Part 19… Farmington, IL: our hometown.

It was exciting to be back to the people and places of my childhood. We were happy at our jobs. I became pregnant, we would soon be parents and normalcy would reign. One day Boyd received a letter from the Veteran Administration telling him to report to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, IA for evaluation on an abnormality in the bone of his leg and to set up getting his special built up brace and shoes.

He took a day off work and we drove the four hours to Iowa City. We spent our day sitting in uncomfortable plastic chairs only to be told that we should have gone to Hines Hospital in Chicago. We returned home. Boyd negotiated two more days off and we headed to Chicago, another three hour drive. At least I had an aunt so we could stay overnight to get everything done. Boyd got connected with Willie in orthotics, including his direct number and for the next thirty years Willie and Boyd worked together to supply Boyd shoes and brace. We, also, learned the abnormality in the leg was a pocket of osteomyelitis (bone infection) that was dormant. We were sent home with no advice concerning the leg.

Months later he had his first flare-up. He was skeptical that the VA could give him efficient treatment which would cause absenteeism that could have a negative effect. He discovered he qualified for medical care through Caterpillar. He decided to seek medical care locally. He found an excellent orthopedic surgeon to provide care. While he required surgery and antibiotics. He could go to work on crutches.  The treatment was successful.  The infection was under control. We were able to resume our happy life. A few months later our baby girl, Molly was born. Life was complete. Normalcy had returned.