Home didn't feel like home to Mr. Joseph. As they pulled into the driveway it started to hit him hard. He'd always unbuckled his seat belt as soon as the car hit the dirt road leading to the house. Out of habit he reached to unbuckle and he quickly realized that it was an impossible task. He couldn't unbuckle the seat belt or even open the car door. His heart sunk and it was all over his face. Mrs. Joseph knew this was going to be tough on both of them but she was ready for the task.
She helped him out of the car the first time. She knew he was scared and didn't want any visitors but some of the ranchers were working that morning. 2 of them rushed over to see if they could help in any way. Mr. Joseph was abusive to them and shouted for them to get away. They understood his reaction and as he requested they got back to work. The shock of seeing their boss armless though was difficult for them to shake. They work those pastures that the same panther that attacks him lives and hunts prey. They too were worried that one of them could be next.
His care became Mrs. Joseph's main job. Bandage changes and doctor visits consumed almost all of her time for the next 6 weeks. Other than one infection though, everything healed beautifully. It was around the last week in August that Mr. Joseph left the house to walk around his ranch. He wasn't confident enough to go alone so one of the ranch hands he was close with was called to go with him.
Christie was a hard worker and knew more about cows than anyone Mr. Joseph had ever met. She was raised on a cattle ranch in Texas and knew the Angus breed well. She also knew her way around farm equipment. She was truly an asset. This was her first time seeing him post attack though and the shock on her face when she saw him the first time was something she couldn't hide. No bandages on his remaining arms, scars were visible and he had on a tank top type shirt. She could see everything and she wasn't prepared for it.
Mr. Joseph told Christie that it was OK for her to be shocked. He said he still sees his reflection and the shock of his appearance makes him lock into a stare at himself. After a few awkward moments they started their walk up to the hay barn. Christie was like a mother hen. She was afraid he would fall and not be able to brace himself but soon she relaxed and followed his lead. She still couldn't stop staring at what just a month ago was a big, strong, hard working man. He's lost 50 pounds and looks gaunt in the face. She was worried but didn't mention it. So much was going on and so many changes. She just put that in the back of her mind. She wondered to herself how much arms would way then changed the subject to the cattle herd.
Christie talked but he wasn't listening. All Mr. Joseph knew was her felt so helpless. As he looked around he tried to hold back tears as he slowly realized that there wasn't anything he could do to be productive in the barn or even on the ranch. He tried to hide the tears but Christie saw them as they started to stream down his cheeks. She walked up close and gave him an easy hug. 'I will do anything I can to help you recover and get past this' then she wiped his tear soaked face off. She was still in shock seeing the once strong independent man standing in front of her armless.
He asked her to take him back to the house. He wanted to rest and the doctors had given him medications to help with his depression. He wanted some of those right now. He wanted a full bottle of them so he could just end it all right now but without hands, he has to depend on his wife to give them to him. She would never allow him to take his own life.
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Panther Attack - 1 Year Later
General FictionA local man who was attacked in the early morning of July 13, 2021 survived but was horrifically injured. His life as he knew it is over but he remained hopeful. This is where he is now and how his life has changed.
