Carol and I just returned from the Orlando amputees convention. We met more quadruple amputees than ever which is good. That means medical professionals are not playing God so much but are saving their lives for the gifts that they are. A fellow quad-amputee shared our flight coming and going. We were the only amputees on either flight. In Phoenix, he walked up and reached out to me saying, "Jeff Lewis". I responded, "How the hell did you know my name"? His reply, "I didn't, Jeff Lewis is my name". Wow!
On April 20 in Tempe, Arizona, I ran 4.2 miles in the "Pat's Run" for the eighth consecutive year. Even though I hadn't spent time preparing for this year’s run, I think it may have been my best time yet: 1 hour, 9 minutes and 58 seconds.
A newsman stuck a camera in my face and asked me about Boston. I acknowledged that it was a horrible tragedy, but I would prefer talking about honoring Pat Tillman and he immediately turned his camera to someone else. Oh well! Jun 2013 Carol and I will be facilitators at this years Amputee Coalition Conference in Orlando. Carol will be presenting to caregivers and I will demonstrate tricks and tips for new and old amputees concentrating on things therapists never show you.
I continue to work on my forthcoming book AND and Shimdot Productions has been working with me and 5 other amputees filming a reality TV show pilot about living as an amputee. Apr 2013 I will be participating in my 7th Pat's run. A 4.2 mile run celebrating Pat Tillman. Before my amputations, I did not enjoy running - preferring to stay in shape using athletics of some type. Now I do this event because I can and it always leads to something -- an interview or a gig. Mar 2013 I was a guest at the Tempe Sport's Authority Courage Awards as a past honoree. I met many celebrities including two of my heroes, Frank Kush and Danny White. This is a great honor for me. I was almost the only one there not in a tuxedo. Mar 2013 I placed second in the AMF state bowling tournament missing the national finals by 9 pins - RATS! I have placed second in this event more than once. "We'll get'm next year" is getting a little old. Still, I feel good that I can compete against fully abled bowlers. Carol and I bought a piece of rental property becoming real estate moguls. This is a reach for us but we both feel like this is an excellent time to buy real estate, plus, it is in a nice retirement/golf community so as owners, we can use the amenities. Jan. 2013 Carol and I took first place in the fun time doubles tournament in Las Vegas. This has become a bi-annual event. Thousands of bowlers participate from all over the country and Carol and I have made hundreds of new friends. I have been asked to sing the national anthem for the Dbacks / Mets game at 1:00 pm (Arizona time) on July 29th. A group from St Matthew's Methodist Church will be signing the anthem for the hearing impaired. I am humbled and proud to be asked to honor my country. The Dbacks have offered special ticket prices for those of you who wish to attend. There is also a hospitality suite set aside for friends and relatives. I am including an order form if you wish to go. ![]()
I am not allowed to advertise for companies or individuals when I am given the honor of telling my story, however, I always take the opportunity to say what certain companies have done for me. I called several golf equipment manufacturers about what they could do for a quadruple amputee. Only one, PING, took on the challenge. PING and Stanford University developed a set of "snap on" golf clubs that allows me once again to play golf on a beautiful day, on a beautifully manicured course and, like my partners, openly take the Lord's name in vain as my ball sinks in to the pond. Thank you PING! Lumber Legs |
AuthorI am a quadruple amputee with a sense of humor and a passion for life. I like to tell stories. Archives
August 2017
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