to handle the stress of running. Ayako and I are constantly being presented with great opportunities to meet some great people. When Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi visited the United State just a couple weeks ago, right after his reception by the President, and before he left to visit Graceland, he came by Walter Reed. The post commander asked us if we would mind being on a dedicated part of the Prime Minister's agenda when he came to visit. Of course we were super enthusiastic. I mean, how often does one get the opportunity to greet a foreign head of government? Just this past Monday, we were also fortunate enough to meet the President of the United States. That was pretty much the top event of my week. *L* Of course, pics have been included for your viewing pleasure. Skydiving is still in the plan, though the plan hasn't been firmly scheduled. Anyone that wants to swing on by for a visit, just drop a line. Everyone's support has been great.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
Squeak 17 #2 July 29, 2006 awesome dude, You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest #3 July 29, 2006 Koizumi's still got that wacky hair.... Really, really cool, Max. mh"The mouse does not know life until it is in the mouth of the cat." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
orangemagoo 0 #4 July 29, 2006 Way to go, Max! You are looking great! I think it's time for me to come back up to Walter Reed and do some more video footage of you ... TSgt. Magoo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #5 July 29, 2006 Great news, Max! 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
shropshire 0 #6 July 29, 2006 Mr, you're an inspiration to us all........ You can come and jump with us any time. . (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #7 July 29, 2006 Your posts bring a tear to my eye everytime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #8 July 29, 2006 Man I always look forward to seeing your posts!!! You're such a hero, and I'm SO jealous of you and your wife getting to meet some world leaders. How cool is that!! ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #9 July 29, 2006 You are an Insperation for all! Keep up the good work! (Still waiting on WWP to get back to me about the idea we had discussed, no answer yet.An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #10 July 29, 2006 Max, you are an amazing person. Just simply amazing. Literally. Me, the loquacious one, hasn't got many words to describe you - they've not been invented yet. But couldn't you have changed your shirt before meeting the President? Dude, you're sweating! (J/K...) If I were in the area, I'd come by and see you without question. And I'd bring my camera, too. My deepest respect, hugs, and love to you. And a note for Mrs. Max...you are equally amazing and dear. Thanks for taking such good care of Max...you rock. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #11 July 29, 2006 The way I see it ... it's not the stuff that happens to one, it's how one deals with it. I know plenty of people that have a normal comfortable life, moan about it and do absolutely nothing to change or better it. What ever you've got ..... bottle it and I'll help you sell it ..... £££ P.S If we ever get into a foot race, you and I... I'm bringing a spanner Best Wishes, (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
