OKLAHOMA CITY -
John Waldenville was working security for Cattlemen's
Steakhouse in May 2011, when he was ambushed, robbed and shot in the head. He
survived that night and now, a little more than a year later, he's being
honored with the Integris Jim Thorpe Courage Award.
Waldenville, an Oklahoma County Sheriff's Deputy is
used to helping and protecting others. These days, though, he spends his time
helping himself.
"It's been tough," he said.
2/3/2012 Related Story: Trial Date Set For Man Accused In Shooting
Of Oklahoma County Major
Waldenville was working security at the restaurant
last May. He was walking a deposit to a nearby bank when he was ambushed and
shot in the head. Keonta Prince and Christopher Baker are charged with shooting
with intent to kill and armed robbery.
"After being shot, really to be honest with you, the
only thing I remember is waking up in the hospital," Waldenville said.
He woke up with a traumatic brain injury. He couldn't
walk or move his left shoulder. He lost his right eye when the bullet severed
his optic nerve. He also suffered jaw damage and hearing loss. But through it
all, he's remained positive.
6/25/2012
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Deputy
"I've always been a person to be challenged and take
that challenge and I'm glad that's how I grew up," Waldenville said. "All your
skills and everything you've learned through life, when you reach a traumatic
event like this, helps you."
Through surgery and physical, speech and occupational
therapies, Waldenville is regaining his life back, even described by his
therapists as a "walking miracle."
"Quitting is not an option," he said. "It's in all of
us, just dig deep inside and you'll find that strength and that motivation to
take that next step."
Waldenville said his motivation is to be able to do
all the things he did before and to once again help others.
6/16/2011 Related Story: Suspects Accused Of Shooting Oklahoma
County Deputy To Appear In Court
"I hope one day to become an advocate to others, and I
say that in such a positive way because it is a challenge."
A challenge he has faced head on with his wife
Marjorie.
"We've become truly best friends, very much best
friends," Marjorie said. "We've gotten so close."
"Having my wife here and having her support has just
been outstanding," Waldenville said. "Outstanding isn't even the word for it,
just don't know how I'd make it without her."
Integris
Jim Thorpe rehabilitation will honor Waldenville and other courage award
recipients at an event on Saturday, August 25.
7/15/2012
Related Story: OKC Woman Who Lost Her Limbs To Receive Courage Award
Through surgery and physical, speech and occupational therapies, John Waldenville is regaining his life back, even described by his therapists as a "walking miracle."
