We are moving up in the world in so many different aspects of Taylor’s recovery; getting the LAST tube removed from his body (the catheter), becoming more mobile (dinners, Metro rides, downtown DC), graduating from the shirts/shorts with Velcro up the sides so you can get dressed easier and moving into regular workout clothes, getting fitting and working with his prosthetic arms, and so many more triumphs. We have so much to be thankful for when it comes to speedy recover without any major setbacks. With that being said, it still hurts when you see the frustration or the amount of effort it takes Taylor to do the smallest tasks. Tasks that would have seems so careless and minuet before.
It’s easy to take for granted how much you rely on your hands and how much you use them on a daily basis. When Taylor and I were putting away dinner, I grabbed some water and he got all excited when saw some chocolate milk in the refrigerator. As I said he is moving up in the world and becoming more independent. So when we got back to the room he started working on getting the chocolate milk open so he could enjoy. I watched him as he struggled; it always takes every ounce of my willpower not to just help him and do it for him, something so hard for him would take little to no effort for me to help. He almost had it when it slipped and he spilt the entire bottle of chocolate milk all over himself, the table, my tennis shoes, the bed, and the floor… I could see the frustration and embarrassment all over his face. How had a task as easy as opening up a bottle become so trying and difficult?
He has been so positive throughout this whole process. He has taken on the mindset that he cannot change the past but will continue to take steps to move forward. He is determined to live the life we have always imagined. And I am right alongside with him. I know we will make it through this and have the next 60+ years to live life the way we have always dreamed; it’s unfortunate that we have to go through all of this to get there. I hate to see him get mad or frustrated. I hate to see him go to reach for something then see that look on his face when he realizes for the millionth time that he doesn’t have his hands anymore. It’s heartbreak… It kills me when he says, “Danielle I wish I just had one hand. Do you know how easy life would be with one hand…” In these moments I wish I could give up one of my hands so he could open his chocolate milk, brush his teeth, scratch an itch, or hold my hand. It truly is the simply things in life…
Aww
Taylor, several of our employees and fellow EOD brothren have forwarded to me your story. It is really a great tragedy. I am so sorry you have to go through this, but you have to. You seem like a hell of a guy, man, Sailor, and Friend. I have several things I would like to talk to you or your family about. To be completely open, I am the Chairman, Board of Advisors for EOD Technology, Inc.; in Lenoir Ciity, TN. My email is svoland@eodt.com; I would love to get an email from you or your team so we can share some information.
Danielle, I know you would give Taylor your hand gladly. Thank God he has your heart — that's way better.