Since February when he suffered a spinal cord injury Ernest was a resident of the Clinton County Care and Rehabilitation Center.

That spinal cord injury significantly impaired Ernest’s ability to perform even the most basic tasks. When he was admitted in February he was essentially bedridden. Ernest had minimal ability to move both his arms and legs.

A fall resulted in a broken neck, and broke his nose as well.

To make matters worse his injury also caused him to have great discomfort when he tried to swallow anything.

It was so bad that he was in danger of choking on anything he ate.

With all of his problems the likelihood of him ever being able to live on his own again was very low.

That idea was hard for Ernie to accept as he had been a healthy and active farmer prior to the accident.

Understandably he was depressed by this news.

However, Ernest never asked for pity or bemoaned the injustice of his situation.

Rather than feeling sorry for himself he resolved to work diligently with the rehabilitation team in order to return to his life, his home.

He knew it wouldn’t be easy, that there would be a lot of painful work ahead, and he was right.

After a long and difficult journey Ernest is making progress toward his goal.

As a result of the therapy at the Clinton County Care and Rehabilitation and his own dedication determination and all around hard work he is now able to sit up in a chair most of the day.

He can walk with help and can use a power wheelchair.

Ernest is able to eat some solid food now, for the first time since his accident. He was able to return home this summer to live with his son Wayne.

His spirit is remarkable. If you ask him how he has achieved so much he will tell you it was his family, his friends and the help of the Lord.

His sister Ida Holt nominated him as her hero with the letter, and wanted to tell his friends something else as well.

“I would also like to thank all the people who prayed from him and say by God bless you.”