[argodad]

Hello fellow umpires!

Amputation on 2/11 was as good as could be expected, The surgeon whacked off the damaged limb below the knee. I understand that it is just about the perfect distance for fitting a prosthesis. No complications other than a fever for a few days. (Although it does feel mighty strange to need to scratch toes that are no longer there.)

Our local umpires and coaches in the Pensacola area have been wonderfully supportive. The FHSAA softball commissioner told me my new goal is to be the first amputee to call a Florida championship game.

I've also got to thank my brethren in blue from the opposite corner of the country. SRW and bkbjones hooked me up with the Seattle Metro VP who calls games as a double AKA (above the knee amputee). Now there is inspiration. He talked to others at their UIC Clinic and I ended up with a personal e-mail from Wild Bill himself.

I can't wait to get back on the field and earn the right to call games -- big and small, rec ball to NCAA.

Thanks for the prayers and the good thoughts. they were (and still are) welcome.