Hardship brings lessons in caring, love and compassion

Sparta - Like any newlywed couple, the Walls, Robert and Amanda, were full of smiles, dreams, plans and ambitions. That has not changed, but a fraction of a second during what was supposed to be a happy time, introduced new challenges to their life. But it also brought and new sense of family and community. While on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, MD in August, the couple took what they had planned on being a relaxing and leisurely boat ride. The murky waters hid the change in depth which varies from very deep to very shallow in a very small area. Rob, not aware of the sudden changes in the water’s depth, dove into two feet of water, bending his spinal cord in half. “After Rob’s dive, his body immediately went into the ‘dead man’s float’ position, he couldn’t move a muscle. Having been trained as a life guard, I was able to stabilize him until help came,” said Amanda. “Although he suffered C3, 4, 5, 6 injuries, he never lost his ability to breathe. Most people who have C3 and C4 injuries wind up on a ventilator, so in that respect, Rob was very lucky.” The doctors initially told the Walls that Rob’s chances of ever walking again were slim, but hope returned when he began moving his right leg recently. Rob, who does not have full use of his hands, has just started to use his fingers. Another encouraging signs for the Walls. “He is doing well considering his injury,” said Amanda. “We are hoping within two years, he will be able to take a step or two.” Rob and Amanda’s trials have shown the couple the true meaning of friendship, caring and compassion. From strangers, to neighbors, to colleagues, the Walls have received support to help them deal with their new obstacles. “Rob’s employer has been wonderful. They have kept his position, his insurance and even held company meetings at the (hospital),” said Amanda, referring to Applied Business Systems, where Rob is employed as a systems analyst. “One of the nicest things they have done was to provide him with a wireless card to let him use his laptop from Kessler. This way he has been able to read messages from his bed.” That’s not the only time people has extended a helping hand. The Walls needed to have a ramp installed at their home before Rob is released from the hospital at the end of the month, or they would have no choice but to have Rob reside in a nursing home. Not accepting that as an option, Amanda applied to the township for a permit for the necessary ramp at 10: 30 a.m. on Nov. 29. She received the permit by 2 p.m. that same day. “I expected the permit to take days or weeks, but Janice worked efficiently because of the impending storm,” said Amanda, referring to the assistance she received from Janice Stevens of the Sparta Planning Department. “I am very grateful to her.” The Walls also found a supporting hand in Dave Wright of Wright Landscaping, who along with his crew, installed a cobblestone walkway and ramp from the front of the Wall’s steep yard to the rear. Wright Landscaping worked for four days to complete the ramp the day in early December. The completed project enabled Rob to return home on a day pass for the holidays. “If Dave Wright’s company did not work as hard as they did to get the project completed, Rob would not have been home with me for the holidays,” said Amanda. For Amanda, a social worker at Newton Hospital, her husband’s return home is full excitement, however, she knows she will be faced with the enormous responsibility of caring for Rob. With no state aid and limited insurance coverage, the Walls are confronting huge financial demands including numerous adjustments to their home to accommodate Rob’s equipment. To help the Walls with the continued expenses they face, the Sparta Kiwanis Club has set up an account to accept donations. For more information on how to help the Walls, call the Kiwanis Club President, Betsy Ingersol, at 973-729-3332.