I can honestly say I have grown since my amputation. Before becoming a amputee my life consisted of hanging out late, drinking, smoking and other things. I did work and did what I had to do as an adult, but basically I was living life in the fast lane. The time I spent in the hospital after my surgery was my thinking time, I was asking myself, whats next Derrick? In a way I wasn't prepared for a life altering change like this. I knew I had to reinvent myself, not just for me, but for my kids, my wife, and my whole family. Everybody tells me that this happened to me for a reason and I beginning to believe this with all my heart. In September it will be a year since I was amputated and I have come along way from what I use to be. I admit I do hang out but not as much as I did before, so for me thats a big acheivement and I can say I'm really proud of myself.

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Derrick Lewis

i'm proud of you too, derrick :-) ... honestly the same thing here. i quit smoking and went back to competitive sports and found that attitude makes a world of difference. before i was at liberty at least i thought to take things easy - now i know i cannot let stuff slide as life *is* that 1 chance you got. sharpened the senses somewhat...

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Wolf