At My Purple Heart Ceremony, My Stepmother Swung a Folding Chair Into My Arm—Then My Father Looked Down Instead of Protecting Me

My arm took longer.

At five months, I could lift moderately again.

The surgeon showed me follow-up X-rays.

The bones were consolidating well.

The plates would likely remain unless they caused future problems.

Cold weather produced an ache.

The scar was faint.

Movement nearly full.