Gabe's Alive

It’s been exactly four months since Gabe scarcely escaped bleeding to death after he fell off the back of a motorcycle,  had both of his legs run over by a truck, then amputated above the knee on both sides. Gabe’s 100% dedicated to walking again–and even driving–with the aid of prosthetics. But in the meantime, the kid has got to get around!

Because Gabe’s just arriving into this new, legless world, we repeatedly realize that we have no idea how to do basic things Gabe always took for granted before–like how to get in a car and drive away–without assistance. With classes at the Santa Rosa Junior College five days a week already, Gabe is super-ready to drive himself to and from class and out into life again without relying completely on me–his mom–as a chauffer! (And yes, on those who  volunteer to help drive sometimes…! Many thanks to Don, Sean, Harry and Eileen!)

Until Gabe has prosthetics, the main challenges to successful driving now are handling the wheelchair independently and operating the car without feet, and Gabe has been trying hard to figure out how to accomplish a return to transport independence. Since he has been using a folding wheelchair (which is heavy and isn’t management with one hand), first Gabe figured out how he might be able to get himself–and his chair– in and out of a car without assistance. He decided a hatchback could work, and tried out his idea with a Saab, a Subaru and a Matrix, as you can see in the first clip, above. (Thanks to Jean and Steve Gandolfo for the chance to check out the Matrix!)

After posting Gabe’s Matrix clip on YouTube.com, Gabe got a lot of advice from amps out there. Thanks guys!

Then Gabe’s new friend Jason, who picks Gabe up for basketball practice–(Thank you Jason!!!)– demonstrated how much easier it is when you have the right kind of wheelchair – a “rigid wheelchair”–which allows for quick dismantling and handling of the three main parts of the chair: the two wheels and the frame. Check out Jason’s demonstration with his Quickie rigid chair. (Actually, he was just getting back in his truck after checking his trailer full of basketball wheelchairs. More on that later). I love his safety strap…!

So now, Gabe’s got a good idea of how to get into a car. With a rigid chair, he can manage to get into just about any car, which is WAY better than having to travel in something like a van with a hydraulic lift when you are a teenager hoping to drive something a little more cool. But mainly, loading with a rigid chair is a LOT more practical because it’s modular and much lighter. About 15 pounds instead of 35 or so. Since Gabe needs his arm and shoulder strength to fulfill much of what his legs used to do every single day now, it’s important not to subject his muscls or joints to additional  stress or risk. Jason showed me his arm, were he he “blew out” a bicep, from wrangling a heavy chair.  Bottom line? All the guys Gabe is meeting in chairs have said: “Man – why did you buy that heavy folding chair? You need a rigid chair!’ Ah – the cost of the learning curve is oh so steep!  We bought the wrong chair for Gabe at first go. So, now he needs a rigid chair AND a car!

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Gabe’s been heading up the whole car and driving research project, and has made some serious progress climbing up this particular learning curve. A couple of people told him when they lost use of their legs, they just used a cane to put pressure on the accelerator and the brake, as needed! While we admire that kind of simplicity, we’re thinking that having hand controls installed in Gabe’s vehicle might be a tad safer. Someone turned Gabe on to the Miller Driving School. For $150, Roileene came out yesterday with her car–outfitted with hand controls–and spent an hour with Gabe to make sure he had no problem driving in this alternative way.

Behind the Wheel Again!

After Roileene’s intro, Gabe got into the driver’s seat. He looked good. He looked even better to me as I watched him drive down the driveway and then down the road and out of sight! It was a big moment, seeing Gabe take off like that, without assistance. My baby’s growing up all over again before my eyes! I know it means the WORLD to Gabe to become fully independent again, as soon as possible, and I have to say, I continue to be amazed by and admiring of  his spirit and joy of living. After Gabe went into the house and I was writing Roileene’s check out on the driveway, she told me Gabe had picked up the hand control driving effortlessly, faster than anyone she’d ever instructed. Gabe rocks!

The last few days, Gabe’s started car shopping, in earnest, with some help from Skip and Don. (Thanks guys!!)  He’s looking mainly for a used Honda, Toyota, Acura or Lexus, but we’re open to suggestion. Gabe needs to drive a safe and dependable car, and one that will give value for the money, but it would be so great if it  look nice too! If you happen to have any ideas or tips on how we can find a good car for Gabe, we’d so appreciate your input!

Today, Gabe and I SUPER excited to meet with a prosthetics company today. The TOP prosthetics company–Otto Bock–makers of the gold standard in above the knee amputee prosthetics: the C-leg.  We’re meeting at my mother and step-father’s house this afternoon to see what might be possible for Gabe.  I hope to write up our experience tonight and share it with you all!

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Gabe could soon be driving like this guy??? (See the 1 minute movie below.)

With love!

Niika