I have experienced a lot of Trauma in my life

Mark Hamilton, hope you are okay. So sorry for your loss. I have experienced a lot of trauma in my life as well.

When I was 19, my daughter was born just two days before my accident. I was on a motorcycle going to see her after work, and a lady driving a Bronco turned in front of me. My left arm and leg below the knee were ripped off me.

I had a pint of blood left in me, and instantly felt peace with everything. I know that if you are truly happy and have internal strength, a person can overcome the odds. No one thought I would make the flight to Rochester, Minnesota.

I used to lower my heart rate before each surgery and wake up during it. I also chased the pain out of my leg, mother of necessity I call it. I can also reduce the pain in my arm by releasing endorphins into it, and I can see the smallest detail in a situation and figure it out.

I worked hard labor for 20-some years, 14 of them with one arm and one leg. I could out-work the people around me in five hours. Not bragging, just being factual.

I rebuilt alternators for a company and came up with an alternator that kicked ass. Of course my boss is a neocheater and took credit. He also kept me over a barrel, as did the state with my insurance.

Anyway, I just helped design my new arm, a $112,000 electric arm. We made 8 sockets and I changed the way it works. You can not see me move to operate the hand and elbow.

I walk two miles a week and lift weights. Thought you should know who I am. Take great care, Mark.

Oh, and my great-great-grandpa lived to 103, and I had a grandma who lived to 94 and raised me until I was 5. I am Irish.

Allen J