Strange coincidences
in their family ties.
Being a “pirate” was part of the recuperation process for Tim Wynne after he lost a leg due to complications due to diabetes. Also helping was the unique and touching experience of having grown up in the household of Ray and Mariellen Wynne of Cannon Falls.
Hereʼs their story...
Tim and his Dad, Ray, both have artificial legs. Tim had surgery last August to remove the lower part of one leg and Ray had lost two legs due to an accident 25 years before. To show the spirit and “grit” of this family in times of tragedy, Timʼs wife, Valerie, decided that since real pirates may lose a leg and still go on living, she would throw a “Pirate Party” for him! So Tim put on a black eye patch and showed off his newly acquired “peg leg”!
This positive attitude has helped the family as they dealt with the stress of pain, grief and fear. And, Tim explained, “It made everything easier to know what Dad had gone through... so I knew I could.”
Similarities between the two men.
The coincidences between Ray and Tim are fascinating. Ray was born in August and lost his legs in February when he was 54 1/2 years old. Reverse the months and you have Tim born in February and losing his leg in August when he was 54 1/2 years old. Ray had a pulmonary embolism in the main artery of his heart. Tim had one too.
As a side note, Ray recalled that when he was in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) at the hospital he hadnʼt been told much about his case. So he carefully watched from his bed as a doctor looked at his chart and proceeded to give a whistle! Ray figured then that something was really wrong. Another doctor explained to him, “They know youʼre here but you shouldnʼt be!”
Timʼs problem came after he had complications with diabetes. He ended up having part of his leg cut off so he might save the rest of it.
“Phantom pain.”
Both men know the feeling of phantom pain. Tim explained, “Thereʼs a lot of pain - you have to build up your tolerance. And yes, sometimes it feels like I still have pain in my ankle... but my ankle isnʼt there.” Ray said this feeling of pain was explained to him, “that the part of the body was connected to you and your brain is still trying to send signals to it.” Sometimes it feels like a tingling to him - almost a ʻbuzz”.
Recently Tim has been getting used to his prothesis and practicing to get his balance back. Ray commented, “After a while you donʼt think about it - itʼs your leg.
”Filling in the gaps...
Though both men do amazingly well, their wives have had to step in to fill the gaps. Valerie had to drive their car, mow the lawn, and she added, many little things that Tim canʼt do - like picking up the soap in the shower if it falls out of his grasp. Mariellen recalled how Ray will get everything organized in the morning to get dressed and go sit down only to find that he has forgotten to get the socks out of thedrawer. Then he calls her for help.
But both families know they can rely on each other and the bonding of shared experiences.
***
These “pirates” kept going on with their lives. Tim Wynne and his Dad, Ray, take a moment to show their “peg legs”. Ray encouraged Tim that heʼll get adjusted to using it. “After a while you donʼt think about it - itʼs your leg.”
