Father tries to bounce back from broken ankle
"People don't realize how close to the edge they are until they fall over," said this husband and father of two young children.
He speaks from experience.
Last summer, the 28-year-old shattered his ankle. It happened when he jumped from a dock and struck a submerged floating log that had become lodged below the waterline.
Unable to work for 12 weeks, he lost his job as a welder.
"We have been struggling for the past three months. It's just been one nightmare after another," he said. "I've never been in this situation before."
He tried to return to work when he was able to get around in a mobile walking cast. He took a job at a call center, but continued to experience complications with his leg and was unable to hold on to the position.
The family's rent has fallen behind, he said. Keeping the power on in their home has been a struggle.
"Our car is about ready to break down. It's on its last leg. I'm just praying to God and crossing my fingers that it keeps going," he said.
His ankle is now healed, but he's having trouble finding work.
"Welding is such a physical job. I can walk and everything, but there are still some things I have a hard time doing," he said.
When he applies for work, he said he has to tell potential employers about his ankle which now has an 18-inch plate, screws and pins in it. He said it would be dishonest if he did not disclose his injury.
"Every time I tell people that, they just look at me like I'm a liability," he said. "I'll get back on my feet, but it's going to take time and getting there is a real struggle."
He said his greatest concern is providing for his wife and daughters, an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old.
There is no money to do anything for them for Christmas.
"The stress is unbelievable," he said.
With our readers' assistance, Press Christmas for All works to brighten the holidays for folks like this - people left jobless, homeless or who are barely making ends meet, individuals with disabilities or illnesses. Many are alone this holiday season.
Last year, our generous readers' donations allowed us to assist thousands of families in need.
Each day until Christmas, we will share the stories of those whose holiday memories will be a little happier because of Press Christmas for All.
Donations are collected, then distributed in the form of gift cards to Kootenai County residents in need.
Press Christmas for All is a holiday charity now in its 26th year. It is managed as a nonprofit by The Hagadone Corp. Because it is run by volunteers from The Hagadone Corp. and their partners at Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, every penny raised is distributed in the form of gift cards for Shopko and Super 1. The cards can be used to buy food and gifts but not alcohol or tobacco products. All contributions are tax deductible.
To donate, please send a check to:
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You can also call (208) 664-8176 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and donate by credit card.
Recent donors include:
Anonymous; Delores Griffin; Esther Alme, In Memory of husband Ebert; Donna Sijan; Doris Bartlett; Rhonda & Clifford Schlehuber; Harold Markiewicz, In honor of all our military now in harm's way; Dale & Tory Worley; Eleanor Smith; Jan Michels; Roger & Joyce Brockhoff; Jerrie & Kathy LeFevre; Vicki Garvin; Marcia Schneider & Robert Ferro; Nickie Odenthal; Keith & Susan Hill; Donald & Arlene Sausser; Bob & Darlene Sandau; Lowell & Grace Boughton; J. & H. Yuditsky; Doug & Ann Marie Rod; Jim & Mary Pattis; Richard Fedash; Al & Robin Near; Aloys Glose; Don Horne Family
Christmas for All
This year's goal: $225,000
Raised so far: $11,055
To date last year: $9,219.01
Still needed for goal: $213,945
Deadline looms
There are just three days left to apply for assistance from Press Christmas for All.
The deadline to submit an application is Monday by 5 p.m.
Applications are available during normal business hours Thursday, Friday and Monday at The Coeur d'Alene Press, 201 Second St., Coeur d'Alene, or Post Falls City Hall, 408 Spokane St., Post Falls.