FREEEEDDDOOOOMM!!!! You should be yelling that, just as I have, like Mel Gibson when being drawn and... Ok you know what, that's a TERRIBLE image. Don't do that. Instead picture me, smiling and being happy as a clam at high tide that I've been discharged and I'm all moved into my new place here in Nebraska! I've got my printers up and running, and I'm shipping pipes again. WOOT!!

I got my first bill today. Oh. My. GOD. Thank God for Insurance. How much does the average house cost these days? No, like a really nice house. Yeah... Well, Antibiotics every 4 hours for almost 90 days, while being in-patient at a Long-term Critical Care facility... That'll do it!

Now begins the process of getting treatment to either fuse or replace one or both of my ankles. As it sits now, I am only able to walk unassisted SOME days. Say... 15% of the time. The other days/rest of the time I have to use my forearm crutches because it's still HORRENDOUSLY painful to walk.

I broke down bawling today because in unpacking my stuff I found my Ghillie Brogues. Brand new, never worn, and I bought them literally weeks before I was hospitalized. I just want to get back to playing the pipes, competing in solos, making people smile and being around my Scottish Musical Community. I'm 42 for God's sake, I'm hobbling around the house and it's so frustrating!

Anyway, I'm going to have to travel from my new home in Rural Western Nebraska (which I love, btw), to some bigger towns for treatment, and until sales/Disability kicks in, it's going to be rather difficult getting the funds necessary for my treatment and travel.

If you know someone that loves bagpipes and has always wanted to learn them, mine are the most affordable option on the web (that is playable, mind you - Amazon bagpipes are NOT playable), and I'm running a sale right now: 20% off everything sitewide. Use Promo Code "Freedom20" at checkout.

And finally, if you can spare a few bucks, or have already spared a few bucks, THANK YOU!!!

Things are going to get better, they already are, but it'll just take time. I'm saying that for me. HAHA!! My motivational plea for financial help.

You guys are the best, thank you all so much!

Cheers!

Dave