Ch. 102 -  Judy's New Friends
 
 
As Kathy, Judy, and I sat and talked, various topics came up:
 
 
J - So tell me all about your orthodontic treatment. I'm very curious since Collie has arranged for me to get braces from your orthodontist, too.
 
 
L - When I was a teen and first started wearing a Milwaukee brace, we couldn't afford both orthopedic and orthodontic treatment. I had to wear a large rubber splint in my mouth in an attempt to protect my teeth. It was horrid and didn't work well, and I stopped wearing it when I went to college. It was then that my teeth really started to get crooked. I stopped wearing my Milwaukee brace when I entered the business world, and I just lived with my crooked smile and back pain.
 
 
When I resumed wearing a Milwaukee brace later in life, I also got orthodontic treatment to go along with it. I only really need braces and a splint to protect my teeth. However, I have developed a real love of orthodontics and want as many intrusive appliances in my mouth as possible. Almost everything in my mouth, including my double facebow headgear, is not really necessary; it is just to satisfy my odd desire. I love what most people would despise.
 
 
J - Leigh, would you tell me about your appliances, please? I'm very curious about what's in your mouth. It looks like quite a mouthful, and I am surprised you can speak at all.
 
 
L - Well, like I said, I really only need basic orthodontic braces, even just clear ones, and a removable splint. My expanders were used for a slight adjustment to my bite, but they are not active anymore. I keep them because they give me this really bad lisp that Joel thinks is sexy. My bite blocks do the job of a removable splint, but they are much larger than necessary; they hold my mouth partially open and make eating very difficult, as you saw at lunch. My tongue crib and wired-in double facebow headgear are also just for pleasure. My friends and I wear full bands because we love how they look, but now Joe uses them quite often with regular patients who are willing to wear them. He believes they provide better results than bonded brackets in most cases.
 
 
J - How about you, Kathy? What's the story with your braces?
 
 
K - Some time ago, I had Leigh help me with a little adventure. I wanted to experience wearing a long leg cast, and Leigh put a beautiful black cast on my left leg. After my cast was applied, I told Leigh how I was fascinated with the wires on her teeth on the occasions she'd had her jaw wired shut. I wanted to experience that, too, and asked if it was possible. Leigh had a kit that allowed her to wire my jaw shut quickly and easily, and I remained that way for many months. But it took a real toll on my teeth, and they became very crooked. I have worn braces several times in the past, and now here I am with them again, plus a lot of extras just because I want them.
 
 
J - So, Leigh, you have broken your jaw several times in the past and had it wired shut? That had to be a miserable experience for you, and Kathy, you had your jaw wired shut just to see what it was like?
 
 
L - No, I've never broken my jaw, and yes, Kathy had it done for pleasure only. I like being wired shut for my enjoyment, and I do so quite often. It really grounds and relaxes me; I absolutely love how it feels. We all have hooks on our braces that can be used to wire our jaws shut. You can get them on your braces too, Judy. It's really something to experience. You will either love it or hate it, but if you hate it, give it a week or two to grow on you. The first time I was wired shut, I had a panic attack and hated it for the first week. Now, I absolutely love being wired shut, and so does my husband, Joel. In fact, almost every evening after dinner, I wire Joel's jaw shut. He loves the feeling of waking up in the morning with his jaw completely immobilized, and I like it since it prevents him from snoring.
 
 
J - Wow, that's something I'd like to try. There are so many things I hope to try after I get settled in. I think I'm really going to enjoy my new life here with you and all your friends. Collie has told me how wonderful and understanding everyone is. This is the first time I have ever been around people who understand me and share my feelings. So, what other things have you ladies done?
 
 
L - Rebekah, Emme, and I even experienced what we consider the holy grail of immobilization: we all wore halo braces. Rebekah and I had ours at the same time and wore them for nine months. We spent several weekends in spinal traction, too. It was a really intense experience, and we enjoyed every second of it.
 
 
The only downside is that getting the halo ring applied is very painful, as is when your pins are re-torqued. Otherwise, there is a constant feeling of pressure from the pins, but you get used to it. Our friend Emme wore hers for around six months just for fun. She even had to wear one for real as a teen after a very tragic accident that took the life of her best friend.
 
 
J - Collie sent me the pictures of you two in those braces and in your traction wheelchairs. You both were all smiles in the pictures, looking like you were having a great time.
 
 
L - That's right, it was a lot of fun. It was really quite a thing to experience living with braces screwed into our heads for so many months. You get very used to the immobilization and pressure from the pins and don't really think about it until someone asks about your brace. The brace just becomes part of you, and the longer you wear it, the less you notice it. The feeling of being rigid from my hips to my head simply became normal, and when I was back in my Milwaukee brace, it felt very strange and foreign to be able to move around a bit.
 
 
K - I plan to wear a halo brace sometime really soon, too. Leigh looked so cute in hers, and she got so much attention while wearing it, especially from Joel. I know Lydia would go wild with me wearing one.
 
 
J - Well, you all seem to be living the dream, and I am so glad I met you.
 
 
It was then that Joel and Lydia came through the front door, and we introduced them to Judy. After a short conversation, they went in to shower and get dressed for going out. We sat back down, and Judy asked, "Does everyone around here wear some sort of orthodontic or orthopedic braces?" Kathy and I laughed, and I said, "It seems so. Almost all our close friends are living the recreational orthopedic or orthodontic lifestyle, and many of us do both."
 
 
We then heard another car pull up; it must be Billy and Collene. Judy got up and went to the door to greet them. She and Collene had not seen each other for well over a year. When Collene came inside, the two sisters hugged and started crying, saying how much they missed each other. Judy then hugged Billy and thanked him for making her sister so happy.
 
 
Collene took a long look at Judy and said, "We have got to get you out of those old braces and into some that look as good as you do and fit properly, too. I didn't realize how worn-out your braces are or how poorly they fit. Those teeth of yours are going to be getting in line, too. I have everything arranged just like we talked about it. You should be all fixed up in a few weeks with new braces from head to toe."
 
 
Judy replied, "Oh, that's great, Collie. You're so supportive of me and my lifestyle, and these friends of yours are great." Collene said, "They are great people and have helped make a wonderful life for Billy and me, and I'm sure they will do the same for you. Just wait until you get your new braces; you'll be able to wear sandals and high heels like me, and they will be so much more comfortable than my old hand-me-downs."
 
 
Joel and Lydia soon emerged from their rooms, nicely dressed for a night out. Then I got a text on my phone from Rebekah. She asked if Joel and I wanted to go out for dinner, and she was sorry it was on such short notice. I texted back that we were getting ready ourselves and had a guest that would really like to meet her, and suggested that we take one of the buses awaiting conversion since there are so many of us.
 
 
I told everyone that Paul and Rebekah would be joining us for dinner and would be by to pick us up. Judy said, "That sounds great; I really want to meet Rebekah and Paul, but how are we all going to ride together? There are nine of us in all; we'll need a bus." Just then, the roar of an old Detroit could be heard, followed by the hissing of air brakes.
 
 
Judy looked out the window and said, "Shit, we are taking a bus!" when she saw the Scenicruiser that just pulled up. We all laughed, and Joel asked Judy if she knew the business that we were in. She replied that Collene never mentioned it, but it must have something to do with buses. Lydia said, "We are all partners in a company that repairs buses and converts them into motor homes. It's been a great business venture, and we are all so happy with how things turned out." We all then walked or crutched out to the bus for Judy to meet Paul and Rebekah and go to dinner.
 
 
As we approached, Paul opened the door, and he was dressed in a 1950s Greyhound driver's uniform. We had never seen him wearing it before and had a good laugh. Paul said he found it on eBay and just had to purchase it. We introduced Judy to Paul and Rebekah and took our seats, with Judy sitting next to Rebekah. The old bus was a bit noisy, so I couldn't hear what they talked about, but there were a lot of smiles and laughter. Rebekah and Judy seemed to really hit it off.
 
 
I leaned over and said to Collene that it looks like Judy is really enjoying herself. Collene replied, "Yes, she looks to be so happy meeting all of you. I have not seen her this happy in years. It hit us both hard when our parents split, and she is still not over it. I hope that a new start here will bring her happiness, and once she gets settled in, she can meet someone like Billy. She needs a man like him to brighten up her life."
 
 
We had never discussed where we were going to eat, and we found out when Paul pulled up in front of Harry's Grill. We attracted a lot of attention with the old bus, then even more as all of us braced and casted ladies carefully got off and crutched to the entrance. Paul had to go find a place to park the bus, so we all ordered cocktails and waited for him in the bar. When Paul finally arrived, we got settled in the dining room.
 
 
Over dinner, we all talked quite a bit more, mostly about getting Judy settled in. We all volunteered to host Judy while she found a place to live since Billy and Collene's apartment is so small. Judy thought it would be a fun way to get to know all of us better, too. Joel said he had purchased a fully handicap-accessible motor home that has a blown engine that he wants to repair and resell but is too busy to work on it. It's just parked behind the shop at home, and Judy was welcomed to make it her temporary home. She thanked him profusely and said it would be wonderful, like living in the little studio apartment she loved so much at her old college, plus it would be out in the country.
 
 
Paul asked if Judy had transportation lined up, and she said no; she always uses public transit. We explained that things are spread out here and that she really needs a car to get around easily. Lydia said that she and Kathy have a Lexus that the dealership low-balled them on when they bought Kathy's new car. They never drive it, and they asked if Judy would like to have it. Before she could reply, Joel said he would install hand controls in it for her.
 
 
Judy and Collene both began to cry, and Collene said how kind we all are and thanked us for helping Judy out. Collene said she was so glad that Billy had that chance encounter with Rebekah and me that made him want to talk to her. She was also thankful that I introduced her to Gary and Rita. Not only does she now have the most comfortable braces she has ever worn, she has a job she loves, and Billy is also making a living while learning his trade. Kathy said it is only right that we help them all out a bit with the success we have in our lives and told about how Joel's friend Ted helped us make our bus repair business a reality.
 
 
After dinner, we all loaded up the bus and headed home. Paul and Rebekah dropped us off at my house, said goodnight, and headed home. Kathy and Lydia got on their way home, and Kathy said she would be taking the rest of the week off and that I should do the same. She would notify the office in the morning. Collene said that I should come with her and Judy tomorrow for Judy's consultations with Gary and Joe. I thought that sounded like fun, and we offered our guest rooms to Billy, Collene, and Judy.
 
We were all exhausted and turned in for the night. Tomorrow would be another busy day with Judy's consultations, and I could tell she was very excited.

Ch. 104 – Judy’s Consultations – Orthopedics

 
I followed Billy and Judy to the casting room, where her casts will be made and a 3D scan done. Collene remained in the office; she knew the procedure Judy was about to experience all too well. Rita would assist Billy, and Gary would observe. This would be Billy’s first time doing these procedures as the lead technician instead of just assisting. As Gary and I sat down to watch, he asked me to make mental notes of Billy's performance. Billy then began to explain to Judy what would be happening today.
 
 
"Miss Jenkins, I want to introduce you to Rita Jameson; she is one of the owners here and will be assisting me today. I see that you are wearing an orthodontic appliance that makes speech difficult or impossible. Many of our clients wear a similar appliance, and I know communicating is difficult for you. In fact, my girlfriend recently had to wear an appliance just like yours, so I personally know the hardships it causes. Since part of the procedure today will involve you being placed in traction, you will be unable to nod your head. Please give a thumbs up for yes and a thumbs down for no. Make a fist if you would like pen and paper to communicate with. Does this sound like a workable plan so we can clearly communicate, Miss Jenkins?"
 
 
Judy gave it a thumbs up.
 
 
"Very well, the first thing we will do today is apply plaster casts to your legs. These will be used to make molds for your new KAFOs. Since you are currently wearing leg braces, I'm sure you are familiar with this procedure; however, I'll explain how we do it here. I'll ask you to remove your skirt, then get on the table, and then we'll remove your KAFOs. The process of casting your legs will then begin. Your legs will be covered in plaster bandages that will quickly dry, and then the casts will be carefully removed. The casts will warm up as they dry, and many clients report that the feeling is very pleasant if they have sensation in their legs. Once your casts are made, we'll get your legs cleaned up and help you back into your KAFOs. Do you have any questions so far, Miss Jenkins?"
 
 
Judy gave a thumbs down, no questions.
 
 
"Good. The next thing will be a 3D scan for your Milwaukee brace. This will be used to make molds for forming your Milwaukee braces instead of a plaster body cast. The best thing is that it only takes a few moments to complete the procedure; you don't have to remain in traction and wait for the plaster to dry. You will need to remove your blouse and Milwaukee brace, but you may leave your bra on if desired. Rita and I will then place you in the traction frame and apply forces to your body to bring your spine into proper alignment. This may be a bit uncomfortable, but it will only take a few minutes for the entire process. The scan takes only seconds once you have been properly positioned and traction applied. Any questions at this point, Judy?"
 
 
Judy once again gave the thumbs down; she had no questions.
 
 
Billy asked Judy to remove her skirt, and then he helped her get on the casting table. Billy and Rita each removed one of Judy's KAFOs and set them aside. As they worked, Billy explained everything they were about to do; nothing would come as a surprise to Judy. The casting process began, and soon both of Judy's legs were covered in wet plaster bandages, and we waited for them to dry enough to be removed. The fast-drying plaster, of course, dried quickly, and Billy and Rita were soon carefully removing Judy's casts. Once they were removed, Judy's legs were cleaned up and her KAFOs and boots put back on.
 
 
Billy looked at Gary for approval, and Gary smiled widely and nodded. He was pleased with Billy's performance so far. Billy now explained to Judy that the 3D scan for her new Milwaukee braces would be done and that she needed to remove her blouse and the brace she was currently wearing. Rita assisted her in undressing and removing her brace, and Judy also removed her bra. Billy helped her to the traction frame and got her properly situated. The straps were applied around her waist and a sling to her head, and Judy's spine was stretched into proper alignment. Billy asked if she felt OK, and it was a thumbs up. Billy activated the scanner, and it quickly did its job.
 
 
At this point, while still in traction, Judy made a fist, and Billy handed her a pad and pen. Judy wrote, "This feels so good—much better than Collie's old brace that doesn't fit right. Is it possible for me to wear a cast that holds my spine and neck in this position while I await my new braces to be made? I have always dreamed of wearing a big cast; I know I would really enjoy it!"
 
 
Billy showed the pad to Gary to get his take on this unusual request. Gary said that Judy could get a Risser cast until her new Milwaukee braces were ready. I suggested a Minerva cast so she would not have to wear her orthodontic splint. With its forehead band pulling her head into her cast, there wouldn't be much pressure on her chin. Gary thought that was a great idea and would be a valuable experience for Billy since casts like that are so rarely applied.
 
 
Gary explained to Judy what her cast would be like, covering her entire torso from below her waist and extending to her chin and behind her head with a band of fiberglass around her forehead. I told her that I had worn a cast like that for some time, just for fun, and despite being very immobilizing, my cast was extremely comfortable and a lot of fun to wear. Knowing her interests, I told her she would really enjoy it. Gary confirmed with Judy that she wanted to proceed and have such a large and cumbersome cast applied, and the answer was two thumbs up and a broad smile. Rita then showed her the cast color samples, and Judy pointed to black.
 
 
Since Billy had never applied a cast like this before, Gary said that he would apply Judy's cast with assistance from Billy and Rita. Judy was released from traction, and a stockinette was placed over her body with the traction straps under it. She was then placed back in traction, and the padding was applied. Gary used the application of Judy's cast as an educational experience for Billy, explaining how to ensure proper immobilization while ensuring her cast would be comfortable for long-term wear. He showed Billy how to apply the padding in the right places and in the right amounts. Then the black fiberglass tape was applied to Judy's body, conforming perfectly to her slender body and completely immobilizing her spine.
 
 
After quite a bit of work, Judy's Minerva cast was complete; it was just like the one I had worn, and I knew she would love every minute wearing it. Judy seemed to be really enjoying the warmth of the fiberglass as it cured; she was in a dreamlike state with her eyes closed. She looked so cute, with the black cast contrasting with her fair complexion and blonde hair, and her lips parted by her splint.
 
 
When the cast was completely dry, Judy was released from traction, and the straps worked out from under her cast. I told Judy that she didn't need to wear her splint since the forehead band was mostly immobilizing her head, not the part of the cast around her chin. She immediately removed her orthodontic splint and said, "This feels so good; my spine and neck are completely supported and immobilized. It feels so much better than Collie's old braces, which I have come to rely on since my back has become so weak. Will my new braces feel like this, Gary?" Gary said that they would fit just like Collene's and my braces, completely immobilizing her spine but allowing some movement of her head and neck so she could turn her head if she stretched.
 
 
Judy got dressed, but only her skirt would fit over her cast; her cast would be completely exposed. It's a good thing it covered her breasts, as my cast did. Gary said to Billy, "You did an excellent job today and were very professional. I liked how you explained everything before you began and then again as you went along. I could tell it made Judy feel at ease; I never saw her tense up or seem nervous at any point, even when getting her Minerva cast applied, which is a very intense and intimidating cast to wear."
 
 
"You did an excellent job on her cast, and I am glad she requested it. We do apply casts like that on occasion, but not very often; usually only when someone needs a brace repaired and has no spare. Also, the way you offered alternative modes of communication since Judy couldn't speak with her splint was great. That's something I'd never thought of before. Nice work, Billy, and we both learned a few things today. Leigh, do you have any comments about Billy's performance today?"
 
 
I replied, "I agree that Billy coming up with an easy way to communicate with Judy was very clever. As a woman, I can tell you that Judy will appreciate the way her cast was formed around her breasts. Her cast will be very comfortable, just like my Minerva cast and all my braces, with ample room and support in the chest area."
 
 
We now made our way out to the office, and Collene was very surprised to see her little sister in a Minerva cast and had many questions for her.
 
 
C- Why the hell are you in that big cast, Judy?
 
 
J - Being in traction felt really good, Collie. You know my back is weak, and my old brace doesn't fit well, so I asked if I could wear a cast to support my spine until my new braces are ready. Gary thought it would be fine and also a great learning experience for Billy. My cast is very comfortable, and I love how it feels. Plus, Leigh says I don't have to wear my orthodontic splint with my cast. What do you think of it, Collie? I think it looks and feels so great, and I can't wait to go out and have people see me wearing it and to collect signatures."
 
 
C - Well, if you like it, Judy, I do as well. You do look super cute with your face peeking out of all the black fiberglass and your hair cascading down over your cast. Come over here, and I'll fix your bangs and make them curl around the part of the cast covering your brow; it'll look cute like Leigh's hair did in her halo brace.
 
 
Judy crutched over to Collene, and she fixed her hair, brushing Judy's bangs down over the forehead band on her cast. It did look really cute; I always loved that look when I had my halo.
 
 
C - That's better; you look really good now, and you do look sexy in your cast. So what's the plan? How long are you going to wear that thing?
 
 
J - I'll wear it until Billy gets my new Milwaukee braces done. Billy, please get my KAFOs done as soon as possible, but take your sweet time on my Milwaukees. I won't mind being in this cast for a while, maybe even a couple of months. It's something I have dreamed about wearing since that cheerleader in school broke her neck and back. She got so much attention in her cast and I will, too!"
 
 
B - OK, Judy, KAFOs first and Milwaukees later. It sounds like a plan, and I hope you enjoy your cast. It was a lot of fun putting you in it, and I learned a lot, too.
 
 
I asked Judy if she wanted to go to lunch and then shop for shoes for her new KAFOs. Judy thought that was a great idea, and she was very excited to be seen in public in her big cast and interact with people while wearing it. We said goodbye to everyone, and we were on our way.
 
At the mall, we attracted a lot of attention with Judy in her Minerva cast and KAFOs and me in my Milwaukee, KAFOs, bands, and double facebows. We went to several shoe stores, and I assisted her in selecting shoes that would work well with her new KAFOs. She picked out many styles, about ten pairs in all, ranging from flats to a pair of block-heeled party shoes. Billy will sure be busy modifying all these shoes to fit her KAFOs.
 
 
On the way back to Gary and Rita's, we stopped by the bus shop so Judy could see the facility. Lydia said that Judy is just like Kathy, always taking things over the top. Emme was really happy to meet someone about her age who was into casts and braces. She asked Judy if she wanted to have dinner with her and Pete tomorrow night and maybe spend a few nights at their place. Judy happily accepted Emme's offer.
 
 
When we got back to Gary and Rita's, there were eight large boxes stacked in the waiting room addressed to Judy Jenkins in care of Jameson Orthotics. They were taped shut with various colors of tape and contained all of Judy’s sparse belongings. I told her that I would ask Joel to take them to Billy and Collene’s place for her that evening. Judy said that the ones with the green tape should go to Collene’s; they have all her clothes, but the others could go to my place. They have all her belongings that need to go into the coach we offered to let her live in.
 
 
All during our outing, I was so jealous of Judy in her Minerva cast and also how she had allowed her legs to become atrophied and essentially useless if she was not wearing her braces. She was having so much fun talking to people and telling them about her cast and KAFOs. Since wearing my KAFOs full-time, I have not worn casts except for short weekend adventures. I think I need a good, long-term cast adventure once Judy gets settled in. I enjoy my braces, but I like the thrill of being in a cast, especially big casts like Judy's.

Ch. 106 - Judy's KAFOs
 
 
When Judy arrived at our place for breakfast this morning, she seemed excited and was very upbeat. She was dressed very casually, in just her very worn KAFOs and a denim skirt; she wore nothing on top but her Minerva cast. Joel said to Judy, "You're looking quite chipper this morning, Judy, and you're dressed so casually, too. Is anything special going on today?" 
 
 
Judy replied, "Yes, there is, Joel! Collie and Billy called last night, and my new KAFOs and shoes are ready. Billy said to come in today to have them fitted. I'm so excited to finally get braces that fit me, and now I'll be able to wear cute shoes instead of these clunky old boots. The only thing I don't like about my old braces are these stupid boots, but now I'll be able to wear a variety of cute shoes and sandals with my braces. Can you come with me, Leigh? I'm so excited!" 
 
 
I said that it would be my pleasure and that I was anxious to see Billy's work. We ate breakfast, and I texted Kathy that I was taking Judy to get her new leg braces and would be in late today. Kathy wished Judy the best and told me to take the day off to spend with Judy, but to be sure to send pictures of Judy in her new braces. I kissed Joel goodbye as best I could with my facebows in the way, and Judy and I got in the car and headed to town.
 
 
We arrived at Jameson Orthotics just as Billy and Collene were opening up. Since they have help at the shop now, Gary and Rita come in late and then work well into the evening after dinner. They are both night people and really enjoy their new schedule.

 
When Billy spoke, he had a very pronounced lisp, and I inquired about it. He opened his mouth, revealing that he now had upper and lower expanders with a large tongue crib, along with the headgear he had been wearing. I asked how he was coping with his new appliances. He said they put a lot of pressure on his teeth and caused him to lisp, and that Collene loves turning his expanders for him. 
 
 
Collene interjected, "He sounds so sexy with his lisp, doesn't he, Leigh?" I said, "He does," whereupon Billy blushed. We went inside, and Billy was excited to show Judy her new KAFOs and the progress made on her Milwaukee braces. He led us to the fitting room, where Judy's braces and shoes were laid out on the table. They looked beautiful! We went over to examine the four pairs of braces: a brown pair and a white pair for daily wear, a fancy, highly polished black pair for going out, and finally a carbon fiber pair with footplates for athletic pursuits. 
 
 
The craftsmanship was excellent, and Billy was very proud of his work. He didn't want to have Judy try them on until Gary arrived so he could verify they fit correctly, so we went to the workshop to check out Judy's Milwaukee braces. Each Milwaukee brace matched a pair of KAFOs, and they were almost complete. All that was missing were the interchangeable throat molds and occipital pads; they had yet to arrive, but otherwise her braces were all done. These braces also looked to be very well crafted, and if they fit half as well as they look, Billy has a bright future in his trade. Since it would be a while before Gary and Rita arrived, Judy and I decided to crutch down to the park to enjoy the pleasant morning and then get a cup of coffee. 
 
 
We got a lot of looks from people as we crutched along in the park with her Minerva cast in full view, along with all our other braces. Judy, like Rebekah, loves to talk to people about her casts and braces. She hoped to meet someone to talk to this morning, and Judy was in luck.
 
 
We met a girl on roller skates who had what looked to be brand new white SATS on both wrists. She stopped to talk to us, saying her name was April, and Judy asked what had happened to her. April said that she had badly broken both wrists while roller skating, and she learned a hard lesson about always wearing her wrist guards. She said she had been wearing LATS on both arms for the last eight weeks, and it was really hard for her to be so helpless, but her husband took good care of her. April just got them off yesterday and had smaller casts applied to wear for the next six weeks. She said it was great to be back on wheels again; it was impossible to skate in her double LATS casts. 
 
 
I told her about Sam and Millie's skating accident, and April said she knew them well and followed their recovery closely. She said it's amazing how both girls are able to skate so well wearing their back braces, too. Then April asked about Judy's big cast and the braces we were wearing. Judy replied that she was wearing her cast until a back brace like mine was made for her and that we have spinal problems that require us to wear back and leg braces. We wished each other well, and as we parted ways, April said, "Oh, your smiles are so cute. I've always wanted to get braces, and yours look really cool!"
 
 
Judy and I then headed for the coffee shop. On the way, she got a text from her sister saying that Gary and Rita came in early and we should return to the shop, so we skipped coffee and headed back.
 
 
When we got there, everyone was in the office chatting, and Gary was looking at the schedule. After talking for a little while and catching up on what we all have been doing, Gary suggested we get Judy into her new KAFOs. Rita stayed in the office with Collene, and the rest of us went back to the fitting room. 
 
 
Billy said to Judy, "Well, there is not much to explain since you have worn Collene's braces while you were staying with us. You know how to swap out shoes and how to adjust your crutches. I am going to go over everything with you anyway, so Gary can observe me as if I were working with a regular client." 
 
 
Billy began to explain everything about the braces and showed Judy how to swap shoes and adjust her crutches. He also told her how to adjust all the straps on her new braces since they had a different configuration than her old ones. Now, Judy began to take off her old braces, and Billy asked her which pair she wanted to wear out of the office today. She chose the white KAFOs and paired them with white clog sandals—a nice summer look. We always have the braces we want to wear for the day fitted last. 
 
 
Billy first put Judy's legs into the carbon fiber KAFOs and strapped a pair of orthopedic sandals to her feet since she didn't bring any athletic shoes. Judy got up and crutched around, saying the braces felt great and conformed perfectly to her legs. Gary and Billy both checked everything, and all was well. 
 
 
Now all of Judy's other KAFOs were tried on, starting with the glossy black pair with highly polished metal. Judy attached a pair of high-heeled booties to these. They were a bit of a challenge to walk in, and she'll need to practice before a night out on the town, but she looked really sexy wearing them. Then the brown pair was tried on with a pair of Mary Janes, and they fit fine, too. Finally, Judy put on the white pair with clog sandals, and she looked really good in them, especially with the short skirt she was wearing. These braces also gained Gary's approval, and he told Billy that he had done excellent work.
 
 
As we were getting ready to leave, Gary said that Judy's Milwaukees would be done soon. The parts should be here in a day or two, and she could be fitted with those braces in a few days. Judy replied, "Take your time. I really am enjoying wearing my Minerva cast; it's so comfortable and cozy inside. I would wear a cast like this forever if I could. I just love it!" Gary said that since Judy was enjoying her Minerva cast so much, Billy should make her a Minerva CTLSO brace to wear too. Judy was overjoyed, and Gary said it would be a good experience for Billy. 
 
 
Gary then told Judy that she shouldn't wear her Minerva cast for more than six to eight weeks and to just let Collene or Billy know when she wanted it removed and her Milwaukee braces fitted. Judy said, "I'll wear it for the full eight weeks, Gary. I really love being immobilized like this; it feels great." We thanked everyone, and Judy gave Billy a big hug and once again complimented him on his excellent work, telling him her new braces are very comfortable and extremely stylish. 
 
 
Collene then crutched in to see Judy in her new braces and said, "Wow, Judy, you look great in those; they fit you so well. Billy did a wonderful job." Judy replied, "Oh, Collie, thanks for making all this possible. My new leg braces look and feel great, and I'm excited to get my new Milwaukee braces after my cast comes off. I love my bands, too, and I can’t wait to get my expanders and headgear. Thank you, Collie, I love you." The sisters hugged and shed a few tears of joy before we parted ways.
 
 
Once in the car, Judy asked if I had to get to work right away. I said no. Kathy told me to spend the day with her; we could do whatever she wanted. Judy wanted to go to the mall and look for some more clothing to wear with her cast since she would be wearing it for another six weeks, as well as sport sandals and athletic shoes to wear with her carbon fiber KAFOs.
 

When we got to the mall, we attracted quite a bit of attention. We visited several shoe stores, where Judy picked out sandals and shoes she could wear to the gym and pool with her carbon fiber braces. Next, we made our way to the discount clothing store, where Judy got some blouses a couple sizes larger than normal to fit over her cast and a longer denim skirt. Her cast and very short skirt, which are definitely not her usual style, were attracting a bit more attention than she was comfortable with, so she put on her new skirt and blouse before leaving the store. I wanted to see about getting a few new outfits for work, so we crutched to the other end of the mall to the upscale clothing store that Annie had bought some outfits at. 
 
 
As we approached the store, I saw that the same saleswoman, Jane, who had helped us before, was working today. She recognized me, and when she smiled, I could see Jane's jaw was wired shut with heavy archbars running along her teeth, with many loops of wire between them. Before I could ask about her wires, Jane, through her clenched teeth and with a muffled voice, said to Judy, "Oh, look at you. What happened to put you in that big cast and leg braces, too? You poor little thing." Judy simply explained that she has a spinal problem that has caused paralysis in her legs and is wearing her cast while her new back braces are being made. 
 
 
I then asked Jane if her TMJ problem was why her jaw was wired shut, and Jane said:
 
 
"Yes, my TMJ got really bad despite my splint, and I woke up several times in the middle of the night in horrid pain with my jaw dislocated. The doctor decided it was time to wire my jaw shut and let things rest and heal. The procedure was very painful, and I was miserable and in pain for the first few days. Then I became very frustrated with my situation. I remember what you told me, Leigh—it gets easier after a few weeks, and you were right. It's been a month now, and I am doing really well, and my husband is very supportive, too. He even takes all his meals blended like I have to; he's such a sweet guy, and that's made things a lot easier on me."
 
 
"Last week I went and saw Dr. Joe Robbins for a second opinion. He recommended that I be wired shut for eight weeks and that surgery is not the solution. Dr. Robbins said that my bite is the root of my troubles and that it must be corrected with orthodontics. In a month, my jaw will be unwired, and I will be getting braces, bands like you two are wearing, and a splint to position my jaw correctly. Then I'll be banded shut for another eight weeks to let everything settle in. After that, I will get expanders and headgear to correct my bite."
 
 
"This entire process has been really intense and intimidating, but I am very comfortable with it and have become used to being wired shut. In fact, I am sort of enjoying it for some strange reason, and I think my husband is, too. I'm looking forward to getting braces, and I know I'll look great wearing them, even at my age."
 
 
Judy told Jane that Dr. Joe was our orthodontist and that he's very good. We wished Jane well with her treatment, and after a bit more conversation, I picked out a few new outfits for work.
 
 
Judy and I then went and grabbed a bite to eat for a late lunch, and I got a few pictures of Judy for Kathy. I dropped her off at the shop so Emme could see her new KAFOs, and then she could get a ride home with Joel. It was a fun day, and Judy loves her new KAFOs. For some reason, I got the feeling that Jane is really enjoying her very intense TMJ treatment and that she and her husband may even be like us.

Ch. 108 – My Petrie Cast – Application

 
With Judy settled in and enjoying life in her new braces, Kathy and I began planning cast adventures. We're retiring soon and would like to go to work in extremely immobilizing casts or braces one last time. I have always wanted to wear a cast big and immobilizing enough to confine me to a wheelchair or bed. I think I know what Kathy is planning, but I'm not exactly sure yet. Our adventures will overlap, which will be a lot of fun.
 
 
The only time I have worn bilateral LLCs was over long weekends, but they were only my 3D-printed casts. Not only do I want to wear bilateral fiberglass LLCs, I also want spreader bars that hold my legs spread far apart. I've seen videos online of this type of cast, and wearing one looks really intense. If my knees are bent and my legs spread far enough, crutches will be useless, and I'll be confined to my wheelchair and also need to use a catheter.
 
 
I asked Joel what he thought, and he said it sounded like a lot of fun if I could come up with a believable story; a cast like this is almost unheard of for an adult. I told him what I planned to tell folks, and with all the things I have done in the past, he thought no one would question it. Joel said he would love to have me in a cast like that, and he'll take good care of me. He also said he'll put new batteries in my wheelchair and get it checked out so it's ready for my long adventure.
 
 
As you know, I have been wearing my KAFOs full-time for quite a while now. Everyone is used to all my braces and orthodontic appliances, so now is a great time for this adventure to start. At work, I started to complain that I was having problems with my hips and that they were feeling, as best I could describe it, loose and unstable. Then I mentioned I was having pain in my hips, and I would wince when I stood up or sat down.
 
 
Several people took note and suggested I see a doctor, so I took off midday on a Tuesday and said I was going to get my hips checked out. When I returned to work the next day, I was asked what would be done for me. I explained that the ligaments in my hips have stretched because of the way I walk in my leg braces, and treatment would involve allowing them to rest and allowing them to shorten. I was then asked what my treatment would entail. I said that I would be getting full-leg casts applied to both my legs, and these casts would be connected with bars at my knees and ankles to spread my legs apart. This would allow my ligaments to relax, and I would need to wear the cast for eight weeks.
 
 
Someone asked if I would be able to walk with this cast, and I said no; I would be confined to a wheelchair or bed the entire time. Then I was asked when I would begin my treatment, and I replied that I have an appointment for my cast to be applied on Friday afternoon. Then, hopefully, I would return to work on Monday in my wheelchair. By the end of the day, the entire office knew what was going on. There's no turning back now!
 
 
The day has arrived; Joel will place me in my cast, and I'm both excited and nervous. My wheelchair has been polished up, and the new batteries are freshly charged. I have never been confined to my wheelchair for any length of time, and I wondered what it would be like to have my legs spread so far apart. I will soon find out.
 
 
We went to the cast room, I got undressed, and we discussed the final details of my cast. I wanted a black cast with black stockinette. I think black looks classy and is much easier to keep looking clean, and as you know, I like my casts to look fresh and clean. I also wanted my casts to have toeplates to protect my toes from banging into doorways, which I know will happen. Joel asked me how I wanted my knees and feet positioned, and I said I wanted my knees bent quite a bit so I could sit comfortably without my legs sticking out too far in front of me. Since there was no way I would be using crutches and walking in my cast, I wanted my feet to be positioned with my toes pointed slightly down.
 
 
Joel gathered the necessary supplies, placed them on a cart, and brought them to the table I was sitting on. I removed my KAFOs and Milwaukee brace, leaned back against the inclined table, and relaxed as Joel cast my right leg. He applied a perfect LLC that came up really high on my thigh with my knee bent and my toes pointed down. Joel asked me how it felt, and I said, "Oh, Joel, this cast is wonderful. It's one of the best you have ever made; it's really comfortable. Please get my left leg into one just as perfect."
 
 
Soon, my left leg was in a cast identical to the one on my right leg. Once again, it was perfect and very comfortable. Joel let the fiberglass dry for a few minutes, then he held the first spreader bar behind my ankles. He spread my legs and measured the distance between the tips of my toeplates to ensure they were spread as wide as possible while still being able to fit through doors. He was satisfied with the measurement but warned me that doorways would be a tight fit.
 
 
Joel began to incorporate the wooden spreader between my LLCs, securing it to my casts with several rolls of fiberglass and also covering all the wood with black fiberglass. Then he placed a second spreader bar at my knees, also securing it with plenty of black fiberglass. I watched intently while Joel worked, thinking about how immobilized I was and what my life would be like for the next eight weeks. When Joel was finally done, my two long leg casts had become one cast, a Petrie cast, and it felt divine. I laid back and drifted into a dreamlike state, enjoying the warmth of my cast as the fiberglass fully cured.
 
 
Once my cast was fully hard, I began to test its restrictions, despite my weak legs. Yes, my legs are becoming weak, just like Judy's, from wearing my KAFOs all the time and my lack of exercise. My new cast was extremely immobilizing, and my legs were now one unit that only moved together. Because I am so short, the almost three-foot-wide spread at my feet meant a very extreme angle at my hips. I naturally wanted to bring my legs together out of modesty, but I could not. It was a really strange feeling, and I felt extremely vulnerable despite being safe with my loving husband.
 
 
Joel then asked if I was ready to have my catheter placed, and I was. He gently placed the catheter inside me and secured the bag to my left leg. I felt even more vulnerable and insecure now with my catheter in place, but I said nothing to Joel. Then, with great effort, I sat on the edge of the table. My now useless legs stuck out in front of me with my knees, hips, and ankles fixed in a very relaxed and comfortable position—the position they would be in for the next eight weeks. There's no way I could possibly walk or even stand in these casts; I'll be totally dependent on my wheelchair for mobility.
 
 
I just sat there thinking about what life was going to be like for the next eight weeks as Joel cleaned up the room. Even though I had only been out of my Milwaukee brace for a short while, my back was already becoming painful. I asked Joel to put my Milwaukee brace back on me, and my spine instantly felt better. At this point, I realized how immobilized I really was. It was overwhelming, and I wondered if I had made the right choice. After a few moments of reflection, yes, this is the right choice; the next two months will be very pleasurable, despite many challenges.
 
 
While I was away with my thoughts, Joel made some adjustments to my wheelchair, and it was ready for me. He picked me up with one arm around my body and his other hand grasping the spreader bar between my knees. I put my arms around his neck, and we kissed before he gently placed me in my wheelchair. He made some adjustments for my comfort, since that's where I'll be spending the majority of the next two months, and strapped me in tightly.
 
 
As Joel finished cleaning up the cast room, I reclined my wheelchair into a very comfortable position and just absorbed my situation. Joel finally asked how I liked my cast and how it felt to wear it. I said, "Sitting here in my wheelchair feels just like I'm relaxing in my recliner, but with my legs spread very wide. My knees and ankles feel great, and I am very relaxed. The only thing is the spread of my legs; it's not physically uncomfortable, but it is very much so emotionally. I feel extremely exposed and vulnerable with my legs spread apart like this, and my catheter only intensifies these feelings. I naturally want to bring my legs together, but I can't. It's very unnerving."
 
 
Joel said, "Well, maybe that is because you are wearing nothing except your cast, Milwaukee brace, and bra. Let's get you dressed in one of the outfits you bought for this adventure. You'll feel better fully clothed." I raised the backrest of my wheelchair and carefully guided it towards our bedroom, with Joel following close behind.
 
 
With my spreader bars, all I can wear are dresses and skirts, and I would be without panties, too. Rebekah modified some clothing for me with Velcro down the back to make dressing easier. Before dressing, I had Joel pick me up and put me on the bed so I could see what it would be like to sleep in my cast. With some pillows under my legs, I was quite comfortable, so sleeping will be no problem.
 
 
Joel is taking me out for dinner tonight, and I thought it would be fun to let him choose my outfit. He picked out a long blue dress that's wide below the waist that would look good with my white Milwaukee brace. Joel helped me change my brace and get into my dress. He once again carefully picked me up, and we kissed again before he placed me in my wheelchair and pulled the straps tight around my body.
 
 
I wheeled over to my vanity and did my makeup and hair. I chose to wear my white facebows with interlandi straps to match my Milwaukee. It is nice to have my facebows unwired so I can change colors, but I miss being forced to wear my headgear 24/7. I wheeled over to the full-length mirror to take a look at myself, and I looked great. Everything about my look was perfect; my dress covered just enough but not too much of my cast, and my metallic smile and headgear looked great with my white-framed glasses. I was going to go out in public in my Petrie cast for the first time, and I was both excited and very nervous.
 
 
Joel got me and my wheelchair into the van, and we were on our way to dinner. So far, my Petrie cast is very comfortable, but I have only been wearing it for a few hours. Even though my dress covered me well, I still felt very vulnerable with my legs spread apart and found myself constantly trying to bring them together, which is impossible. I hope these feelings soon fade away as I become more accustomed to my cast.
 
 
When we arrived at Rancho Gordo, we were greeted by Shelly, our favorite waitress. We go here often, and Shelly has closely followed my progression from just my Milwaukee brace to wearing AFOs, then KAFOs, and she often asks me detailed questions about my situation; I think she might be one of us herself based on some of her questions. Shelly asked me why I was in such a big cast, and I explained that walking in my KAFOs had caused problems with my hips, and my cast was to let them rest for eight weeks.
 
 
Shelly asked if I was in any pain, and I said I was not, but right then I had a muscle spasm in my right leg, and I let out a little cry. Joel asked me if I was OK, and I said it was just a muscle spasm. I turned to Shelly and said, "Well, maybe a little pain, but it passed quickly." Shelly soon brought us our drinks, then our meals, which we greatly enjoyed. Sitting there eating, my cast felt so comfortable and natural that I actually forgot I was wearing it.
 
 
It was late by the time we got home, and both of us were ready for bed. We were glad to have already made arrangements to make sleeping in my cast comfortable for me. Joel asked if I wanted to put on my CTLSO, which I like to sleep in. I said that I did, and Joel carefully picked me up out of my wheelchair and kissed me before setting me on the edge of the bed. He undressed me and removed my Milwaukee brace.
 
 
Joel then strapped me into my CTLSO for the night and got me comfortable in bed with my legs on the stack of pillows. My cast and CTLSO felt great, and I was very comfortable and content. I don't think getting a good night's sleep will be any problem at all. Joel leaned over me and kissed me once again, as best he could, with my facebows in place. He told me how beautiful I looked laying there in nothing but my Petrie cast, Minerva CTLSO, and headgear, and that he loved me very much. I smiled with my metallic smile and said that I loved him, too, and that our life together has been a dream come true. Joel then laid down and pulled the blankets up over us.
 

We held hands as we drifted off to sleep.

Ch. 110 – Life in My Petrie Cast

 
Going out with Paul and Rebekah last night was a lot of fun. We enjoyed watching Paul struggle while wearing his extremely encumbering braces. With Paul moving about so clumsily, no one really paid attention to my cast or Rebekah's braces; Paul got all the funny looks and stares, which made him very uncomfortable. He also had a lot of trouble eating with his tongue tamers and even ate more slowly than I do with all my appliances. However, Paul looked so sexy struggling in his braces, and I'm embarrassed to say I was really turned on. When we got home, I told Joel that he absolutely has to get KAFOs, a Kuehnegger brace like Paul's, and some additions to his orthodontic braces. He assured me that he would do so very soon.
 
  
On Monday morning, Paul and Rebekah were at our place early, and Paul's jaw wire was firmly wired shut. I asked Paul how he liked his current situation, and he replied with a very slurred speech and a bad lisp, "It's difficult! I really don't like having my jaw wired shut, but I promised Rebekah I would do it. I don't understand why you girls like it so much; maybe I just need time to get used to it? My tongue is very sore from my tongue tamers, especially after eating my last solid meal last night. Maybe being on a liquid diet and not having to chew will be a good thing.
 
 
I told Paul that it took me a few weeks to get used to having my jaw wired the first time and that I never got used to my tongue tamers, but they are much easier to live with than a tongue crib. The guys then headed to the shop, where Paul, like me, will have a lot of curious co-workers when he arrives.
 
 
After the guys left, Rebekah helped me get dressed. I put on my white Milwaukee brace, and I let her choose my outfit for the day: a loose dark green skirt that would cover the spreader bar at my knees but not my ankles, a white blouse, and a jacket to match my skirt. She helped me get dressed, then did my makeup before placing my green facebows in my mouth and attaching them to matching interlandi straps, and then she styled my hair. She did an amazing job, and I looked ravishing.
 
 
Judy soon arrived for breakfast and to drive me to work. She had seen pictures of me in my cast but had not seen me wearing it in person yet. Upon seeing my cast, Judy said with excitement, "Oh wow, Leigh, that cast you're in is so cool! You look so comfortable in it, and I love how it keeps your legs spread apart. I wish I could have worn something like that when I was letting my legs go. You know, if you wear that cast long enough, your legs will waste away to nothing, just like mine. So, what's it like to wear that big cast?"
 
 
I cheerfully replied, "Oh, it is wonderful, Judy; I love it. Joel did a great job, and it is very comfortable despite being so immobilizing. Joel's been taking great care of me, and my cast really excites him; he always loves it when I'm in a big cast. The only thing is that I feel very vulnerable with my legs spread apart like this. It's going to take some time to get used to the feeling."
 
 
Rebekah helped Judy get me and my wheelchair loaded up in the van, and we were off to the office. Judy asked me many questions about my cast, and I told her that the best thing for her to do is experience wearing a cast like this for herself. Of course, she thought this was a great idea and said that someday she would once she got settled in more.
 
 
Once at the office, Judy was struggling a bit to get my wheelchair out of the van. Luckily, Kathy arrived and helped, despite being in her thumb spica braces. We all got into the elevator, with Judy getting off at her floor first. Kathy and I got off at our floor and entered the office together. Everyone knew I would be in a wheelchair and wearing a large cast, but no one paid too much attention to me.
 
 
However, I did get a few questions from people stopping by my office. One of which was what would happen if my cast didn't help my problem. I explained that if it didn't help, then I would have to wear a larger cast that would completely immobilize my legs, hips, and entire spine for a period of time, probably three months. A little while later, Kathy came in to visit with me and was very interested in how my cast felt and what it was like to wear. I told her it felt wonderful and that she'd have to try something like this after she retires.
 
 
I also told her about Paul's braces and showed her a picture of him I took at dinner the other night. She was really impressed with his braces and said he sure looked sexy. Then Kathy said if she were single, a sexy, braced man like Paul would likely make her change teams or at least become a switch hitter. We both laughed, and I told her that I was going to get Joel into braces just like Paul's and get him some additional orthodontic appliances, too. Kathy said she would love to see Lydia all braced up like that, too. We needed to get back to work, and I invited her to have lunch with me and the girls, and she said that sounded great.
 
 
It was fun making my way to the cafe for lunch with Emme and Rebekah. The sidewalk is fairly narrow, and people had to step aside to let me pass in my wheelchair. Emme and Rebekah were at the cafe when we arrived, and Emme was impressed with my cast and had many questions. She talked a lot about the body cast she had worn for a few days, which Judy found quite interesting. We had a great lunch together, and of course we got a lot of looks. However, Judy was very quiet, except when asking Emme about her body cast. I think she's jealous of my cast and wishes she could have worn one when she was, as she puts it, letting go of her legs.
 
 
The following weeks in my cast were great fun. A lot happened, not only to Joel and me but to our friends too. Joel and I spent a lot of time together talking about the future and what we would like to do when I retired. At the shop, they are hiring two full-time mechanics and an older fellow part-time, so he, Paul, Lydia, and Emme could be away for longer periods of time and we could go on group trips. I thought this sounded great and would be fun; we never go away as a group for more than a few days. I then told Joel that I'm having thoughts of allowing my legs to become like Judy's—atrophied and useless. He said he would support any decision I make and encouraged me to live out my dreams.
 
 
While in my Petrie cast, Joel and I went places every weekend. I often wore one of my CTLSO and thumb spica braces on these outings. I loved going out and appearing to be badly injured but still having fun and living a happy life. As time went on, I modified some of my old clothes to fit around my casts, including a couple pairs of shorts that really showed off how high my casts went on my legs and the fact that I was catheterized.
 
 
One weekend, I even wore my NI Halo CTLSO and LATS on both my arms, which also partially covered my fingers. My hands were useless, so I used a sip-and-puff control on my wheelchair. It was a real thrill to be out in public like that, and I spent some time wheeling around alone at the park, but Joel was always nearby if I needed help. I really enjoyed this high level of immobilization, and Joel loved seeing me like that, too. If I got braces like Jackie wore on the cruise, I think that pretending to be paralyzed would be a lot of fun.
 
 
Joel was true to his word and visited both the orthotics shop and the orthodontist. He's getting KAFOs, a Milwaukee brace, and a Kuehnegger brace made. He picks them up in a few weeks. While there, Billy showed Joel a pair of KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace he was working on for himself so he could experience what Collene's braced life is like.
 
 
I went easy on Joel at the orthodontist, with only a tongue crib and Forsus appliance placed in his mouth. I just adore how the ends of his Forsus push his lips apart, and a small bit of metal can be seen with his mouth closed. Joel's tongue crib makes him lisp badly; he hates it, but I think it's cute, and I hope his lisp never goes away.
 
 
Judy has been a constant presence in our lives, too. More so than just having breakfast with us and driving me to work. She is obsessed with my cast and comes over early in the morning to help me dress and stays late into the evening, asking me questions and talking about my cast. Joel and I don't mind Judy spending time with us. She has become like a daughter and doesn't make herself a nuisance; she senses when Joel and I need time to be alone. Judy often asks me if I'm "going to let my legs go." What she means by that is that if I am going to become like her and voluntarily become dependent on my leg braces, I told her I didn't know, but I am strongly leaning in that direction.
 
 
One evening, while Judy was visiting, she got a call from Collene and put it on speaker. Collene had two pieces of wonderful news to share. The first was that Billy had graduated early from prosthetic and orthotics school. They had gone out to celebrate, and while having drinks, Billy proposed to her and presented her with a beautiful engagement ring, and she accepted his proposal.
 
 
Billy's proposal had been seen by other patrons, and when Collene accepted, everyone cheered. We were all so happy for them, and we wished Billy and Collene a very happy life together. However, I could tell that Collene's happy news made Judy feel down. She has yet to meet a guy since moving here, and I know she is very lonely. However, Pete has put Judy in contact with his best friend, Jimmy, but they won't be able to meet for some time.
 
 
Jimmy is in the Army, which is why he can't meet Judy right away. Their meeting will come when he is on leave, but they talk on the phone or video chat daily. Jimmy is stationed at a large Army base in the Midwest and works at a vehicle overhaul depot. They have exchanged many photos, and Jimmy is quite a handsome young man, especially in his dress uniform. He knows about Judy's back and leg braces and the reason she wears them; Pete explained Judy's lifestyle to him. Jimmy has no problem with her lifestyle and is actually quite intrigued by it, but Judy is nervous that he won't accept her when they finally meet in person. Pete knows his friends well and insists that Jimmy and Judy are a perfect match.
 
 
The eight weeks in my Petrie cast passed quickly, and the time had come for it to be removed. I thought it would be best to get my cast removed on a Friday so I could have the weekend to get used to walking in my KAFOs once again, if I'm able to do so. On the appointed day, Joel and I went to the casting room, and he picked me up out of my wheelchair and laid me on the casting table. Joel then removed the cast that had immobilized my legs and held them spread widely apart for the last eight weeks.
 
 
Once out of my cast, my hips and legs were very stiff from their immobilization. My legs were atrophied, and any attempt to bring them together was extremely painful. My hips burned like fire. I had thought that in the last few weeks my cast felt very loose when Joel would pick me up. My knees and ankles did not want to move, and when they did, it was painful. Joel massaged my legs, and it felt heavenly. My knees and ankles felt a bit better, but my legs were weak, and bringing them together was impossible.
 
 
Then Joel helped me out of my Milwaukee brace and removed my catheter and headgear. He picked me up and carried me to the bathroom, where he placed me in our Jacuzzi tub. The water felt great, and I washed and shaved my legs, and that is when it hit me how atrophied they were. When wearing casts in the past, I was up and active, so my muscles strained against my casts, keeping them toned. With this cast, I just sat in my wheelchair or laid in bed for eight weeks; they really wasted away.
 
 
I soaked for about an hour, thinking about what Judy is always saying about letting my legs go. Joel helped me get out and dry off, and he carried me to our bed. I asked him to place a new catheter before I got braced and dressed. He placed my headgear and helped me into my Milwaukee brace before dressing me. When I put on my KAFOs, I could tighten the buckles several holes tighter now than I could before, and I still couldn't bring my legs together since my hips were so stiff.
 
 
Maybe I was becoming like Judy and beginning to really lose the use of my legs? In a way, I hoped so. I know that without her KAFOs, Judy can't stand on her own and is totally dependent on her braces for mobility. Right now, I think it's the same for me unless I start an exercise program. Joel brought me my wheelchair, and I struggled to get into it on my own. I might try walking with my crutches tomorrow, or maybe I'll just keep using my wheelchair. But, for now, we are off for an early dinner with me still confined to my wheelchair and unable to walk.

Ch. 112 - A Decision Made
 
 
On the way to brunch, conversation was casual; no mention was made of what I'm thinking of doing. Once we arrived at The Egg Basket, Joel dropped us off and told me to call him when we were ready to be picked up. All of us in our various orthodontic and orthopedic braces made our way inside, and we got the large table in the back room. Emme, Kathy, and Lydia could walk without crutches, and they helped the rest of us get our food.
 
 
Once we were all enjoying our meal, Kathy said, "So Leigh, you really want to do this?" I replied, "Yes, I do, and I think my mind is already made up; however, I want to hear what everyone thinks. It would be a dream come true for me. I have always wanted to be a crippled girl. However, I love and respect all of you; I value your thoughts and opinions, and I want to talk it over to be sure I'm not making a mistake."
 
 
Emme - "If this is what you really want, Leigh, and it's been your dream, you should do it. If you ever change your mind, you should be able to build up your muscles again. I want you to be happy and enjoy life the way you see fit, just like you have helped me to do. I love wearing my Milwaukee brace and bands on my crooked teeth. I can't see myself ever being without them at this point, and I think I might want to start wearing leg braces, too."
 
 
Rebekah - "Emme is right, Leigh; make your dream come true. I think we are all behind you; I know I am. This is something I'm considering, too. I wish there were some way to temporarily experience paralysis, but still have feeling in my legs. Isn't that the way it is for you, Collene? You still have feeling in your legs."
 
 
Collene - "That's right, Rebekah. I cannot move my legs and feet, but I have full feeling in them. My condition only affected motor nerves, not sensory ones. That's one reason I can wear the shoes I can with my new KAFOs; I can tell if I have good footing when I walk."
 
 
"As to what Leigh wants to do, it's exactly what Judy did. She wore my old braces all the time and never exercised her legs, and they slowly lost muscle mass and strength. I never minded her wearing my old braces, but I was strongly against Judy letting her legs go at first. As time went on and Judy's legs got weaker, she became emotionally stronger and much happier. Judy was finally living in the body she was meant to have. At that point, I gave her my full support and apologized for condemning her in the beginning. I don't have a lot of memories of being able-bodied, so Judy, tell Leigh what it was like for you to become dependent on your KAFOs as an adult."
 
 
Judy - "Well, as you all know, I started wearing Collie's old braces once we moved back to the States. When I started college, I decided I wanted to become as handicapped as possible without an actual injury. I began to wear my leg braces all the time, including when I slept. I tried to never move my legs on their own and didn't do any exercises like I had done in the past or what Rebekah does now."
 
 
"Collie tried to talk me out of doing it, but my mind was made up. I had to tighten the straps on my KAFOs more and more as my legs wasted away over time. Finally, I couldn't stand on my own anymore, even with crutches, and my dream had become reality—I was fully dependent on my leg braces and my Milwaukee brace to support my weak spine. I was as handicapped as Collie now and the happiest I have ever been in my entire life, finally living in the body I was meant to have."
 
 
"Collie realized how much better I felt about myself and my body, and now she fully supports my decision. For you, Leigh, achieving your goal will be easier than it was for me. You have people like Joel to put you in very immobilizing casts and Rita and Gary to custom-make braces for you. I fully support any decision you make; I am here for you at any time."
 
 
Rita - "Well, I certainly can't say anything negative, being a pretender who has muscle weakness now, too. For the last few years, I have been unable to stand or walk without my KAFOs. My back has also become weak from wearing the very immobilizing back braces that I made for myself. I never planned or wanted this, but I have accepted and embraced it. I only started to wear KAFOs to make clients feel more at ease. Then, when I saw how much fun you girls were having wearing your Milwaukee braces, I just had to start wearing one myself, so I made myself the spinal braces I currently wear."
 
 
"I justified wearing my braces as being comforting for clients; I thought seeing me work in my braces would be inspiring. Then I realized I have a desire or fetish for wearing braces. However, I have no feelings for other people wearing braces. I only have sensual feelings about braces if I am the one wearing them, so my feelings don't interfere with my work. Even when Gary wears a brace or cast, it doesn't excite me, but it does him, and that brings me pleasure. As to my orthodontic braces, those were only to please Gary; women wearing orthodontic braces have always been a big turn-on for him. However, after getting braces, I instantly fell in love with my metal smile and headgear."
 
 
"I fully support any decision Leigh makes. I like to see people happy, and that is the greatest thing about my job—bringing happiness to people. To see the joy when someone walks for the first time after a severe injury or when years of pain are relieved by a brace is such an emotional experience for me. Gary and I will do anything we can to help you, Leigh, and I will make you some lightweight leg braces to wear in bed and around the house. I'll get right on it Monday morning, and they will be done by evening."
 
 
Lydia - "You have my full support, Leigh, and I wish you well in this phase of your life. You have made Kathy and me so happy with everything you have done for us. Since she got her mouthful of orthodontics, Kathy is so much happier and more upbeat. Things that used to upset her or get her down don't anymore, and I hope that she starts wearing KAFOs and a back brace after she retires. I don't want to do what you plan to do; however, I do want to have both leg and back braces made to wear on weekends or vacations. I know it would bring great pleasure to Kathy to see me in braces. I fully support you, Leigh, and it sounds to me like your decision has already been made, and it's the right decision."
 
 
Kathy - "I'm looking forward to wearing KAFOs after I retire and maybe a spinal brace, too. Seeing Leigh in the office every day, wearing her very immobilizing braces, has really inspired me. I love my orthodontic braces, appliances, and headgear, but I want more—braces on my legs and back, too."
 
 
"I know it is only a short time before you retire, Leigh, but I will make sure anything you need at the office is taken care of. I'm like Rebekah and wish there was a way to be temporarily paralyzed to see what it's like for Collene. I don't think anyone here can judge any of us except for Collene, and she is very accepting. So, Leigh, how do you plan to achieve your goal of becoming totally dependent on your leg braces?"
 
 
Leigh - "As you have all surmised, my decision has already been made. I'm going to let my legs go, as Judy says. With all your kind words and support, along with my long-standing desire, I know it's the right choice for me. As to your question, Kathy, I plan to do what Judy did and simply keep my legs immobilized as much as possible, and the braces that Rita plans to make will help a lot. I'll also use casts—probably a big one for a while, too. After that, hopefully, my goal will be achieved; instead of wearing leg braces out of desire, they will be worn out of necessity."
 
 
With the heavy discussion over, we went back to chatting and simply enjoying our time together. Soon, I called Joel, and he came and picked us up, and we went back to my place. All the girls went home except for Kathy, Lydia, and Judy. They all stayed well into the evening so we could plan the details of Kathy's upcoming adventure, which involves her being in another bicycle accident. I'll just say that what she is planning is really intense.
 
 
After Kathy and Lydia left, Joel and I escorted Judy down to her coach. She has a really great view of the creek, and Judy enjoys watching all the wildlife that comes and goes. Judy seems to be in no rush to find herself a permanent place to live; we don't mind and are planning to build her a little cottage. If she moves on, which we hope she doesn't, it will make a great guesthouse. We enjoy having Judy around; she's become like a daughter to Joel and me and was very helpful when I was in my Petrie cast. Her assistance will once again be needed in the near future, and I know she loves helping me out.
 
 
The following Monday morning, Judy drove us to work, as she had been doing when I was in my Petrie cast; it's so convenient that we work at the same place. The first day I went back to work after my cast had been removed, I was, of course, still in my wheelchair and wearing my KAFOs and Milwaukee brace. My hips had loosened up a bit, and I could bring my legs together a bit more, but using crutches was still difficult.
 
 
At work, people asked me when I would be out of my wheelchair, and I said it would be a very long time; things had not gone as planned with my hips, and I am currently unable to walk. There was much concern at first, but it quickly passed since everyone is so used to me being in a wheelchair.
 
 
When I met Judy at the van after work, I asked if we could stop by and see Rita; the braces she promised to make me were ready. Judy said that would be great; Collene wanted to talk to her about a few things. When we got to the shop, only Billy and Collene were there; Gary and Rita went to get a bite to eat before working late. Billy would explain my new braces to me and fit them on my legs.
 

Billy and I went to the fitting room while Judy and Collene talked, and my new braces were laid out on the table. There were two pairs, both made of a thick, dense, pink-colored foam-like material. The straps were kind of rubbery and had holes in them that fit over stainless steel pegs. It was obvious that these braces, or more like splints, were waterproof and also not designed to walk in. I picked one up, and it was amazingly light. One pair had a bend at the knee to be worn while sitting in a wheelchair, and the other pair was straight for sleeping in. They all had footplates that went all the way to my toes, with two straps that went across my feet along with the multiple straps that went up my legs.

 
Billy then helped me out of my wheelchair and onto the table so he could check the fit of my new braces. I laid back, and he removed my KAFOs, then applied the straight pair of braces. They were very comfortable and lightweight, and I thought I would have no trouble sleeping in them. Then he placed me in the other pair with bent knees and had me sit on the edge of the table. These were also comfortable and felt great to wear. He then put my KAFOs back on my legs and helped me back into my wheelchair.

 
Billy explained to me that I should continue to wear my regular KAFOs when out and about and that these braces were for use at home only. He also said they are completely waterproof and that I could wear them in the bath or shower. Judy and Collene joined Billy and I, and we talked for a little while. Rita and Collene had told Billy about my plan, and he gave me his full support. Billy picked up my braces, and we headed out the door. Collene locked up the shop but left the lights on for Gary and Rita.


Once home, Joel was curious about my new braces and how and when I was supposed to wear them. I explained everything to him and had him help me into the pair with the bent knees, and I was very comfortable wearing them. I wore these for the evening, and when it was time to shower, I simply loosened the straps a bit so I could use a cloth and wash under my braces. When I got out and dried off, Joel carried me to the bedroom and laid me on the bed.

 
Joel removed the braces with bent knees and completely dried my legs before massaging them; it felt heavenly. He then placed my legs in the braces that held my legs straight and tightly strapped me into them. I put my headgear back on and had Joel help me into my CTLSO for the night. He then helped me put my robe on, gently picked me up, and sat me in my wheelchair with the leg rests extended. We then went to the den to watch TV.

 
While watching TV, Joel reminded me that he loved me for who I am and not my braces. He also said he would love me just as much if I never wore braces or a cast again. We hugged and kissed, and I told Joel how happy he has made me and that my life with him is perfect. Joel carefully lifted me from my wheelchair and carried me to bed for a romantic evening together.

Ch. 114 - My Hip Spica, Part 2

 
Judy and I carefully made our way to Rebekah's house since the ground was slick from the rain. Rebekah greeted us, and she was in her Milwaukee brace, KAFOs, and headgear, walking with her knees unlocked without crutches. Rebekah looked at me and said, "That's one hell of a cast you're in, Leigh! I'm so jealous! What's it like to wear?" I replied, "So far, it's great. It's so comfortable and cozy inside, and I can only move my arms. I absolutely love it, Rebekah!" "I'll have to wear a big cast like that someday; my single hip spica was nothing compared to that. It looks like so much fun!" replied Rebekah.

 
Now, our attention was drawn to the intoxicating aroma of ham with all the fixings baking in the oven. There was a chocolate cake sitting on the counter, waiting to be frosted, too. I handed Judy her crutches, and she got up out of her wheelchair and asked what we could help with.

 
Rebekah said that we could set the table for her. Judy knew where the dishes and silver were kept, so we got to work. Since Judy was on crutches, she couldn't carry anything, but I could in my wheelchair. It took several trips, but Judy and I got the table set in no time. Even though it was a mundane task, Rebekah was having fun watching me struggle to do it. It felt really good to be useful despite my immobilizing cast.

  
After the table was set, Rebekah said we could frost and decorate the cake if we liked. Judy and I both thought that would be fun, but how could I do it in my cast? Rebekah said that when she was in her hip spica, as long as she was firmly strapped in her wheelchair, she could adjust it so her upper body was vertical instead of relined back. I asked her to check my straps for me; they were all tight, and she manipulated the controls on my wheelchair.
 
 
It felt really funny, like I was going to fall on my face, as she leaned me forward so my body was vertical and my legs were sort of underneath me. After being in one position for most of the day, it felt good to have my weight taken by a different part of my cast. Judy, with her knees locked, stood next to me at the counter, and we did a beautiful job decorating the cake.
 
 
Just as we were finishing up in the kitchen, we heard Paul, Joel, Pete, and Emme coming in the front door. We all gathered around the fire in the family room, and Paul made cocktails. Collene and Billy soon arrived, and Paul fixed them drinks, too. Everyone wanted to look at my cast and ask me questions about it, but I said that Judy had some news to share with everyone first.

 
Judy excitedly stood up, leaned on one crutch, and said, "Jimmy is getting out of the Army in two weeks, and his first stop is to meet me in person! We are both so excited, and I can't wait to give him a big hug and a kiss. Despite never meeting in person, we have developed quite a relationship, and we both know things will go great. Thank you so much, Pete, for getting the two of us together."
 
 
Pete replied, "Jimmy had a hard life before he joined the Army. We grew up together, and we're like brothers. With him in the service, we haven't seen each other for several years, and Emme only met him once when we got married. However, we do talk quite often. Lately, all Jimmy talks about is you, Judy, and his desire to settle down and get married. I know things will work out between you two, and it will be so great for all of us to have Jimmy in our lives. He really is a great guy, and even though you two have yet to meet face-to-face, I know he loves you very much. I know my friends, and I know you two will have a happy life together."

 
Hearing those words from Jimmy's best friend made Judy cry, and Collene crutched over and gave her a big hug and said, "Judy, I hope that Jimmy is your Billy. I want nothing more in life than to see you and Jimmy as happy as Billy and I are."

 
After Judy shared her happy news, all attention was on my cast. Rebekah helped me remove my sweater so everyone could see where the three colors of my cast came together at my waist. Billy and Rita's work was impressive, and Billy received many compliments on his casting ability. I told everyone how great my cast felt to wear and how extremely immobilizing it is; it fits so snugly, but it's not uncomfortably tight. I said I was looking forward to living my new life with my weak, useless legs once my series of casts came off. Just think of it: I'll be just like Judy and actually need to wear leg braces to get around instead of just pretending.

 
Rebekah, now using her crutches, got up and went to the kitchen. She soon called out that dinner was ready. Paul, Pete, and Joel brought the food to the table while the rest of us wheeled or crutched to the table. When I got to the table, I had to figure out how to adjust my wheelchair so I could comfortably eat. Rebekah once again helped me, as she did when we decorated the cake earlier, and I was soon in a position to eat comfortably. It was the same awkward position, but it felt good to have my weight supported by different parts of my cast once again.

 
Our dinner and dessert were great. Rebekah is good at so many different things; she's an excellent cook and baker, a great makeup artist, and an excellent seamstress, among other things. She seems to excel at anything she does, and she is never boastful of her skills. The guys cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher, then we all retired to the family room and the warm fire.

 
The conversation then revolved around the practical day-to-day challenges of wearing a cast like mine. Rebekah had spent the most time in a big cast when she was in her one and a half hip-spica-Risser cast. The only thing different for me was that both legs were in full casts, and instead of a Risser cast, my head was surrounded by a Minerva cast with a thick band of fiberglass around my forehead. I just love how it feels, pulling my head back into my cast.

 
Rebekah said it was very important for me to be moved into various positions throughout the day and night so I didn't get any pressure sores. Emme agreed that I should spend no more than a few hours in one position. Rebekah also said that as long as I was firmly strapped into my wheelchair, I could adjust it into any position I desired to shift my weight around inside my cast.

 
Rebekah then crutched over to me and started playing with the reclining controls on my chair. Our wheelchairs have a wide range of adjustments, and soon she had me lying back with my legs up in the air. It felt really funny, but also very good, as my weight shifted inside my cast. Emme then came over and started playing with the controls, tilting me at various angles. She was having quite a lot of fun, at the expense of my very full stomach. I finally took control and positioned myself like I had been at the dinner table so I could see my friends, or at least those immediately in front of me.

 
Paul then went to their cast room and returned with some large blocks of dense foam and a low table. He said that Rebekah found it very comfortable to be placed on the bed, face down, with her head over the edge and the foam block under her chest. Rebekah said it was a very stable and comfortable position, resting on her chest and knees, and that the low table was great for her phone, a drink with a straw, and a good book.

 
The other large block of foam had a curved portion cut out. Rebekah said that with it placed under her body, it provided support when she wanted to lay on her side and kept her from rolling over. Joel and I never thought about how I would sleep in my cast or what I would do to prevent pressure sores; we were not as prepared for this adventure as we should have been. I profusely thanked Rebekah and Paul for sharing what they learned from the time Rebekah was in her cast.

 
It was getting late, and the rain had stopped, so it was time to head home. We said goodnight to Paul, Rebekah, Emme, and Pete and invited them up for breakfast in the morning. I wheeled myself into the kitchen, with Joel, Judy, Collene, and Billy following. Judy sat in her wheelchair and handed Joel her crutches. He picked up the attendant control for my wheelchair, and we were on our way home. We went out the door and headed to Judy's cottage, and Joel tilted me way back in my wheelchair so I was almost facing him. I felt like I was standing on my head, and my feet were high in the air. He stopped my chair, leaned over, and kissed me. Then he told me how much he loved me and how beautiful I looked in my cast, and then he raised me to a semi-sitting position once again.

 
When we approached Judy's cottage, I asked her if she wanted to spend the weekend in the guest room since Billy and Collene would be staying with us and she could help me out with my needs. Judy was thrilled and accepted the offer; she seems to really enjoy helping me out when I'm in a big cast, and I am very comfortable with her assisting with my personal needs. I think it is her way of showing complete support for my decision to let my legs go.

 
Judy changed into her nightclothes and packed a small bag. Joel and I waited outside under the covered porch with Billy and Collene, watching the lightning storm that was passing by. Hopefully, there will be some lightning in the bedroom this evening, too. I have been in a constant state of arousal since the moment I was put in traction this morning.

 
The storm passed, and Judy crutched out of her cottage and handed Billy her small bag. We all made our way up to our house and settled in for the evening. I told the youngsters that Joel and I were going to bed; we would see them all in the morning, and the house was theirs for the evening. Billy built a fire for Judy and Collene, then went to take a shower. The girls called Jimmy, and they were talking and laughing with him as Joel and I headed to our bedroom.

 
Once in our bedroom, Joel and I were finally alone with me in my big, colorful, and very immobilizing cast. Joel asked me if there was anything that I needed, and I said it would be great if he would help me brush my teeth and clean my appliances, then give me a sponge bath—all things he greatly enjoys doing.

 
We decided that the easiest way for me to brush my teeth without being able to bend over was to simply tilt my entire body forward in my wheelchair. Joel went to the bathroom and got my toothbrush, a glass of water with a straw, and a small pail for me to spit in. With me sitting upright, Joel flossed my teeth, then he brushed my teeth, paying special attention to my expanders, tongue cribs, and bite blocks. I then drew some water into my mouth and swished it around as Joel tilted me forward to spit into the pail.
 

Joel then went and got everything needed for giving me a sponge bath. He carefully and gently removed my makeup, then washed my face. Joel then washed my hands and arms before moving on to my toes, then up to my loins. Oh, the feeling of Joel caressing the few exposed parts of my body as he washed me was overwhelming. I can't describe the feeling, both physically and emotionally. I don't think I have ever felt so content, loved, <CENSORED>. Neither of us spoke a word the entire time; the expressions on our faces spoke volumes.

 
Still, without saying a word, Joel unstrapped me from my wheelchair, picked me up, and placed me on the bed. He then bent over, and we kissed for what seemed like an eternity, and when the kiss broke off, we both said "I love you" at the same time. Joel wanted to take a shower and asked me if I wanted to be placed on my tummy with the big foam block under my body. I said that I did; I needed to be in a different position for a while.

 
Joel got the foam block and a few other items for our pleasure. He placed both of my arms in my 3D-printed LATS and clicked the locking tabs in place. He then placed a cheek retractor in my mouth and proceeded to wire my jaw shut with just two loops of wire. The only parts of my body that were without some degree of immobilization were my shoulders and fingers; I really couldn't even wiggle my toes with the toeplates on my cast. Joel rolled me over, placed the foam block under my tummy, and said he would be back in a few minutes. He playfully slapped my ass, which sent a lightning bolt of pleasure through my body, before heading to the bathroom.

 
As I lay there, awaiting Joel's return, I became more and more aroused. <CENSORED>

Ch. 116 - Jimmy Arrives

 
Today is the day that Judy and Jimmy have been waiting an eternity for. They are finally going to meet face-to-face after their long online and telephone courtship. Judy has been a nervous wreck, fretting about everything. She's worried that Jimmy will reject her for some reason, despite Pete's assurances that it won't happen.

 
Luckily, there are two new things in Judy's life to distract her a bit. The first thing is that she got glasses on Monday. Judy had an eye test a few weeks ago and found out she needed glasses. She chose a pair with rectangular black frames that look quite stylish on her. As with her orthodontic and orthopedic braces, she really likes her glasses and, like me, considers them a fashion accessory. Judy plans to order several more pairs when Jimmy arrives; she wants him to help her choose.

 
The second thing is her new wheelchair, a very sporty red metallic number. About a month ago, Jimmy asked her if she ever used a wheelchair. Judy replied that she uses my old one or her sister's but has always wanted one of her own. Jimmy had seen an online ad for an almost new wheelchair and purchased it for Judy. He shipped it to her, and it arrived the other day. Judy really likes using it, and she even went out to dinner with Joel and me last night in it without her leg braces or even shoes. I was worried about her transferring to a public toilet without shoes, with her feet touching the dirty floor. However, Judy said she had Rebekah put a catheter in for her the other day and that she quite likes the convenience.

 
After Judy had breakfast with us, I went with her to her cottage to choose her outfit. Rebekah soon joined us to do her makeup and hair. Judy wanted to look ravishing for Jimmy, but she was so excited and nervous that she couldn't make up her mind about anything. She was in and out of her various colored Milwaukee braces and KAFOs, swapping shoes and sandals, too. Clothes were spread out on her bed, and she kept trying on different outfits. Judy simply couldn't make up her mind as to what she wanted to wear, and she hadn't even thought about her hair and makeup yet.

 
The fashion show went on for several hours, and I told Judy she better pick an outfit since Emme and Pete would be here soon to take her to the airport to get Jimmy. Time got away from her, and we heard Pete and Emme pull up outside. Emme came in to get Judy, who was standing there in only her brown Milwaukee brace and KAFOs, high wedge boots on her feet, with her catheter bag lying on the floor; she was definitely not ready to go. Emme said they were running late, and there was no way Judy would be ready in time; they would be back with Jimmy in a few hours. Judy began to tear up as Emme and Pete drove away.

 
Getting left behind motivated Judy to finally pick an outfit. She decided on her black braces and black, high-heeled Mary Janes. She removed the braces she was wearing, placed her black KAFOs on her flaccid legs, and tightened all the buckles before putting on her matching Milwaukee brace. Rebekah strapped Judy's catheter bag to her leg before helping her put on a dark purple sleeveless dress that was cut extremely low in the back, exposing much of her Milwaukee brace. Judy took off her glasses and had Rebekah do her makeup, with a hint of purple around her eyes. Her ponytail and curly bangs looked great with her glasses and metallic smile.

 
Judy got in her wheelchair,I placed her crutches in the holder on the back, and we all went to my house. There is something very alluring about a beautiful young woman in braces using a manual wheelchair. I know Jimmy will be blown away when he sees Judy; she looks absolutely stunning. When we got to my place, we just waited quietly, with Judy playing with her phone and fidgeting in her wheelchair.

 
The silence was broken when Judy's phone rang; it was Jimmy. After an emotional reunion with his best friend Pete, they were on their way and would arrive in an hour. Judy was so excited but also extremely apprehensive. We tried to calm her, but it was no use; only meeting Jimmy would relieve her anxiety.

 
When we heard Pete's car pull up, Judy wheeled to the front door and opened it. Jimmy saw her and came running over, scooped Judy out of her wheelchair, and hugged her. They clung to each other for several minutes, crying with joy. Then they stood facing each other, holding hands to support Judy, and looked dreamily into each other's eyes. Slowly, they leaned towards each other, their lips met, and a passionate kiss ensued, followed by another long hug. Not a word had been spoken yet.

 
Jimmy finally said, "Oh, Judy, you are a million times more beautiful in person than in any of the pictures. This is so emotional for me; it's like we have been together for years, despite this being the first time we ever met. I love you, Judy, and I hope this is the beginning of a long and happy life together."

 
Judy emotionally replied, "I hope so, too, Jimmy. This has been such a strange way to start a relationship, but I have strong feelings for you, and I know we will have a happy life together. I'm so thankful that Pete introduced us and that you accept me as I am. I love you, Jimmy."

 
The two young lovers embraced and kissed once again.

 
Rebekah then suggested that we all talk and get to know each other better. Jimmy and Judy were still standing face-to-face, holding on to each other, and he asked how she gets around in her braces. Judy said she normally uses crutches or the wheelchair he gifted her, but she could walk arm in arm with him. The couple walked to the den, where they sat down on the couch next to each other.
 

Jimmy got the conversation started by saying to Judy, "Before we ever spoke, Pete told me all about your unique lifestyle. He also told me about why Emme wears her braces and about all your friends, too. I fully accept and understand your desires, and I share some of them myself. I know that Leigh is wearing her cast to do the same thing you have done, Judy. It's really cool, and, as you know, I have a bit of a thing for girls that wear braces."
 

It was then that Paul and Joel got home, and they joined us. With Jimmy expressing not only acceptance but also understanding of our lifestyles, the conversation turned to other topics. Jimmy never talked much to Judy about Army life, just that he worked in the motor pool, and Judy wanted to know exactly what her soldier boyfriend did. Joel and Paul wanted to know if Jimmy had seen combat and what it was like.
 

Jimmy replied, "Well, the only combat I saw was in the mess hall, fighting the so-called food, plus a few troublesome injection pumps in the shop. My work simply kept the fighting man in the fight. The only time I ever shot a gun was during basic training and at the trap club. Army life was almost like civilian life for me; I went to school for about six months, then worked in a shop that rebuilt injection pumps and fuel injectors. It's been a great life, and I have learned a lot of skills, but now I want to settle down with someone special like Judy. I even saved almost all my pay to start a business, too."
 

We talked for a while longer, then Rebekah suggested that we go down to her place for dinner. The prospect of a home-cooked meal got Jimmy really excited. He said that the only time he got a good meal was when he would visit his friends Scott and Lori. We all headed down to Rebekah's house, with Judy and Jimmy stopping at her cottage. They spent about an hour together at Judy's place before arriving at Rebekah's, where Jimmy enjoyed a home-cooked dinner.
 

After dinner, we talked a lot more. Joel told Jimmy about our bus repair business and asked what his plans were. Jimmy said he wanted to start a Diesel injection shop, and Joel said there was definitely a need in our area. Joel and Jimmy agreed to meet and talk business in the near future after he gets settled in.
 

With the topic of getting settled in brought up, Pete said that their guest room was Jimmy's for as long as he needed it. Judy said that Jimmy could stay with her, but she understood if he wanted to spend some time with Pete too. Emme suggested they have two guest rooms and that it would be great if Judy stayed the weekend with them. That way, Judy and Jimmy could get to know each other better in a neutral environment. Jimmy and Judy thought that was a great idea, and they went back to her place to pack her bag.
 

Jimmy and Judy had a wonderful weekend together with Pete and Emme. There is definitely a spark between them, and I know they are right for each other. After their stay with Pete and Emme, Jimmy moved into Judy's cottage right away. She has a spare room, but I don't think that's where Jimmy is staying.
 

Judy finished school a few weeks ago and has been working full-time. She took the week off from work to spend time with Jimmy and get him settled in with her. Jimmy doesn't have much when it comes to personal possessions—just some clothes, his shotguns, and several trophies from competitions he has won. He and Judy went clothes shopping on Monday, and they had a great time. Judy said that Jimmy is very caring and offers her assistance without making her feel helpless. She also said he has a great sense of style, which is important to her.
 

There's something happening this week that Judy had almost forgotten about: she has an orthodontic appointment. It's not just a visit to get her archwires and ligatures changed; she is getting her expanders, tongue crib, and headgear, too. Jimmy knew she would be getting these appliances and has been very supportive. He even told Judy that he always wanted to get braces because his teeth were a bit crooked but never had the opportunity.

 
On Friday morning, the young couple came up to our house for breakfast, like Judy always does. Joel cooked, as he has been doing since I have been in my cast. Jimmy seems to really enjoy home-cooked meals after all the mess hall food he has eaten over the years. He said that Judy is a great cook, and he loves helping her in the kitchen and learning to cook. Over breakfast, I reminded both of them that Judy's teeth would be quite sore after she got her expanders and to plan for soft foods for the next few days. They were both excited about Judy's orthodontic upgrades and were off to the orthodontist.

 
The next morning, Jimmy and Judy once again came to our place for breakfast. Judy now had quite the lisp, a shiny facebow protruding from her lips, and a black cervical strap around her neck. Her tongue crib and expanders could clearly be seen when she spoke. But Judy wasn't the only one with a lisp and headgear; Jimmy was now sporting braces and headgear, too. Joel and I were both taken aback and asked what had happened at Dr. Joe's yesterday. Judy, barely understandable with her severe lisp, said:

 
"When we went to see Joe yesterday, he had everything ready for me. It didn't take too long for him to remove my archwires and the bands where my expanders and tongue crib would go. Next thing I knew, he had me biting down on that little tool to place the bands of my new appliances, and boy do I have a mouthful of metal now. He then put on new archwires, and they are pretty tight but not painful. My facebow and cervical headgear were fitted, and I got several different colors like you have, Leigh."

 
"Once Joe was done with me, Jimmy asked if Joe would look at his teeth. He did, and he said that Jimmy could benefit from orthodontic treatment, and if he wanted, he could get braces right away. Jimmy asked me what I thought, and I told him to go for it; both of us having braces would be fun. 3D scans and X-rays of Jimmy's teeth were taken, and Sally cleaned and polished his teeth while Joe went to the lab to make Jimmy's appliances."

 
"When Joe returned with Jimmy's appliances, he took a seat in the chair, and Joe got to work. Luckily, there was enough space for the bands on Jimmy's appliances, and soon his expanders and tongue crib were in place. They were a tight fit, and his teeth are sore; that is why he's so quiet this morning."

 
"Once his brackets were cemented in place, Jimmy's archwires were placed and secured with purple ligature bands that match mine. His facebow and cervical headgear were then fitted. He looks so sexy with his braces and headgear, and his lisp sounds so dreamy. I love how he looks, and he loves my new appliances, don't you Jimmy?"

 
Jimmy, with his mouthful of metal, replied, "Ah ove or aces, Oody. You ook o eksy if em, an ah ove i aces, oo." (I love your braces, Judy. You look so sexy in them, and I love my braces, too).

 
Boy, does Jimmy have a lisp! It's worse than Kathy or I ever had.

 
Breakfast was ready, and the couple began to slowly eat their meal of scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns. Over breakfast, Joel said he wanted to talk to Jimmy this afternoon about his idea for a business. Joel also asked Jimmy and Judy if they wanted to go to the military vehicle meet this evening at Pee Dee's and Jimmy could drive his WWII Jeep. They thought that sounded like fun, and Jimmy even has a WWII uniform to wear. Judy said she wanted to go shopping at the vintage clothing store and get a 1940s-style outfit to wear to the meet. The couple went and brushed their teeth before going off to do a little shopping.

 
We'll have a lot of fun tonight, and Jimmy will get to meet Sam, Millie, Kathy, and Lydia, too.

I really enjoy this story. I’ve read up to chapter 170 on a different site and it is really well written. I know you don’t think that the first bits are, but I have seen way worse things written online. Now it is outstanding.

Thank you for the kind words! With time and suggestions from other authors, I have become a much better writer This has been a lot of fun, especially working in ideas from readers and even creating characters for them.

If you remember Sarah from the gang's visit to the mountain resort, she and her girlfriend will be appearing in several chapters starting at 177. As when we met Sarah in my story, JotaBSP is my co-author for these chapters. They were a lot of work, but a lot of fun, especially seeing my characters in scenes that I didn't write; they really came to life.

Ch. 118 - My New Cast


With all the excitement surrounding Jimmy's arrival and his whirlwind romance with Judy, I had put off getting my cast changed. I've now been in my double hip spica-Minerva cast for eight weeks, and it's been wonderful. Joel is loving it since my cast is getting really smelly and dirty, and that is something he's really into. This weekend, Jimmy and Judy are on a weekend trip with Billy and Collene, so Joel and I have the weekend alone for a little fun.
 

When I got home Thursday afternoon, Joel decided to spice things up a bit. He wired my jaw shut and put both my arms in LATS, which he then incorporated into my existing cast. I was now in a full-body cast, with only my fingers free.
 

I didn't know what to think at first. I felt very claustrophobic and panicked a bit, like the first time I had my jaw wired shut. After a few minutes, I calmed down and really enjoyed having my body completely immobilized, and I just completely relaxed my body inside its fiberglass shell. We stayed home and didn't have any guests all weekend, with Joel taking great care of all my needs.
 

I really enjoyed being completely helpless and having Joel feed me blended food. It reminded me of the time we went out with my jaw wired shut and 3D-printed casts on all my limbs. It was a very pleasurable weekend with much romance. On Sunday evening, the fun came to an end, and Joel removed my arm casts and wires. I wish the fun could have lasted for weeks; being completely helpless and dependent on Joel for everything was extremely intense.
 

It's Monday, and we have taken the week off, as has Kathy; her adventure starts Wednesday. I'm not only getting a new cast; I'm also getting casts and scans done to make all the new braces I'll be wearing for the rest of my life. The plan for today is for my current cast to be removed, then I can get cleaned up before my new one is applied. Lately, my cast has acquired a very strong aroma that Joel greatly enjoys, but I do not. It will feel great to feel fresh and clean again and to be in a snug-fitting cast once more; this one is getting quite loose as my legs atrophy.
With Jimmy and Judy back from their weekend away, Judy can take me to my appointment today. They were at our place for breakfast, as usual. With Jimmy in her life, we thought we wouldn't see much of Judy anymore, but that's not the case. We see them almost every day, and Jimmy really enjoys home-cooked meals. It's a joy to have them in our lives.
 

Joel got me and my wheelchair loaded up in the van, and Judy and I were off to Jameson Orthotics. We're meeting Rebekah there; she is getting scans and molds for new braces done today, too. When we arrived, Billy and Collene had just opened up for the day, and Rebekah soon arrived. Rebekah would get her procedures done first, and then it would be my turn when Gary and Rita arrived. After a cup of coffee and some conversation, it was time for Rebekah's scans and molds to be done.
We went to the traction room, where Rebekah stripped down to just her braces and panties. Billy, out of habit, explained the 3D scanning process, despite Rebekah being very familiar with it. She removed her Milwaukee brace, and Billy got her situated with traction applied to her spine. The scan only took a moment, and Rebekah was soon putting her Milwaukee brace back on.
 

Now, it was on to casting her legs. Billy helped her up onto the casting table and removed her KAFOs with their attached winter boots. The casting procedure went quickly. I noticed that, for some reason, Billy very carefully molded the casts around her feet and toes, which is not the usual process.
 
As we waited for her casts to harden, Billy asked me what sort of braces I wished to have made to wear once I'm out of my casts. I told him that I didn't really know but that my hips would now need support, too. Billy agreed and said he and Gary would discuss my needs, and we would talk on Christmas when we get together. Rebekah said that along with her usual braces, she wanted braces like whatever I would be wearing, too.
 
 
Rebekah's casts were now hard enough to remove, and then Billy carefully cleaned her legs and toes before helping her back into her KAFOs. As she stood up, Billy said, "Rebekah, there is one more thing we need to do, and something you will have done too, Leigh. Your husband's asked that I get molds of your hands and arms today, too. I hope you don't mind."
 

Rebekah said, "Ooo, that sounds exciting, Billy. I wonder what the guys have in store for us, Leigh. I replied, "I have no idea, Rebekah. Joel never mentioned anything to me. I guess we'll just have to let Billy do his thing, and we'll find out later. I'm sure we will enjoy whatever it is they have planned for us, and they'll probably take us on a vacation to show us off, too."
 
 
Billy now began to cast Rebekah's arms in LATS casts. After they hardened enough, Billy removed them and began applying a second pair. These casts also came to her armpits and completely covered her hands and thumbs, with her fingers spread apart. As these casts were drying, Rebekah looked at me with a quizzical look on her face, and I just grinned my metallic smile. I think we have quite the adventure in our future.
 

After the casts of Rebekah's arms had been made, Billy got her cleaned up, and she got dressed. Judy just silently watched the entire procedure. I think she's curious about what the guys have planned for us and a little jealous, too. With Rebekah taken care of, it was on to me and my cast. The plan is for my cast to be removed, and then I will get a bath. After a bath, scans and molds will be done as they were for Rebekah, and then I'll get the hip spica cast I will wear for another six weeks.


Like Joel, Billy could pick me up in my cast with no problem. He took me out of my wheelchair and put me on a rolling metal table. Rebekah removed my catheter since Billy wasn't familiar with the procedure. I was worried I would have a lot of leakage since I had been catheterized for so long. Luckily, things seemed fine for now, and Billy got to work cutting me out of my cast. The vibrations from the saw resonated through my cast; it was very pleasurable, and I was becoming quite aroused. After my cast had been cut in two, Billy carefully cut the padding and stockinette apart with scissors. He then removed the front part of my cast, and I was just lying there completely naked on the bottom half of my fiberglass shell. My skin was a mess, and I smelled terrible.
 

I tried to sit up to look at my legs but couldn't; my spine was too weak. I really wanted to look at my legs and see how atrophied they were, so I tried to lift my right leg. When my brain told my leg to move, it just quivered painfully; I no longer had the strength to move it. I asked Billy to lift my leg up so I could see it. When he did, the pain in my hip was excruciating, and he gently placed my leg back into my cast. I was extremely stiff after two months of immobilization; any movement was painful.
 

It was then that Gary and Rita arrived, and my situation was explained. Rita suggested that I be wheeled into the shower while still in the bottom half of my cast. She would massage my hips and legs with warm water flowing over them. Gary was quite concerned about my pain and weakness in my spine, so he went to call Dr. Ben Northridge to ask how to proceed. He didn't want me to have an outcome I did not desire.


Rita said to give her a moment; she left the room and returned a few minutes later wearing her raincoat and rubber overshoes to protect her braces from splashing water. She said, "I'm ready now, Leigh. Let's get you cleaned up. Billy, wheel Leigh, cast and all, into the shower." Billy did so, and Rita got the warm water flowing.

 
Rita set the hand-held shower to a gentle pulse and began to play it around my legs and body, letting the water flow between me and my very loose cast. Oh, it felt wonderful, with my cast becoming a custom-molded bathtub. As Rita let the water flow on and around my body, she gently massaged and moved my legs and hips. It was very sensual and arousing, despite being painful. I almost became too aroused.


Rita could move my legs and hips; it was still painful, but not nearly as bad as before. Rita called for Billy to lift me out of my cast so she could get me all cleaned up. Billy carefully picked me up, and Rita set the back half of my cast aside. When Billy laid me down flat, it was quite uncomfortable. My hips and knees hurt quite a bit since I had been in a semi-sitting position for the last eight weeks. Rita then finished washing my body and hair; it felt great to be clean again!


Just as Rita was finishing bathing me, Gary came in and said he had spoken to Ben and had a plan. He and Billy needed to fabricate a few things in the shop for the special cast I would wear for the next six weeks. He suggested that I spend some time in the hydrotherapy tub while they worked. The overhead lift was used to set me in the tub of hot, swirling water, and it felt great. As I enjoyed my soak in the tub, I wondered what my new cast would be like.
 

Rita and Billy soon came in with my wheelchair and said Gary was ready to apply my cast. They got me out of the tub and dried me off. My wheelchair was reclined, and Billy carefully placed me in it and used the attendant control to wheel me into the cast room. I noticed my bladder was leaking, and I asked Rita to place a new catheter for me. A catheter might be a part of my new life, too.


Gary then explained, "After consulting with Ben, we have several concerns, but none are serious. What we decided is best for you, Leigh, is a combination of a hip spica cast with a removable Milwaukee brace superstructure. This way, you can begin an exercise regime to build upper-body strength while you're in your hip spica cast. You have lost a lot of strength in the last two months—strength you'll need to spend the rest of your life on crutches."


"Your hip spica cast will have no bend at your hips, and your knees will be almost straight—it will be as if you are standing in double LLCs. Your legs won't be spread as far apart either. This cast might be a bit more awkward in some ways but easier in others; it will allow you to use crutches. I think you will enjoy this cast, Leigh, and it will provide for the outcome you desire."
 

I said that it sounded like it would be an enjoyable cast to wear, and I'm excited to have it applied, but I wanted to see my legs first; I had yet to get a good look at them. Billy leaned me forward while Rita and Rebekah picked up my legs. They looked so thin and withered, just like Collene's paralyzed legs. I was overjoyed—my dream of being truly handicapped is coming true.
 

As was done for Rebekah, Rita and Billy made casts on my arms and legs for my new braces, paying close attention to my hands and feet. Then I was put in traction for a 3D scan for my new Milwaukee brace. I was totally dependent on the traction to hold my body upright; my spine is now so weak.


After the casts and scan were made, my black hip spica was applied. It was a bit painful to have my hips and legs positioned for my new cast, but it wasn't too bad. There was nothing remarkable about it except for two details. First, Billy placed walking heels on my feet. Second, there were threaded metal plates embedded into the fiberglass at my waist, front and back. This is where the Milwaukee superstructure would be attached.


Once my cast had fully hardened, the Milwaukee superstructure was fitted. Billy and Gary stood me up, with Rita steadying me. I felt lightheaded standing up for the first time in two months. Gary began to fit the Milwaukee superstructure to my cast. It was simply held in place with several twist-lock fittings. The uprights were adjusted until the neck ring sat perfectly around my neck, and the screws were tightened. It fit just right—not too tight or too loose—and supported my spine and neck very comfortably.


Ben and Billy then laid me on my reclined wheelchair, strapped me in place, and raised me to a standing position. Gary said he wanted to see me walk using the parallel bars in the therapy room. Once there, Billy helped me out of my wheelchair, and I grabbed the parallel bars. Billy explained that my new braces will feel very similar to my cast and, in fact, will even be a bit heavier.
 

Since my body is rigid from my neck to my feet, I needed to learn how to swing my body as one unit to be able to move forward. It was really hard; my arms are weak, but I was able to manage. I walked on my own for only ten feet, and I was exhausted. Gary said to have Joel and Jimmy help me walk with crutches every day to gain strength in my arms and upper body and to remove my Milwaukee superstructure for spinal exercises, too.
 

I was in the cast and brace combination I would be wearing for the next six weeks, and I had to learn how to live in it. Rita helped me with my skirt, but there was a problem: I didn't have a top because my old cast covered my chest. Judy gave me her jacket and buttoned it up for me. I thanked everyone and said I would see them all at Rebekah's Christmas party.

Ch. 120 - Kathy's Casts

 
On the way to the shop, Judy asked Kathy a myriad of questions about her newly applied halo brace. Kathy patiently answered all of Judy's questions and finally said, "Judy, if you are so damn curious, why don't you wear a halo brace someday? You would really enjoy it, especially a halo CTLSO like Leigh and Rebekah wore since your back is weak." Judy defiantly replied, "I will wear one someday! Maybe I can even talk Jimmy into wearing one, too."
 
 
Kathy, as always when doing something extreme, couldn't wait to be seen in public. On the way to the shop, she wanted to stop and get coffee so she could interact with people despite her discomfort. Judy found a place, and Kathy went inside to get us all coffee while we waited in the van. It was her first time in public in her brace, and she loved it. We could see her talking to people and touching her halo ring and the rods that attached it to her vest, sort of like Emme always did. Kathy returned with our coffee, but I couldn't drink mine while reclined in my wheelchair; I would have to wait until we got to the shop.
 
 
When we arrived at the shop, Kathy and Judy went to the office, and I went to get Lydia. When Lydia saw Kathy in her halo, you should have seen the look on her face. It was one of shock and excitement, and she said, "You actually did it, Kathy! I thought you would back out at the last minute. You look great in that thing. How does it feel?"
 
 
Judy and I left Lydia and Kathy alone in the office, with Lydia locking the door behind us. Lydia was definitely going to explore Kathy's brace. We went out and told the guys that Kathy was in her halo and that she was really enjoying it despite the pain and pressure. Lydia and Kathy joined us in the shop about thirty minutes later, looking quite satisfied. Everyone thought Kathy looked great in her halo and would look even better with her casts and in her wheelchair.
 
 
Emme had gone to get the guys lunch, and when she returned, she was really impressed with Kathy's halo and also with my new cast. She said Kathy would have a lot of fun wearing her halo, especially after the initial pain faded away in a week or two. Kathy told Lydia she was anxious to get her casts applied and wasn't going to wait a few days like she originally planned. I called Rebekah and asked if she was free to help apply Kathy's casts right away. She was, and she said to call when we got home.
 
 
As we were preparing to leave, Jose and Rose, the young couple that works for us, approached. Rose said, "We don't understand why you all enjoy wearing casts and braces so much, but they seem to bring you a lot of pleasure and happiness. Jose and I hope you both enjoy your cast and brace adventures. Best wishes, and have a Merry Christmas."

 
This was the first time either of them had said anything about our casts or braces, and Kathy thanked them for their kind words. Joel then helped get me and my wheelchair loaded up into the van, and Judy, Kathy, and I headed to my house.
 
 
When we got to my place, I called Rebekah, and she soon arrived in the wheelchair that Kathy was going to use. We went to the casting room, where Judy would assist Rebekah with applying Kathy's casts. In a blink of an eye, Kathy had stripped down to just her halo brace and panties, and then she sat upon the casting table.

 
Rebekah asked what cast Kathy wanted first. She replied, "I want my LATS first, a red one, and I want black stockinette for all my casts, please," as she removed the SATS brace on her left arm. Rebekah got to work applying the cast to Kathy's left arm, and soon she was in her LATS. Kathy laid down on the table, and Rebekah asked, "What's next, Kathy?"

 
Kathy replied, "My LLC, dark green, please" . This cast was quickly applied, and now Kathy's right leg was cast from the base of her toes to high on her thigh with a slight bend at the knee, a picture-perfect LLC. Kathy then said, "For my SLC, I want a blue one with a toeplate. I have a badly broken foot, you know." Rebekah and Judy soon had Kathy's left leg in a cast. With all of Kathy's casts now applied, she just laid there silently with her eyes closed, enjoying the immobilization of her halo brace and the warmth of her fiberglass casts as they cured.
 
 
Rebekah and Judy began to clean up the wrappers from the many rolls of fiberglass that now covered Kathy's limbs. The banging of the lid of the trash can brought Kathy out of her dreamlike state, and I asked her how her casts and halo felt. She replied, "Oh, Leigh, this is great. I love how all my casts feel, and for some reason I find the pain and pressure from my halo pins to be very arousing. I love wearing casts, and combined with my halo and orthodontics, I'm in heaven!"
 
 
Judy asked Kathy if she wanted a catheter since she would be confined to her wheelchair or bed. Kathy replied, "Yes, that would be great. It will make things much easier and even more intense." Rebekah got a catheter kit from the supply cabinet and soon had it placed inside Kathy, who seemed to very much enjoy the procedure in her aroused state. Once that detail was taken care of, the collection bag was strapped to Kathy's left leg. Now, Rebekah began to help Kathy get dressed.
 
 
There was one problem with getting Kathy dressed: she had worn a pair of jeans that would not fit over her casts. Kathy said to just cut off the right leg at the thigh and the left leg at the knee. Judy did so and helped Kathy into her jeans. Her loose sweatshirt fit fine over her LATS and concealed how high the cast went on her left arm. Then I suggested that Kathy wear cast shoes so she could stand and not slip when getting into her wheelchair.

 
Kathy resisted at first, saying she wanted to be non-weight-bearing, but realized that with Judy and Rebekah in their braces and me confined to my wheelchair, we couldn't provide her much assistance. I wheeled over to the supply cabinet and got a pair of canvas cast shoes and handed them to Judy, who strapped them onto Kathy's casted feet.

 
Kathy carefully sat on the edge of the cast table, then stood up. She looked really cute with her jeans cut off at the tops of her casts. She supported herself by holding on to the table with her right hand in its SATS brace. All that could be seen of her LATS was her casted thumb and hand poking out of the loose sleeve of her sweatshirt. Unless you looked closely and noticed her stiff elbow, you would think she was only in a SATS. Kathy looked so sexy in her casts and halo brace; I know Lydia will go wild when she sees her. Kathy then carefully sat down in Rebekah's wheelchair, which was adjusted to comfortably support her casted legs.
 
 
With Kathy in her casts and the cast room cleaned up, Kathy and I wheeled and Judy crutched outside to get some fresh air while Rebekah went home to freshen up. Kathy looked so relaxed and serene in her casts and halo brace, and it brought back many memories of my time in a halo and how I enjoyed every minute of it.
 
 
I began to wish I had done more with casts when I was in my halo, and I also wished I had spent more time in halo gravity traction. I loved how it felt—pulling my spine straight but still letting me move and look around. I told Kathy all about the traction devices we have that can be used with her halo ring and said that my favorites were the setup for use in bed and the one that attached to my wheelchair. She was very curious about being placed in traction, and I told her that she had to try it before her halo was removed. Kathy was now even more excited about her adventure and had something else to look forward to trying.
 
 
After about an hour outside, it suddenly got chilly; the rain was coming, so we went inside. Judy built a nice, warm fire and began to ask Kathy some questions:

 
J - So, Kathy, what are your plans for the immediate future and the many weeks you will be in your halo and casts?

 
K - Well, Judy, until Leigh mentioned the traction devices, I thought I had things planned out. I've been thinking and have a new plan that I think Lydia and I will very much enjoy. For now, we plan to stay with Leigh and Joel since their guest suite is handicapped accessible. We all love spending time together, and it will be fun having you and Jimmy around, too. He seems to have a lot in common with all of us.
 

In a week or so, Lydia and I are going to a handicap-accessible resort for a week. You know, Kings Mountain Retreat—the place Dolores recommended on my casted business trip. If we like it, then all of us can take a vacation there, wearing all sorts of casts and braces. That will give me time to get used to being in my casts and halo. Once I'm comfortable with my situation, I'll go back to work.

 
L - Kathy, what do you want me to tell people at work? All people know is that you were going on a difficult bike ride this week.

 
K - I'll let you make up a story, Leigh. Maybe first thing Monday, send an email to everyone saying that I was in an 'accident' and you are still getting the details. Then later in the day, maybe right before it's time to go home, send another detailing my 'injuries'.

 
L - OK, that sounds good, and it will distract from my new cast, too.

 
J - Then what happens after you get back from your vacation and go back to work?

 
K - I'll go six weeks in these casts, then take a day or two break like I did last time, staying here with Leigh and Joel. I want to try being in traction and also get the liner of my halo vest changed, too. I'll get walking casts then, too: a SLC on my left leg and a PTB cast on my right leg. I'll also replace my LATS with a Muenster thumb spica cast. That's about when Leigh will get her cast off and start wearing her new braces and living her new life.

 
I'll wear those casts for another six weeks, then have them removed and spend another weekend in traction. I'll then remain in my halo for a few more months, and if I really like being in traction, I'll spend a few months in traction, too. I have already had two pairs of KAFOs and two Milwaukee braces made, and Billy is working on my Kuehnegger brace, too. I might start wearing KAFOs when I get my casts off. I really don't know yet.

 
J - Wow, that sounds great, Kathy. I hope you enjoy every minute of it.

 
L - That's quite an ambitious plan, and it will be fun for our adventures to overlap. My retirement party will be fun with both of us in wheelchairs.

 
K - Oh, it will be fun, Leigh. Lots of fun!

 
Judy and I were impressed with Kathy's ambitious plan. I think she and Lydia will have a great time, and I like the idea of us all going to an accessible resort. I wonder if Kathy will really wear KAFOs and a Milwaukee or Kuehnegger brace full-time after she retires and possibly let her legs go, too.

 
We now heard several vehicles coming down the driveway, and we wheeled and crutched around to the front of the house. Joel pulled up in his truck, Jimmy was driving Lydia in her M-715, and Pete and Emme were in their big old Lincoln Town Car. Lydia got out of her truck and came running up to Kathy in her wheelchair.

 
L - Oh, Kathy, you look so beautiful! You never told me exactly what sort of casts you would be wearing. You look so sexy in those cut-off jeans with your casts in full view!

 
Lydia then knelt down and gave Kathy a hug and a kiss. It was then that Lydia realized that Kathy's left arm was in a full-length cast when she felt it press against her body as they hugged.

 
L- I thought that was just a SATS on your left arm, but it's a LATS! Wow, you have really done it this time, Kathy. I love having you in so many casts, and you look so sexy in your halo brace.

 
K - I'm glad you like my casts and halo, Lydia. I love how they feel, and I know we will have a lot of fun over the next few months with me immobilized like this. This is a dream come true for me, and I get to share it with you.

 
L - I am so happy for you, Kathy, and I will take very good care of you while you are in your casts and halo brace. This is going to be so much fun for both of us.

 
Jimmy grabbed Lydia and Kathy's bags out of the old Army truck, and we all went inside. We sat around the fire and talked for a little while, then Joel, Jimmy, and Lydia went to get cleaned up from their day's work and get dressed for dinner. Kathy asked if Judy and I would help her find a cute outfit she could wear with her halo and casts.

 
We went to the guest suite where Jimmy had left their bags, and we found a long blue skirt and a white blouse that would fit fairly well with her halo brace. Soon, Lydia was out of the shower, and she and Kathy got dressed. Billy and Collene arrived, and we awaited Paul and Rebekah. We were all hungry, and it will sure be fun to go out to dinner and see how people react to Kathy's halo brace and casts, me in my hip-spica cast, and our heavily braced friends.

Ch. 122 – The Weekend Wraps Up

 
It felt wonderful to wake up on Christmas morning wearing my cast-brace combination with my double facebows between my lips and Joel at my side. Once again, I slept great in my cast and awoke well rested. As Joel was getting out of bed, I saw his casts and painted nails and became quite aroused. With me in my cast, we are like teenagers with raging hormones. We went at it as we had last night. After our extremely pleasurable encounter, Joel got me dressed and in my wheelchair for my exercise session with the girls.
 
 
On my way to Rebekah's, I met up with Rita, and when we arrived at Rebekah's, Collene and Judy were already there. They were both in their wheelchairs and were not wearing their KAFOs. Soon Millie and Sam emerged from their room, as did Emme. We all went out into the garage to do our exercises, with Pete joining us to help me. We all removed our Milwaukee braces and began to do stretching and strengthening exercises to keep our spines from getting too stiff and weak from constant immobilization.
 

Pete got me out of my wheelchair, and I walked back and forth using the parallel bars several times. It was hard, and my back hurt, but I know I need to build up my strength. Rebekah asked if I could walk using a walker or crutches, and I said that Billy gave me a walker to use, but it was at home. Rebekah said she has one and told Pete where it was. I just stood there with a firm grip on the bars so I didn't fall while awaiting Pete's return.

 
Rita demonstrated how I should walk by locking her knees, keeping her hips straight, and swinging her entire body forward. I tried doing the same, taking very small steps, and was able to "walk" on my own in my cast. I couldn't really call it walking, but it felt good to move on my own and gave me some idea of what getting around in my new braces will be like.

 
After our exercise session, we went into the house for coffee. I decided to use the walker to go back into the house, where Pete strapped me back into my wheelchair in a standing position. It felt good to be up and moving on my own after so many months of being wheelchair-bound.

 
When I got back home, Joel gave me a sponge bath, helped me brush my teeth, and then got me dressed. Just another simple outfit: a rather short skirt and a Christmas sweater. All the others that were staying with us were ready, and we headed to Rebekah's place. When we got to Rebekah's, there was once again the aroma of pies and cakes baking.

 
I soon noticed that Emme, Sam, Millie, Billy, and Gary were having a rather animated conversation. I heard Sam say, "Oh, that's great. I knew you guys would figure something out." Then Emme said, "It will be so much fun sharing an office with you, Sam, with us both in KAFOs and Milwaukee braces." A few minutes later, I heard Gary laugh as he hugged all three girls and said, "Don't worry, it will all be on the house. Merry Christmas, ladies!" I'll have to find out what their plan is.

 
It was then that the doorbell rang and everyone quieted down; we were not expecting anyone. Paul crutched over and answered the door. It was Jose and Rose, the last people any of us expected to see at a rec-ortho Christmas party. Paul ushered them inside and asked if everything was OK; they both looked quite upset.

 
Jose explained, "Yesterday, we were supposed to fly to spend the holiday with family, but the flight was delayed due to weather. Finally, early this morning, it was cancelled. On the way home, and with no place to go for the holiday, Rose remembered that Lydia had invited us to the gathering here, so here we are." Rebekah crutched over and gave Rose a hug, saying they were welcomed here and she was so sorry they couldn't make it home for Christmas. Lydia approached, put her arm around Jose, and said, "I'm sorry you two couldn't be with your family for the holiday, but you are part of our family. We're glad you came and hope you enjoy the holiday with us."

 
Lydia then introduced Jose and Rose to anyone they didn't already know. Paul offered their coach for them to stay in, and the offer was graciously accepted. Around noon, we all had snacks, and Paul opened up the bar. Rose and Jose seemed to be enjoying themselves and were fitting in quite well despite not wearing any casts or braces. 

 
After a few drinks, Rose got up from the couch, limped over to Paul, and said, "Oh, Paul, I think I hurt my ankle really badly; it might be broken. Can I get a cast so it can heal?" Paul, playing along, replied, "Why yes, Rose, Pete is an expert at applying casts and will be more than happy to cast your broken ankle. Hey, Pete, Rose needs your assistance." Pete and Rose then went to the cast room, and she emerged a few minutes later on crutches with a blue SLC on her left leg. It was the last thing I ever thought I would see.

 
Jose had not seen the little show his wife had put on and was shocked when he saw her on crutches with a cast on her leg. He said, "What the hell, Rosie? What did they talk you into, babe?" Rose replied, "No one talked me into anything, Jose! I asked to wear a cast just to see what it's like. I have never worn one before or even used crutches. It's fun; I really like it, and I see why others do too. You should get a cast, too, Jose. I think you will enjoy it."

 
Jose stared at Rose's casted leg; she wiggled her toes, and Jose said, "Well, your little toes do look cute sticking out of that cast, and it matches your nails, too. Hell, everyone here seems to like casts; I'll give it a try, but I want a girl to apply mine."

 
Rita heard the conversation and said to Jose, "I'll be more than happy to apply your cast, Jose. Despite wearing all these braces, I have no interest in other people's casts or braces, just mine; you can feel at ease around me. So, what sort of cast do you want to try wearing?" They headed to the cast room, with Rose following on crutches, suggesting that Jose get a cast on his left arm like the one Jimmy is wearing.

 
A little while later, Jose was sporting a black LATS on his left arm, and as he was flexing his fingers, he said to Rose, "You know, this is sort of neat. It felt great as the fiberglass got warm as it cured. I have never worn a cast before either, and I do sort of like it, but it will take some getting used to." Rose replied, "I knew you would like it, Jose! I love my cast."
 
 
Later, I got a chance to talk to Emme about what she and the girls discussed with Gary. Emme replied, "Oh, Sam and I just love wearing Rebekah's old KAFOs. Billy made them fit us pretty well, but they are not perfect. Rebekah said we could keep them, so we asked Billy if he could do more to make them fit better. He said it was just easier to custom-make us new ones."

 
"Millie wanted KAFOs, too, and asked if roller skates could be attached to a pair of braces, and Billy thought he could come up with something. When we asked what the cost would be, Gary said anything we wanted was on the house and to have a Merry Christmas. We're all getting casts made of our legs next week. It's going to be so much fun with even more of us wearing leg braces!"

 
I was happy for the girls to get braces and wondered how often they would actually wear them. It will be quite something to see Sam and Millie skate in KAFOs; I think it might just be possible if their knees and ankles are free to move.

 
Well, dinner is now being served, and I had Joel help me back into my wheelchair. I've been using my walker all day, and boy are my arms tired. He got me all strapped in and attached the tray to set my plate and drink on. Once again, we enjoyed a wonderful meal and dessert.

 
After dinner, we had a Secret Santa gift exchange; the rule was that nothing could cost more than five dollars. It looked like a lot of junk drawers got cleaned out, but whoever had drawn Joel's name knows him well. Joel couldn't hide his embarrassment when he opened his package, which contained a SLWC that appeared to have been worn by a woman and was dirty, smelly, and broken-down. I think it was probably one of Emme's casts; she had worn one like that last summer for eight weeks. Joel was really embarrassed that someone other than me knew of his love of dirty, well-worn, and smelly casts.

 
Saturday and Sunday were much like the previous two days. Lots of talking, game playing, eating, drinking, and, of course, our group exercises. The weather was clear on Sunday, and Pete ran to the butcher and got steaks to grill. We had yet another excellent meal, with Joel and Pete tending the grill and Rita making her special herb and cheese roasted potatoes.

 
After our meal, people started to get their casts removed and head home. Paul spread out a tarp in the living room and brought out a couple of cast saws. We got to work on each other's casts except for the ones that people were going to keep wearing. Kathy and I, of course, were keeping all our casts for some time, and Annie said she wanted to wear her shoulder spica for a six-week term. Rebekah told Emme and Sam they could have her old KAFOs, but she wanted her shoes back when they got their own braces; the pair that Emme was wearing are Rebekah's favorite shoes for an elegant night out.

 
Everyone else wanted their casts removed except for Jose and Rose. Despite Joel, Jimmy, and Paul going to the shop for winter cleanup, Jose and Rose had until after the new year off. They simply asked to borrow a cast saw to remove their casts on their own before coming back to work. Evidently, now they are cast lovers, too.

 
Tomorrow is back to work for me in my new cast, and I am looking forward to it. I think office life will be much easier in this cast, especially with my standing desk. I know I'll have lots of people asking questions, but they will be distracted by the news of Kathy's "accident".

 
Judy and Jimmy were at our place early Monday morning, along with Billy and Collene. We had breakfast, and Kathy and I discussed what I would tell people at work about her "accident", then Judy and I headed off to work. Once at the office, I sent the email that Kathy and I discussed:

 
Greetings,
 

This morning, I bring bad news. Kathy was involved in a bicycling accident on Christmas Eve and was quite badly injured. I do not have many details, except that it is expected that she will make a full recovery. There are no neurological deficits, and her multiple fractures will not require surgery. I hope to have more details before the end of the day.

 
Leigh

 
As soon as the email went out, I was inundated with replies and phone calls. I told everyone that what was in the email was all that I knew, but I expected to learn more from Kathy's partner, Lydia, later in the day. Several people came into my office to talk, and all that was ever said about my cast was that it must be nice for me to be able to stand again. I think with the Milwaukee attachment on my cast, people thought I was only wearing leg casts; they didn't realize my hips were also immobilized. While everyone was expressing concern for Kathy, little did they know that Kathy and Lydia were at my house, likely having the time of their lives.

 
Late in the afternoon, I called Kathy and asked how she was doing and told her about how everyone reacted to the news of her "accident". She said that she and Lydia were having a great time together and that it would really be fun to come to work in her casts and halo brace. We talked a little while more, and I said I had better get another email off to everyone before the day was out. I then heard Lydia in the background yell, "Tell Leigh that we made dinner for everyone and invite Judy to join us, too. We already told the others; we really love having the youngsters around."

 
I then sent another email to everyone about Kathy's condition:

 
Good Afternoon,
 

I just spoke to Kathy for a few minutes. She is doing well, all things considered, and is resting comfortably. She has multiple fractures; both her legs are in casts, as are her left arm and thumb. These fractures will only require casts and time to heal. However, Kathy re-fractured the vertebra in her spine that she fractured before, and like last time, there is no neurological deficit.
 

There was some concern that the previous fractures did not heal properly, and because of this, Kathy was placed in a halo brace. Overall, her spirits are high, and she is glad her injuries are not worse, especially her spinal injury. She asks that we respect her privacy and let her recover in the caring hands of her partner, Lydia.
 

Kathy did express a strong desire to come back to work as soon as possible, despite her casts and halo brace. I will pass on any news I get right away.
 

Leigh
 

The work day was now over, and I wheeled out to the parking lot to await Judy. As usual, she emerged from the elevator with her co-workers, and they were all laughing and smiling. Everything is going so well for us; we're all so happy. Judy got me loaded up in the van, and we headed home with our usual back-and-forth banter that makes our commute so much fun. I will sure miss our daily rides when I retire, and I'm sure Judy will, too.

Ch. 124 – Kings Mountain Retreat

 
Lydia and Kathy are both very excited to make their trip to Kings Mountain Retreat. On one of Lydia's visits to their home, she packed warm clothes for their trip to the mountains. Winter is well upon us. Lydia and Joel got the van loaded up Saturday evening, and the ladies were off early Sunday morning. Kathy said that if they enjoyed their visit, she would make preliminary arrangements for a group trip there. As promised, Kathy kept all of us updated on their adventure and sent group texts at least once a day.
 

Sunday Evening:

 
We made it! The traffic was light, and the weather was good. I got a little carsick on the curvy roads, sitting motionless in my halo brace, but it soon passed. The ride was beautiful, from what I could see of it. I looked straight ahead the entire time in the confines of my halo brace, and the bumpy road made my halo pins hurt a bit.

 
When we got to the resort, Lydia got us checked into our cabin, and my assistant is an older gentleman named Ron. If we need anything, we just call him on the special wireless phones they gave us since cell phones don't work well here. Once we got settled in and Ron was on his way, we explored the area around our cabin.

 
The lake is only about 20 yards from our wraparound porch, with a deck leading to an overlook. Everything is just so beautiful and quiet. I always thought Leigh's place was quiet, but it's nothing compared to here. Lydia says this place reminds her of her grandfather's old hunting cabin, but it's much more fancy, of course.

 
We're off to have dinner and figure out what activities we want to participate in this week. This is going to be so much fun, and to experience it in my casts and halo will be wonderful.
 

Monday Afternoon:

 
Hi everyone. We had a great dinner last night; the food here is excellent. We had a romantic evening by the fire in our cozy cabin last night, too. In bed, Lydia and I greatly enjoyed my halo and casts, and I reveled in my immobilization as Lydia pleasured me physically. I wish I could do more for her, but she knows she'll be in my position someday with me taking care of all her needs.

 
After breakfast, Lydia and I did something we have not done since we were little girls: we went fishing. Ron brought us sack lunches and got us all set up with tackle and bait. We fished off the overlook in front of our cabin. It was so much fun, and Lydia and I each caught a big lake trout that will be our dinner tonight. The chef will prepare the fish you catch any way you want.

 
We are having so much fun, and I completely forget about my casts and halo. Well, I say completely forget; that's not quite true. My casts and halo are front and center in the bedroom.

 
Well, we need to get ready for dinner and eat the fish we caught. Have a great evening!
 

Tuesday Morning:

  
It snowed last night! We woke up to find everything covered in a blanket of white. Lydia got me into a warm jacket and put thick wool socks on my casted feet and oversize mittens on my casted and braced hands. I then wheeled outside onto our large porch for a snowball fight.

 
I had trouble making snowballs with my SATS brace and my useless casted left arm, but Lydia made me plenty of snowballs, which I used to good effect on her. It brought back memories of college, when we had snowball fights all winter. It's a good thing that my casts were made with waterproof padding; Lydia got me a bit wet and cold. A few hours in front of the roaring fire and a few mugs of hot chocolate got me warmed up and dry.

 
I'll talk to you later. We're off to a late breakfast.
 
 
Tuesday Evening:

 
We made some new friends here today. After it stopped snowing this afternoon, we went for a walk. Well, Lydia walked, and I wheeled around the winter wonderland that surrounds us. Everything is so pretty covered in snow. However, Ron says it will probably be all gone soon; it is supposed to warm up tomorrow.

 
While we were out, we saw wheelchair tracks and footprints in the snow and decided to follow them. Lydia and I soon came upon a couple of guys taking in the sights. They were our age, and it was obvious they were a couple. We introduced ourselves to the strangers and learned their names were Pat and Terry. It was obvious right away that Pat is a DAK amputee, and he was in a really sporty-looking wheelchair like you all have.

 
We talked for a while and really enjoyed our conversation, but it was getting cold and late. Pat and Terry walked us back to our cabin, and before they went on their way, we agreed to meet for breakfast. Lydia and I both enjoy making friends with gay and lesbian couples that we happen to meet.
 

Wednesday Evening:

 
We met Pat and Terry for breakfast this morning, and we got to know each other better. Their story is much like Lydia's and mine. They met in college but went their separate ways, only to reunite years later and have been together ever since. The topic of my casts and halo brace, along with Pat's amputations, came up during breakfast.

 
When we checked in, the desk clerk told us that we should be honest if we are pretenders and that guests are asked to be accepting of all lifestyles. When Pat asked about my casts and halo, I said it was all just for fun, except for some of my orthodontic appliances. Lydia said that we both love wearing casts and that I always dreamed of wearing a halo brace. The opportunity to wear a halo arose, and now I'm living my dream.
 

I told them the story that Leigh told everyone at work, and we talked about her Petrie cast, the hip spica she is in now, and her desire to, as Judy puts it, let go of her legs. My extensive orthodontics were also of great interest to both men, and many questions were asked. At one point, Terry said to Pat, "See, Pat, I'm not the only one that likes to wear casts for fun. I told you we would meet another caster in person someday."
 

Pat then explained that he lost his legs in a childhood accident on his grandparents' farm. He was eight years old and riding with his grandfather on the tractor when they hit a bump. Pat was thrown from the machine, and his legs were crushed under the rear wheel of the tractor. He was rushed to a rural hospital that was not well equipped for trauma. The doctor on duty was an old Army surgeon, and to save Pat's life, he performed the procedure he knew best: amputation. Pat said he doesn't have any memories of when he still had his legs and that a wheelchair and prosthetic are all he knows.
 

We ended up spending the day and well into the evening together, talking about many different things. At one point, Pat admitted to Terry that he has a thing for guys wearing orthodontic braces and has always wanted them himself. Terry laughed and said the feeling was mutual, and, with a gentle smile, Lydia gave them Joe's business card and said he caters to people like them.
 

It's late, and Lydia and I are ready for bed. We are going to spend the day tomorrow with Pat and Terry again and go exploring the trails since it is warming up and the snow has melted.
 
 
Thursday Evening:
 
We had a great time with Pat and Terry today. We all got to know each other pretty well and found out that Pat is a bank executive and Terry imports rare and exotic vehicles from all around the world. They live in the same town as Ben and Jackie, so it will be no problem for us to visit.
 

Lydia was very curious about Pat's stumps—that's the term he uses—and let us see and even touch them. We were both extremely fascinated by his stumps and how they looked and moved. He also showed us how he puts on and walks with his prosthetic legs, too. If he were wearing long pants, you wouldn't know that his legs ended just above where his knees once were. Pat said that despite being able to walk well with his prosthetic legs, he prefers using his wheelchair.
 

Lydia and I showed the guys pictures of our past cast and brace adventures; they were impressed. In fact, I showed them all the pictures from the Christmas party, and they wished they had been there. Maybe next year.
 

Terry really liked the KAFOs you all wear, especially Paul's heavy-duty pair, and wants to get KAFOs for himself, so we gave him Gary's contact information. The guys had brought some casting supplies with them, and Pat placed both Terry and Lydia's left arms in white LATS, and Lydia is really loving her cast.
 

Both men asked a lot more questions about our orthodontics, and they took long looks in both of our mouths. I explained how my teeth shifted when I had my jaw wired shut, and I got braces again with a lot of extras just for fun. They had a lot of questions about what life was like with my jaw wired shut, and the byt admitted it was something they would like to try someday. Lydia said if they got braces, wiring their jaws would be really quick and easy with surgical hooks.
 

I think Pat and Terry are going to have some new and exciting adventures very soon.
 
 
Friday Morning:

 
We just finished breakfast with Pat and Terry in their cabin. Ron introduced us to our new assistant, Jerome, or Romy, as he prefers, this morning. He's a big black guy who formerly played professional football in Canada. I think Pat and Terry are attracted to him. Romy is a very sexy man, and guys are not my thing.

 
Today, Pat and I are going to explore some of the parts of the resort and check out the construction that's going on. Yesterday, we saw a young couple arrive, and the girl was wearing HKAFOs like Leigh will be getting. We're going to try and find her and ask about her braces; they looked very interesting. Terry and Lydia, with their thumb spica casts, are going horseback riding, which will likely be a challenge.
 

This place is wonderful, and we're having a great time. I'm absolutely in love with my halo brace, and I think I'll be wearing it for a long time to come.

 
Saturday Evening:
 

We had a great time yesterday and today. Lydia and Terry really enjoyed their horseback ride, and Pat and I had fun exploring the entire resort. We checked out the new construction that is going on. They are building clusters of cabins around a central communal lodge building. There are three of these complexes being built, and they are for groups to have their own cabins and a common shared area. It's the perfect thing for all of us to spend a week or two together here. There is a small wedding chapel under construction in the woods; Lydia and I think we'll get married there. We also made preliminary arrangements for a group trip here. We really love this place, and you all will, too.
 

We got a chance to talk with the young woman wearing HKAFOs that we saw the other day. Her name is Gina, and her husband is Rick. Gina has a degenerative neurological condition that requires her to wear HAKFO braces. She looks great in them, and you will too, Leigh, when you get yours.  When standing or walking, Gina's legs are fixed at the hips, knees, and ankles. She walks a lot like Leigh does in her hip-spica cast, swinging her entire lower body to take a step. When she unlocks her hips and knees, she can sit normally, but she can't bring her legs together or spread them apart.

 
Gina said that she had never seen someone in as many casts as I am wearing, except for a girl in a body cast she saw at a Halloween party. I asked if it was at the Hotel Marley a few years ago. With a look of bewilderment, Gina said, "Yes, in fact it was." I pulled out my phone and showed her a picture of Emme in her cast. Gina exclaimed, "That's her! The girl in the body cast." I said that her name is Emme, and she is a friend of mine.
 

Then I asked if she saw Leigh and Rebekah and showed her a picture of them. She had, and I am amazed you guys didn't notice her at the party. Rick really liked looking at all the pictures of us in our casts and braces. I do believe he is a devotee like Billy and Jimmy.
 

I then showed Gina a picture of Leigh, Rebekah, Judy, and Collene in their black Milwaukee braces and KAFOs wearing high heels and sexy dresses. Gina was really impressed with your braces, and I gave her Gary's number. I think that Gary and Joe will be getting some new clients after our visit here. We also told Gina about Collene and Judy and their rather interesting stories. We exchanged contact information and hope to see them again in the future, as well as Pat and Terry.
 

Well, it's getting late, and Lydia is starting to pack for our return home tomorrow. It will be nice to finally be back in our house after spending so much time away. I'm feeling really great and am excited to go to work in my halo and casts.
 

Sunday Morning:
 

We're on the road, heading home. We said our goodbyes to our new friends this morning over breakfast. It was great to meet new people, some of whom shared our interests and others who were accepting of them. Gina has no problem with pretenders, and Rick admitted he is a devotee.
 

Oh, Leigh, you mentioned wanting to get Joel something totally unexpected for his birthday? Lydia got an idea when we were talking to Terry; he can help.
 

See you all soon!

 
As you can tell, Kathy and Lydia had a great time on their vacation. We'll all be visiting Kings Mountain when the new cabins are finished; it will be great fun. Kathy will soon be going back to work, too. I wonder how people will react to her casts and halo brace.

Ch. 126 - Fully Braced
 

Time has really flown by, and the many months of my lower body being immobilized in casts are coming to an end. My legs have grown weaker and more atrophied by the day; my hip spica cast is very loose. Now, instead of being a leg brace pretender, I'll really need them. Today, I'm getting my hip spcia cast removed and my new braces fitted. I'm extremely excited to begin this new phase of my life!
 

After doing morning exercises, we had breakfast with Jimmy and Judy. Jimmy said his business is going like gangbusters, and Judy said she misses our daily car rides together. However, my contract work starts soon, and we'll once again be riding to work together on occasion. Judy has been stopping by every afternoon to chat before the guys get home, which is enjoyable for both of us.
 

It's time to head to Jameson Orthotics to get my cast removed and new braces fitted. Joel got me loaded up in the van, and we were on our way. When we arrived, Billy and Collene warmly greeted us. Collene is now wearing glasses with 1950's style frames, and they looked great on her. She feels that her glasses, like her braces, really enhance her appearance; she's glad she needs them. Like Judy did, she's going to pick out several more styles to order online.
 

Collene also said that she had been talking with Kathy, Judy, Millie, and Annie. When we all visit Kings Mountain, there will be several weddings, and everyone is hoping that Jimmy proposes to Judy so they can get married on the trip, too.
 

Billy was anxious to get me out of my cast and into my new braces, so we followed him to the cast room. Billy unstrapped me from my wheelchair and helped me stand. Joel took off my skirt and blouse, and then the Milwaukee brace attachment on my cast. Then they lifted me onto the table, and Billy cut my cast in half and removed the front part from my body. The cool air pricked at my sensitive skin.
 

I had enough strength in my back that I could lean forward and look at my legs. My cast had been feeling very loose lately, and my legs were now extremely atrophied and looked just like Collene's. I tried to move them, but my muscles only quivered. My goal had been achieved; my legs are now completely useless! I asked Billy if my new braces would fit properly since my legs have atrophied so much since he made the molds. He assured me that they would fit great; he had taken this into consideration.
 

Joel then removed my catheter, and Billy told him how Rita loosened my stiff and painful joints when I got my cast changed. Billy then helped Joel push the table I was on into the shower. Joel got the water temperature just right, and I told him to use the gentle pulsating setting. He began massaging my hips, legs, and feet. Joel gently picked up my legs and moved them, but only as far as my pain would allow. I was even stiffer than before. Finally, he called for Billy to come pull the bottom half of my cast out from under me, and Joel began to gently wash my entire body.
 

After Joel gently scrubbed away all the dead skin, he picked me up and placed me in the hydrotherapy tub that Billy had prepared. It felt wonderful, as it did last time, and Collene came in to keep me company. At one point, she came over to the tub, reached in, and held my left leg in her hands. Collene ran her hands up and down my leg and commented on how thin it was. She said there was no muscle tone at all anymore. It felt fantastic as her hands moved along my leg; I was starting to get very aroused. Luckily, Joel came in to get me so my braces could be fitted before things got out of control.
 

Collene went back to her office, and Joel got me out of the tub and carried me to the fitting room. He laid me on the table, which was covered with towels, and got me dried off, diapered, and into a sports bra. Billy then began explaining my new braces to me:
 
 
"Leigh, these are all your new braces. They are pretty much like your old ones, but with an addition: hinges that connect your KAFOs to your Milwaukee brace. These hinges can lock your hips straight, just like your hip spica positioned them. You will not be able to rotate your hip joints, nor will you be able to spread or close your legs."
 

"You'll notice these braces are built much more heavily than your old ones, with wide metal bars on the sides of your Milwaukee brace girdle. These are where the hinges on the KAFOs attach. Until you regain some flexibility in your hips, I would suggest that Joel remove the hinges when you don and doff your braces. It's easy with the twist lock fasteners."
 
 
Billy said he knew that moving my long immobilized joints would be painful, so he would only fit one set of braces today, the pink ones, with matching Doc Marten Mary Janes. He said I could try the others at my leisure at home and that I would need assistance donning and doffing my braces until I got used to doing it myself.
 

It was now the big moment! Billy used a special screwdriver to remove the hip hinges from the Milwaukee girdle. Joel then placed me in the Milwaukee portion of my brace, and it felt great to have the pelvic girdle tightly hug my hips. I laid back, and Billy and Joel placed my limp legs and feet into my KAFOs and shoes.
 

Billy then showed Joel how to attach the hinges to the Milwaukee portion of my brace. I was now braced from head to foot! Billy asked if everything felt OK, and I said that it did. The guys then helped me to my feet, and I could hear all four of the hinges lock; I was rigid from my neck to my toes. Billy handed me crutches, and I began to carefully crutch about the room. It was intoxicating to think about spending the rest of my life like this. I was ecstatic!
 

Billy again asked how everything felt, and I said, "It feels great, Billy. You did excellent work. My hips hurt a bit from being moved and from my legs not being spread as far apart as they were in my cast. What do you think, Joel? Do you like me being braced from head to toe and dependent on my braces?" Joel didn't need to say a word; the bulge in his trousers spoke for him. I crutched over to him and gave him a big hug and kiss, whereupon he had the same embarrassing experience as Billy had when Rebekah and I first met him. Joel excused himself to go clean up.
 

While Joel was freshening up, I noticed that my diaper was getting quite wet. I was having a lot of leakage from being catheterized for so long. I thought this would happen, so I brought a cath kit along. When Joel returned, he cleaned me up and placed my catheter before dressing me in a short purple skirt and pink blouse. Once I get used to my new braces, I'll try to wean myself off of my catheter.
 

As I was dressing, Collene came rolling into the room in a really sporty-looking purple wheelchair. I said, "What a great-looking chair, Collene. I've never seen you in it before; how long have you had it?" Collene replied, "It's not mine; it is a late Christmas gift for you from Billy and me. Thanks for everything you have done for us, Leigh." Billy helped Collene up, and I carefully unlocked my knees and hips to be able to sit. It hurt quite a bit to move my joints, but sitting in my new wheelchair gave me a sense of freedom and independence. It's so compact and sporty, and I absolutely adore the color.
 

I thanked Billy and Collene for my new wheelchair. Billy said it was a pleasure to make my braces and that he was expecting Sam, Millie, and Emme to pick up their KAFOs this week, too. Sam and Millie's roller skating KAFOs have come out really nice; they will look great wearing them and should have no problem skating in them.
 

Billy walked Collene to her desk, and she and I chatted while Joel and Billy loaded up all my new braces into the van. I invited her and Billy to go to the MV meet up at Pee Dee's on Friday evening, and she said it sounded like fun. Joel and Billy returned, and we thanked Billy and Collene once again, and we were on our way.
 

Since it was a nice day, I wanted to do a photo shoot at Millrun Park in my new braces and wheelchair. I also wanted to try driving again since I could now sit in the driver's seat. Joel thought that I should practice on our property first because I have not driven in so long, and I agreed.
 

We stopped at the deli to get a picnic lunch. It was my first time venturing into public in my new braces and wheelchair. At the deli, several people stared at me, and I decided to have fun with a few of them. I asked one man who was staring at me if he thought crippled girls were sexy, and he quickly made his exit. Then a woman about my age couldn't keep her eyes off me. I wheeled up to her and said, "Don't you wish you were in braces and a wheelchair? They attract sexy young men." Just as I said that, Joel came up and gave me a kiss. The woman turned red and hurried away.
 

After we enjoyed our lunch at the park, I wanted to crutch around and let Joel get some video of my unique gait. When I just had KAFOs, I walked fairly normally but with stiff knees. Now, with my hips braced, my body is rigid from my neck to my feet, so I have to swing both legs together to move forward; my body is almost like a pendulum swinging from my shoulders.
 

Joel took a ton of adorable action shots of me crutching along, and I looked amazing in my pink and purple ensemble. He also got some video of me sitting down on a bench, unlocking my hips and knees to do so. It's all very awkward and new to me right now, but it's fun. However, my hips and knees were getting really sore. These joints have not moved in months and are very stiff. We decided to go home, relax, and await Judy's arrival. I know she really wants to see my new braces and is thinking of getting HKAFOs, too.
 

When we got home, Joel went and laid all my new braces out on our bed. When Judy arrived, we went to check them out. When we got to my bedroom, I noticed several braces that Billy had not shown me at the office. There were new pairs of the light-weight braces I use when bathing. They looked to be much smaller than my old ones since my legs are so atrophied now.
 

There was also a large hip spica Minerva brace. It was purple with heavy metal latches between the front and back halves; the lining was thin, but very soft. I had no idea Billy was making this brace for me, and I assumed it was to sleep in. I can't wait until bedtime tonight!
 

Judy checked out all my new braces, then got on the phone to Billy. Their conversation was brief; she simply asked him to make her all the same braces when he had time.
 

When Jimmy arrived, Joel suggested that we all go out for dinner, and he went to get ready. Judy asked if I was going to use my wheelchair tonight, and I said I was; it would be easier for me that way. She said she would use hers, too, and she and Jimmy went home to get ready.
 

Judy and Jimmy soon returned, with Judy in her wheelchair. We looked really cute in our wheelchairs, and Jimmy took a picture to send to Collene. We got into Judy's car, the guys stowed our wheelchairs in the trunk, and we headed to Ranch Gordo.
 

On the way to the restaurant, I realized that no one could tell that my leg braces and back brace were connected. It's obvious when I am on crutches since my entire body moves as one unit, but in my wheelchair, no one can tell. I got a bit of a charge out of the notion that I was far more immobilized than anyone would ever realize.
 

Judy and I wheeled up to the entrance, and it was not busy. We were able to get a table right away, and as usual, Shelly made a point to wait on us. She said, "Well, it looks like you are pretty much back to your old normal, Leigh. It must feel great to be out of those big casts." I replied, "To tell the truth, Shelly, I really enjoyed wearing my casts. It was actually quite enjoyable." Shelly replied, "I think I have you and your friends figured out, and I understand." She then took our order, and we had a great dinner.
 

After we got home, Joel helped me bathe, and then he cleaned my teeth and appliances. He then asked me if I wanted to wear my new body brace to bed, and I said, of course. Joel picked me up and laid me on the back half of the brace, which cradled me from head to toe and held my legs spread apart. Joel placed the upper half over my body and secured the latches.
 

I was rigid from head to toe; only my arms were free. It felt great. It's impossible for me to remove this brace myself; I will be in it until Joel releases me. We made love, and it was amazing, like when I was in my big cast. Joel covered me with a light blanket and kissed me before lying down next to me. I drifted off to sleep, completely immobilized, with Joel holding my hand.

Ch. 128 - Our Weekend Away - Part 1
 

We were all up bright and early this morning, excited about our weekend getaway. Everyone decided to get dressed up a bit for our trip, too. Something I really like to see is a pretty girl in a wheelchair wearing very high heels—heels that are high enough that even able-bodied ladies would have trouble walking in them. I'm going to be that girl since I'll be spending the entire weekend in my sleek, sporty wheelchair.
 

I attached a pair of black platform knee-high boots with very high block heels to my black KAFOs. They fit my calves very tight, and the straps on my braces will buckle around them just fine. If necessary, I'm pretty sure I could crutch a short distance if I had to. I called for Joel to help me get into my Milwaukee-HKAFO brace, which takes a bit of effort, especially with my tall boots. This was the first time I had worn these boots, and they looked great.
 

A gray knee-length wool skirt that barely hid my urine bag, a matching sweater, black interlandi headgear with double facebows, and black framed glasses completed my look. I took a few minutes to do my makeup and hair, which now runs far down my back. I wheeled over to the mirror, and I looked amazing!
 

Joel then handed me a small package along with his pocket knife, and I opened the box. Inside were several pairs of fingerless wheelchair gloves in many different colors that would all match my braces. I took out the black pair, and Joel helped me slip my hands into them. They looked and felt great, and they didn't cover any of my rings. I thanked him for such a kind and useful gift and then wheeled around the room. They sure made maneuvering my wheelchair easier, and they'll be great in wet weather.
 

Joel then put on slacks, a sport coat, Cuban heel shoes, and his combination headgear, and we went to check on Kathy and Lydia. They were also looking really good, with Lydia dressed in a very feminine outfit, unlike her usual butch look. She looked great in her long black skirt, matching jacket, and white blouse, with knee-high stiletto boots on her feet. Kathy was in her wheelchair, hooked up to her gravity traction setup, and dressed in a similar outfit but in blue. Both ladies were wearing their cervical headgear, with straps matching their outfits. We all took a few minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee while we waited for Paul and Rebekah to call.
 

It was then that Kathy's phone beeped. It was a message from Rebekah that said she and Paul were ready anytime and suggested that we get breakfast on the road. We thought that sounded great, and Kathy replied that we would be down to pick them up shortly. Joel walked down to the shop and returned with our paratransit bus with the wheelchair lift.
 

Joel got our bags loaded, including the ones with my CTLSO and nighttime leg braces and the one with Kathy's halo vest; she wants to sleep fully immobilized instead of in traction. I wanted to take my full body brace, but it would be impossible to sneak into the hotel. Soon, Kathy and I in our wheelchairs were loaded up in our small bus and our chairs secured for the journey, then we drove down to Paul and Rebekah's place.
 

When we got there, Joel went to the door, and Rebekah answered. He went inside, returned with their bags, and stowed them away. Then we saw Rebekah and Paul come crutching out onto the front porch. Rebekah was, like me, wearing her black braces and a lovely knee-length dark green dress with a dark gray sweater, black wedge heel booties, and her green double-facebow interlandi headgear.
 

Rebekah was also wearing something I had never seen her wear before; she had on a pair of black, round-framed glasses, and she looked really cute wearing them. She had mentioned going to the eye doctor but never said she was getting glasses. It seems that pretty much all of us are wearing glasses these days, including Kathy and Lydia, who wear reading glasses. Despite her youth, even Emme has to wear glasses when doing office work. With her Milwaukee brace, bands on her misaligned teeth, headgear, and now KAFOs, she's adorable in a geeky kind of way. Pete absolutely loves her look, too.
 

Paul, who was following Rebekah out the door, was in his heavy brown Kuehnegger brace and KAFOs with sturdy boots attached. He was wearing a dark blue kilt, a dress shirt, and a sport coat. Paul looked hot as he crutched towards us in his KAFOs with his spine held rigid by his Kuehnegger brace. His metallic smile went well with Rebekah's and sparkled in the morning light.
 

Kathy reminded Lydia that the back brace that Paul is wearing is one of the kinds of braces she is getting, and Lydia said, "Oh, babe, you will look so hot wearing something like that; it's so restrictive and immobilizing. I'll take good care of you whenever you wear it, Kathy." Kathy replied, "I love you so much, Lydia. You are so accepting of my desires, and I love how you are so adventurous, trying things out for my pleasure, too."

 
As Paul and Rebekah crutched towards the bus, Paul seemed to be much more accustomed to wearing his braces compared to the first time we saw him in them. He must be spending a lot of time wearing his very restrictive braces, but I never saw him ever wearing them around the property. I would have loved to have watched him struggle to crutch along, but I guess he must have just stayed on the paths around his house. The couple climbed on board the bus, with Joel giving his friend a hand, and they got settled in, sitting across from Kathy.
 

Since Kathy and Paul didn't want to be seen by anyone they knew, we decided to get far away from home before stopping for breakfast. As we traveled, Kathy asked Paul a lot of questions about his braces and what it's like to wear them. He said his braces are extremely immobilizing, especially his Kuehnegger with its large chin cup and headpiece. He explained that he can't move his head at all in his brace and that a Milwaukee brace would be a whole lot easier to wear. However, his brace is very comfortable, and he greatly enjoys wearing it. Paul said his biggest difficulty was getting used to his KAFOs and using crutches, which proved to be quite the challenge for him, but he's very good at it now.
 

Once we were about an hour away from home, we stopped for breakfast. We must have been quite a sight in our various braces and with Kathy in traction. Rebekah and Paul looked so cute crutching side by side in their KAFOs and spinal braces. Joel would have looked amazing in braces like Paul's, especially as he adjusted to them, if only his braces had been ready for him to wear on this trip.
 

With Kathy and I in our wheelchairs, we needed a bit of space, so we were seated in a side room in the restaurant. It was right off the waiting area, and everyone coming and going could see all of us in our braces. We got a lot of strange looks as people walked by and saw Kathy with the rope and pulley system for her traction. For us, our braces were just part of our lives, and we simply enjoyed our meal, which was excellent. We finished our breakfast and were once again on our way to the Hotel Marly.
 

We were only back on the road for about twenty minutes when Rebekah announced she needed to pee. She asked Joel to find a place to stop; she didn't want to sit in a wet diaper for the next hour or so. Joel found a service station that looked well maintained, and Lydia assisted Rebekah in the restroom. While we waited, Kathy and I said we were thankful we had catheters and didn't have to worry about finding a place to pee.
 

Paul said that Rebekah had suggested he use a catheter while in his braces, but he was uncomfortable with the idea, so he, like Rebekah, was wearing a diaper. Lydia soon returned with Rebekah, who looked much relieved.
 

Once we were back on the road, Rebekah asked if we had a catheter kit in our bag of special items I carry when we travel. I said that we did, and she could have one when we got to the hotel. She said she wanted one, and then Paul asked if we had any that were for men. I replied that we did; I had ordered some for Joel, but he's scared to try using a catheter. Paul said that he wanted to try using one, as he has been curious about catheters ever since Rebekah first used one during one of her past adventures.
 

The rest of the trip was filled with quiet conversation and discussion about how we wanted to spend our time over the weekend. It was going to be a fun time, and it would be great to be away from home, if only for a couple of days.
 

When we arrived at the Hotel Marley, Joel and Rebekah went to get us checked in while the rest of us waited in the van. We were all anxious to relax in our rooms, which we knew would be well-appointed and luxurious. Luck was on our side, and we got two adjoining suites, the same ones we had for the Halloween party, and a third room right across the hall. Since Paul and Rebekah were just on crutches, they took the smaller room, leaving the suites for those of us in wheelchairs.
 

We made our way to our rooms, and soon the bellboy brought our bags, including the one with Kathy's halo vest and our large bag of supplies. After getting settled in our rooms, the least immobilized of each couple unpacked their bags. We decided to rest for a couple of hours, then all meet up in Kathy and Lydia's room to plan our evening.
 

When Joel and I made our way through the adjoining doors to Kathy and Lydia's room, Paul and Rebekah were already there. We decided to have dinner at the steakhouse in the hotel and then go our separate ways to explore the little shops and bars around the hotel. Before heading down to dinner, Rebekah asked for the catheters I had offered her and Paul. Joel got them from our bag of supplies and handed them to Rebekah.
 

Paul and Rebekah went back to their room to place their catheters, and we all could tell Paul was very nervous about what he would soon be experiencing. They returned in short order with their catheters in place. Paul told Joel that with Rebekah's gentle touch, getting his catheter was actually pleasurable and not painful or uncomfortable at all. Rebekah had placed her catheter herself, something she has become quite good at doing. Paul's only concern was that they wouldn't be able to make love, but Rebekah said it was possible and that she expected him to perform later in the evening.

 
With four of us now not having to worry about finding a restroom, we headed down for an early dinner. Once again, Paul and Rebekah look so adorable in their braces, crutching along side by side. They seem to really enjoy being a braced couple; it must be wonderful for them to share this experience. I know that Sam and Millie really like wearing their matching braces, and I can't wait to go out with Joel when he's finally fully braced, too. Rebekah and I felt that when we were in our halos together, it made going through the ups and downs a lot easier. Even when you want to wear these things, there are many challenges and difficulties.

 
When we arrived at the steakhouse, it was quite busy; we went to the lounge for a drink while awaiting our table. Our waitress was a very beautiful brunette about Rebekah's age, and she seemed curious about the braces most of us were wearing, especially Paul's Kuehnegger brace. Then, just as we were going to go eat, she said to Paul, "I wore a brace like yours for over 10 years, from middle school all the way through college. It was tough, but I got used to it, and I actually miss my old brace. It was extremely uncomfortable, and I can't imagine what it's like to have to wear leg braces with it, too. From the way you move, it looks like you only recently started wearing your braces. You'll get used to them and do just fine." Paul nervously thanked her for her kind words and said, "As you can see, I am not alone when it comes to wearing braces. My wife and friends are in similar situations, and we all provide each other with support and live very happy and full lives."

 
We had an excellent dinner, with Kathy and I taking forever to eat with our various orthodontic appliances. Sometimes I get tired of the struggles they bring and wish I still had just my bands and splint. But, at the same time, everything in my mouth and my headgear bring so much pleasure to Joel and me; we can't imagine me being without a mouthful of cumbersome orthodontic appliances.
 

We decided that after dinner, we would go our separate ways to enjoy the rest of the evening. It was still early, so we had plenty of time to go have some fun. We agreed to meet for brunch tomorrow morning at ten, and then we parted ways for the evening.
 

However, before we all split up, I asked a small favor of everyone. I know you most definitely want to know what we all end up doing. So I simply asked Lydia, Rebekah, and Joel to take a few minutes later on to write about their evenings for you. I could write about what Joel and I did, but I thought you might enjoy his angle on things instead of mine. Once I get their stories, I'll write the next chapter of our adventure.
 

So, now it's off to a fun, exciting evening that is hopefully full of romance, too.

Ch. 130 - Surprises

 
After we got back from our weekend getaway, I really became acclimated to my new life as a handicapped woman. I'm always in my braces, and I usually use my manual wheelchair. I love wearing the fingerless gloves that Joel got for me; they make it so much more comfortable to propel my chair, and I think they look stylish, too.

 
I always keep crutches nearby, too. I keep a folding pair in the bag on the back of my wheelchair and forearm crutches in all our vehicles. I love hearing the locks at my knees and hips click when I stand up in my HAKFOs. Those four little clicks mean that my body is rigid from head to toe; it's a delightful feeling.

 
Recently, Judy and Collene seem to be using their wheelchairs more often, too. On warmer days, Collene sometimes doesn't even wear her leg braces or shoes to work. Her toenails are always polished, and she often wears several tasteful toe rings and often an anklet, too. Rebekah and Paul have also recently joined us in using wheelchairs when we all go out. Hers is manual like mine, and Paul's is a power chair.

 
Kathy has now transitioned from wearing her halo vest to being in halo traction, and she loves it. She keeps one of the rolling frames at the office and the other at home; the rest of the time, she is in traction in her wheelchair. Billy is working on some special halo traction brace for Kathy to wear, but I don't have the details yet. Lydia now has a pair of KAFOs and several spinal braces to wear, and the ladies plan to get married in their braces.
 
 
The painting we purchased on our trip arrived, and Judy and Jimmy love it. We never told them about it or the very special artist who painted it. Judy took it out onto the deck and compared it to the scenery around her cottage. She was amazed! When I showed her the picture of Joel and me with Nikki, she was even more amazed. Judy found Nikki's appearance to be very enchanting, and she couldn't believe that someone so disabled could paint in such detail. When I told Judy that Nikki might come visit for inspiration, she was thrilled.

 
This week, there will be several celebrations. Kathy is retiring, and it's Joel and Jimmy's birthdays on Friday. They were born on the same day, twenty years apart. With the help of Kathy and Lydia's friend Terry, Judy and I got the guys very special birthday gifts.

 
One night, just after Jimmy's arrival, Judy and I overheard Joel and him talking about their dream cars. Their taste in vehicles is like their taste in women; they like the unusual. We worked with Terry, and their vehicles will be delivered on Friday morning so they can drive them to the meet-up at Pee Dee's that evening.

  
But first comes Kathy's retirement. It's today, and the company is having a small reception for her like mine. Joel, Rebekah, Paul, and I went to be with Kathy for her last few hours at the office; Rebekah and I were on crutches for a change today, too. As we rode up in the elevator, it stopped at Judy's floor, and she wheeled in. When we got to Kathy's floor, we got off and headed to her office. My old office door was ajar, and the lights were off. I crutched inside, and everything was as I left it. Boy, what a strange feeling!

 
When we got to Kathy's office, she was in her wheelchair with her traction setup. Lydia was there, and both ladies were dressed very smartly and looked great. Kathy was in her usual business attire and was wearing her black thumb spica braces. Lydia was dressed in a well-tailored men's suit, and her hair was teased up in spikes. Her trousers had high cuffs, which showed off her red high-heeled sandals. She was wearing bright red lipstick that matched her red necktie and the straps on her cervical headgear. I really liked her androgynous look. I'll have to give it a try myself; she looked great.

 
Kathy really looked at ease among everyone who stopped to congratulate and wish her well. After having a steady stream of visitors, it was time to go to the boardroom. Kathy would be recognized for her years of dedicated service and receive a gift, which I selected.

 
When we got there, Angela Smith gave a short speech and then invited Kathy up to say a few words. Instead of just wheeling to the front of the room, she had Lydia disconnect her traction so she could walk up to the podium. When the weight was disconnected, Kathy's head and body slumped forward. I think she was just acting, but there was a sense of shock among those gathered. She and Lydia then walked to the podium.

 
Once at the podium, Lydia discreetly reached up and grasped the back of Kathy's halo ring and held her head so she was looking straight ahead. Kathy said a few words, thanking everyone for her long and successful career, which would not have been possible without her excellent team.

 
Angela then presented Kathy with the gift that I helped select: a vintage Patek Philippe pendant watch. Kathy tearfully said a few more words, and then Lydia helped her back to her wheelchair, connected the traction weight, and Kathy's spine was once again stretched straight. Angela then invited everyone to enjoy a catered lunch in the conference room. It was a quiet affair, with many tearful goodbyes. Kathy never truly realized how much everyone loved and respected her.

 
With Friday upon us, Judy and I were excited to present Joel and Jimmy with their special birthday gifts. The boys will be in complete awe at what we got them; we really went all out. Jimmy and Judy came up for breakfast as usual, and we told the guys that their birthday presents would be delivered this morning. As we were just finishing breakfast, we heard a truck coming down the driveway, and the guys were very curious. We went outside, and the truck was pulling a trailer with two vehicles on it, covered with heavy tarps. The first to be unloaded was the larger of the two.
 

Despite the heavy canvas cover, Jimmy and Joel both knew exactly what that vehicle was by its silhouette: a Humvee. But who was it for? Once the heavy canvas was off, Jimmy knew it was for him. His grandparents are from Lithuania, and the truck had Lithuanian Land Forces markings. Jimmy picked Judy up from her wheelchair, hugging and kissing her. He thanked her and asked her how she was able to find something like this. Judy replied, "I got a little help from Kathy's friend Terry. He is the one who made all this happen."
 

Jimmy's truck was unloaded, and since Judy didn't have her crutches, Jimmy helped her walk over to it. He carefully picked her up, sat her on the hood, and took several pictures, sending them to his grandparents and several friends. Now Joel was anxious to see what I had gotten him. The delivery driver carefully removed the canvas and then a regular car cover from Joel's new car, a perfectly restored black 1975 GAZ-24-24. Joel instantly knew exactly what the car was as soon as he saw it, but you probably don't unless you're Russian.
 

Joel is obsessed with Soviet-era vehicles, and the KGB employed the GAZ-24-24, nicknamed "Chaser" or "Double," for security and surveillance. It's basically a standard Volga sedan that was setup with a larger engine and better handling for its use as a chase or security car. Terry was very lucky to find this one, which had been fully restored to like-new condition. It was quickly unloaded, and we thanked the driver for his careful delivery. The guys wanted to go for a drive, so they got Judy and me into their new vehicles, and we hit the road.
 

We drove around the country roads near our house with Jimmy in the lead. Joel's Volga handled well; the ride was a bit stiff, likely due to the modified suspension. The engine was powerful, and the transmission shifted firmly yet smoothly.
 

At a wide spot in the road, Jimmy pulled over, walked back to our car, and said to Joel, "Let's swap!" The guys swapped vehicles and girls since the ground was too rough for Judy and I to walk on in our heels and braces; we never intended to be out of our wheelchairs today. Jimmy and I had a pleasant conversation on our return trip home; he's such a gentleman, and Judy is a very lucky girl.
 

Later that afternoon, Judy and Jimmy came up to our place, and both of them were extremely giddy. Judy had the biggest smile on her face, which showed off her mouthful of metal. She also had the biggest engagement right I have ever seen on her finger. The now-engaged couple came on in, and Judy was excited to tell us what transpired in the last few hours:
 

"Isn't this wonderful? Jimmy proposed! I have been waiting for this ever since he first held me in his arms the day he arrived. After we got back from our drive this morning, I packed a picnic lunch, and we went down by the creek to relax. He spread out a blanket and got me out of my wheelchair."
 

"We sat there talking and cuddling, when suddenly Jimmy reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He got on his knee, opened the box, and said, "Miss Judy Jenkins, will you be my wife?" I began to cry and said, "Of course I will," and he placed this beautiful ring on my finger. We hugged, and I think we both bent our facebows kissing. Today is the happiest day of my life, and I love you so much, Jimmy!"
 

Jimmy was smiling the entire time Judy told her story, and then he hugged and kissed her. Jimmy said they had already spoken to Collene and Billy and planned to have a joint wedding when we all go to Kings Mountain Retreat. Joel and I congratulated the newly engaged couple and wished them a long and happy life together.
 

That evening, we got ready to go to the MV meet at Pee Dee's. We formed our little convoy with Joel in the lead in his Volga, Jimmy and Judy following in their Humvee, and Paul and Rebekah in their WC-48. When we arrived at Pee Dee's, we parked next to Lydia's M-715 and Pete's Cadillac staff car.
 

When I saw Kathy, she was in her halo vest, not in traction. I inquired why, and Kathy said that she just felt like being completely immobilized tonight. Emme was wearing her new KAFOS with her knees unlocked, along with her usual Milwaukee brace and headgear. She was walking around normally and looked great in her new braces.

 
Then I saw Sam and Millie talking with friends. Judy pushed my wheelchair over to them, showed them her engagement ring, and shared her happy news. They were both fully braced from head to toe, with their double facebows protruding from between their lips. Millie had on her carhop uniform, and Sam was in a tennis skirt and tight-fitting shirt with her Milwaukee brace on over it. Both girls had on their KAFOs with their skates attached. Their leg braces are just for fun; the girls simply like the feel and look of their braces.
 

I asked the young ladies how things were going, and Millie replied, "Things are great, Leigh. I know you have lunch with Sam and Emme quite often, so you know we're loving all our new braces. We're really looking forward to going to the mountains with everyone soon; it will be great fun. What Sam probably hasn't filled you in on are all the details about my job at Riedell. I have recruited a team of twelve exhibition skaters: six girls and six guys. One of the roller derby girls I used to skate with is the team manager. We come up with all the routines, and she accompanies the team when they travel for exhibitions and competitions."

 
"Along with choreographing routines, I mostly do marketing stuff, but I still come here on Friday and Saturday nights to skate with the girls and see my friends. I'm working on a project with some special people, too; I have formed a handicapped skating team. Remember that video that Jenny posted online with Sam and me skating in all our braces? Well, it went viral and gained quite a bit of attention, especially from management. Now, I have a skating team with all disabled people."

 
"There is one girl that was born without arms and another that had her arms amputated in an accident. They are both great skaters, and I am amazed at how well they keep their balance. There's an amputee guy who skates on one leg with crutches and does tricks and stunts. Oh, and there's the amputee couple, whose legs end just below their knees after a horrid accident. They were competitive figure skaters before their accident, and they do a routine wearing special prosthetic legs with their skates."

 
"Finally, there is an older woman, Beverly, but we call her Mom. She had a mild case of polio when she was young that left her legs weak but still usable if she wore braces. In fact, she walks pretty much normally in her braces. When she was a teenager, her dad modified an old pair of braces with skates as a way to get her out of the house for exercise. Despite a few falls, including one that badly broke her wrist, she kept at it and got quite good. She stopped skating years ago, but when she saw Jenny's video, she got in touch with me and wanted to try skating again. I got her together with Billy, and he made her braces like ours with skates attached. She's a wonderful addition to our team."

 
It was great to hear how well things were going for Millie. We were all getting hungry, so Millie got us all burgers and fries. We ate, then the girls wanted to see Joel and Jimmy's new vehicles, which they thought were really cool. It was getting late, and Joel offered the girls a ride home in his Volga, which they happily accepted.

 
It's been a day of surprises.

Ch. 132 - Lori's Arrival
 
 
Jimmy's friend Scott found a very nice house not too far from ours that is handicap accessible and even has a swimming pool. It's ideal for him and Lori, and he got it at a great price since it needs a little work, and Lydia's contractor friend took care of everything. The house is almost ready, and Lori's room at the rehab center is waiting for her. Pete has even arranged transportation on a private medical transport jet a friend owns. This will make things much more comfortable for Lori. She can travel lying down since sitting causes her to experience extreme pain in her neck and back.
 
 
Scott and Lori's cross-country trip went well, and they have now settled in. Lori quite likes the rehab center she'll be living in until she's able to come home. It's a high-end place, and the rooms remind you of a hotel suite, not a medical facility. Each room has a small bedroom with an attached bath for a guest to use, too. The rooms are tastefully decorated and nicely furnished, with a couch and two power recliners.
 
 
After Lori got settled, she had her first appointment with Ben. Ben and Jackie made a house call and stayed with us for the weekend. It was great having them visit, but not under these circumstances. After a trip to the hospital for X-rays and an MRI, Ben was able to come up with a plan to treat Lori's injuries and give her a good quality of life, though it will be vastly different than before her accident and she will require several surgeries.
 
 
Lori wanted to meet all of us girls and asked us to come as a group on a day she felt fairly good. We all got a text this morning asking if we could come visit; she wanted to meet us before having the external fixator removed from her right leg tomorrow. Myself, Judy, Collene, Emme, and Rebekah met for a late breakfast and then paid Lori a visit.
 
 
We had all talked to Lori on the phone and had video chats with her, but had yet to meet her in person. In the video chats, we had only seen her face and the part of her very bulky CTLSO that surrounded it. We could also see that her teeth were very crooked from her multiple jaw fractures that had recently healed. In addition, Lori has a sizable scar on her left cheek that her CTLSO partially conceals. What we hadn't seen was the rest of her badly broken body.
 
 
When we arrived, Lori was overjoyed to have visitors, and we were all taken aback when we saw Lori for the first time. She was lying flat in bed, the most comfortable position for her, with her right leg in its external fixator in a sling. The blankets prevented us from seeing exactly where her left leg ended. Her left arm and hand were in an external fixator. Collene, Emme, and Rebekah were on crutches today and sat on the couch while Judy and I positioned our wheelchairs within Lori's limited view. Lori asked about our braces and why we wear them.
 
 
Collene explained that she contracted polio as a child and is paralyzed, but her braces allow her mobility and relieve her back pain. Then Judy and I told our stories, as did Emme and Rebekah. We all wanted to start our relationship with Lori knowing the truth about all of us; there would be no guilt like Rebekah and I felt from not telling Collene the truth when we first met her. Lori was very accepting and curious, especially about what Judy and I had done. She didn't seem taken aback by anything we told her. It was like what we all do is a normal everyday thing to Lori. Everything went great, and after a couple of hours, Lori seemed to be much more upbeat, often smiling with her very crooked smile.
 
 
Lori was very intrigued by all of our stories, and after many questions, she said, "I'm so glad you all came to visit me, and it's great to make new friends here so soon. I have only told a few people about my accident, and I have never talked to anyone about my treatment or recovery except for Scotty. However, I think that now is the time, and I want you all to know what happened to me and what my future holds.
 
 
"It was twilight, and I was coming home from my job at the child care center. Scott and I never had kids because we moved so often and didn't want to bring them up in that life. My dad retired as a colonel from the Air Force, and we moved all the time when I was a kid. It was hard for me. Scott agreed, and so we chose not to have children. However, I like kids, so I got a job working with them."
 
 
"I was stopped at a red light, and when it turned green, a car at high speed ran his red light and sped right in front of me. After he passed, I pulled out, and the car that was racing the first one slammed into the driver's door of my car. The side of my car was caved in, and when I came to while firemen were cutting me out, I was on the passenger side; my car was only half as wide as it was before the impact. My left leg and hand were really torn up, as was my right leg. My jaw was broken in multiple places, and my back and neck had fractures, too. The least of my injuries was a broken right arm and wrist."
 
 
"Once at the hospital, it was determined right away that my left leg couldn't be saved. The bones were in too many pieces to put back together. The decision was made to amputate above the knee. It's all bandaged up again since I had revision surgery before I moved here. I'll be getting fitted for a prosthetic sometime in the future."
 
 
"About my right leg, it could be saved, and you can see the fixator they put me in. Just look at all those pins and rods sticking out of my leg—I can't believe it's not more painful than it is. The good news is that the bones are healing, and Ben will remove all that hardware tomorrow and put me in a cast. There's a lot of nerve damage in my leg, and I won't find out how bad it is until I'm out of my cast. Ben says that with a prosthetic left leg and my right one in a brace, I'll eventually be able to walk with a single crutch or possibly without a crutch at all. I can't wait to be able to walk again, even if I have to wear a brace and prosthetic."
 
 
"As you can see, my left hand is a mess, with only my thumb and pinkie finger remaining. I have no feeling in it and can't move it at all; the nerves were severed. At least the medics found my ring finger in the wreckage, still with my wedding and engagement rings on it, and I wear them on my right hand now. If everything goes well with getting my right leg into a cast, in a week or so, Ben will amputate my left hand just above the wrist. It is so ugly and useless, and I'll be relieved to get rid of it! I wanted a simple hook, but that won't work with my spinal issues, so I'll be getting some high-tech myopelectric hand."
 
 
"As to my spine, we thought the fractures had healed, but this ended up not being the case. Dr. Ben Northridge was recommended to me, and after looking at X-rays and scans, he discovered two more unhealed but stable fractures; there is no risk of paralysis. My old doctors just kept me in this big brace and said I would have pain for the rest of my life. Ben said that he will do surgery to remove some bone spurs and treat the remaining fractures, along with several bulging disks. It's a simple surgery for an expert like him, and I should not worry about anything; he has done it hundreds of times without any complications. He'll be doing surgery on my spine once I recover a bit from my arm amputation. I'll have to be in a brace called a Halo CTLSO for several months after my surgery, but he says it will be more comfortable than this monstrosity I'm in now, plus I'll be pain-free. Ben also says I have scoliosis, and it will be treated once my back is completely healed. He's such a kind man, and I have complete trust in him."
 
 
"Both my jaw and right arm were broken in several places, too. I was in a long arm cast for six weeks, and things healed up just fine. My jaw really needed surgery, but with all my other trauma, they simply wired it shut for twelve weeks, and it was slow to heal since the bones were not perfectly aligned. I hated it at first and could hardly speak; my lips were dry and cracked all the time. Once I got used to my wires, it wasn't so bad. But look at my smile; it's so crooked now, and it was perfect before except for the little gap between my front teeth. I loved my little gap; it looked so cute, but now it's gone and my teeth overlap. I'll have to get braces like all you girls have, likely when I'm well enough to get my scoliosis sorted out. I wonder if the orthodontist can restore my little gap. It may seem silly that after losing my leg and soon my hand, along with my back pain, my messed-up smile bothers me the most."
 
 
From written words, you might think Lori told her story coldly and matter-of-factly. This was not the case. She told her story with warmth and hope. Lori never seemed sad at any time except when talking about her teeth. Knowing that Lori would be wearing several braces as part of her recovery and new life, we talked about those things. Rebekah showed her a picture of us in our halo CTLSOs. Lori said that the picture that Ben showed of the brace she would be wearing was a picture of me, but with my face blacked out. We talked about what life in such a brace is like, and Emme recounted the car accident when she was in high school that took the life of her best friend. Emme opened the locket with the blood-stained photo of her and Jasmine and began to cry. She crutched over to Lori to show her the photo, and Lori broke down in tears, too.
 
 
After Lori and Emme regained their composure, we talked about our leg braces. Lori said the ones we're wearing looked much nicer than what she had seen other people wearing, and we had cute shoes instead of heavy boots. Collene explained that our braces were made in the shop where she works by her fiance, Billy. Lori asked if Billy would be making her braces and prosthetics, and Collene said yes. Lori liked the variety of colors of leather on our braces and the different finishes on the metal. She is really looking forward to getting her KAFO and prosthetics. It was a wonderful visit, and Lori is such a kind and accepting person.
 
 
A few days later, I stopped in with Kathy to introduce her to Lori. Her fixator had been removed from her right leg, and in its place was a hot pink long leg cast with a lime green spiral. It was really bright and cheery, and so was Lori's mood. She was very happy to be out of her fixator and, for the first time, felt she was on the road to recovery.
 
 
Kathy and Lori quickly became friends, and Kathy called her friend Pat to see if he had time for a video chat. He did, and Pat and Lori chatted for quite a while, discussing amputee life and the upcoming amputation of her left hand. They exchanged numbers, and Pat told Lori to call anytime she wanted to talk or needed advice.
 
 
We chatted with Lori about our upcoming trip to Kings Mountain Retreat. Lori was sad she couldn't join us; she would be recovering from her hand amputation and spinal surgery then. Kathy told her not to worry; we plan to visit the retreat quite often in the future. I then suggested that she and Scott make a trip there together when she is well enough to travel.
 
 
Lori told us that Ben said that what remained of her left leg was healing nicely and that she should have no trouble using a prosthetic leg, which was excellent news. Her recovery is going great, and she is actually excited to have what remains of her left hand amputated next week because it will never be of any use. The only thing that really seemed to bother Lori was her smile. She had shown us some pictures of her and Scott, and she had the most beautiful smile. I gave her Dr. Joe's number and told her to call and say that she was a friend of ours. The rehab center is near his home, and I was sure he would stop in and take a look at her teeth. Hopefully, he can reassure her that her smile will once again be perfect and that he can restore her cute little gap.
 
 
The next week, we all got a group text from Jimmy relaying a message from Scott:
 
 
"The amputation of Lori's left hand went well. She is resting comfortably and will return to the rehab center tomorrow evening. Lori is looking forward to visitors in a few days, and she really feels that her life will soon be as normal as possible. I wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to get to know Lori and me and becoming our friends. Despite her injuries and the long road ahead of her, I have not seen Lori this happy in years. Military life was always hard on her, and making and keeping friends was almost impossible for her. Now that we are settling down, Lori has never been happier; I never realized what a toll our lifestyle was taking on her. Thank you, and we love you all very much. Scotty"
 

Ch. 134 - Our Big Trip
 
 
Well, our group trip to Kings Mountain Retreat is only days away. Over the last few weeks, things have been hectic as we make final preparations. As I have mentioned, there will be several weddings, and I recently found out there will be one more; Sam and Millie plan to wed, too. Billy, Collene, Jimmy, and Judy will be having a formal joint ceremony, with Kathy and Lydia also opting for a formal affair. Annie and Charlie, Sally and Stan, along with Sam and Millie, have planned something more casual.
 
 
Judy told me that Sam and Millie plan to be on roller skates and wearing all their braces for their wedding. Collene, Judy, and Kathy picked out their gowns together, and none of us have seen them, but I do know the sisters' gowns are identical. I am going to be the matron of honor for several of the ladies, too. I haven't seen or tried on my dress, but it should fit fine since it was made from measurements for my wedding gown. The only part of me that is not the same size now are my legs; they are withered and atrophied. It's going to be a lot of fun with all the weddings.
 
 
When it comes to casts and braces, that hasn't been discussed at all. Everyone that works at the orthotics shop knows who got new braces or casts to wear, but they have not said anything. Some of us are not doing anything special, while I think others are planning orthopedic adventures of some sort. One thing I had done was to have my bite blocks removed and replaced with a thick, removable splint held in place with magnets like the other girls wear. It will be a big surprise to see what sorts of casts and braces everyone is wearing when they arrive here on Friday.
 
 
Since Pat and Terry live in the same city as Ben and Jackie, they will travel together and meet us at the resort. Speaking of traveling, the rest of us will be taking the Scenicruiser that Joel and Paul just finished restoring and modifying for a client. The bus now has a more modern engine and an automatic transmission, but it still retains all its passenger seats and Greyhound livery. It will be great fun to see the sights from the high windows in the old bus, plus there is plenty of space in the cargo area for wheelchairs, large braces, and baggage.
 
 
Joel and I were up early on Friday morning. He got me out of the body brace that I sleep in, and we took a shower together. Joel then helped me into my favorite pink and purple Milwaukee-HKAFO brace and matching double facebow interlandi headgear and glasses. Finally, he placed a catheter in me, helped me get dressed in a long purple dress, and I fixed my hair and makeup.
 
 
Joel is going to wear his brand new KAFOs with either his Kuhenegger or Milwaukee braces for the entire trip, and I helped him put his braces on. He had agreed to use a catheter for the first time ever, and he was very nervous as I inserted it into his urethra. Once it was in, he said it felt very strange; however, it didn't hurt and was only slightly uncomfortable as it went in. Joel then proceeded to get dressed in a brown kilt and polo shirt. He looked very handsome, and we took a moment for a hug and a long kiss.
 
 
Pete and Emme arrived in the Scenicruiser while it was just becoming light outside. The bus looked and sounded great as it pulled up in front of the house. The door opened, and Pete, who was not wearing any orthopedic braces or casts, carefully helped Emme step out. She stood and waited as he opened all the cargo doors for our guests to place their baggage as they arrived. Emme was wearing a long blue dress, her red KAFOs with red wedge booties, her matching Milwaukee brace, and headgear. She was holding a long white cane in her right hand and was also wearing dark glasses, despite it being barely light outside.
 
 
As the couple made their way towards our front door, Emme walked with her knees unlocked and tapped her cane on the ground in front of her while Pete guided her by the shoulder. Things finally clicked in my mind. Emme was not just pretending to be blind; somehow she was actually blind! When they greeted us, Pete's lisp was very different. His braces were gone, and he had very bulky retainers in his mouth. We all went inside, and I had a million questions for Emme.
 
 
As Pete led Emme to the den, he quickly explained that he got his braces off and got retainers, but he hates them. He plans, as soon as we get back, to get bands like his wife as a permanent retainer for as long as Emme is in her bands, which will likely be forever. Remember that Emme's bite has been corrected except for her crooked front teeth; she adores her crooked, banded smile. The guys, with Joel moving very slowly in his braces and using crutches, went to the kitchen to cook breakfast while Emme and I sat and talked. I had many questions.
 
 
Emme explained that she is wearing special contact lenses, which render her completely blind. She obtained them from the doctor that Millie gets her colored contacts from, and they are designed for long-term wear; she can safely experience blindness for up to thirty consecutive days. She also explained that she took classes on how to use her cane and how to live as a blind person. Then Emme took off her dark glasses to show me her eyes.
 
 
Once her dark glasses were removed, Emme batted her sightless eyes at me. They looked bizarre, almost grotesque. Her eyes were milky white, with a shadow of darkness in the middle, where the iris is. I asked if she could see anything at all, and Emme replied, "Nope, I can't see a thing, not even shadows. My contacts totally block my vision, and I'm completely blind when I wear them. It was really scary going out in public like this the first few times, but Pete comforted and guided me; I really enjoy it now. We have gone out many times, and I love the attention I get as a blind, braced girl. It's a thrill, Leigh; you'll have to try it someday."
 
 
I had a million questions for Emme, but they would have to wait. Rita and Gary were at our front door, and Rebekah, Paul, Judy, and Jimmy were at the back. Rita was in her KAFOs as usual, but she had an addition to her Milwaukee brace. It now had outriggers with large leather pads pushing her shoulders back. Gary was now sporting orthodontic braces, too. He just had bonded brackets; however, he also had a Herbst appliance, an upper expander, and a very strong lisp.
 
 
Judy was in her regular braces, and she was sitting in her manual wheelchair. She was dressed very smartly but casually in black tights, a denim skirt, a white blouse, and a denim jacket; she looked beautiful as she always does. Jimmy was in his Milwaukee brace and matching KAFOs. Both of them had their headgear on, too. He mentioned that he and Billy were going to wear the same braces as their girls do for the entire trip just to see what it was like. Unlike Joel, Jimmy was moving about without much difficulty, and Judy said he has been practicing using crutches for some time.
 
 
Rebekah was dressed similar to me, and she was on crutches and wearing her brown Milwaukee-HAKFOs. Paul was in his braces, which matched the ones that Joel was wearing. He looked great and was getting around much easier than the last time I saw him in his braces. Paul moved with almost the same ease as Rebekah does in her braces.
 
 
Of course, when people saw Emme's eyes, there were many questions. She told her story again, something she would do several times throughout the morning. We then heard several more cars pull up out front and hoped that everyone else had arrived.
 
 
Sam was driving Kathy's car, with Kathy in the passenger seat; Lydia and Millie were in the back. When they all got out, the younger couple was in their KAFOs, Milwaukee braces, and thumb spica braces. They were also both wearing their headgear and orthodontic splints. Lydia was wearing KAFOs and a Milwaukee brace and said that her Kuhenegger brace was in the trunk. She came over to help Kathy get out of the car. Her halo was still on her head, but it was held in place with four more pins than before. It was connected to four uprights that stretched the neck of the blouse that she was wearing. Kathy explained that it was a special traction brace that she and Billy designed, and the uprights were connected to a pelvic girdle like on a Milwaukee brace; her entire spine was in traction.
 
 
Collene was driving her car with Billy in the passenger seat. She was wearing her usual braces but didn't have her headgear on. Billy, like Jimmy, was wearing a set of braces that matched what his girl was wearing. He seemed to have no problem walking with his crutches, and he said he and Collene had gone out many times with him in his braces.
 
 
So far, nobody has done anything extreme except for Emme with her milky white, blind eyes. We all just looked like several hadicapped couples that were used to our lives wearing braces. However, that was about to change as our final guests got out of their car.
 
 
Annie, Charlie, Sally, and Stan soon arrived together, with Stan driving since there was no way the others could. Stan's orthodontic treatment had come to an end, but he had Sally place bands on all his teeth and is doing the same thing as Pete. They're large bands like those I wear with surgical hooks on the archwires. Sally was wearing the orthodontic appliance she has been wearing since her jaw was unwired. She was also wearing a hot pink Minerva cast, and she wore it well. Sally said she had always wanted to wear one since she saw me in mine all those years ago and, more recently, Judy in hers.
 
 
Both Annie and Charlie were wearing their bands and other appliances, but they were also wearing several casts. Annie was in a pair of light pink SLWCs, and so was Charlie, but his were light blue. However, there was more; both of them had shoulder spicas on their left arms that matched their leg casts! Their casts included their thumbs, too. Both of their shoulder spica casts were also Minerva casts that fit snugly around their heads. Annie and Charlie were both immobilized from their heads to their hips and all the way down their left arms to the tips of their thumbs. Annie thought shoulder spica casts would be a great way to show off their wedding bands on their outstretched, casted arms.
 
 
After everyone got a good look at each other's casts and braces and Emme explained her contacts once again, we sat down to eat breakfast. Pete took a moment to arrange Emme's place setting so she could eat her meal on her own. She needed to have everything in just the right location so she could locate her plate, silverware, and drink using muscle memory. Emme explained that if things are set up just right, she has no trouble eating on her own. It was remarkable how easily she ate, but looking across the table at her milky eyes was a bit unsettling. I wonder if Emme realizes how strange her eyes look with her contacts.
 
 
Well, just as we were finishing our meal, Kathy got a text. It was from Jose, and he asked if there was room for two more on the trip. Kathy said there were two rooms in our lodge that no one was staying in that they could have. Jose said that he and Rose would like to join us, and they would be here in a half hour. Kathy said that it would be great to have them come along. We never expected them to have an interest in a trip like this, but Rose sure seemed to enjoy her casts at the Christmas party.
 
 
Pete and Stan went out to the bus to get everyone's baggage loaded up, along with several wheelchairs and other things that we wanted to bring along. After the guys got things loaded up, we all slowly started to board the bus. Remember, this bus was built in the mid-1950s, so it is not handicap accessible, plus there are an extra set of stairs to get up to the main seating area once on board. Pete and Stan helped those of us that needed assistance getting up the steps and got us situated one at a time, so there were no accidents. Just as the last of us were getting on, Jose and Rose pulled up.
 
 
Jose popped the trunk, and Stan got their bags loaded into the bus. Jose went to the passenger door and helped Rose get out of the car. From my seat high up in the bus, I could see that Rose was wearing a pair of white SLCs with blue canvas cast shoes. They could clearly be seen since she was wearing capri pants. On both of her arms, she wore white SACs with a SOMI brace supporting her neck. Jose helped her get on the bus while Pete made final checks before we hit the road.
 
 
Once Rose and Jose were on the bus, I got a good look at her casts. They were far from perfect—the work of beginning casters—and I asked her if they were comfortable. Rose said that Jose had used extra padding, and they felt great. She then put her feet in Jose's lap, and he began to rub her exposed toes. They were both greatly enjoying her casts.
 
 
With everything checked out, Pete climbed on board, sat in the driver's seat, closed the door, cranked over the big Detroit, and we were on our way. We're going to have a wonderful time and hopefully make some new friends, too!

Ch. 136 - Having Fun
 
 
When we went inside the shooting facility, there was a plaque on the wall that said, "Many thanks to James "Jimmy" Mekas for his assistance in developing this handicapped accessible facility."
 
 
"I didn't know you were involved with this, Jimmy. Why didn't you tell us?" Judy inquired.
 
 
"I started working with the resort when I was still in the Army. It has been a fun project, and this is my first time seeing it in person. Look at the crowd that is gathering; they all want to see you ladies shoot, then try it for themselves." Jimmy feels pride.
 
 
Safety rules were discussed, and then ear and eye protection were handed out, and the basics of trap shooting were explained. For our demonstration shoot, our squad was comprised of Judy and myself, along with one of the instructors, Bill, and his wife, Beth, who was in a wheelchair and wearing leg braces. The final man on our squad was Cal, one of the resort's maintenance men.
 
 
The line went hot, and Judy and I used our old Browning Sweet Sixteens to good effect. Judy won with a perfect 25. Myself and Beth scored 24 and the guys 22 each. The gathered crowd was amazed by the abilities of us three women shooting from our wheelchairs, beating out able-bodied men. Then, we shot a fast-paced round of doubles. Judy won again, scoring 47 out of 50 with three lost birds. The rest of us scored in the low 40s. The quick shooting was a real crowd-pleaser.
 
 
By this time, both Judy and I were having quite a bit of back pain from being out of our regular braces, and we went back to our cabins to change. Joel happened to be hanging out in our cabin with Rose and Jose. Rose helped me get into my Milwaukee brace and attach it to my KAFOs. It felt good to be back in my HKAFO-Milwaukee brace; my back pain was immediately relieved. Rose had never seen my brace in its entirety and was very impressed with it. She asked many questions about my brace and what it is like to wear it, and I said:
 
 
"Years ago, when Rebekah started working for Joel at his electronics business, he offered her a special benefit package that included any braces, orthopedic or orthodontic, she wanted, and an account with the supplier we get our casting material from. I don't see why this benefit shouldn't apply to you and Jose, too. If you want to know what braces like mine are like to wear, talk to Billy or Gary and get your own made."
 
 
Rose was very excited by the prospect of getting her own braces made, and I think that the cast she got at the Christmas party made a big impression on her and Jose. She then helped me get my skirt and blouse back on and asked if she could accompany Judy and me to the range for the afternoon to watch; she couldn't shoot wearing her arm casts. We joined Jose and Joel to await Judy's arrival.
 
 
Once Judy arrived, we all made our way back to the range. When we arrived, there was a large group waiting to watch us shoot. A catered lunch was provided in the large classroom, and after our meal, Judy, Beth, and myself gave a demonstration of handgun shooting. Beth had a High Standard Olympic automatic, and Judy and I had our pre-war K-22 Masterpiece revolvers. Then we switched to our centerfire guns. Beth had a 1911 in 38 Super Automatic, with Judy and I firing our K-38 Masterpiece revolvers; we like wheel guns. Finally, Beth did a demonstration of defensive shooting from her wheelchair with her Kel-Tek P3AT.
 
 
It was a lot of fun and really showed the sporting aspect of firearm ownership. The rest of the afternoon was spent training new shooters and helping those who were shooters before their handicaps learn to shoot again. It was a really fun way to spend the day, but it was getting late, and we needed to meet everyone for dinner.
 
 
On the way to dinner, we all got a very interesting text message from Collene. It read:
 

"Sorry, but Billy, Pat, Terry, and I won't be joining you for dinner tonight or breakfast tomorrow. This morning, I met a very intriguing woman and spent the day with her. Billy and Pat, then Terry, joined us, and we are going to have dinner with Sarah this evening, then see her off tomorrow. We wish we could spend more time with her, but she leaves tomorrow. I think Sarah has led a very adventurous life, but she doesn't seem willing to talk about it. We hope you are all having fun, and it has been a very interesting day for us. We'll tell you all about Sarah tomorrow evening."
 
 
We were all very curious about Collene's new friend and anxious to hear about Sarah.
 
 
As we entered the lodge for dinner, Rita noticed that Rose seemed to be limping in her casts despite walking with ease earlier. She asked Rose if her casts were uncomfortable, and Rose replied, "Yes, the cast on my right leg doesn't seem right, and the one on my left arm is a bit tight; they are becoming a bit uncomfortable. These are the first casts that Jose put me in, and I think he needs some more practice."
 
 
With a warm smile, Rita said, "Well, after dinner, Gary and I will give both of you some casting lessons and get you into more comfortable casts, Rose."
 
 
"Oh, thank you, Rita!" replied Rose.
 
 
We had dinner in one of the small rooms adjacent to the main dining room. As we made our way there, Millie thought she saw Collene and the others at a table in the back with a brunette in a wheelchair. She wanted to go see who her friends were with, but Sam held her back, saying, "Give them their privacy, Mills. I have a feeling that they don't want to be disturbed."
 
 
"Oh, OK, Sammy, but I sure would like to meet their mysterious new friend," replied Millie with disappointment in her voice.
 
 
After another wonderful meal, we ordered dessert to be delivered to our lodge and headed back for the evening. By the time all of us got there, our sweets had been delivered. We enjoyed our dessert around the fire, which they must have got going for us when our desserts were delivered. Judy, Jimmy, Joel, and I were tired from our busy day, so we retired to our cabins for the night. However, everyone else seemed to be full of energy and not close to ready for the evening to end. We all said goodnight as Gary got a large box of casting supplies out to give Rose and Jose some casting lessons, with Sally and Stan staying to watch.
 
 
The next morning, when Joel and I arrived at our lodge, the entire gang was there except for Collene and her little group. Millie, Sam, and Rebekah were in the kitchen working their mealtime magic. However, Rose and Jose would be the center of attention this morning.
 
 
Rose was in one of the small power wheelchairs we had brought along in case anyone needed it. Instead of the SLWCs and SACs she had been wearing, she was wearing an LLC on her right leg and an SLC on her left, both with toeplates and walking heels. On her left arm, she wore a LATS and a SATS on her right. All her casts were lime green, matching the polish on her nails and contrasting with her dark skin. When she smiled, her teeth were covered in metal; Rose was now sporting orthodontic braces, too!
 
 
At this point, Jose came crutching into the room wearing an LLC on his left leg. When he spoke, his metallic smile sparkled in the light, too. Joel said, "So what the hell happened here last night after we all left? Have you been bitten by the bug?"
 
 
Rose began to speak:
 
 
"We have been bitten, Joel. Jose and I always thought you were all very odd with your love of casts and braces, but we accepted it, especially with the great job opportunity you provided us. At first, we were just happy to have stability in our lives with good jobs, but as time went on, we became very curious about your lifestyles. At the Christmas party and after a few cocktails, I decided it would be fun to try wearing a cast, something I always thought required an injury."
 
 
"After Jose and I got our casts applied, we really liked how they felt and how they spiced things up, if you know what I mean. At that point, it seemed like that would be our one and only cast adventure; we simply wanted to know what it was like. Then, with all of you talking about this trip, we decided to try casting once again. We ordered supplies, and Jose put me in my casts and this neck brace we got on eBay. It was his first time applying casts; he did pretty well, but two of my casts didn't fit right."
 
 
Jose interjects:
 
 
"I felt so bad that the casts I made for Rose were uncomfortable, despite how much she enjoyed wearing them. So, as you know, we got some instructions from experts last night. Rose had her casts removed, and she and Rita applied my LLC, and I love how it feels. Then, I helped Gary get Rosie into her new casts, and they feel great, don't they, sweetie?
 
 
"Yes, they're heavenly," replied Rose. "After my casts were dry, we got talking about orthodontic braces. Jose and I have almost perfect teeth, but we wondered what we would look like wearing braces. Stan took our pictures, played around with his laptop, and modified the picture by placing brackets on our teeth; we both thought we looked great with braces. At this point, Sally spoke up and said, "If you two want to wear braces, you can, right now." Let me go get my little bag of tricks from my cabin." Jose and I were a bit tipsy at this point, and we happily agreed to have Sally apply braces to our teeth. She told us to go brush and floss while she went to get her 'bag of tricks'.
 
 
"Sally soon returned with her bag, and I sat down in a recliner and leaned back. Gary brought over a lamp, and Sally began applying the brackets to my teeth. She said they were an old style from a stash of salesman's samples she found in the storeroom. She cleaned and dried each of my teeth, applied cement, placed the bracket, and cured the cement with a blue light. Soon all my teeth had brackets on them, and she secured soft archwires to them with these cute little pink rubber bands. It took no time at all, and soon Sally was all done. I sat up and smiled at Jose, and he said, "Oh, Rosie, you look amazing with braces. I love your smile!" Since we didn't' have a mirror handy, he took my picture on his phone and showed it to me. Damn, I looked great with my metallic smile."
 
 
"With Rosie looking so good, I was anxious to get my braces applied," Jose said. "I sat down and reclined back, and the process was repeated in my mouth. I got the same brackets as Rose, but I chose blue bands. Rose took my picture so I could see my new smile, and I loved it! I got up and gave Rosie a long, passionate kiss, and we explored all the metal we now had in our mouths."
 
 
Sally then said, "Remember what I told you guys. I wasn't able to properly prepare your teeth for your brackets, so they'll probably pop loose in a few weeks. If you really like wearing braces, then make an appointment, and Joe will put them on for real and correct your minor bite problems, or you can simply have them removed. It's up to you."
 
 
Rose excitedly said, "I want to keep my braces and fix those teeth you noticed were crooked; I want to wear braces for real!"
 
 
"I think I want to be a brace face, too," said Jose. "I never realized that my bite was off since my front teeth are so straight. I don't want jaw problems later in life."
 
 
With Rose and Jose enjoying their braces, several of us decided to begin preparation for Kathy and Lydia's wedding tomorrow. Jimmy and Judy headed off to the shooting range, and all the guys and Lydia went fishing. Then us girls went to the spare room to prepare the wedding dresses.
 
 
None of us had seen the gowns that Kathy, Collene, and Judy had selected. When we unboxed them and hung them up, all I could say was that they were beautiful. The sisters have matching gowns, and Kathy's was made to fit around the uprights of her halo traction brace. We haven't seen all of her brace yet, but we will tomorrow morning when we help her get dressed.
 
 
The other couples are having very simple ceremonies, but Sam and Millie are doing something a little different. They plan to wear their braces and roller skates for their otherwise simple ceremony. They'll be quite the sight, with the girls skating down the aisle. They are both going to be brides, whereas Lydia will be Kathy's groom.
 
 
Rita had been carrying a bag with her all morning, and she finally showed us what was in it. She had crafted several pairs of white SATS braces for Kathy, Collene, and Judy. They were intricately decorated, like the ones she made for Rebekah and me for our wedding. They are absolutely beautiful, and Kathy was overjoyed. I know that Collene and Judy will love theirs, too.
 
 
Time had gotten away from us, and all of a sudden all our phones buzzed with an incoming text message. It was from Collene, and it stated, "Hi there, everyone! We just saw Sarah off on her journey back home. We're going to rest for a while, then let's meet up at our lodge at four. I have quite the story to tell!"
 
 
With that, the guys soon arrived back at the lodge, and we all went to get ready for dinner and to hear Collene's story.
 

Chapter 137 B – Sarah's Story
 
By: JotaBsp


It was a cold morning at the resort, just like the previous ones. With two blankets and a thick comforter plus the heater, Sarah started to sweat. She removed the covers and rubbed her eyes. Sarah was wearing a simple short-sleeved T-shirt and elastic shorts; her recent stumps were showing, but Sarah still refused to look at them. She sits up in bed, her hair messy, and her first thoughts of the day come without warning:


*Come on, girl, we didn't come all this way to be stuck in this cabin.*
*We have to go out; we have to meet people.*
*I hate these stupid stumps; no one will care about us.*
*Stop it; this is you now. Let's face the world.*
*Get out of this bed. Now!*
 

Right, time to meet people... Go Sarah!
 

Encouraging herself to get out of bed, Sarah transfers to her wheelchair and grabs some clothes and her towel. In the bathroom, she lets the water run hot while she sorts out her shampoo and cream kit. After a quick, invigorating shower, she dries herself off and uses the hairdryer that was available. Returning to the bedroom, she slips her panties over her stumps and puts on a bra and a white shirt. On the opposite side of the bed, she takes the prosthetic legs. First, she puts on a silicone liner and socks to protect her stumps. After putting on one prosthetic at a time, she pulls on the baggy pants and a hooded sweatshirt.
 

*Alright, we're ready to rock!*
*Calm down, girl; don't expose yourself too much; be alert.*
*You've been in worse situations; this is no time to be afraid!*
*The pants are perfect; no one will notice the prostheses.*
*Go girl!*
 

Following her train of thought, Sarah leaves her fully accessible cabin, and the cold air fills her lungs. Making her arms work, she rolls her wheelchair up to the lodge and passes several people who wish her a good morning. A boy on crutches holds the door open for Sarah to enter; she thanks him and gives him a smile, leaving the boy red-faced. There were quite a few people, maybe too many, but Sarah just focused on the hot chocolate they were serving, then rolled over to the fireplace.
 

*It seems like everyone is looking at me.*
*There are people with all types of disabilities here.*
*Don't worry, you're disabled too!*
*You should talk to them, girl!*
*We just left the cabin; that's great progress.*
 

Keeping her hand warm with the cup of hot chocolate and watching the fire, more thoughts arise:
 

*What if someone asks about my legs?*
*Relax, no one will realize they are prosthetics!*
*What if they ask personal questions—what do I do or where do I live?*
*Hey, my name is Sarah; I kill people. Now leave me alone!*
*A little rude, better not to respond like that!*
 

Sarah goes back to get another cup of hot chocolate to calm her nerves and her thoughts. She returns to the fireplace, in a spot where there is no one. Suddenly, Sarah hears the sound of crutches approaching. She turns around and sees a red-haired girl coming towards her.


*Shit, she's getting closer*
*Calm down, girl, breathe*
*What the fuck is that on her legs?*
*Be polite*
 

"Hi, I'm Collene." She extends her hand to Sarah.
 

"Hello! I'm Sarah!" They shake hands.
 

"You look a bit lonely, Sarah. Can I keep you company?" Collene smiles, showing her orthodontic braces.


*Why did she choose me?*
*Do I look so lonely?*
*Maybe she is!*
*It would be nice to talk to someone!*
 

"Sure, make yourself at home, Collene." Sarah smiles, showing her perfect white teeth without braces.
 

"It's beautiful here, isn't it? Especially with the snow we got last night." Collene brings up the subject.
 

"Yeah... Very beautiful." Sarah agrees; it was really beautiful.
 

"I love it here. I'm visiting with friends and my fiancé, who will be my husband in a few days' time. We're getting married here." Collene seemed to be very excited and anxious.
 

"How wonderful. Congratulations, Collene." Sarah smiles broadly. "I can feel your happiness! Once again, congratulations!
 

"Thanks!" Collene thanks her shyly. "So, what brings you here, Sarah?"
 

"It was suggested by a friend and the rehabilitation center. I recently lost both of my..."
 

*Fuck*
*Fuck*
*Fuck*


"...I'm sorry... It's still difficult for me!" Sarah hangs her head in shame.
 

"It's okay, Sarah; don't feel embarrassed. When you're ready to talk, I'll listen!" Collene tries to cheer Sarah up.
 

"Thanks!"
 

"This is a beautiful place, and I feel at home here." Collene tries to change the subject quickly.
 

The conversation lasted for another hour. Sarah was feeling very good with Collene; she is a very happy and intelligent young woman. Collene understood that Sarah was not yet ready to talk about her condition, so she decided not to insist. For Sarah, this was wonderful; she hated being pressured. Collene also talked about her fiancé Billy and their work, so Sarah saw an opportunity to ask a question she wanted to ask as soon as she saw Collene:
 

"If you don't mind me asking, Collene, why do you have to wear braces on your legs and back?" Sarah was curious.
 

"When I was a girl, I lived abroad and contracted polio. My younger sister was here in the United States visiting our grandparents and was spared." Collene responds, accustomed to the question.
 

"Polio, someone as young as you?" Sarah is surprised. However, she remembers missions she participated in in poor countries with scarce medical resources. "That's very rare, but I've worked in places where it was still quite common."
 

*Shit, control your tongue, girl! I don't think she understood.*
 

"I know. Few people my age have had it, and I've had it very badly. But that was a long time ago, and I'm used to wearing my braces. I'm even used to people asking questions and looking at me; you must know how it is. But with our good looks, we'd get stares anyway." Collene smiles and shows the braces on her teeth again.
 

This comment made Sarah smile and laugh a lot. Firstly, because it was true, Sarah received a lot of compliments, but her laugh had a hint of sarcasm, because now the only compliments she would receive would be out of politeness or pity.
 

*Poor girl, she's so pretty, but her legs are useless!*
*Collene is not in the best condition; she has braces on her legs and back.*
*Why are some people so curious while some who go out of their way to ignore people with disabilities?*
*Control yourself, girl; breathe.*
 

"It's been a long time since I've had a good laugh, Collene... I'll tell you something: will you come to lunch with me? I'm really enjoying your company." Sarah asks hopefully.
 

Collene accepted the invitation with joy. With great style and agility, Collene gets up, and using her crutches leads the way. Sarah was behind and observed Collene's careful and precise movements on her crutches while rolling in her wheelchair. Sarah was impressed. They had a very pleasant chat over lunch, talking about the resort, the guests, and the chalets. After lunch, they went to sit by the fire again.
 

"So, Sarah, what are your hobbies? Billy and I spend most of our time working in the orthotics shop. However, we do find time to travel in our bus, and I do a lot of target practice at my friend Leigh's house. Her husband built her a great indoor pistol range." Collene curiously says to try and learn more about Sarah.
 

*Damn, it's a trap. She's a spy; don't fall for it!*
*Be careful, girl; don't expose yourself.*
*Does she practice target shooting? I would love to see that.*
*Maybe I can put a happy face on her target.*
 

"I don't really have any hobbies; my job was my life before... Traveling by bus sounds amazing. Your house may be small, but your backyard is the world!" Sarah pauses to think about what to say about shooting. "I don't have much experience with firearms, but I think it would be cool."
 

"Cool"? You have to try it. I'm sure you'll feel lighter and more relaxed after a few shots. I'm sure you'll find it more than "cool"!" Collene looked like she wanted to go shooting at that moment.
 

"You have a magical way of talking to people, Collene. I'm in the mood now." Sarah really felt like shooting and showing off her skills.
 

*Yes, I could hit your crutches with a McMillan Tac-50 at a mile.*
*Calm down, girl! Don't draw attention, or it will be difficult to explain.*
*Shooting standing up with these prostheses, would I fall?*
*I'd better shoot sitting down!"*
 

"Someday you could visit us, and we could shoot together. That would be great!" Collene was really excited.
 

"Maybe so, Collene. Someday." Sarah responds without wanting to give hope.
 

Suddenly, Sarah hears the sound of crutches approaching. She looks to her left and notices the figure of a man next to her. He was wearing braces like Collene's; they looked very similar.
 

*Who is he?*
*Are they handing out braces?*
*Where do I get mine?*
*Be nice, girl.*
 

"Hello, Collie. It looks like you've made a new friend." Billy smiles at his fiancé. He even has braces on his teeth, too.
 

Collene introduced me to Billy, her fiancé. I won't lie, I was very curious.
 

"So, Billy, did you have polio like Collene?" Sarah asks curiously.
 

"No, I didn't. I don't know if Collene told you about our work, but we make braces and prostheses. I made these braces for myself, and I'm wearing them for a week to experience a bit of what Collene's life is like." Billy explains.
 

"So you don't have to wear them?" Sarah raises an eyebrow, and the gears in her head start to turn.
 

"That's right, Sarah. I'm just seeing what it's like for Collie. I'm 100% physically fit." Billy explains once again. Sarah's mind works hard.
 

*Why is a guy who doesn't need to use braces using them?*
*He seems to be enjoying it; suspicious.*
*I don't remember sitting in a wheelchair without needing it.*
*He seems like a nice guy; don't mess it up, girl.*
*Think, think, think.*
 

I understand, and it makes a lot of sense to me since you work with them, too. Understanding the needs, the adjustments, and knowing how to respond to someone who needs them and how they feel. But I can see a bit of satisfaction on your face; I'd say you enjoy wearing them, am I right?" Sarah does a thorough reading of Billy.
 

"You're very good at reading people; I'm impressed." Collene was really impressed.
 

"You're right about everything, Sarah. Does it bother you? I mean, me liking to wear braces and also being engaged to Collene?" Billy seemed a little worried about Sarah's response.
 

"Not at all, Billy; the important thing is that you're happy, and especially that Collene is happy. I can see that you two are very much in love." Sarah states with a big smile, reassuring the couple.
 

"We are, and thank you, Sarah. Most people don't understand our love." Collene thanks her, showing the metal bands on her teeth once again with a friendly smile.
 

*That's right, he's a pretender; I knew it!*
*Calm down; we don't know yet. Don't screw it up, girl!*
*Be subtle; calm down so you don't scare them.*
 

"In rehab, they told me about pretenders and devotees. But I still can't form any thoughts about it." Sarah was feeling good about being honest.
 

"Well, maybe I am both. The first things that attracted me to Collie were her smile, her long red hair, and her leg braces. I was studying engineering at the time and knew nothing about the trade I'm in now. She didn't have braces on her teeth or her back at the time. In fact, her teeth were perfect until she got her brack brace. That ruined her teeth, and now she wears orthodontic braces too. I had mine when we met, and she thinks they're cute." Billy explains. Sarah is surprised but doesn't show it.
 

"Billy is a great guy, and we're madly in love. In fact, there are two types of devotees: those who are only attracted to a girl's disability and those like Billy, where disability is just one of the many things he finds attractive. It's no different from being attracted to a girl with glasses, a specific hair color, or a certain physique. Actually, of my physical features, my long hair is what turns Billy on the most, isn't it?" Collene explains and smiles at Billy. Now it makes perfect sense to Sarah.
 

"Yes, it is. I love girls with long hair, and when it's red, it drives me crazy. I loved her smile, too, and I love it even more since she got braces. I love Collene for many reasons, and if, by a miracle, she didn't need her braces anymore and even if her hair fell out, I'd still love her as much as I do now!" Billy was completely in love with Collene. Sarah smiles as she remembers that she herself was like that years ago.
 

*Wow, this is awesome. They are very cool.*
*How would Billy feel if I were using the same braces as Collene?*
*Stop thinking about that girl!*
*Do they have sex with the devices on? But how?*
*STOP! Don't you dare ask that!*
 

"I've never been told about this aspect of devotees. I think I understand, but there's a lot for me to try to understand these days." Sarah was feeling grateful to understand more about devotees.
 

"We have a friend here with us with whom you have something in common. Would you like to meet him?" Collene asks, looking excited.
 

"Well, I think so. I'd like to meet your friend." Sarah was nervous for a minute about meeting more people.

 
*'Something in common,' she said.*
*Damn, we are not exclusive anymore.*
*We had a flight instructor with only one arm; is he here?*
*Is he a spy? Does he like rock n roll? SEALs?*
*Don't be anxious, girl.*

 
Collene pulled out her phone and made a call. When she hung up, she said he was close by and would meet us soon. We talked for a while, and I asked Billy more about his work and the making of braces and prosthetics. Collene asked me about my tastes in music and my favorite dishes. Suddenly, a man appeared next to Collene in his wheelchair with no legs, just two stumps covered by a pair of tailored jeans.
 

*Now I understand "something in common.*
*Damn, I'm not the only one anymore!*
 

Collene introduced us, and to my surprise, the man was very polite and friendly. The kind of person you always want around.
 

"Nice to meet you, Sarah." Pat holds out his hand.
 

"Nice to meet you, Pat. I see we're in the same... situation." Sarah stares at Pat's stumps.
 

"Yes, it looks like we are, Sarah. I lost my legs as a child. What's your story?" Pat asks curiously.
 

*Damn, why does everyone want to know?*
*Why don't you ask me if I really defused the bomb in the Eurotunnel and if it's true that the Prime Minister and even the Queen thanked me personally?*
*Only I'm seeing this, or is Collene trying to signal Pat?*

 
"I mean, what brings you to Kings Mountain Retreat? It's a great place, and my husband,Terry, and I have been here before. What's your favorite thing to do here? On snowy or rainy nights, we love to sit by the fire and watch the snow and rain fall outside. When it's clear, we wrap up warm and go stargazing." Pat changes the subject abruptly. Sarah feels relieved.

 
"Sitting by the fire is all I've been doing, alone with my thoughts—so many thoughts. Ah, the other night I went out on deck and watched the meteor shower. Did you and Terry see that?" Sarah asked, excited about what she saw.
 

"Yes, we did. We were still at home then, and it was beautiful, wasn't it, Sarah?" Pat also seemed excited.
 

"It was nothing like I've ever seen." It's been a long time since Sarah enjoyed these things—sitting back, relaxing, and appreciating the little things.
 

We chatted for a while longer, bringing Collene and Billy into the conversation. I laughed at some of Collene and Pat's stories; his high spirits were contagious. I chatted a bit more with Terry about cars and places while we watched each other curiously. I tried as hard as I could not to reveal anything about my old job or anything more personal, but I ended up saying a few things that would have been better left unsaid. I think Terry noticed, so he suggested we all have dinner together at a steakhouse. After dinner, we went to the lounge for a few drinks. Pat stopped next to me; we were almost two meters away from Terry, Collene, and Billy.
 

"If you want to talk about your, um, situation, I'm here to help you, Sarah. I volunteer at the VA hospital and have helped many people through difficult life transitions. Unlike all the social workers and councilors, I know what it's like." Pat moves closer to Sarah and extends his hand, touching Sarah's arm.
 

"No! No, you don't, Pat! You lost your legs as a child. You don't know what it's like at all! My career is over. I have no future. Everything is gone; I have nothing! I could walk, run, and serve my country a year ago. Now I have nothing. I'm a useless cripple!" Sarah releases all her accumulated emotions.
 

*Damn it!*
*Don't take your anger out on Pat; it's not his fault.*
*Damn it!*
*Stop crying now.*
 

"You're right on one point, Sarah. I don't know what it's like to lose your legs as an adult with a career and a future planned. You're wrong about everything else. Your life isn't over, and you have a future—a bright future, if you choose to make it so." Pat looks into Sarah's eyes."
 

"But I'm stuck in this fucking chair. I can't do a fucking thing!" Sarah feels her eyes burn and fill with tears.
 

"You have prosthetic legs. You can get out of that fucking chair and walk around if you want to! I bet you can walk as well as I can when I use my legs. I'll tell you what, Sarah; tomorrow morning I'll put my legs on and I'll meet you at your cabin. We'll walk to the lodge together and have breakfast, just you and me. Then we'll spend the day with Terry, Collene, and Billy before you have to leave. What do you think of that, Sarah?" Pat asks with a smile on his face.
 

"I don't know, Pat. I don't know if I can do it. It's so..." Sarah responds, depressed.
 

*Damn, we're going down.*
*Don't be a coward; Pat will help us.*
*Swallow that crying girl!*
 

"Sarah, you can, and you will. You must do it! Even if you decide never to get out of that damn chair again, at least you can say you did it once! Your life isn't over; it's just beginning." Pat encourages.
 

"I'm sorry, Pat. I'm sorry for shouting. You're right. I'm in cabin 45, and I'll see you at seven. I hope you're an early riser." Sarah still feels embarrassed.
 

"I am, and I'll see you then, Sarah." Pat smiles and gently shakes Sarah's hand.
 

I looked over, and everyone was staring at us—correction, at me! Everyone was silent, and I felt embarrassed. I wiped my tears with the end of my shirt. Pat put his hand on my shoulder and gave me a contagious smile, which made me smile too.
 

A few minutes later, everyone was walking me to my cabin, which was not far away. The night was cold, but I felt warm. Warmed by these people, who had become so important to me in such a short time. I would kill many if I had to just to keep them safe. Arriving at my cabin, Collene bent down to give me a long, strong hug. I pulled away at first, then pulled her in tightly, feeling the irons on her back. When the hug ended, I grabbed her brace to steady her as she stood up so she didn't fall as Billy handed Collene her crutches.
 

"Thank you, Collene, my friend!" Sarah thanks her with a smile and a tear running down her cheek.
 

"See you tomorrow; good night, my friend!" Collene says goodbye, wiping the tears from Sarah's face.
 

The next morning, Sarah woke up determined. After her morning routine, she stared at her prosthetic legs, then at her stumps as she massaged them.
 

*Alright stumps, you two have a chance; don't disappoint me.*
*I promise not to call you useless.*
*Damn, why am I talking to my stumps?*
*Stop; you're going to hurt them. Treat them with affection.*
*Fuck, I'm going crazy*
 

After putting on her prostheses, Sarah stands up. She staggers a little and feels dizzy, but the bad feeling passes. She hears a knock on the door, then Pat identifies himself, and Sarah walks to the door in small steps. As she opens the door, Pat gives her a wide smile, embarrassing Sarah, but she gives her another smile in response, almost as wide.
 

The walk to the lodge is slow; Pat shows no haste, and Sarah is impressed by his control and poise. Pat held Sarah a few times so she wouldn't fall. By some miracle, and thanks to Pat's help, Sarah made it to the lodge unscathed. After a small breakfast, Pat called Terry and Collene, who soon arrived to find them by the fire.
 

The group formed up again after a few hugs, and there was a lot of chatter. Everyone was excited, especially for Sarah, because they saw her making an effort to face her fears and accept herself as she is. Everyone was happy, Sarah laughed many times, and everyone admired her smile, not because it was beautiful but because it was a completely different Sarah from the day before. This was the Sarah they wanted.
 

Losing track of time, Sarah's stumps started to hurt. She asked to go back to her cabin so she could remove her sockets, massage her stumps, and sit in her wheelchair. Pat and Billy stood up promptly, and Terry helped Sarah to her feet. Collene smiled and showed off her braces, making Sarah smile and remember when she wore a small removable brace on her teeth.
 

Everyone went to cabin 45. Sarah sat in her wheelchair and took off her prostheses, then began packing her bags with Collene's help. Sarah was beginning to feel sad. Sad about leaving these incredible people. Sad about not being able to be with them anymore and sad about not smiling. But her friends were still there, and sadness gave way to hope. The hope of one day being able to meet them again.
 

Finally, it was time to leave. They exchanged phone numbers, laughed some more, and Pat challenged her to a race at their next meeting. Sarah hugged Pat as tears streamed down her face. Sarah thanked everyone and promised to see them all again.
 

"Thank you!" were Sarah's simple parting words.
 

Sarah feels stronger and more motivated, renewed, and ready to face her new life and the challenges that await her.
 
 
Sarah does, indeed, face many challenges when she accepts 'Mission:Almost Impossible'.
 
 

Ch. 139 - Tuesday
 
Joel and I were up early as usual this morning, and he released me from the body brace that I sleep in. I didn't get up, but rather just laid there in the back half of my brace while Joel went to make coffee. He soon returned with a cup of coffee for each of us and helped me sit up in bed. We enjoyed our hot drink, then Joel removed the Kuehnegger brace that he had slept in, placed me in my wheelchair, and wheeled me to the bathroom. He emptied my catheter bag, and then I brushed my teeth and cleaned my appliances before we took a shower together. I would have liked to have a soak in the tub, but that is not advised when one has a catheter.
 
After our shower, we got dried off and returned to the bedroom. Joel helped me into the braces I usually wear on a daily basis, my basic brown ones with a pair of matching Mary Janes. It was snowing again this morning, so I chose a long gray wool skirt, a white long-sleeved blouse, and a sweater to match my skirt. I placed my plain metal double facebows into my mouth, and Joel helped me with my black interlandi headgear. Then he put on his KAFOs with a pair of boots attached and his Kuehnegger brace. A black kilt and a long-sleeve flannel shirt completed his casual outfit. We heard Rebekah and Paul stirring, and we went out to join them for another cup of coffee.
 
Rebekah and Paul were dressed similarly to us. The weddings we're attending today will be short and casual, unlike the ceremony yesterday and tomorrow's joint wedding of the sisters and their wonderful fiances. Over coffee, we discussed the accident that Emme had last night, which is something we all fear: being injured while wearing casts of braces we can't remove or explain away. We were glad Ben had let us know that Emme was doing well so we could all get a restful night's sleep, free from worry about our dear friend. Paul looked at the clock and said, "It's almost eight; isn't that when Sam and Millie asked us to arrive for breakfast?" It was, so we headed to our private lodge with Rebekah and me using our manual wheelchairs and wearing the fingerless gloves that we love wearing while wheeling around.
 
When we arrived at our lodge, Sam and Millie were in the kitchen wearing their Milwaukee braces and KAFOs with their roller skates. Those crazy girls were cooking breakfast on skates! Annie, Sally, and Jose were helping in the kitchen. The aroma was wonderful, but there were several people missing. Rebekah asked Jackie, who was still in her tongue-controlled power chair and her full compliment of braces immobilizing her body, where Ben, Emme, and Pete were. Jackie replied, "They will be here soon. Pete and Emme arrived at our cabin just as we were getting ready to leave. Emme wanted Ben to check her fractured wrist; they will be here soon."
 
Well, speak of the devil. Just as those words came out of Jackie's mouth, the front door opened, and Emme walked in. She was carefully scanning the ground with her cane, still wearing all her braces and blinding contacts, but with the addition of a large splint on her left arm that was in a sling. Emme greeted us warmly, as she always does, and didn't seem to be bothered or upset about her broken wrist. Ben and Pete followed Emme, who was moving around a bit more carefully and making a wider sweep with her cane than before. Pat, who was in his wheelchair today, wheeled over and guided Emme to a chair by the fire. Emme smiled and said, "Let me tell you about everything that happened last night."
 
"OK, so it took about an hour to drive to the hospital. The ice that Millie got me kept the swelling to a minimum, and by the time we got to the hospital, the pain had greatly diminished. Since my pain wasn't too bad and there was no deformity, Ben thought I had simply sprained my wrist, but we decided it was best to get things checked out since we came all this way."
 
"Once at the ER, which was devoid of any patients, Ben went to talk to the admission nurse whom he knew. I told Pete how nervous I was to be in the emergency room wearing leg and back braces and contact lenses that rendered me blind. He told me not to worry; Ben would deal with everything, and he was right. Soon I could hear Ben approaching; his hard-soled shoes sounded like high heels. I heard him say to someone, likely the nurse, 'She has two preexisting conditions, paralytic scoliosis and Fuchs' dystrophy, but that's not why we're here. Emme took a fall and either sprained or fractured her wrist.' "
 
"Ben then introduced Pete and me to the nurse, Donna, who said, 'Hi Emme. We'll get you fixed up; everything will be OK. Ben wants some X-rays of that wrist of yours, so let's go.' I stood up, Donna helped me into a wheelchair, and she began to swiftly push me along. I couldn't see, so I had no idea of my surroundings. When we arrived at the X-ray room, a man named Dave said he would be taking care of me. He got me in position and took X-rays, then wheeled me to the cast room where Pete and Ben were waiting."
 
"Once in the cast room, Ben and another doctor, Shawn, whom he was acquainted with, took a look at the images on the computer, and Ben said, 'Well, Emme, you fractured your scaphoid and ulna, and you'll be in a series of casts for some time. Let's get you into a splint for the night, and maybe you can get a cast tomorrow evening if there is no swelling.' I knew what this meant: I would be wearing a LATS for several months, then maybe a SATS for a while longer. Most people would be upset, but I was really excited! The entire evening was exciting, especially being without my sight."
 
"Ben and Shawn then proceeded to put me into this big splint. It has a plaster slab, which was very warm as it set, that goes all the way to my armpit. At my hand, part of it goes around my thumb, and the rest is under my fingers. Then my arm, hand, and thumb were wrapped with elastic bandages, and my arm was put in a sling."
 
"Shawn then said to Ben, "Don't worry about anything. You have done so much for our trauma department, providing training and equipment. Consider tonight a professional courtesy. Say, you have better grab some plaster bandages if you plan to cast her at the resort.' Shawn packed Ben a box of supplies for my cast, and we were on our way, and my wrist felt great in it's cozy splint."
 
I think we were all jealous of Emme. She gets to wear a big plaster cast for many weeks for a real injury that is not all that painful. No, I don't think we're all jealous; I know we're all jealous!
 
With Emme's story told, we went to enjoy our breakfast. After we all ate, the couples that are getting married today went to get ready. The ceremonies today will be quick and casual, more like a civil service, but with everyone in casts, braces, or some combination thereof. Emme, with her splinted arm resting comfortably in its sling, along with Kathy, Lydia, Rebekah, and myself, are going to help Sam and Millie get ready. With the girls still wearing their KAFOs and roller skates, we made our way to their cabin to get them ready.
 
Despite the chilly air outside, the girls still wanted to wear their cute little dresses. Their dresses were simple white A-line dresses that are rather low-cut in the front and back. The girls quickly changed into their dresses, and they looked great, especially with their splints in their mouths and double facebow interlandi headgear. Their thumb spica braces only added to the allure of these very beautiful and heavily braced young ladies. We then all got bundled up in our heavy jackets and made our way to the chapel.
 
Once there, all the others came trickling in. Lydia was in her Milwaukee brace today and KAFOs with flat shoes, and she says she really loves how it feels to wear her braces. This was her first time in her Milwaukee brace other than at the fitting session, and she really likes it. Lydia sure looked good wearing it too, and I was pleased she was enjoying all her braces.
 
Finally, everyone was here, and Millie skated off to talk with the minister, along with the other two couples getting married. The room was humming with pleasant banter when the minister approached the altar, and the room became silent. Then Sally, in her hot pink Minerva cast and mouthful of metal, and Stan, with his bands glistening in the light, entered. The minister said a few words, then the ceremony began. It only lasted a few minutes before rings were exchanged and the bride was kissed. Everyone applauded, and then the newlywed couple took a seat among their friends.
 
Now, the next couple, Annie and Charlie, entered. As you recall, they are both in shoulder-spica Minerva casts, with their left arms held out in front of them. They were all smiles, and the metal on their teeth caught the light and sparkled like diamonds as they approached the minister with their heads held high and proud by their casts.
 
Their ceremony, like Sally and Stan's, was short, like a civil service. It was fun watching the couple try to place the rings on each other's fingers with both their arms and heads held firmly in place by their casts. It was a bit awkward, as was their kiss. Their large casts banged together as they embraced and kissed, bringing a bit of laughter from all of us watching.
 
Sally and Stan took a seat, and with everyone once again settled, Sam and Millie were the final couple to tie the knot today. They entered the chapel together from the back of the room and skated up to the altar, putting on a bit of a show of their braced skating abilities. With the large splints in their mouths, their speech was very lispy and slurred. You would think by now they would speak more normally, but I don't think they even try; they love their lisps.
 
The ceremony began, and during the exchange of vows, we all learned something about the girls. They used their given names, Millicent and Samularia, the meanings of which fit their personalities. The girls exchanged rings, then kissed without removing their headgear. Somehow they managed, with their facebows disappearing between their lips as Millie dipped Sam back for a long, passionate kiss. The girls then skated over to Kathy, Lydia, Pat, and Terry to thank them for all their generation had done, so a marriage like theirs is possible today. Then, the girls skated over to Annie and Charlie and pulled out the marking pens they had hidden in their thumb spica braces. They wrote "Just Married" on the fiberglass on the backs of their hands with an arrow pointing to their wedding rings.
 
Everyone mingled for a while, then Sally suggested that we all go to the main lodge and pick up where we left off last night after Emme was injured; her accident dampened the mood for Kathy and Lydia's celebration. The minister called for several jitneys to come get us, and as we waited, we got bundled up in our winter coats.
 
While waiting, Ben partially unwrapped the elastic bandage holding the splint in place on Emme's arm. He then pushed and prodded her wrist, and she let out a little cry of pain at one point. He rewrapped the bandage and said, "Everything looks good, Emme. I could put you in a cast this afternoon. However, it's going to be a plaster cast so I can mold it snugly to your arm and hand; it will need some time to dry fully. I think it's best to keep you in your splint until tomorrow morning. Tomorrow will be a laid-back day with Collene and Judy getting married, and your cast will be pretty well hardened by the time of their reception tomorrow evening. Is that OK, Emme?"
 
Emme said she is very excited to get her cast applied—a cast she really needs to wear for some time to come, not just something for fun. The jitneys arrived, and we headed to the main lodge for an afternoon and evening of fun, picking up where we left off last night.
 
We all had a wonderful evening, and we all spent a lot of time in the game room. Rebekah and I spent some time at the pool table, which is a real challenge when you're braced up like we are. Annie and Charlie had a great time dancing in their casts, and Emme enjoyed dancing with Pete despite her cumbersome splint, braces, and being completely blind. Sam and Millie put on a braced skate dance routine in the lobby, much to the enjoyment of friends and other guests alike. In a corner of the game room near the fireplace, there was a very serious poker game going on. I have never seen Joel, Paul, Stan, Ben, Gary, Lydia, and Rita looking so serious. Collene, Judy, Billy, and Jimmy were having a quiet conversation in the lounge, likely discussing their futures together.
 
All in all, it was a wonderful and relaxing evening. Everyone was enjoying great company in a beautiful location. There was an overall feeling of happiness and joy, with several very happy newlywed couples. We were all wearing the casts and braces we enjoy in a setting where we are the 'normal' ones, not the exception. The evening wound down, and we all headed back to our cabins for the night.
 
I was glad to be back in our cabin and have Joel help me get ready for bed and strap me into my full-body brace for the night. Tomorrow, I need to be up early to see Emme get her cast applied; I don't want to miss that!
 

Ch. 141 – Thursday

  
Well, Joel and I had quite the evening last night. It was pretty awkward for both of us, but a lot of fun; we were both left quite satisfied. With me in my body brace, it was up to Joel to figure out what would work, and he was quite motivated to do so. Although it wasn't quite as wonderful as when I was in my double-hip spica Minerva cast, it was still very intense, especially with our jaws wired shut.
 
 
Joel once again slept in his Kuehnegger brace, but will wear his Milwaukee brace today. He got out of bed and removed his brace before helping me out of mine. He placed me in my wheelchair for our usual morning routine, and we unwired each others jaws. After showering and brushing our teeth and appliances, Joel helped me into my braces, and I did the same for him. Joel is wearing his Milwaukee brace for the first time today with his KAFOs, and it looks good on him. He says he really likes it and the freedom of movement it gives him compared to his Kuehnegger. Joel said he could live his life wearing his Milwaukee brace with no problems at all. I was glad to hear this, as I would like to see him wearing his braces as much as possible.
 
 
Today is just a casual day; nothing has been planned. However, I do want to talk to Emme about her special contact lenses and how she is coping with, oh, I mean enjoying, the big cast on her fractured wrist. I also want to talk to Rose; she and Jose seem to be enjoying the braces that Sally placed on their teeth the other night, and I want to find out what their plans are. Maybe I'll catch up with some of the others, too. I have a feeling that Annie will wear her shoulder spica Minerva cast for a full term.
 
 
I dressed casually for the cold, snowy weather. Warm thigh-high black stockings went on my legs before Joel strapped me in my brown HKAFOs with a pair of red block-heeled booties. A long red wool skirt, white blouse, and black sweater, along with my red double-facebow interlandi headgear and red glasses, rounded out my look for the day. We could hear Rebekah and Paul stirring, and we went out to have coffee with them.
 
 
Rebekah was dressed a lot like me for the cold weather, and Paul, like Joel, was in his Milwaukee brace this morning. Over coffee, Paul said the party last night was still going strong when they left with Lydia and Kathy at around ten. Rebekah speculated that there would be many hangovers being nursed this morning. We were hungry and decided to go to the main lodge for breakfast, knowing all the others were not likely up yet. Rebekah and I stood up from our wheelchairs and put on our heavy winter coats and our gloves—full-finger wheelchair gloves. The guys put on their coats, grabbed their crutches, and we were on our way.
 
 
Once on the main path, we saw Kathy and Lydia ahead of us about fifty yards and hollered for them to hold up. Just then, from behind, we heard Pete say the same to us. We looked back and saw Emme leading the way with her cane, with Pete following along with Sam and Millie in their braces and on crutches. We waited up for them, then caught up with Kathy and Lydia. Once at the lodge, we took off our heavy coats and hung them on the rack, got hot chocolate, and sat by the fire to warm up and talk before breakfast.
 
 
Pete asked Kathy what her plans were regarding her halo brace, and she replied:
 
 
"Well, Pete, I really enjoy this traction setup that Billy crafted for me. He put a lot of work into it, so I plan to wear it for quite a while. After a few weeks, I've grown to adore the way it feels—the unceasing pull on my spine is utterly enthralling. The only downside is getting my pins retorqued. With eight of them now, the procedure is quite grueling."
 
 
"I have always had twinges of back and neck pain over the years, and sometimes they get pretty bad to the point where I just want to stay in bed for a few days. No doctor has ever been able to figure out what causes it. However, those pains have completely gone away since I have been in my halo. I think that after I'm done with traction, I'll wear my halo CTLSO for another few months, then a Kuehnegger brace for the rest of my life. With my mouthful of orthodontic appliances, my spinal brace, and my husband Lydia at my side, I couldn't be happier."
 
 
Lydia leans over and gives Kathy a hug. They embraced and shed a few tears of happiness, while Sam and Emme did the same. The last few days have been so emotional for these ladies, with Kathy and Lydia believing for so long that they would never be able to marry and Sam and Millie recognizing the fight that the older generation put up to make it so easy for them. The warm embraces broke off, and Kathy said, "Let's eat! I need something in my stomach after all that drinking last night."
 
 
Just as we were being seated, Billy, Collene, Judy, and Jimmy came in. The girls were fully braced in their wheelchairs, and the guys were on crutches in their braces. Everyone had their headgear on, too, with the girls wearing their double facebows today. We welcomed the newlyweds to enjoy our meal with us, and they happily accepted.
 
 
Over breakfast, congratulations were once again given to the newlywed couples, along with wishes of long, happy, and healthy lives together. Sam asked Emme how her wrist was feeling and how she was doing with her big cast. Emme replied:
 
 
"Oh, I love my cast, Sam. When I had the splint and I moved my fingers the slightest, it really hurt. Now, wearing this wonderful plaster cast, I have no pain at all. Ben really made it fit snug, but it's not at all uncomfortable, and I can't move my wrist, thumb, or my two fingers at all. I love how snugly it fits and wish I had one on my other arm, too."
 
 
"Pete and I will be going home with Ben and Jackie, and Pat and Terry are going to spend a week with Kathy and Lydia. They are excited to ride the bus with the rest of you. You know that the guys are getting braces on their teeth, and Pat's getting new legs, too."
 
 
"Pete and I are going home with Ben and Jackie since he wants another set of X-rays of my wrist. He plans to replace this cast with another plaster one in six weeks, and I'll be in a cast like this for a total of twelve weeks. Then I'll get either a SATS or LATS in fiberglass for another six to eight weeks if all goes well. If I don't heal quickly, then I'll be in a cast like this one for at least another two or three more months. I hope things don't go well and I have to wear a cast for a very long time."
 
 
"Let me tell you what the most intense thing about my cast is; I have no idea what it looks like or how I look wearing it. I put my contacts in last Wednesday and haven't seen a thing since! From how it feels and 'looking' at it with my right hand, I know it's a big, thick, heavy cast. It goes really high up my arm, and just the tip of my thumb is exposed. All of my index finger is covered in plaster, and like my thumb, just the tip of my middle finger is exposed. There is also some sort of material that keeps my ring finger from rubbing directly on the smooth plaster. I don't know how I look wearing it, but I can say with confidence that I probably look pretty damn sexy in it with all my braces, headgear, blind eyes, and white cane."
 
 
We all agreed that Emme did look extremely sexy in her cast and all her braces.
 
 
Then I asked what it's like for her to be blind and reliant on her cane to get around:
 
 
"Oh, I love being sightless. Of course, I wouldn't want to be blind for real, but pretending is a lot of fun. When I got my contacts and put them in for the first time, it was really scary, and after Pete took a quick picture, I took them out. He showed me the picture, and I didn't know what to think; my eyes were just milky white with faded outlines of an iris and dilated pupils. I looked really strange, even ghoulish. I didn't wear them again for a few days, then one night Pete asked me to try them again, and we went for a walk. He held my hand and guided me along. It was a lot of fun for both of us. My senses of smell and hearing came alive, and I noticed things that I never would have paid any attention to in the past."
 
 
"I began to wear them more often and got used to them. Then I decided to take some classes on how to live as a blind person. When I enrolled, I used the excuse that an old friend was visiting who recently lost her sight, and I wanted to know what life was like for her. Evidently, this is not an uncommon reason for taking O&M—that's orientation and mobility—classes. In class, those like me wore eye patches to experience being sightless. It was a lot of fun, and I learned a lot. I get along with no problems at all. Well, maybe one problem that scored me this really cool cast. I brought along a box of eye patches if any of you would like to try them. Pete took me for a walk in the forest the other day, and the sounds and smells were wonderful. Any of you want to try it? It's a lot of fun."
 
 
We all looked at each other in silence, then Judy finally said, "I'm game, Emme. It sounds like an interesting thing to experience. How about you, Leigh? You're pretty adventurous; let's do it together." Before I could answer, Millie said, "Sam and I will be your escorts. We'll push your wheelchairs and use them for support, too. It stopped snowing; we can go after we finish eating. Sammy and I wanted to take a walk in the forest anyway, and there are so many lovely little paths to follow."
 
 
It did sound like something interesting to experience, so I agreed to do it. Emme and Judy were very excited, and Emme insisted we would have a great time. We finished breakfast, the guys decided to go fishing, and all us girls went back to Emme's cabin so Judy and I could be blinded for a few hours.
 
 
Things were very quiet around our cabins; everyone partied late last night. We went inside, and Emme told Millie where the eye patches were. Emme explained how to gently place the eye patches, which sort of looked like large oval-shaped band-aids. Judy had hers applied first and said, "Wow! I can't see anything now; I'm totally blind. It's really scary, but I'll be OK." Then, Sam applied patches over my eyes, rendering my world dark too. I agreed; this is a bit scary but also very thrilling. 
 
 
Kathy then said, "That looks like fun, Lydia. Would you please guide me along despite your braces and crutches if I were blind too?" Lydia said, "Of course I will guide my blind, halo brace-wearing wife." Sam then applied patches over Kathy's eyes; her world went dark too.
 
 
Emme led the way out of the cabin, with Sam pushing my wheelchair and Millie pushing Judy's. Lydia held a crutch in one hand and Kathy's hand in the other as we made our way to the many paths through the forest.
 
 
As we went along, Emme told us about what her cane was telling her about the paths we were on. She explains that there are different textures in the concrete that let her know where she is and where she is going. I don't think any of us paid attention; we were just soaking up the sounds of the forest and the smell of the cool mountain air.
 
 
It was amazing how my other senses came to life with the loss of my sight. It was really quite a thrill. At one point, we stopped to rest at some benches that overlooked the lake so those not in wheelchairs could sit and rest. The sound of the water that would soon be frozen lapping at the shore sounded wonderful. Every so often, those who were blind noticed the smell of bread being baked at the main lodge, something those with their sight didn't immediately notice.
 
 
We continued to explore the woods, with those with sight describing many things. A great time was being had by all, and finally I asked what time it was; I thought it was getting to be late afternoon. Sam checked her watch, and sure enough, it was four in the evening. We had spent six hours out in the woods exploring, so we headed back to our lodge.
 
 
When we got near the lodge, we could hear conversation and smell food being cooked as we approached. Once inside, everyone was there and having a good time. We were asked about our eye patches and explained we were experiencing what Emme has been experiencing for over a week. We decided to keep our eye patches on until we went to bed that evening.
 
 
Dinner was a challenge since we didn't have the training that Emme had, but with a few pointers, we did OK. After dinner and dessert, we all just talked and relaxed. One thing that was decided was that instead of leaving on Saturday, we would not go until Monday. There were still things we wanted to do, and Jimmy wanted us girls to do another shooting demonstration on Saturday.
 
 
Unlike last night, there wasn't much drinking, and everyone headed to their cabins for the night rather early. Tomorrow will be another day of fun with friends.

Ch. 143 - Saturday
 
 
We had a lot of fun last night getting to know Blakely, or Blake, as she prefers. We told her that we are all open books when it comes to our unique lifestyles and to feel free to ask us anything. Blake seemed to be fascinated with Emme, Rebekah, and I with our matching casts and Judy and Collene with their braces, both orthopedic and orthodontic. However, she couldn't keep her eyes off of the completely immobilized Jackie and her tongue-controlled wheelchair. At dinner, Blake intently watched Ben feed his helpless wife.
 
 
After dinner, Stan suggested that we play a bit of a game with Blake. Only Jackie and Rita had told her why they were wearing their braces. Blake was so open-minded and curious about all of our casts and braces that Stan thought it would be fun to have her try and guess which of us were wearing casts or braces for a medical need and which were simply for fun. She got it right about Emme really breaking her wrist by how she wasn't using her left hand at all, but she figured out that Rebekah and I were wearing our casts for fun. With Judy, Collene, and I having withered, atrophied legs, she knew we needed our leg and back braces, but she was taken aback by the reason Judy and I needed ours. She was right most of the time with everyone else, too. It was a fun little game to play.
 
 
Then Blake went around and talked to each of us and asked many detailed questions. She sees many people wearing various braces and casts on a daily basis at work, but she can't ask them any questions except about any special accommodations they might need. We were asked what it was like to wear our braces and casts and why we enjoy wearing them. Blake and Collene had a long conversation about how Collene initially hated her orthodontic braces but grew to love them. Since she was doing so much talking, Blake's lisp began to diminish a bit as she got used to speaking with all the appliances in her mouth; she was beginning to not even think about her orthodontic braces and headgear anymore.
 
 
At one point, when Blake was talking to Rose about her casts and newly applied orthodontic braces, I heard her say, "I have never worn a cast before; I've never had a broken bone, and I have always wondered what wearing a cast is like." Rose replied, "You can find out right now. Pete, Blake wants to wear a cast; please get the supplies." Pete replied, "I'll get them; be back in a wink."
 
 
Pete returned with the supplies, and Ben asked what sort of cast Blake wanted to wear, and she replied, "I would like a short cast like Rose has on her left leg, please." "What color?" questioned Ben. "Purple to match my nails," was Blake's reply. She rolled up her pant leg, took off the high block-heeled hiking boot from her left foot—a boot designed for style, not hiking—and then removed her wool sock. Blake's long, slender toes had their nails polished in a deep purple hue; there was a white flower on her big toe and a silver ring on her second toe.
 
 
Ben explained the casting process and got to work. Very quickly, Blakely was in a perfectly crafted SLWC with a toeplate and one of the tall walking heels that Joel makes. As her cast hardened, she said, "Ooo, this feels so nice. My cast is getting warm; it feels great. Can I get one on my wrist like Rose is wearing on her right arm, but on my left?" Ben said sure, and soon Blake had a purple SATS on her left arm. She then stood up, wiggled her toes, and walked around, saying, "My casts are so comfortable, and my leg cast is easy to walk in; this is great! Let's go up to the lodge so I can show everyone my casts, braces, and headgear."
 
 
Collene asked Blake how she was going to explain her casts to people, and she said, "I sometimes have joint pain, so I will say my casts are for that. My parents live in the same town as you, and I'm going there at the end of next month to visit. I figured I could stop by your shop and get my casts removed before visiting them and taking them to the airport. They're going to Europe, and I'm going to take care of their place while they are gone for a few weeks. Their ranch is out on County Road 2A."
 
 
I said that several of us live on Road 2A and asked her parents' address. Blake replied, "5501", and Collene said, "Your parents are Donna and Dave Santos? They live near us. It will be fun to hang out with you, Blake, and Billy will be more than happy to remove your casts when you arrive." Blake happily said, "That sounds wonderful, and I'll be able to wear my casts until then. You all are the greatest!"
 
 
Several of us accompanied Blake to the main lodge, where she told her co-workers all about getting braces and headgear, along with casts for her joint pain. Everyone was very kind and wished her well with her orthodontic and orthopedic treatments, saying she would fit in well with the guests. All her apprehension about wearing her braces and headgear was diminishing; Blakely was always smiling, showing her braces and very crooked teeth.
 
 
With last night's story told, we made our way to our lodge for breakfast. Everyone was there, with Blake, Collene, and Judy busy in the kitchen. Breakfast was served, and we all discussed our plans for the day. Judy, Collene, Jimmy, and myself were going trap shooting. Jackie wanted to spend time exploring the grounds alone in her braces and tongue-controlled wheelchair. Joel, Paul, Pete, and Jose are going to give the bus a once-over before our trip home. I overheard Blake telling Emme she wanted to try wearing eye patches and experience being blind. We all agreed to meet up again at our lodge at three in the afternoon.
 
 
Judy, Collene, and I wheeled down the shooting range with Jimmy. When we went inside and Collene saw the 'Twenty-Five Straight' plaque on the wall with a tag engraved 'Judy Jenkins-Mekas' and last Saturday's date, it ignited an intense yet friendly sisterly rivalry. I couldn't shoot with my cast, so I just watched. The first round they tied with 24, and the second was 25 straight for both girls. By this point, their backs were painful from only wearing their low-profile Milwaukee braces, but there were two more tags added to the plaque.
 
 
Collene was a bit jealous when she saw Judy's name on the plaque twice; neither sister likes to be surpassed by the other. Jimmy wants them to join the team at his trap club, but their competitive spirit is only between themselves and no one else. With their spines sore, the sisters wanted to change into their more supportive braces, and I wanted to hang out in our lodge.

 
I found Sally, Jose, and Rose in our lodge talking about orthodontics. Sally was discussing what treatment Joe would likely choose for both of them and said, "Well, Jose, your case is rather simple. I think you will only need bonded brackets for about eighteen months. Now, Rose, your case is a bit more complex, borderline where Joe likes to start using bands instead of brackets and other more intrusive appliances. You'll likely need to wear your braces for two to three years, and you'll need headgear and some other appliances, too. Remember, I'm not an orthodontist; Joe will make the decisions with your personal desires in mind."
 
 
Rose replied, "Bands, like everyone else wears? I think I would like that. What do you think, Jose?"
 
 
"Whatever you want, Rosie! Braces like the other girls wear would look so cute on you; there's something so alluring about all that metal. I think I'm starting to have a bit of a thing for girls wearing braces," Jose admitted.
 
 
"My mind is made up, Sally. I want bands like the other girls. They look so cool."
 
 
Sally then said, "OK, Rose, that sounds good. You'll look great wearing them, too. When Pat and Terry get back later, I need to put spacers between their teeth so they can get their braces next week; Pat is getting bands on his molars, and Terry is getting a full set of bands like you desire. Since I put brackets on your teeth, I'll put small springs on your archwires to spread your teeth apart for your bands to fit. You don't need this done, Jose, since you're getting bonded brackets. You two can come in on Thursday afternoon with Pat and Terry. I'll call Joe and let him know to be ready."
 
 
I wished Jose and Rose well on their orthodontic journey; they're both very excited. They are slowly becoming more and more like the rest of us. It was then that we could hear the tapping of Emme's cane on the porch, and the door opened. Emme entered with Blakely following in her casts and wearing eye patches with her right hand on Emme's shoulder. We greeted them, and Emme approached our voices. The girls found chairs and sat down.
 
 
L: It looks like you girls have been out, not seeing the sights.
 
 
B: Yes, Leigh, and it's been a lot of fun. My other senses came alive.
 
 
E: We didn't bump into anything or anyone either, and we managed to stay on the paths, didn't we, Blake?
 
 
B: We sure did. It was a lot of fun, but I'm going to take my patches off now. I want to see again.
 
 
E: Not me! I'm going to stay blind for some time to come. Pete and I are going home with Ben and Jackie so Ben can get some more X-rays of my wrist to be sure everything is OK. We'll stay with them for a few days, then they will bring us home, and Ben will check on Lori to see if she can start wearing her KAFO and get her prosthetic leg fitted. They'll pick up Pat and Terry and take them back home, too. You know that Billy is fitting Pat with new legs next week, and both guys are getting braces on their teeth, too.
 
 
L: Yes, I know. They are staying with Kathy and Lydia, but I didn't' know you were going to stay with Ben and Jackie until you just mentioned it.
 
 
E: Ben wants to check my wrist thoroughly, and that means I get to spend another few days blind, too. I'm really enjoying my contacts, and having this big, heavy cast on my arm along with my braces just adds to the bliss.
 
 
Now here come Pat and Terry through the front door. Pat is in his manual wheelchair without his legs, with Terry pushing his wheelchair, which I have never seen him do. We all say hi, and Sally asks them, "If you guys are ready for a little pain, I can put in your spacers now. Oh, I'll place your springs too, Rose. Who wants to go first?" There was a moment of silence before Pat said, "I'll go first, Sally.
 
 
Pat sat in the recliner that has been a makeshift dental chair, and Sally got to work placing his spacers. When she was done, Pat said, "This sure feels funny, like there is something stuck between my teeth. There is a lot of pressure, but it doesn't really hurt."
 
 
Pat got up, and Terry sat down and reclined the chair. Sally placed his spacers, many more than Pat had received, and he said, "This doesn't feel so good, Sally. These things hurt like hell; the pressure is extremely intense. I guess it's all worth while to make my metallic smile possible." "It will be uncomfortable for a few days, Terry, but you will get used to it," replied Sally.
 
 
Rose then took to the chair and said, "I guess my teeth will hurt too, just like Terry's. It will be a good excuse to eat ice cream and cheesecake for a few days." We all laughed, and Sally got to work in Rose's mouth. Her archwires were removed and then reapplied with small springs between each bracket to do the same job as Pat and Terry's spacers.
 
 
When Sally was done, Rose smiled and ran her tongue across her teeth and said, "This is really uncomfortable, but I sort of like how it feels for some strange reason. I want to see what my smile looks like now." Jose helped Rose to her feet, helped her walk over the mirror with her casted legs, and she said, "Wow! My smile looks so cool with all the metal and these little springs." We all agreed that her smile looked great, and Rose was now more excited than ever to get her bands applied next week.
 
 
Ben and Jackie then arrived, and Ben made drinks for all of us, with the ones for Rose, Pat, and Terry extra strong to dull the pain in their mouths. Over the next hour, everyone else arrived, with Annie and Charlie being the last.
 
 
When they came in and took off their winter coats, they both turned away from us to show the artwork on the back of their shoulder spica Minerva casts. Annie had a scene of a sunrise over a small cabin in the woods with a creek flowing by it. Charlie had a scene with the sun setting over a frozen lake with an ice fishing hut. The artwork reminded us of something that Bob Ross would have painted, but with a bit more detail. Both paintings were beautiful.
 
 
The couple explained that last night they decided to wear their large casts for a full six weeks. Being top management at both their jobs, they don't have to explain their casts to anyone, but they did make up stories; they slipped on the ice and broke their wrists and shoulders, along with Charlie badly spraining his neck and Annie receiving a cervical fracture. I think they will really enjoy their first six weeks as newlyweds in their big, extremely immobilizing casts.
 
 
We all headed to the main lodge for dinner with soft foods for Pat, Terry, and Rose. A quiet evening back at our lodge will round out the evening before we all retire to our cabins. Tomorrow will be our last full day here. We're all sad to be leaving, and we will miss our new friend Blake, but we will be seeing her again soon.
 

Ch. 145 - Goodbye, Kings Mountain
 
 
After receiving the rather cryptic text from Steven, the general manager, Kathy, Rita, and I made our way to the lodge. When we arrived, Steven was waiting and warmly greeted us. He offered us coffee, then showed us to his office, closed the door, and said,
 
 
"Firstly, I wanted to thank you for spending time with Blakely. The second thing is, please call me Stevie; that is what my friends call me, and I consider you friends for what you have done for Blake."
 
 
"I have known Blake for seven years now, and we are like brother and sister. Blake loves the mountains and started working here in the summers while going to college. Blake is very shy, easily shaken, and embarrassed about her crooked teeth; she hardly ever smiled. Since she likes to be alone, Blake does accounting and reservations. After she got her business degree, I hired her full-time, and she lives in a little cottage just outside town. However, she often stays here in staff accommodations if the weather is bad; she doesn't like driving in the snow. Blake is always here early and stays late, taking long walks in the woods or a rowboat out on the lake."
 
 
"Despite being so shy and self-conscious, Blake likes people, but her bad teeth make her very uncomfortable. She's the girl off by herself at a party, just watching people. One day, we had a sudden snowstorm, and several busloads of guests got through before the road was closed. We were shorthanded, and I asked Blake to work the front desk. She seemed to really enjoy it, but she never smiled because of her crooked teeth. As time went on, her bad bite started to cause her to have jaw pain; something had to be done."
 
 
"I encouraged her to see an orthodontist since braces are covered by our benefit package. I went with her to visit several orthodontists, and she finally decided on a doctor to receive treatment from. Everyone in the office was wearing some sort of orthodontic appliance, including the orthodontist herself, who was wearing headgear like Leigh's. I even had a consultation, and I am getting braces next week, but nothing as elaborate as Blake has to wear. I wish my case was as complicated as hers, so I would need the same appliances. Blake would find that comforting, but you ladies have done that for her."
 
 
"So last week, Blakely finally got braces. She should have had them as a kid, but she refused, and her parents didn't force her—a decision she regrets now. I couldn't go with her to her appointment; we had a surprise inspection from the fire marshal. I felt so bad she had to face the orthodontist alone, and after her appointment, she sent me a picture of her wearing her new appliances. It was obvious she had been crying."
 
 
"I called Blake, and I could hardly understand her because of her lisp. She said the orthodontist told her to wear her headgear as close to 24 hours a day as possible instead of the twelve hours a day originally planned during her consultation. She was also told her treatment would take longer than initially anticipated, with several years in headgear. Blake was devastated. However, with her jaw pain becoming unbearable, she has to have treatment, no matter what it entails. She told me she was quitting her job and moving back home with her parents."
 
 
"I visited her that evening. All she did was cry, and I couldn't console her. I stayed the night at her place on the couch, and I could hear her crying all night in her bedroom. The next morning, she had calmed down a bit and was hungry, but her teeth hurt so much that there was nothing in the kitchen she could eat, and tears once again flowed. She finally settled down, and I went to the store and got her very soft foods to eat. When I returned, Blake felt a bit better, but she said she never wanted to leave her house again."
 
 
"When your group arrived and a bus trip was offered, I sent Blake a picture of the bus and asked if she wanted to join us; she said no. I visited her the night before the trip and talked her into going, but she said she was going to hide her face. I told her that no one really cares if a girl has to wear braces, and I reminded her of the various things we see our guests wearing. I told her I would pick her up; I didn't want to give her the opportunity to back out. Blake needed to get out and face the world."
 
 
"I noticed that as Blake got on the bus, she took a long look at Rita, wearing headgear just like hers, before taking a seat alone. Then Rita sat down next to her, and that is when everything began to change. It was the first time I saw Blake smile since getting her braces, and the first time I've ever seen her smile that wide. After seeing how much she enjoyed her day with all of you, I told her to spend the weekend with you, too."
 
 
"I never expected to see Blake wearing casts later in the evening, and she seemed happier than I had ever seen her before. Then I remembered something that happened at several of our first aid classes. In the classes, we were practicing applying bandages for sprains and splints for fractures. During one of the classes, Blake's left wrist was bandaged, and her arm was put in a sling. After the class, Blake continued to wear the bandage and sling for about a week until co-workers teased her about it. Another time, she had her ankle wrapped up and used crutches for a week or so. During these times, she volunteered to work the front desk and did so with a smile. Her bandaged wrist or ankle seemed to comfort her, and she said she had always dreamed of wearing a cast."
 
 
"I know Blake is going to wear her casts until she comes to visit you. I worry that when she gets her casts removed, she will go back to her old self, and I wanted to let you know this might happen. Please call me if Blake has any issues; she doesn't have many friends, and I worry about her."
 
 
Rita said, "Don't worry, Stevie; we'll look after her; I think she will do fine. If Blake needs something to distract her from her braces and headgear, I think we can come up with something." Kathy and I reassured Stevie and said we would keep in touch with him during Blake's visit.
 
 
Stevie said, "Thank you so much. I worry so much about her, and I know she lives a very lonely life; her job is her only real contact with people, and I would hate to see her quit and move away. By the way, for what you are doing for Blake, your stay here is on the house. It's the very least I can do after seeing Blake so happy and smiling like she is now."
 
 
We were all touched by the story of Blakely's life, and I assured Stevie we would do all we could for her. We asked him to join us for dinner, and he accepted. Kathy called Lydia and said that everything was in order and we would be waiting for everyone by the fireplace. While waiting, I briefly told Stevie the story of Emme and how wearing casts and a halo brace helped her cope with a traumatic event in her life (Chapter 84).
 
 
Once everyone arrived, we had a wonderful dinner together. It was hilarious watching Sam feed Millie. They made a bit of a mess, but finally Millie's belly was full, pressing firmly against her brace. After we ate, we went back to our lodge and spent time reminiscing about the events of the past week. Since it was a clear night, we went outside to stargaze for a while, too. We all really like Blake and enjoy her company. It will be great to spend more time with her when she visits us.
 
 
It was getting late, and all of us wanted to spend a final romantic evening with our spouses, so we all retired to our cabins. Sam and Millie were the first to go, excited to have some fun with Millie in her extremely immobilizing brace. Before they left, Ben showed Sam how to release and lock the joints on Millie's brace and how the hip joints can be locked with her legs spread, like the casts Rebekah and I are wearing. The girls then excitedly rushed to their cabin for some fun and romance.
 
 
The next morning, we all got up early for breakfast and to say goodbye to Blake. Today is her first day back to work after getting her braces and recreational SATS and SLWC. She looked so cute in her red Kings Mountain Retreat flannel shirt, a pair of jeans, which she had cut off just above her leg cast, and her high-heeled boot on her right foot. Blake's long, dirty blond hair was in a ponytail, and she made no attempt to hide her reverse-pull headgear. Blake had a look of confidence and held her head high—a complete change from the young woman we met a few days ago. We had our meal, then finalized the details of Blake's visit, and she headed off to the main lodge to begin her first braced and casted day of work.
 
 
We then went to our cabins to pack the last of our things before heading home. Paul and Joel, who were still in their KAFOs and Milwaukee braces, helped Pete check over the bus before departing. Rebekah and I were proud of our guys; not only did they get used to wearing their braces rather quickly, they really enjoy them and want to wear them often. I also got the impression that Billy and Jimmy were planning to do the same. We have seen several other couples around the resort that were wearing identical or near identical braces or prosthetics, and they really looked good. 
 
 
Finally, we were ready to depart. Millie, in her brace, and Rebekah, in her Petrie cast, had to be carried to their seats on the bus. Kathy and I gathered up everyone's resort phones and headed to the main lodge to turn them in and check out. We entered through a side door and could see Blake standing at the front desk typing away on the computer, but she didn't notice us enter.
 
 
It was then that a couple in their late 50s came in the main door. The woman, who had only her right leg, was on crutches. She was very beautiful and dressed elegantly in a blue dress, with a very high-heeled over-the-knee boot on her right leg and the stump of her left leg just barely visible below the hem of her dress. They approached Blake at the front desk:
 
 
"Good morning! Welcome to Kings Mountain Retreat. I'm Blakely. How can I help you on this fine morning?" Blake said with a smile.
 
 
"We are fine and very happy to be here." The woman said, also smiling.
 
 
"Good morning, Blakely. We're the Wards, Bob and Carol; we have a reservation." Bob said in a deep voice.
 
 
Blakely checked the computer, got the couple their phones, and explained how to use them. A bellman was called to get their bags. Blake was cheerful and smiling the entire time, seeming to totally ignore her casts, braces, headgear, and horrible lisp. The couple had to ask Blake to repeat many things because of her lisp, but they were very understanding of her situation. Something that Kathy and I both noticed was Blake's posture; we are certain she has scoliosis, and it's rather severe; I don't know why we didn't notice earlier. As the couple began to walk and crutch away, Carol turned to Blake and said, "You're so brave, Blakely, to wear your headgear to work. I think that would be harder than my first day back to work after I lost my leg."

 
"I've only had my braces and headgear for just over a week, and I hated it at first and never left my house. Then a friend got me to go on an outing where I met some wonderful new friends, and they made me feel really good about my braces and headgear. In fact, I love my braces and headgear now, and I think I look cute wearing them, too." Blake happily replied.
 
 
"Well, you do look lovely, dear. It must be even harder for you with that cast on your arm, but the artwork is beautiful." Carol compliments Blakey.
 
 
"Thank you. I did it myself, along with a cast my friend Emme is wearing. Oh, let me show you the cast on my leg; I decorated it, too." Blake stepped out from behind the desk and held up her left leg to show off her walking cast. "It's so pretty, isn't it, and very comfortable to wear."
 
 
"Your casts look great, Blakely. When I had casts after my accident, I wished I had someone like you to decorate them. It would have made me feel so much better." Carol says, with a hint of sadness.
 
 
It was then that the bellman arrived to get the couple's bags, and they headed to their room. We made our way to the desk, and Blake collected our phones and got us checked out. She expressed excitement about her upcoming visit and about getting to wear her casts in the coming weeks. She thanked us for everything and gave us both big hugs. As we went out the door, we turned and waved at Blake, and she returned the gesture with her casted left arm.
 
 
The bus was waiting for us outside with Stan driving since Pete and Emme went home with Ben and Jackie. Ben wants a couple more X-rays of her wrist to be sure everything is OK. Emme still has her contacts in and has been blind for almost two weeks. They will be coming home later in the week when Ben comes to check on Lori.
 
 
Pat and Terry are coming along with us since they are both getting orthodontic braces this week, and Pat is getting new legs too. This coming week will be very busy, and it will be great to see our friends getting orthodontic braces. Remember that Jose, Rose, and Pete are visiting the orthodontist as well.
 
 
It will be great to see Lori again; we all miss her, and I know she really misses us from her texts. However, it's also sad to leave Blake, but we'll see her again soon.

Ch. 147 - A Day With Lori
 
 
"So what do you want to do today, Lori?" Judy asks.

 
"Several things, Judy. I need to buy some shoes to wear with my brace and new leg. Billy told me you ladies could help me choose shoes that would work well. Since I will be in my halo brace for quite some time, I need to get some clothes that fit over it better. Finally, I want to take you ladies out for lunch." Lori cheerfully replied.
 
 
Rebekah said, "Sounds like fun, a day of shopping; it's what us girls do best!"
 
 
We all wheeled, and Judy crutched out to our little limo bus. We got on, and Judy secured our wheelchairs for us, then she climbed into the driver's seat. On the way to the mall, Judy asked Lori, "How can you try on shoes while you're still in your cast?" Lori's answer was simple: "I know what size I take in several brands and will take the chance they will still fit my foot. When Scotty packed us up to move, I just had him donate all my shoes. I thought I would never walk again, but I was wrong; I will walk again very soon."
 
 
Then all of our phones beeped, and we saw there was a message from Pete:
 
 
"Hi there! Emme wanted me to let you all know that her wrist is doing well. Ben took X-rays, and her fractures are looking very good. She will need to wear her current cast for six weeks, then get a fresh one just like it for another six weeks. After that, she'll possibly need a SATS for a few weeks, too. So, Leigh and Rebekah, it looks like if you stand by your word, you'll be in casts for at least twelve weeks, maybe longer! Ben and Jackie will bring us home tomorrow, and they'll stay for a few days and check on Lori. Oh, Emme is still blind, too; she loves her special contacts."
 
 
R: Shit, Leigh, our arms will be in big, heavy casts for at least a quarter of a year if we stick with it.
 
 
L: I'm standing by my word to Emme; I'm wearing the same casts she has to for as long as she has to.
 
 
R: I guess I will, too. My word is my word, but it's sure going to be tough.
 
 
L: It will, but we'll be back on our feet when our casts are fully dry, then we can use platform crutches. But why are you so worried, Rebekah? You can still walk without crutches, can't you, Rebekah?"
 
 
R: Well, not so easily anymore; my legs are becoming quite weak. I can only walk a short distance without my braces and crutches. I barely make it to the bathroom at night. Like Rita, I never intended for it to happen; however, I've done nothing to prevent it either.
 
 
Judy excitedly said:
 
 
J: You're letting go of your legs too, Rebekah? That's great!
 
 
R: I don't know Judy. Paul doesn't know how weak my legs have become; I always wear my braces around him. I need to think about things and figure out what I want to do. We'll talk about it later; today is all about Lori.
 
 
We were all in a bit of disbelief at what Rebakah had just told us. Some time ago, Bekah mentioned that she someday might do what Judy and I have done, but she hasn't mentioned it lately. I think we are all curious, but Rebekah doesn't want to talk about it right now. We all sat in awkward silence for a few minutes before Judy pulled into the lot at the mall and said, "We're here, girls!"
 
 
Once at the mall, Judy got us off the bus, and we headed inside. Lori was not familiar with the mall but had checked online to see what stores were there. All eyes were upon us as we made our way inside the mall and to the Clark's shoe store.
 
 
Since all of us girls know about choosing shoes for our braces, we helped Lori pick out several pairs. Her choices were Orianna Derby and Talene Ave, both in black. They should work well with her KAFO and prosthetic leg, and Billy is used to working with the brand.
 
 
The next stop was the Doc Marten store, a place I visit often. Billy and Gary like working with their shoes and boots, and I have grown to love their chunky sandals. We had a great time looking at shoes, and Lori picked out a pair of Mary Janes with cute little perforations in the leather. She also chose a pair of Blaire Hardware lace-up sandals, which should work really well with her KAFO and prosthetic. We all really liked the style, and spring will soon be upon us, so we all bought a pair. I also got a pair for Emme, and Judy got a pair for Collene. They're really cute in a funky kind of way.
 
 
At this point, we were getting hungry and decided to wheel across the parking lot to the Texas Roadhouse since Lori wanted a steak for lunch today. It was quite a ways away across the parking lot, but Judy had no problem crutching the long distance. When we arrived, we got a table and ordered drinks and our meals. Soon, our food was served: grilled shrimp for Rebakah and me, a burger for Judy, and a ribeye steak for Lori.
 
 
Seeing that Lori couldn't cut her steak on her own, Judy turned to her, smiled, showing off her braces, and gently said, "Please, let me," as she picked up Lori's knife and fork. Lori smiled and said, "Thank you, Judy. You're so kind." It was the first time we had seen her crooked smile today. Judy cut the large steak into bite-sized pieces and slid the plate in front of Lori. Judy sure knows how to assist someone without making them feel helpless. We enjoyed our lunch and were soon on our way to do some more shopping.
 
 
Lori wanted to get some clothing that would be comfortable to wear with her halo brace, leg brace, and prosthetic leg. On the trek back to the mall, we shared with her what styles we have found that work the best when wearing various braces and casts. Lori said before her accident that she mostly wore jeans or shorts and t-shirts to work, and she only had a few dressy outfits. We all told her skirts and dresses were the easiest to wear; pants and shorts are hard to get on over leg braces and uncomfortable to wear under braces. We also suggested that since her halo CTLSO covers her breasts, just some loose-fitting sweaters and jackets would be the most comfortable things to wear, and with spring and warm weather coming, she wouldn't want to wear anything at all over her halo CTLSO jacket.
 
 
Once we were back at the mall, we headed to the clothing store where Jane works. Do you remember Jane? She's a lady a bit older than me with jaw problems who was wired shut for quite severe TMJ. Anyway, when we got to her store, Jane no longer had her jaw wired shut; however, she had bands on all her teeth and pink interlandi headgear with a thick upper facebow. She also had a heavy lisp; her speech was extremely difficult to understand. Jane apologized for her slurred speech, saying that she just got her palatal expanders placed last week. She asked about the casts that Rebekah and I are wearing and then politely inquired about Lori's situation. Lori spoke of her accident and the fact that she would be getting orthodontic braces soon, too. Jane then told us about her orthodontic treatment.
 
 
"I think that last time I saw you, Leigh, I was still wired shut. When I got my wires and archbars off, Dr. Joe applied my bands. I knew that after getting my braces, he would be placing a splint in my mouth and wiring me shut again for another month or so to position my jaw correctly. When I got the splint removed, Joe had a different splint for me to wear for ten hours every night with heavy elastics; it's like I'm still wired shut. He also had me start wearing headgear for the other fourteen hours a day, which means I have to wear it at work. It was hard at first, but I'm used to my braces now. I also get a lot of positive comments from people about how I'm taking care of my teeth. In fact, I really like my braces and headgear; they make me look so much younger. My husband says I look really cute wearing them, too."
 
 
"Now here's the kicker: My daughter Jill and granddaughter JJ got braces too, and theirs are exactly like mine! They could have gotten bonded brackets, but they chose full bands like I have to wear. Both of them have similar bite issues to mine and decided they wanted to be proactive and get treatment earlier in life. Jill and JJ are lucky; they don't have to wear splints, but they do have expanders and must wear their headgear 24/7. They'll only be in their braces for about three years, while I'll be in mine for at least five."
 
 
"JJ is doing well at college with her braces; no one seems to care, and she even has a boyfriend now. Jill is the one who surprises me with how well she is doing with her orthodontic treatment. She is an executive at a logistics company and deals with new clients. Her first impression must stun people when they see her teeth covered in metal, the headgear straps around her head, and they hear her lisp. It's been easy for me; I'm just an older lady working retail to be around people until my husband retires. However, Jill is the face of her company, and someone with orthodontic treatment like hers at her age is very unusual; however, she thinks her orthodontics have actually helped business. Several prospects she has been courting immediately signed contracts the first time they saw her wearing braces and headgear. Jill, JJ, and myself think that braces have a magical effect on many men."
 
 
All of us wearing orthodontic braces agreed, and Lori said she wonders if Scotty will be attracted to her braces when she gets them. Judy and I laughed and said he definitely would; we often notice him looking intently at our metallic smiles. Lori laughed and said, "I hope he does! I'm excited to get braces and all the appliances Joe says I'll need."
 
 
We all helped Lori pick out some stylish outfits that would work well with her back and leg braces. She's heavy on denim, picking out many skirts in different lengths, mostly dark blue but some black and stonewashed, too. She also chose several sweaters that she could wear over her halo brace. Finally, Jane helped Lori select a dark maroon strapless evening gown that fit perfectly with her halo brace. She's very excited to wear it for a night out with Scotty once she is walking again. The rest of us couldn't resist and picked out some new outfits, too. We made our purchases, and Jane said she would box everything up and drop it by the shop on her way home; it's on her way. We thanked Lori for her kindness and wished her and her family well with their orthodontic journeys. Jane gave us all hugs and thanked me for the kind words I spoke when she was first wired shut.
 
 
I could tell Lori was getting tired, so I suggested we be on our way. Lori asked if she could see our homes, and then Scott could pick her up there. Rebekah suggested that we all have dinner together, and the guys could pick something up on their way home. That was a great idea, so we made calls to our husbands, and Judy called Collene and asked her and Billy to join us.  
 
 
We made our way out to the bus, and Judy helped us get situated. It's amazing how easily she gets around on crutches and how much she can do. Same with Collene; their braces don't slow them down one bit.
 
 
Lori was impressed with my home and how accessible everything is. I decided to go out on a limb and let her see our cast room. Lori didn't know what to think of it at first but then said, "This is really cool! I know that you girls like wearing casts for fun, and I have to admit that I sort of like the one I really need to wear. It's strange, but wearing the casts and braces hasn't really bothered me, and in fact, I find them comforting. Even having my jaw wired shut brought me comfort that was more than just knowing my wires were helping me to heal. I don't know; I have some strange feelings about my situation—none of them unpleasant—and even losing my hand and leg hasn't really bothered me; it's like this is how I was always meant to be. Wow, this is getting really weird... Let's go see Judy's place."
 
 
We made our way down to Judy and Jimmy's place, and Lori really liked the wooded setting and said how lucky Judy is to live there. She was equally impressed with the cottage; it's small but not at all cramped, even with its fully accessible design. We then went down to Paul and Rebekah's, where once again Lori was impressed. Rebekah said that Scotty had stopped by to see all the houses to get ideas for the renovations he had done to their home. We took a few minutes to relax, and I got a text from Joel saying that he and the guys were on their way home with dinner. Joel also said that a lady wearing full bands and headgear stopped by the shop and left packages for all of us, too. I said that was our friend Jane, and I would tell him her story later.
 
 
We made our way back to my place and enjoyed our Chinese dinner. After we ate, we gave Billy the shoes we purchased to be modified for our braces. Billy and Collene then took Lori and Scotty to see their home. As they were leaving, I said Rebekah and I would see them all tomorrow at the orthotics shop when Lori's cast is removed and her KAFO is fitted. Tomorrow will be another milestone in Lori's recovery.
 

Ch. 149 - At the Orthodontist
 
 
We had a wonderful evening last night at Harry's Grill. Joel and Paul invited Rose and Jose to come along, too. They are definitely into orthodontics and are getting braces to treat real bite issues, as well as some extras just for fun. Rose and Jose, along with Pat and Terry, had their teeth scanned on Tuesday, and Joe is making their appliances. Judy and I will find out what they are getting when we accompany them to their appointments.
 
 
Rebekah and I have become used to the heavy plaster casts we are wearing. With my thumb immobilized along with my index and middle fingers, my hand is pretty much completely useless, and I love it. There is so much I can't do, and that includes putting on and taking off my braces. Joel has to help me with everything, and I can't believe how this cast has affected my life. Rebekah and I could have our casts removed at any time; we are just wearing them to support Emme, but she must wear hers for many long weeks to come, and will we, too. I'm going to try using a platform crutch today with my casted arm and try walking.
 
 
Jimmy and Judy came by for breakfast as usual this morning, and Judy was really excited about our friends getting orthodontic braces today. After we had breakfast, the guys went to the shop, and Judy and I headed off to the orthodontist. On our way, we got a text from Pete asking if we all wanted to go to Rancho Gordo for dinner, then get together at their place to look at pictures from the trip. Emme wants to go out blind one last time, then remove her contacts in the evening; she has been blind for almost three weeks. Of course, we accepted the offer, and I also saw responses from Joel, Rebekah, and Collene. Emme will get to see the artwork on her cast and pictures of Blake for the first time; she has no idea what her new friend looks like.
 
 
When we arrived at Robbins Orthodontics, Pat and Terry were in the waiting room. Sally soon appeared, still wearing her hot pink Minerva cast, and took us all to the procedure room with two chairs. Pat and Terry took their places in the chairs, and Judy and I sat in the corner, with Judy helping me with my platform crutch. Joe then entered the room with an assistant we had not seen before. He introduced his wife, Mary, and said that she was assisting so Sally could wear her Minerva cast for a few weeks. Joe then said, "OK guys, let's get you in braces!"
 
 
Ben and Mary got to work cleaning the guys teeth and gave them a final examination. Starting with Pat, Joe got to work placing his molar bands. Once these were in place, the Roth brackets were bonded to the rest of his teeth. His archwires were put in place and tied to his brackets with blue ligatures. Finally, several surgical hooks were crimped in place on his archwires. They were not too visible unless Pat smiled wide. The process went very quickly, and Pat looked great with his traditional metal brackets. Now, time for the extras that are just for pleasure and are completely inactive.
 
 
Joe picked up several removable appliances from the nearby counter. The two surgical splints, one thin and one very thick, were trial-fitted. The large one held his mouth open very wide and had an oval hole between his front teeth for drinking and a liquid diet. Then Joe fitted a facebow to Pat's upper arch and adjusted the cervical strap. Finally, lip bumpers, upper and lower, were trial-fitted along with blue reverse-pull headgear. After everything was checked out, Joe asked which appliances he wanted to wear for the rest of the day. Pat chose his lower lip bumper and upper reverse-pull headgear. Joe put the appliances in place and said, "There you go, my friend. All done." Pat, with a slight lisp, thanked Joe as his chair was raised. Terry sat in silence the entire time, intently watching, knowing he would soon be getting much more placed in his mouth.
 
 
Joe's attention has now turned to Terry. His chair was reclined as Pat quietly watched. Terry had not told Pat anything about what appliances he would be getting today. The first thing to go into Terry's mouth was his lower expander. It was a very bulky device with four bands attached to it, with the screw in front like mine. The device was trial-fitted, and as always with Joe's work, it was perfect, so it was cemented in place.
 
 
Then Terry's upper appliance was fitted—a very bulky, older-style expander like I wear. It had a tongue crib, and unlike mine, this one looked like a torture device. It was connected to the bands with very heavy wire and an oval loop in the front. The loop had vertical bars with small, sharp spikes welded to them. The appliance was fitted to Terry's upper arch, and then the rest of his bands were applied. Finally, his archwires were placed, secured with wire ligatures, and surgical hooks were placed between each band. Joe then had Terry get up and rinse his mouth.
 
 
After he rinsed, Terry tried to speak, and we couldn't understand a thing he said. His speech was garbled, and he would wince when his tongue contacted the sharp spike behind his front teeth. Sally handed him a pad and pencil, and Terry wrote, "This is pure hell. I absolutely love it!" He returned to the chair, and Joe reclined it and proceeded to fit the same removable appliances as Pat received. Once everything had been trial fitted, Joe asked Terry what he would enjoy wearing out of the office today. Pat, using paper and pencil, said, "Put the big splint in and wire me shut. It's been a dream of mine to be splinted and wired after a friend's wife had jaw surgery several years ago. It's not like I'm going to be eating solid food for a while anyway with all this in my mouth."
 
 
Joe complied and wired Terry's jaw shut around the large splint. Joe raised the chair and said, "OK, Terry, it's all done. I hope you and Pat enjoy all your new hardware." Pat gazed dreamily at his husband, with his mouth full of plastic, metal, and loops of wire, then finally said, "A dream come true for both of us, Terry! I remember when Bev had her surgery and how we were both fascinated by her splint and wires. I always dreamed of you being wired shut like that, and now you are." The two men embraced and expressed their love for each other. They thanked Joe, Mary, and Sally and were on their way, likely off for a romantic afternoon together.
 
 
With Rose and Jose's appointment several hours off, Judy and I decided to go see how Billy and Rita were doing with making Lori and Pat's sockets for their new prosthetics. When we arrived, Billy had made Lori's arm socket and Rita the one for her leg, and they were now working on Pat's.

 
"So what did Pat and Terry have done at the orthodontist?" Rita asks.

 
"Terry got the works! He got his jaw wired shut around a big splint. Between that and all he has inside his mouth, he can't speak at all. It's really cool!" Judy eagerly explained.

 
"Pat just got molar bands and brackets, but both men have a wide array of removable appliances to wear as they please." I explain.
 
 
Our attention now turned to the work that Billy and Rita were doing. They explained how the sockets work in conjunction with a sleeve that fits on the limb to hold the prosthetics in place. It is all very interesting, and I wish I had asked Pat more about his legs while we were on our trip. I guess tomorrow I'll learn everything there is to know about wearing prosthetics when Lori learns about hers.
 
 
Collene then entered the workshop and asked Judy and me to stay for lunch. She had chicken tortilla soup going in the crock pot, and it was almost ready. We enjoyed our lunch and then watched Gary do some initial programming for all the limbs that will be fitted tomorrow. Time flew by, and it's time for Rose and Jose's orthodontic appointment.
 
 
When we returned to the orthodontic clinic, Jose and Rose had just arrived, and Sally was explaining that she planned to wear her Minerva cast for two months. Both were impressed that she was going to wear such an immobilizing cast for that long simply for pleasure. Sally then led us to the room where Pat and Terry got their braces a few hours ago, and the couple sat down in the chairs. Sally then confirmed a few details about their treatment. There was a knock on the door, and Joe and Mary entered the room. Pleasantries were exchanged, and Joe said, "Let's get you two braced up. Your braces are pretty basic, Jose, so let's start with you. Those spacers should have opened up the gaps enough by now."
 
 
Jose's chair was reclined, and Joe and Mary got to work. His temporary braces were removed, his teeth were cleaned and polished, and then Joe placed Jose's molar bands. Working with great efficiency, Joe and Mary got all of Jose's bonded brackets in place; they sure work quick. Then his archwires were placed and secured with silver ligatures. Finally, several surgical hooks were placed on Jose's archwires. The entire procedure didn't take long at all, and Joe said, "Almost done, Jose. We just need to fit the removable appliances that you and Rose requested that are just for fun."
 
 
Sally brought over a tray with an assortment of removable appliances, many of which were like what Pat and Terry got. The only things that were different were that there was a removable tongue crib and all of Jose's splints were dark blue instead of clear. The fit of all of the appliances was checked, and all was good. Joe then said, "All done, Jose. I hope you enjoy your braces and all the little extras you requested. If you are anything like your friends, I know you will love wearing braces." The chair was raised, and Jose said with a slight lisp, "Thanks, Joe. Everything feels great, but it will take some time to get used to it all, and it's nothing like what Rosie will have to learn to live with. So what do you think of your braced husband, Rosie?"
 
 
"You look so cute, Jose," replied Rose. "I'm so lucky to have you, and we are having so much fun trying new and exciting things together. I'm so glad we are doing this; it's so thrilling!"
 
 
Joe now reclined Rose's chair, and he and Mary got to work removing her temporary appliances. Rose is getting similar appliances to what Terry got, but her large tongue crib doesn't have spikes. Joe first fitted her upper tongue crib and expander, a fan type that looks rather bulky. Her tongue crib could easily be seen behind her upper front teeth, not leaving much room for her to eat. Her upper expander is just for pleasure and will not be used, but her lower one is therapeutic. Joe placed Rose's lower expander, a quad helix style, and I think it looks to be more uncomfortable than mine with the screw behind my front teeth, but maybe that's what Rose desires.
 
 
With all of Rose's fixed appliances in place, Mary and Joe began to fit her remaining bands. This went fairly quickly, as Joe is very adept at applying bands since about half of his patients wear full bands these days. Once her bands were in place, heavy archwires were tied to her bands with wire ligatures. Finally, surgical hooks were crimped on her archwires between each band. All of us with a special interest in orthodontics get hooks for a bit of fun, whether it's just elastics for an evening or being wired for weeks on end. Rose is now fully banded with a mouthful of metal, just like almost all her friends, and she looks great!
 
 
Joe then began to check the fit of all of Rose's removable appliances and adjusted her facebows. Everything she got was pretty much the same as Jose's appliances, but there was no removable tongue crib since she has one permanently in place. The only other difference is that all of Rose's splints are hot pink in color, matching her headgear. When the large surgical splint was fitted in Rose's mouth, she looked amazing. Her lips were parted, and the bright color contrasted with her olive complexion. I turned to Sally and asked if I could get splints in purple, and if so, to expect all the other girls to want colored ones also. Sally replied with a smile, "Sure, Leigh, no problem. You sure would look great in your pink and purple braces with your jaw wired shut around a big purple splint." I had to agree.
 
 
Rose's chair was raised, and Jose got his first good look at his banded wife and said, "You look amazing, Rose! Your smile is mesmerizing." Rose got up and walked to the mirror and said, with a very heavy lisp, "Oh, wow! This is so cool, Jose; I look amazing! All this metal in my mouth feels great; I can't believe how sexy I look."
 
 
The couple then kissed, exploring each others new braces. After their long, passionate kiss broke off, Rose, with her severe lisp, said, "Shall we do it, Jose?"

 
"I don't know, Rosie; it will be tough, but if you want to, I'm all in," replied Jose.

 
Rose looked to Joe and said, "We'll do it!" and the couple returned to their chairs.
 
 
Evidently, Joe and Mary knew what they meant, and the chairs were reclined. Joe worked on Jose and Mary on Rose, placing their large, colorful surgical splints in their mouths, and then they deftly wired the couple's jaws shut around the bulky splints. The chairs were raised, and the couple got up and kissed once again as best they could with their splints and wires. Then many thanks were given, their other appliances were packed up, and we went on our way.
 
 
As Judy and I were returning to the car, we saw Rose and Jose walking towards the nearby park, arm in arm. They stopped, turned to each other, and tried kissing once again before continuing on their way.

Ch. 151 - Three Legs and a Hand
 
 
We all slept late this morning after the events of last night. It was something to witness Emme regain her sight and see pictures of her new friend Blake for the first time. Before bed, Joel only removed his KAFOs and the shoes from my braces; we slept in the rest of our braces. With me still in my leg braces, Joel slid my feet into my shoes as he attached them to my braces. Once my shoes were buckled snugly on my feet, he helped me get dressed before putting on his KAFOs and clothes. I transferred to my wheelchair, and he picked up his crutches. We headed to the kitchen, hoping someone had already made coffee.
 
 
Indeed, coffee had been made, and the sisters and their husbands were enjoying a cup. We joined them, and soon Pete and Emme came crutching in. We were all hungry, but no one felt like cooking. Collene volunteered to go get us breakfast from McDonald's if she could borrow Emme's car with hand controls. Soon, Collene returned with several bags of McDonald's breakfast items, which was a treat for those of us who don't live close to town.
 
 
As we were eating, we wondered how Terry, Rose, and Jose were doing with their jaws wired shut. Joel texted Jose to find out how he and Rose are doing and to tell them to take time off from work, with pay, for as long as they are wired shut. Judy texted Terry to see how he was doing, too.
 
 
Terry was the first to respond, and he said, "This is pretty damn tough, but I'm sticking with it, Judy. I can't imagine what it would be like with all the pain from surgery, too. However, I'm getting used to things, and I greatly enjoy the immobilization. Last night, Kathy, Lydia, and Pat put tight elastics on their braces and are still wearing them. We had a liquefied meal last night and again this morning. Pat says he is looking forward to Lori getting her prosthetics later today and giving her advice and support."
 
 
A moment later, Joel got a reply from Jose. It was simply a picture of him and Rose in the park by their house, giving a thumbs up and smiling wide, showing their colorful splints and wires. Evidently, they must be enjoying themselves.
 
 
Billy then said, "I hate to be a wet blanket, but Collie and I really need to get home and get ready for work. I would hate for Gary and Rita to arrive at the shop before us." Emme said she needed to get payroll out since Sam has never done it on her own before. Pete also needed to spend time in the office; he hasn't been in since Emme started her blindsimming adventure. We said our goodbyes and loaded up on the bus to head home.
 
 
Judy dropped Billy and Collene's off at their house first. She then crossed the new bridge the guys had built across the creek to our property and parked the bus by the shop. We all wheeled or crutched home to get ready for the day.
 
 
Joel and I got out of our braces, and he put a waterproof cover on my cast. He cleaned our orthodontic appliances, and then we showered together. He helped me into my braces and got me dressed. I decided to continue to wear my sling with the left sleeve of my sweater rolled up. At first glance, I look like I'm missing my left arm, and I get a lot more looks and stares than I usually do. Joel hugged and kissed me, then placed my double-facebow headgear and headed off to pick up Paul and Jimmy to go to the shop.
 
 
I fixed my hair and did my makeup, then went to watch the news and await the arrival of Judy and Rebekah. When they arrived, Judy suggested that we invite Lori and Scotty to have lunch with us before Lori gets her prosthetics fitted this afternoon. Rebekah and I thought that was a wonderful idea, so I called Lori. They happily accepted our offer, and I said we would be by at ten thirty with the small bus, so it would be easy to transport Lori in her large wheelchair.
 
 
Time got away from us, and we needed to get on our way to pick up Lori and Scotty. When we arrived at their home, they were waiting on the front porch. Lori was, of course, wearing her halo CTLSO and brown KAFO on her remaining leg. Under her KAFO, she wore a dark blue compression stocking. Wearing a denim skirt and blue sweater over her halo jacket with her graying hair in a ponytail, she looked adorable. She also looked very confident, cheerful, and much more comfortable since she could now sit with her right knee bent. Judy showed Scotty how to use the lift, and he got Lori on the bus and her wheelchair secured. Scotty then said, "Can I chauffeur you beautiful ladies today? I've driven everything from jeeps to Abrams tanks, so a little bus like this is nothing." Judy gladly let Scotty drive, and she sat in the back with the rest of us to talk.
 
 
As we were on our way to the China House for lunch, Lori was very chatty and excited about her appointment this afternoon. The prospect of having two legs and two hands once again made her feel really good about her recovery. Lori then began to explain what Ben had planned for her spine.
 
 
"Ben wants me to wear my halo CTLSO for a while longer as I learn to walk with my prosthetic leg and KAFO. I have actually grown to love wearing it, and I feel comforted and safe by its constant, tight embrace. Then, he wants me to wear a brace that is sort of like the one Kathy is wearing for fun. He theorizes that because my muscles are so weak, the constant traction will quickly straighten my spine. I think that Kathy's brace is cool; I'm looking forward to wearing one like it, but not looking forward to getting four more pins placed in my halo ring."
 
 
"When my spine is straight, or at least as straight as possible, Ben will have me wear a cast to over correct my curves, then I'll have to wear a brace like Lydia wore at her wedding-a Kuehnegger brace. I'll wear this brace while my spine stabilizes, and then I'll wear a Milwaukee brace like all you girls wear—likely for the rest of my life. I think I will quite enjoy it all, and Scotty says I'll look sexy in my cast and braces; I have to agree."
 
 
Scotty turned red with Lori's final comment.
 
 
"I also have a consultation with Joe in a couple weeks to finalize my orthodontic treatment plan. He stopped by to see me several times at rehab, but he needs to get scans of my teeth to make his final determination. All he said was that I would be in full bands with several appliances inside my mouth and something called 'extra-oral traction'. I was always jealous of girls with braces when I was a teenager; they looked so cool. Now, I'm finally getting them—bands like everyone wore back then, too, just like you all wear now."
 
 
Just as Lori finished telling her story, Scotty pulled into the parking lot at the restaurant. He helped Judy and Rebekah down the steps, then used the lift to get Lori and me to the ground. Lori led the way inside, looking very confident and poised in her wheelchair and braces. She sure is taking all this in stride, and she even seems to enjoy it. Lori is an amazing and inspiring woman!
 
 
We enjoyed our lunch and attracted quite a bit of attention, as usual. Lori seems to like people looking at her, and when she notices someone staring, she warmly smiles at them, but she doesn't let her crooked teeth show. She even likes to strike up conversations with strangers and talk about her situation. After our meal, we got on the bus and headed to Rogers and Jameson Orthotics and Prosthetics.
 
 
When we went inside, Ben and Pat were chatting with Collene. I asked where Terry and Jackie were, and Ben said they were with Kathy and Lydia. Lori asked why Terry hadn't come along to see Pat get his new legs, and he replied, "At this point, a new set of legs is nothing. It will be the same for you someday, Lori. A new hand or leg will be something you get every few years as technology improves. However, there's a learning curve when you get a new prosthetic; something is always a bit different."
 
 
Billy heard us talking and called for us to come to the fitting room, where all the prosthetic limbs were laid out on a table. There was a woman sitting with her back to us, typing on a computer connected to Lori's leg. Upon hearing us enter, she stood up, and Billy said, "This is Gertie. She represents the company that made your prosthetics and will assist with setting them up. They are new models that we have never worked with before, so Gertie is here to help us out." Gertie warmly greeted us with a thick German accent.
 
 
Pat would be getting his new legs fitted first today, so Lori could see how they were worn. He was walking today and wearing loafers and trousers, which he removed. We all got a good laugh when we saw his pink boxers with red hearts. Pat has a great sense of humor. Pat sat in a wheelchair that Billy had brought him and asked Lori to come closer; he wanted her to see how he took off his legs.
 
 
Pat removed his right leg, explaining how to release the prosthetic from his stump. Then he removed the silicone sleeve from his stump, exposing his bare leg that ended just above where his knee had once been. He then allowed Lori to release his left leg, and she helped him remove it and the silicone liner from his stump.
 
 
Billy then handed Pat new liners that he applied to his stumps, with Lori and Scotty intently watching. He explained how it is important that they fit snugly and have no wrinkles in them. Then Gertie handed him his left leg. He put his shoe on the foot and placed the socket on his stump, then repeated the process on the right. With the brakes set on the wheelchair, Pat carefully stood up, firmly seating his stumps in their new carbon fiber sockets. He told Lori that it is important that her stump is fully seated or there is a chance of her leg falling off, which he said from experience is very embarrassing.
 
 
Pat then walked around the room effortlessly, but Gertie asked him to come over to the computer. She plugged it into each of his legs and made some minor changes to the programming. Pat then walked around again, and he even jogged down the hallway. Gertie, Billy, and Gary were satisfied with Pat's new legs, and so was he.
 
 
Now it was on to Lori's leg, but Ben wanted to do a quick examination of Lori's right leg first. Scotty and Billy helped her up onto the table, and Scotty removed her KAFO. Ben then did some neurological and strength tests. Lori's hips were strong; however, the rest of her right leg is very weak, and she has little control over her muscles but has fairly good feeling, especially in her foot. Ben said that between that and the strength in her hips, she would be walking in no time. Scott then helped her put her KAFO back on, and Gertie handed Scotty Lori's leg and silicone liner.
 
 
Scott, with Pat's assistance, put the liner on what is left of Lori's stump. Then, her prosthetic leg was fitted, and Billy and Scotty helped Lori stand and seat her stump in the clear plastic socket. Lori asked, "Billy, why is my socket clear plastic instead of carbon fiber like Pat's?" Billy explained, "It's so we can see how the socket fits you, plus the material is far less expensive. You will need several sockets made until your stump stabilizes, then I'll make you one like Pat's."
 
 
Lori sat back down in her wheelchair, and Gertie had her wheel over to the parallel bars. She stood up, taking hold of one bar, with Billy behind her and Scotty in front. She took several small, halting steps, and Gertie told her to stop. She brought over the computer and modified the programming of Loris' leg, then had her take a few more steps. Gertie was satisfied and said the final programming would be done at the rehab center. Scotty was overjoyed to see his wife walk again, and he hugged her, bumping his head on her halo ring as they kissed and shed tears of joy.
 
 
Lori then returned to her wheelchair and wheeled over to get her MyoHand fitted. This prosthetic simply slipped onto her arm and over her elbow, allowing the electrodes to make direct contact with her skin. Gertie and Billy checked the fit, and Gertie turned the device on and plugged in the computer. She asked Lori to try to open and close her non-existent hand as she typed on the computer. Then she asked Lori to rotate her wrist while more settings were made. Finally, Gertie unplugged the computer and told Lori to try to open and close her hand. Her new hand moved with jerky motions, but Lori did have control over it. Again, Gertie said the final programming would be done at rehab when Lori learns how to use her prosthetics.
 
 
Lori pulled a stocking and shoe from her bag that matched what she was wearing on her right leg and asked Scotty to put them on her prosthetic leg. Her prosthetic leg had the profile of a normal leg, especially when covered with the stocking. Lori wheeled over to the mirror and said, "Wow! I look normal again, with two legs and two hands. This is wonderful!"
 
 
Lori, Scott, and Pat thanked everyone for their work today, and Pat and Ben went on their way to pick up Jackie and Terry to head home. The rest of us got loaded up in the little bus and headed to the park. Lori wanted to be seen as a complete woman for the first time in almost a year.
 

Ch. 153 – A Cast, Bands, and Wires

 
Well, this morning everyone was up early and at my place for breakfast. After we ate, everyone was off to start their day. However, Joel stayed behind to apply Shelly's cast, and then he would drive Scotty and Lori home in the little bus. He needed to take it to the shop anyway since it is getting a new interior and paint job. Joel is converting our little bus into a para transit limo bus. It should only take a few days; everything is already prepared for the conversion.

 
After everyone went off to work, Joel was anxious to get Shelly into her cast and be on his way. Scotty and Lori went to pack their things, and the rest of us headed to the cast room. On the way, Shelly went out to her car and then came crutching in on neon green crutches with her left foot bare; her nails matched her crutches. The wear on the tips of her crutches and her skill on them proved that Shelly had been using them, and she said, "I think I broke my leg, and I need a cast so it can heal." We laughed, and Shelly crutched into our cast room.

 
Once there, she removed her rather short overall skirt, and Joel helped her up onto the casting table. He asked the usual questions, and Shelly's reply was, "Yes, Joel, a full leg cast on my left leg; neon green to match my nails with black stockinette. I want my ankle at ninety degrees and my knee bent enough so I can drive my car. Please make it go as high as possible on my thigh, and I want a toe plate so my toes are protected, too." For someone who has never worn a cast, Shelly knows all about them. Joel replied, "Very well, Shelly. Let's get you into your first cast ever!"

 
Joel got to work, and he soon had Shelly's leg encased in bright, neon green fiberglass. As her cast cured, she simply laid back on the table in silence, enjoying the warmth and immobilization. After Joel cleaned up the cast room, he said, "OK, Shelly, your cast should be fully cured. You can test its immobilization and get up and see what it's like to crutch around wearing a big leg cast like that," as he offered his hand to help her stand up.

 
Once standing, Shelly crutched around the room and said, "Oh, this is wonderful. Thank you both so much! This is my first cast, and it feels great. George knows of my interest in casts, and I can't wait to see the look on his face when he gets home tonight; he doesn't know I'm doing this. This is going to be so much fun. Thanks again, my friends." Joel then helped Shelly put on her skirt, and we went to have another cup of coffee.

 
By this time, Lori and Scott were packed up, and they joined us for coffee. Shelly got up and modeled her cast for them, and she looked great, especially with the high wedge sandal on her right foot. Lori told her how cute her cast was and that she hoped it would be greatly enjoyed. I think the girls wanted to talk more about casts, but Lori has her orthodontic appointment, so she, Scotty, and Joel went on their way.

 
Shelly and I then chatted for a little while, and she asked if I wanted to go shopping with her today; she wanted to be seen in her cast. I graciously declined, saying it would be too hard for her to deal with my wheelchair, and my arm cast was still not hard enough for me to use my platform crutch. Shelly understood and said maybe some other day. We went to her room, and I placed her suitcase on my lap. She crutched, and I wheeled out to her car. I placed her bag in the trunk, and then Shelly leaned over and hugged me, thanking me for everything. I watched Shelly maneuver into the driver's seat, which was a challenge for her in her long leg cast. Finally, she was seated and comfortable for the drive back to town, and we said goodbye.

 
After lunch, I got a text from Lori that read, "Hi Leigh. My spacers are in, and boy, are they uncomfortable. At least, with all the gaps between my teeth, I only needed eight of them. Joe showed me the appliances that I will have placed in my mouth later in the week, and I don't know how they will fit in there. I guess they will, since you and the other girls have similar appliances in your mouths. I am so happy that I am on the road to having my old smile back, though it will take many years." I replied that I am very happy for her and can't wait to see her with her metallic smile in just a few more days.

 
Those few more days are finally upon us. The 'kids', as we call them, Jimmy and Judy, came by for breakfast as usual this morning. I was going into the office with Judy this morning for my contract work, so I dressed a bit nicer than usual. I decided to do my thing and look like an arm amputee by wearing my sling under my sweater with my empty sleeve rolled up. I'm sure that will get me some attention today. It got to be time to go, and Joel helped me into Judy's car and put my small power chair in the trunk.
 
 
On the way to the office, all Judy could talk about was what was happening after work—we're visiting the orthodontist's office. Not only will we get to see Lori with her new braces, we are also getting our new surgical splints to wear just for fun. With their bright colors and large size, there will be no way to hide the fact that we are wearing them. It will also be the first time Judy has had her jaw wired shut for more than just overnight. I made a similar deal with Judy about our splints as I did with Emme about her cast; I would wear my splint and be wired shut for as long as Judy was, but it would only be a few days.

 
My day at the office went great, and it was a lot of fun with my two presentations going very well. I got many questions about my arm and pulled up my sweater to show people the large plaster cast that renders my left arm useless. Around noon, I got a call from Blakely, and she is very excited about her visit. She told me that she has several things to show us that relate to her orthodontic work. I told her that Judy and I were getting new orthodontic splints to wear and our jaws would be wired shut when she arrived, which caused her more excitement.

 
When I met Judy at her car to head to the orthodontist, she was very animated and talkative. She asked me many questions about what living with a wired jaw is like, and I gave her hints on how to make life easier. However, I warned her it could be very difficult, and if it was too much, we could remove her wires and splint. The questions kept coming, and I was looking forward to her getting wired shut; maybe that would quiet her down a bit.
 
 
When we got to Dr. Joe's office, we were greeted by Sally in her well-worn Minerva cast. She said she was still enjoying her cast and was going to get a Minerva CTLSO brace to wear when her cast came off. We were led to the room that Lori was in; she had requested that we be brought in when we arrived. Lori was in the chair, with a small pillow between her neck and the back uprights of her halo brace, with Joe holding a large orthodontic appliance in his hand.
 
 
"This is your functional regulator, Lori. You need to wear it for at least twelve hours a day; at night is probably the easiest. The other 12 hours, you will wear your lip bumpers. Your functional regulator clips onto the bands that secure your expanders. Until you are better able to use your left hand, I don't think you will be able to remove it on your own, but you should be able to place it yourself. Be careful with not being able to remove it; you won't be able to speak clearly, if at all, while wearing it. Why don't you place it in your mouth now, Lori?"

 
Joe raised the chair, and we could now get a good look at Lori's braces. She smiled and said hi, and we returned the greeting. Lori's teeth were almost entirely covered in metal, just like mine, with extremely wide bands. As she spoke to Joe with a very heavy lisp, I could see the expanders inside her mouth—big, bulky ones like mine. Finally, she took the large removable appliance from Joe and placed it in her mouth; it clicked in place, and the bulky appliance puffed out her lips and cheeks. Her front teeth were parted, and she could not bring her lips together. Joe asked if it felt OK, and Lori smiled and gave a thumbs up.

 
"Come over here, Scott. Let me show you how to remove Lori's appliance and place her lip bumpers," Joe said to Scotty. Scotty approached his newly braced wife, and Joe showed him how to remove her appliance and lip bumpers, which looked really cool. They have thick bows that are wavy across the front, with purple plastic covering the heavy wire. Scotty placed the devices into the tubes on Lori's bands, and Joe asked if they felt OK. Lori replied in her new, lispy voice, "These things feel really strange, and I must look like I'm pouting; I can feel them pushing my lips out. Please give me a mirror so I can see my new smile." Joe hands Lori a mirror, which she grasped with her MyoHand and held in front of her.
 
 
"Wow! I look great with braces, like I knew I would. Thanks so much, Joe. I know it will take many years, but I am so excited knowing I'm on the road to getting my old smile back." Joe said he is pleased that she is so happy with her new braces and explained that her functional regulator and lip bumpers are only temporary; she will get headgear when she is out of her halo. With Lori's procedure complete, we all congratulated her on her new smile, and Judy and I each gave her a big hug. It's great seeing Lori so happy, especially with her cute, metallic smile.
 

Lori then carefully got up from the dental chair all on her own and sat down next to Scotty. Joe said, "OK, Leigh and Judy, which of you is up next? I understand you want to not only have the fit of your new splints checked, but you both want your jaws wired shut, too." Judy replied, "Yes, sir. That is what we want; it will be so much fun. Leigh, would you go first so I can see what is going to happen in my mouth? I'm a bit nervous." I said, of course, and wheeled over and transferred to the dental chair with Scott, Lori, and Judy intently watching as I removed my interlandi headgear and twin facebows.

 
Joe changed his gloves, and Mary brought over the tray with the necessary tools and supplies, along with my splint. It's neon pink with purple swirls and a large oval opening between my front teeth, just like Rose and Jose have. Joe reclined my chair, then gently placed the large splint into my mouth. Mary then handed him loops of wire that had been previously prepared, and the splint was wired to my upper archwire in four places. Then my upper and lower arches were wired together, firmly clamping my jaw closed around my large, bulky splint. The job was done in minutes, and Mary handed me a mirror as Joe raised my chair.

 
Judy excitedly asked, "So what's it like, Leigh? Does it feel good? I know you love having your jaw wired shut, and I know I will, too." I tried to reply, but couldn't really speak clearly and simply gave a thumbs up as Lori did with her large appliance in her mouth. I transferred back to my wheelchair, turned to Judy, and said, "Ur uh, Ooey! (You're up, Judy!)" Judy stood and quickly crutched to the chair as I wheeled over to Lori.  She took a very close look at my splint and wires, which were in clear view since I could no longer bring my lips together.
 
 
Once in the chair, Judy removed her headgear; we can't wear it when wired shut. Joe repeated the process of splinting and wiring Judy's jaw with her neon green splint. She winced several times as the wires were being twisted tight, but Joe was soon done. The chair was raised, and Judy looked so cute with all the brightly colored plastic between her teeth and her wires and bands sparkling in the light. With great difficulty, she spoke, and I think she said, "Oh, this is wonderful. No wonder you enjoy this, Leigh. This is so much more intense than just being wired shut without a splint like I was that night. Wait until Jimmy sees me like this. He doesn't know I'm having this done, but I know he'll love it."
 
 
Judy then looked at herself in the mirror and was quite pleased with how she looked with her splint and wires. Lori asked her to come over so she could take a close look and said that we would definitely get a lot of attention when we went out. Lori then turned to Scotty and said, "Please remove my lip bumpers and put in my functional regulator. I want to have a mouthful like Leigh and Judy. We all should go for a walk in the park, too. I need to get my mile of walking in for the day." Scott removed her lip bumpers and placed the large appliance in Lori's mouth.

 
We all thanked Joe, Mary, and Sally and were on our way to walk, crutch, or roll through the nearby park. Lori and Judy couldn't be happier, and Judy is very excited to show Blake her splint and wires this weekend.