No Quitter

When my husband Bob’s grandfather, Andy Schulenberg, was 14 years old, he was involved in a hunting accident that severely injured his leg. Things were different back then, and medicine wasn’t as advanced as it is today. While 1920 wasn’t exactly the dark ages, doctors have learned much more about saving limbs since then. Maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference, but maybe the years could have changed things. Unfortunately, Grandpa’s leg didn’t recover, and after battling multiple infections, likely gangrene, it became clear that to save his life, they would have to amputate the leg.

After the accident and subsequent amputation, Grandpa spent 14 months in the hospital. That’s a long time for anyone, but for a 14-year-old boy, it must have felt like forever. He missed a year of school, and all the fun things kids his age were doing. He also missed helping his parents with chores, which is something that might not seem like a loss, but when boredom sets in, you would definitely rather work on the farm than lie in bed…for hours!! Television was still in its infancy, far from perfected, so his entertainment came from visitors and books. Not exactly thrilling, especially since many boys aren’t keen on reading. Thankfully, his family rallied around him, sending postcard letters that he eagerly awaited. Mail delivery became a highlight, and he devoured every word, even if the writers didn’t always choose them perfectly. It was his lifeline to the outside world.

Grandpa was fitted with a wooden peg leg, and it was going to be a long journey learning to walk again. I never knew exactly how high the leg went, but I think it was probably mid-thigh. During this time, he showed incredible determination. He could have stayed in bed, giving up and letting others care for him, but he refused. Instead, he got up and worked tirelessly to regain his mobility. He knew life would never be quite the same, but he had things he wanted to do and was determined not to let this sideline him.

He eventually became the Sheriff of Rosebud County. You’d think he’d want nothing to do with guns after his accident and all that followed, but while he didn’t see much need for them in his law enforcement role, he could still handle one just fine. Serving from 1955 to 1972, he earned the nickname “the sheriff without a gun.” It’s hard to picture a sheriff pulling off the job, arrests and all, without carrying a firearm, but that’s exactly what he did. Whether guns bothered him or not I can’t say, but if they did, he never let it show. He was no quitter. He was a great sheriff, and an amazing person Today is the 120th anniversary of Grandpa’s birth. Happy birthday in Heaven, Grandpa Schulenberg!! We love and miss you very much.