A Call To Action
As she waited for someone to pick her up, Lisa began to formulate a plan. When she arrived home, Jake’s mother called to talk about the next steps. His mother cautiously asked Lisa what she’d like to do, giving her space to decide her path for the rest of her life. Lisa responded with the only answer she had. “I’ve packed a huge suitcase, I’ve quit my job and I’ll meet you in Bethesda.”
Lisa arrived at Bethesda, meeting his parents at the medevac; she expected to see Jake awake and recovering. However, Jake was nothing like what she had expected. While in Germany having surgery to save his other leg, he had contracted a blood infection. He lost his leg, his foot and had slipped into a coma.
Jake was in a coma for more than a month. Lisa never left his side, never waivered. Lisa stayed with his parents at the Fisher House, sharing tight quarters. She jokingly remembers, “His parents and I had only met and talked a few times. However, now we were living together for a month. It’s great way to get know your future in-laws.”
“It’s not like they show it in the movies, you just don’t wake up from a coma. It was a gradual process.” Lisa remembers. Everyday, she’d watch him improve; a little hand movement, a squeeze and then a nod. It wasn’t long after he gained full consciousness did the true recovery begin and their love story continue.
