“I’ve had diabetes since I was 31 and started taking insulin right away. I always knew it would eventually catch up with me—and here we are. My legs were amputated, and I lost an eye about a year ago. It’s not bad. I’ve gotten used to it.

I have artificial legs and was getting around on them, but arthritis in my hips and knees started flaring up. That’s when I got the wheelchair. I can move faster in it.

BRATS (Baldwin Regional Area Transit System) is a big deal for me—I couldn’t get around without it. It’s a blessing. But it’s hard scheduling everything around their routes and not being able to move when I want. I’m going to Sam’s tomorrow.

I’m staying with my brother now. We lost our mother about two years ago, and I miss her a lot. After she passed, I moved in with him down in Spanish Fort. We lost our dad when I was 18 and he was 12. I helped raise him then, and now he’s helping me.

I’m proud this hasn’t gotten me down. It’s just something I have to live with. I’m still independent. I don’t want to be bedridden. As long as I get up in the morning, I’m good.

You have to learn to live.”

Jerry