Hi John, You've definitely picked up on the secret handshake here; that is, take it one day at a time and don't think about the next one.

You've learned how to adapt to unforseeable changes in your life and routine, an invaluable lesson and like most of those, not a cheap one either.

And you are programming yourself for success when you remind yourself that you are in a good place; and that no matter how bad it may seem, someone else is dealing with matters that are unthinkably worse than your worst imagination. Life is ever thus.

I learned that lesson in a hospital room at Clark Airforce Base when I was medevaced after being badly shot up (very thoroughly and badly gut-shot, which is not a pleasant experience by any means.)

My first night there, I spent in a room with one other occupant, also a medevac case. Only this young man had been close to a mortar round going off and lost one arm just above the elbow and the other, just below. He lost one leg just above the knee and the other, just below.

He had 3rd degree burns over 30% of his body, and had been shot through the voice-box so speech was impossible for him.

Seeing the pain and suffering in his eyes, and the helplessness in his eyes was an experience I hope never to experience again and would not wish on my worst enemy!

Best of luck to you, Compadre! You'll get through this and can then proudly wear that famous shirt! You know the one, the BTDT shirt, for Real!

Bart