Posted on 01/06/2005 12:12:33 AM PST by oceanperch
Newport man's zest for life transcends physical limitations By Terry Dillman Of the News-Times Chris Langley, center, and his mother Joanne are surrounded by the canine members of their "extended family." The yellow Labrador Retrievers - raised and trained by Joanne - serve as "wheelchair assistants" for 25-year-old Chris. (Photo by Terry Dillman) Live every day to its fullest.
Christopher Gene Langley's simple motto for living might sound a little threadbare to some folks, especially those for whom life seems like a never-ending struggle for existence.
But to wheelchair-bound Chris - for whom life is literally an everyday struggle to survive - it clearly expresses his exuberance, fascination, and intense involvement in the world around him, from his own backyard to the farthest reaches of the world.
Langley's struggle began May 23, 1979, when unforeseen circumstances led to his stillbirth.
Doctors resuscitated him, but the trauma induced physical complications and limitations that he and his mother Jo have dealt with ever since, and must face - together - for the remainder of his life.
Since 1979, 25-year-old Chris has endured countless surgeries and other medical interventions.
Twice he has "passed on" and been brought back, and the specter of death always lurks nearby. Daily life features what have become "routine" procedures integral to his physical health, and his bedroom bristles with medical equipment, supplies, and medications vital to keeping his body functioning.
"If it's medically able to sustain him, we go for it," said Jo.
She is her son's primary caregiver - a round-the-clock effort - backed by a team of doctors, physical therapists, and other specialists, with assistance from folks like Bridget Stenroos, a high school friend of Chris. Stenroos, who is attending nursing school,
Newport News-Times: Newport man's zest for life transcends physical limitations Address:http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2005/01/05/community/community01.txt
Since we first met with Terry Dillman we have had more extraordinary life happenings, a semi truck went through our property and landed withen feet from taking out our home one 3 sides, the Nov. election, other folks needs and now a world event the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
I must say I was nervous about my son sharing his story with the media but this article does not miss a beat in relaying the feelings and thoughts my son via me wanted to have in print.
Terri if you have the time and can lurk "THANK YOU" for your abilities to capture what we tried to communicate to the community.
Newport News-Times: Newport man's zest for life transcends physical limitations
Address:http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2005/01/05/community/community01.txt
Wow.
Check this out.
It is a good thing. Vanity.
I hope it helps others as it is intended and has lifted King Vanity's spirits.
Much time and effort was put into this by the journalist.
Hope it breeds more hope.
He got it.
Terri, reality is in the mind...but you know that already.
Thanks for the ping & for sharing your story with us. So much love eminates from your story!
Thanks tons.
Sounds wonderful.
Way to go, Jo and Chris!
BUMP!
God bless you both! And God bless this very skilled and talented reporter as well.
Full story at link and it started out as a Doggie story.
Exactly, hence wanting to have her support team print this out for her defense.
I am grieved that I cannot fight for her outside of Prayer.
The threads sometimes fill me with the wrong spirit. So I just stay away and read the updates.
But we truly pray for a comrad/Teri.
Thanks for the ping and for sharing. God Bless
God bless you and your son!
Yes things worked out and the "reporter" nor KV and Me had a clue.
OK I know I am lousy at my politcal posts but I will take this moment to yell "RE VOTE FOR GOV. IN WASHINGTON"
$750,000 it cost my PNW nieghbors to cough up over a 48 vote lead, and it was the (D) who requested add on votes.
Chris Langley is my new HERO
What an utterly awesome story !
Thank you so much for posting this article.
God Bless Chris and Jo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God bless you dear Ocean Perch - and God bless our newly famous Freeper, Chris! How wonderful for you both, and how amazing is Love...
I am humbled by this example of Christ.
I don't think any of us who don't live with the constant day to day struggle to survive can appreciate the strength it takes to do that.
I've always been in awe of you and King Vanity. You both are an inspiration to the world.
May God continue to provide that strength, and may He ease your day to day path with His love.
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