Almost There But Needing A Government Grant To Make It
by Mikki Byerley
Carl was afflicted with some strange bacterial disease, over six years ago. I won't go into a lot of detail but I can tell you it's been a true struggle and we've experienced many life-changing events over these years. It started with one finger becoming infected and led to over 10 surgeries which resulted in the loss of two fingers (right hand), limited use of legs (arterial bypasses), loss of all toes (left foot), and just last April 9, the loss of his right leg due to blockage of blood flow to the lower leg. Carl is a strong man and through prayer and strong family support, he has continued to hold his head up high in order to get through all of these traumatic body changes he has endured at the age of 57. He suffers nerve pain 24/7 yet he continues to fight and push forward to getting a "normal" life back. He has been fitted for a prosthesis and is making great progress each day towards adapting to it and learning to walk all over again. His battle is unique since he has no toes on his one foot that is needed to support and help him keep balanced. He can now walk one block with just the aid of one crutch; it's like seeing your baby walk for the first time each day that he is able to successfully complete this 15 minute feat! He is on disability and remains at home alone each day, keeping his mind alive and alert by reading and fine-tuning his artistic abilities. Our friends and family are amazed at his amount of patience as well as the beautiful art work he creates. Our home is completely decorated with his work and we are showered with compliments every time someone visits! Carl worked over 20 years in the Social Services field, utilizing his Bachelor degrees in order to enable him to become the professional that he was. He helped many people from all walks of life as a counselor for the mentally challenged and for people afflicted with various mental diseases that challenged their lives daily. Carl changed so many people's lives by his constant dedication and commitment to helping them get benefits and care that they so needed and deserved. Now he sits home alone, hoping for a chance to get back out into the world and volunteer his services to others still in need. Here is my request...We need help (grant money) to get our automatic automobile adapted so that he can once again drive. We recently had a dear friend "give" us a car that was an automatic transmission. The only car we have is a 5-speed truck, and with only one leg Carl thought he'd never be able to drive again. So we have hope once again, but we need financial assistance in order to get the proper installation needed once he is evaluated. We know it will cost a lot of money and his disability pay just does not offer us a lot of freedom to get what is the best and safest system needed. I work full time so as I said, we are truly blessed to have all that we have. We are just in need of assistance in order for him to get back out into the world again. We aren't asking for a lot, just enough to get whatever is needed to allow him to drive again. We are praying for someone to hear our story and help him just like he has helped so many over his entire working career. Even though he may never be able to obtain a job for pay ever again, he still can offer his services as a volunteer to help so many in need. It is his reason for living -- to help others! He is such a natural at knowing just what to say and do to turn people's lives around; I've seen him accomplish this many many times. He is not complete unless he is able to help others, so I am searching for help so that he can give of himself. Thank you for this opportunity to express my story and my humble request for my husband to be able to drive again. I have faith and deep in my heart I know ..."We are almost there..."
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