Caring For Washington's Warriors Away From Home

Michelle was staying in a suburban Washington hotel when she went into labor, and soon found herself alone and crying at National Naval Medical Center until her mother-in-law arrived to hold her hand. Derrick didn't get there until after the babies did: He'd transferred to the naval hospital temporarily from Walter Reed to be near her.

It wasn't long thereafter that Derrick made the anguishing decision to have the amputation in hopes he'll be walking before the babies do.

Derrick's left leg was amputated below the knee and his right foot was fit with a plate and 12 screws to the heel. He can't put much weight on his prosthetic leg yet, but hopes to soon be walking and running. He says it's possible he may be able to pass a medical board to remain in the Army, and if so, he's open to the idea of remaining in the military.

When Michelle first learned of Fisher House, she was nervous about living in a house with other families. Since moving in, the Fords have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who have donated clothing and diapers. They feel blessed to be in a house where everyone pitches in with baby-sitting and cooking.

Nibbling on a sandwich in the kitchen at Fisher House, Michelle recalled the September day her twins were born, and her husband was wheeled into her hospital room, as she held their new son. She said her husband cried when he saw Dennis for the first time. Then the two went together to see their daughter in the neonatal intensive care unit.

"He was very upset. He said, 'I wanted to be there,'" Michelle said. "But it all worked out in the end."

(Edit:Ruby)