What I've learned is just because I lost a leg doesn't mean that I can't do what I did before. Life changes, but you learn to adapt. For the most part, I continue going on, and I get to do what I want to do—I just can't wiggle my toes.
Since I've been here for so long, I've worked with different prosthetists, from Tom,Brian, Rodney, Kris, and all the prosthetists I've worked with here have been great.
They're willing to work with you if you've got issues going on. If you have to call in the middle of the night because you've got some problems for the morning, then they're willing to meet you in the morning to get it straightened out.
I was able to go back to work, and I worked another eight years, full time, as an electrician. I got my time in, and I was able to retire. My second biggest accomplishment was being able to walk my daughters down the aisle.
It's harder than what it looks, but it's not something that's life changing so that you can't live. Your life goes on.
If you see an amputee—and most of the time you see them with a leg or a limb that's open and not covered all—if you've got questions, you can most likely go up and ask him and he'll tell you.
They're not going to hide it. You might get that small percentage that might want to hide it, but if they're showing their prosthetic, they're most likely comfortable, so ask questions.
If kids come around, I always tell kids I'm part robot, and they just think it's cool.
