ST. LOUIS – Melissa and Nathan Franklin were high school sweethearts at Wentzville Holt. Eight years later, they were married.
But just six weeks after the wedding, Nathan suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling out of a golf cart. He went through four different brain surgeries.
And on Tuesday, less than 5 years later, he took his first steps since the injury.
“Nathan is definitely a miracle," Melissa said. "God has had his hand on him and Nathan just keeps progressing and we are just very thankful for that.”
Whitney Lance from DASA has been conducting the sometimes-grueling, hour-long workouts.
"She means a lot," Nathan said. "She pushes me hard every week.”
"We have all the materials we need," Whitney said, "we need to just need to relearn. The sky is the limit with us.”
What about the next step?
“I want to walk on my own," Nathan said.
And does he think he can do it?
"Heck yeah."
On Tuesday, Nathan did it. The steps were so cautious, but they were his, and that’s what mattered.
Rehabbing in a fitness center is one thing, but walking hand and hand in the park with the love of her life is the dream for Melissa.
“Oh my God, it brings tears to my eyes right now," Melissa said. "I just get goosebumps thinking about it. It’s something I know will happen and we will let you know when it does happen.”
