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"It will be over soon. I'm almost there."


The weekend of the Marine Corps Marathon is here! I was feeling pretty much ready, but there was still a bit of doubt. Today, all that doubt was erased with a simple visit to Walter Reed Medical Center.
 I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have volunteered several times in the psych ward in the VA hospital close to home. I was pretty sure this visit would be nothing like that. And it wasn’t. I met three incredible men who will be the ones carrying me when I hit my wall.
 Right from the time I met him, the easy-going cheerful nature of Douglas or Charles depending on what I preferred, kept me smiling. He brightens up whatever room he is in. The discussion of the best costumes for amputees had me in stitches. They all took advantage of their lack of legs. His plan is to be Yoda. (Anybody know where he can get a costume in the next couple of days.) There is nothing that will stop him. He is currently in the market for legs that can be worn with waders.  When that wall hits, it is the vision of Doug in his wader legs that will remind me ~ No Limits!


I would need a GPS to get around Walter Reed. There are so many wings: Hero, Arrowhead, Liberty, President. Building galore: the hospital, Wounded Warrior living quarters, parking garage, doctors’ offices. I have no idea how we got to “Main Street” for lunch. While eating, we talked of life in Alaska, our children, and a little bit about their journeys. When talking about what he has been through since being hurt in 2007, Woody kept saying, “It will be over soon. I’m almost there.” Focusing on what is ahead, not the past. Mentally, I recorded his voice saying just that. I am ready to put in on repeat when I just want to stop and be done.
 Throughout our walk, I saw an autographed tee shirt and guitar, and flags, artwork in the form of sculptures. And then we came upon a painting and a piece of steel surrounded by rope. A part of a steel beam from the World Trade Center and a painting. That simple beam symbolizing the reason I was seeing so many men with missing limbs. I thought of all the men and women who have sacrificed life, limbs, and mind. Sean’s team leader, Sgt. Shockley, immediately came to mind.


Sean told me that Sgt. Shockley was probably there. On the ride up, Adam (Douglas’s cousin and my driver) asked Douglas if he knew him. He did! And even better I would be able to meet him. We waited for him in “Mats”, the room where PT takes place. While waiting, Charles (Douglas, remember?) told me all about how evolution of getting one’s legs. He pointed out the ropes used the first time walking with their new legs. And then a wheelchair came rolling in. The energy surrounding Sgt. Sam Shockley was powerful. He greeted me with a big smile. I went for the hug rather than the handshake. It was so good to meet the man I heard so much about. The smile disappeared and he got serious.
 
“Did he ever tell you about that day? Your son was incredible. I credit him as being one of the ones who saved my life. He acted quickly, called in the right people, and did what I would have done. He is one incredible guy. Throughout it all, I never stopped talking smack.” (I paraphrased that, but you get the idea.) The boost over the wall came from the energy and positive attitude Sgt. Shockley offered to all who came into contact with him. When that wall hits, I will reach out to those around me on the wall and smile. We will gain strength from each other.  

The important message being delivered, and we were back to joking around. We had some fun taking pictures. Whether he was crossing them for a formal picture or mugging for the camera as if I stole his legs, he does it with a sense of humor and a smile as big as Ohio State winning the Orange Bowl. (I am pretty sure that is the championship game.) And then some players from the Wizards came in.
 He wasted no time in going over and cracking jokes with them. In the midst of all the picture taking and joking around, he would often state, “The mother of the soldier who saved my life came to meet me.” Each time he said that, my heart swelled with pride.


All too soon, it was time to battle rush hour traffic and head to the hotel. However, I took with me the last of what I need to finish the race successfully.

No Limits!
*
“It will be over soon. I’m almost there.”
*
Reach out to those around me and we will get through it together.

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