Steve "Tiny" Michaels Wyatt

Everyone loves Tiny, I see the comments, the outpouring of thoughts and prayers. Let's give Tiny some hope that he could use more than anything RIGHT NOW! Late June, early July complications from diabetes resulted in our friend Tiny, losing his left leg, just above the knee. There is a long road ahead: healing, learning to get around, complicated by a second floor apartment (he needs to move out of), rising medical care expenses, and job loss. I did the math and IF each Facebook 'friend's gave $10-bucks (be honest, we spend that on coffee every week) -we can get Tiny enough cash to get him moved to a safe, first floor, ada accessible apartment, a running vehicle and a head start on Bill's since he has been hospitalized  & now undergoing EXTENSIVE rehab. We will keep you updated on progress - this from Tiny's July 4th FB post: Ok, an update. First of all, I'm humbled and honored by the outpouring of good wishes over my recent turns of events health wise. I appreciate them all.

For those that don't know, or just got part of the story, I'll backtrack slightly and note that over the last ten years or so, I've been hospitalized now four times with issues related to blood clots, poor circulation and diabetes. Each time, the damage done has been more widespread and cumulative.

That all came to a head over the last couple of weeks, culminating in events of last Friday evening. After Nathan Lynn helped repair my tire (for which he is just now being properly thanked) I found myself physically unable to return to my home. Instead, I took a trip to the ER, where I was promptly whisked to Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Severe infection, elevated heart rate, poor circulation and lack of oxygen to my extremities, as well as massive clotting in both legs and the usual diabetic demons, caused the medical team here to make a decision to amputate my left leg above the knee. That took place Monday afternoon.

Yes, there is discomfort. But I actually feel better now, then I did a week ago. And I believe that moving forward, I have been freed to make a full and complete recovery, as opposed to limping along (no pun intended) with equipment that was no longer viable, and actually held me back.

I remain in good spirits, having shed various maladies and rid myself of the various poisons that had built up over the last 10 years. I know there will be major challenges in the future, but look forward to tackling them with the opportunity for a clean slate going forward.

I can't tell you how important my friends and family have been in the last few days and will continue to be. Whether you chimed in gently, or inserted yourself passionately, you are all appreciated. Special thanks to Shelly Barton, Jodi Hamilton and a gamut of other friends who have stepped up in a moment's notice to provide help and assistance in the straightening away of some things so that I don't have to worry about them. The visits from friends, including Jim Tighe, who inspires above and beyond his role as deacon. Seeing Dave Turpchinoff and Woody Zimmerman were long overdue treats.

I can't say I'm going to face this unflinchingly, I flinched several times in the last few days and will continue to. But with the blessings of friends and family, I expect to come out on the other side stronger, if not bigger and better.

 I will keep everyone posted. Thanks so much.