WHY THE CANE?

A memoir reflects on the catastrophic accident that changed a man’s life forever.

In 1989, Lockwood was struck by a car careening out of control with such force it shattered his left leg, leaving it almost entirely severed. He was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital—part of the trip was made by helicopter—to endure a 12-hour surgery to execute an above-the-knee amputation, which ultimately didn't happen, but was the first of many operations. With lucid candor, the author depicts his “sudden immersion” in a medical crisis, explaining in meticulous detail his challenging journey from an initial six-week stay in the hospital to the rigors of physical rehabilitation. In addition, Lockwood describes, in admirably forthcoming terms, the considerable emotional toll the experience took on him and his family and the solace he sought in therapy: “Years later, I have a better understanding of the tremendous drain I experienced from my anger and sense of victimization. I was consumed by negative energy and a sense of helplessness.” Furthermore, the author supplies an instructive rendering of the practical fallout of what his family refers to as “the accident”— including an account of the complex legal landscape he was compelled to navigate. Lockwood’s remembrance is at first terrifying—the details of his accident are gruesome—and then inspiring. Eventually, he recovers enough to play tennis again and, with some limitations, resume the active life he always enjoyed. The author sensitively conveys his “first encounter as a victim” and the ways in which it not only challenged him, but also gave rise to a different perspective on life. This is a brief remembrance—under 100 pages, including personal photographs—and despite its clarity and intelligence, is likely to be best appreciated by Lockwood’s circle of loved ones and friends. But those who have suffered a comparable trauma will find both emotional encouragement and practical instruction.

This thoughtful recollection about an accident should help readers facing similar challenges.