Tyler, the triple amputee in the MATC (workout room at Walter Reed) had 2 close friends with whom he was recovering. Justin was one of them. He was VERY young and his amputations were hip high which meant his recovery was going to mean 2+ years at WR. His mother moved to the area to be near him, and every surgery he had was VERY difficult. So, she built a bed out of blankets and slept on the floor next to him so she could be close if he had a crisis.
That day in the MATC, I noticed a lot of prosthetic legs standing against the wall and one was particularly interesting. It had naked girls beautifully painted all over it and it stood out. Did it ever!!!!! When I asked whose it was, Justin said, “That would be mine Ma’am and you just wait until you see what the other one’s going to look like.” There, in his darkest hour, he chose to be creative, express himself and laugh about something that got him to engage with everyone who saw that leg. I don’t know how Justin has gone on to lead his life, but no doubt he uses that same positive attitude and killer smile to be the best possible version of himself.
