To Scuba Dive.... Or To Not Scuba Dive? That Is The Question!

Since the day Jeremy was injured we have pondered on a lot of What Ifs.. We have questioned what his limits will be, will he be able to do this in the future with his kids, will he be able to do this for leisure time, or will he be able to do the activities he did before he got injured? I believe that over the past few months we have answered all these questions ourselves, there really is no limit for us.

The Rehabilitation Center offers so many trips for the Wounded Warriors; it helps keep them involved socially, it helps keep them motivated with activities, and it helps them see a different perspective on all aspects of life.

Jeremy has had the opportunity to take training for scuba diving plus take a week long vacation in Florida.

The first evening in training Jeremy was a little discouraged because he wasn't able to go down very deep. His ears were starting to hurt and he couldn't take the pressure. After the second day of training it has been smooth sailing. Can you believe it? He is carrying all this equipment on his back, has no legs, and is able to do somersaults under water! Really, he is my inspiration.

I am so glad that I had the chance to talk him into this class because I knew that he could do it and I know that this is another moment he will never forget. Tomorrow he is going to a near by lake to kind of get an idea of what Florida will be like. Then on Sunday I say "See You Later" until the following weekend.

FYI: The See You Later phrase holds a strong meaning for us. From the day Jeremy deployed I told him that I never want to say Goodbye because I always knew that I would see him again. Every phone call was ended with "I Love You, See You Later".

Once a Family of 5 is now a family of 4

So as if our family hasn't suffered enough lately more and more keep coming. I know that "things happen for a reason" but when is enough going to be enough.

Last weekend we had a lot to do with moving into our new house, Seth and Diesel coming home for good, and all the little extras to put our family back into the place we once were.

Sunday night was something else. Not really sure what happened or what triggered the madness in our brand new home but Diesel was not a happy camper. Diesel was to the point that he growled at Seth and when I went to get onto him he wanted to jump on me and attempt to bite me. He then turns to Jeremy and tried to attack him as well. What was this and where in the hell did it come from? Excuse my French. Our protector, our family member, and our pet that Seth would grow up with was not the same anymore. Maybe he was pissed or maybe he felt abandoned for the past few months not being with us? Not really sure and I am not sure  if it will ever make sense to me. The way he turned, the way he looked, and the way he had us scared was way out of left field. After this fiasco it was time to call the cops. The cops then called Animal Control and had Diesel picked up. Since he had attempted to attack he was no longer eligible to be adopted out and he had to be put down. I called Animal Control the morning of August 6th to ask what was going on, crying, and wanted to see Diesel one last time to say Goodbye because I didn't have that chance when they took him. I called a little too late because they had just sedated him.

Almost a week later and I still don't understand it. For the past two years he might have been a handful and sometimes a pain in the butt but he was our pain in the butt, he was our protector, he was our friend, he was our family. SO WHY, WHY US, AND WHY NOW?

We will never forget you. We have always loved you and always will. Missing you every minute of the day.

Anderson News!

Below is a letter that will be published in the Anderson, Indiana newspaper. Feel free to have a sneak peek:

As I recall Terry Bruning sent me an e-mail about Jeremy just before 5th District meeting and asked if I thought we could help out. Dept. CMDR Simons was in town on personal business and came by the post before the meeting and asked how feasable I thought the project was and outlined how he thought it should be handled. I told him we would do our best to make him happy.

I went to Mrs Creamer's (Jeremy's Grandmother) House to get a feel for the project and confirm the 2nd hand info as exactly what was needed as some of the info seemed contradictory as to the extent of his injury and his mobility. I then contacted Madison County Service Officer Jay Randolph who is also Post 266 and 5th District service officer for help in cutting any red tape we might run into. He had the go ahead that same day. Post 266 Commander Lew Goodwin assured me the post would cover any undonated materiel and he would round up some help. We met at the Anderson Lowe's store where when I explained the situation, showed them a drawing, and gave them an list of estimated materiel. We took the list to the manager who immediately gave us a 50% discount when we explained the situation. I promised some publicity to the store and was told that wasn't why they were doing it.

The ramp as built bore little resemblence to my sketch but ended up much better thanks to the ideas of the two men Lew brought. One was a professionalo carpenter who took the day off from making a living to help. When I asked his address to mail a thank you letter , he refused to give it. He said knowing he helped another vet was all the thanks he needed or wanted. Using his modifications we built the ramp with the idea of being able to salvage and reuse the pieces under similar circumstances. Five of us were able to complete a 30 foot by 46 inch wide ramp in about 6 hours in 90 plus temprature. Mrs Creamer and her sister kept us well supplied with ice tea, lemonade, and water. The liquids were a lifesaver.

The ramp was built on Monday the 25th as that was when the help was available. Jeremy and his family was expected in on the 28th but we didn't know which airport or the time of arrival as they had a donated flight and were dependent on another persons schedule. Commander Simons had arranged for Rolling Thunder as an escort but we didn't tell Jeremy in case something went wrong. It was a good thing we didn't tell because he ended up coming in at midnight and it would have been too dangerous to try to convoy that many bikes over several miles of country roads. Commander Simons, Post 266 Commander Lew Goodwin, State Purple Heart Association Commander Larry Shaw and I met his plane and drove him and his family to his Grandmother's house and left the family alone until it was time to leave.

Without telling him, we decided to try the motorcycle escort again when he left as he had to be at the airport in Anderson at 6 PM on Sunday the31st. We told him we would pick him up at 5 PM. I got there a little early and was talking to the family when we heard bikes. One of them said" What in the world?" . I said "Hope you don't mind. We have a little suprise For you." He put on a big grin and said "Cool". Lew had asked about bringing some of the Anderson ABATE bikes and said he thought he could get a dozen or so. I had told him to go for it and was stunned when I stepped outside and saw about 75 bikes and over 100 people lined up to thank Jeremy for his service and sacrifice. I noticed I wasn't the only one in a tough crowd with dust in the eye. The entire family was excited and happy, and Jeremy was in his element. Especially when he got a ride on the back of a beautiful red Harley trike. They were gone about 15 minutes and I began to worry about getting to the airport on time. No sweat. They got back about the same time Commander Simons arrived with Rolling Thunder. Final total on bikes was 97 with close to 150 riders and passengers.

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We got under way close to on time and the convoy stretched out nearlyto a half mile with Jeremy in my car in the middle. His wife, mother, and son rode with the bikers. The bikers left us at the airport and Commander Lew and I watched lift off before leaving. I talked to his grandmother the next day to make sure we had everything put back together properly and she thanked us again and said seeing the love and concern for Jeremy Helped her deal with her own grief over the loss of her husband.

Jeremy is a fine young man of 34 and will do just fine. His family is loving and supportive. At the airport we started to help him into the plane but his wife didn't seem to want our help. He was her husband and they would do it together. They did, and with that love and togetherness they can do anything. I admire them both. Jeremy stepped on a land mine pressure plate in Panjwai, Afghanistan on April 21st this year and lost both legs from just above the knees down. He expects another two years of rehab before being medically retired.

The pilot who provided the plane, fuel and time to make two round trips to San Antonio, TX very reluctantly agreed to have his name appear in print as like the carpenter he isn't in it for the glory. Upon reflection, I don't want to make him uncomfortable and will respect his feelings and identify him only as a very kind doctor from the Indianapolis area. We thank him from the bottom of our heart.

Remembrance....

The man that my husband looked up to, The man that helped raise him, The man that gave my husband advice, The man that helped my husband in time of needs passed away 12 July 2011. This passed Saturday in Indiana a beautiful Memorial Service was held for Jeremy's papaw (grandfather) and there was no way we were going to miss it. When Jeremy was first released from the hospital his Nanny and Papaw were able to fly out and see him for the weekend prior to having surgery. Jeremy's papaw cried when he saw him and saw his Purple Heart. You could just tell that he was very proud to have him as his grandson. Below is a conversation that Zachary and I had just today;

Zachary: Roxy
Me: Zachary
Zachary: You know daddy getting hurt was not a good thing but you know what? In a way it was because he got to see Papaw one last time before he died. If daddy wasn't hurt then you guys would still be in Germany and he wouldn't have gotten to see Papaw.
Me: I know honey, it's funny how life happens the it way does
Zachary: Plus, I got to see guys sooner
Me: Yup

 Nanny and Papaw

When we landed in Anderson, Indiana we were greeted by the VFW Commander of Indiana, the VFW Commander of Anderson, and the Purple Heart Commander of Indiana picked us up and drove us to Jeremy's Nanny's house. They also built a ramp for Jeremy's wheelchair. Our time in Indiana was something else, we made memories that will never be forgotten.

The neighbors there are a very kind hearted couple that looks after Nanny everyday. They also have a horse stable with beautiful horses and one Stallion. Jeremy was able to feed the Stallion an apple out of his hand. I don't know how but those horses brought happiness to us all and were very sweat. Saturday night we had the opportunity to ride a horse known as "T-Man".

Sunday rolled around very quickly. Had a nice brunch at Cracker Barrel, relaxing afternoon at the house with family, and then there was a phone call...

The VFW State Commander had called Jeremy to inform him that he would be at the house at 4:30 p.m. to have a talk with us and that at 5:15 we would heading to the airport. He had also mentioned that some bikers wanted to escort us to the airport. All I can do is post pics and a small video because I still have no words to express myself.

Janina, Zachary, and I were able to ride on the first three bikes of the pack. Jeremy rode in a car behind us. Every street was blocked off by bikers so that the 100 bikers could go by. Needless to say we led the way!

These guys were noticed of the ride Friday evening, they themselves didn't even know how many were going to show up. It was an awesome feeling to know that people on the other side of the states and people that didn't even know Jeremy appreciate him and are Thankful for him.

Another conversation between Zachary and I today:

Me: Zachary do you know why the bikers escorted us to the airport and shook daddy's hand?
Zachary: Yes, because they are proud of him