After completing the first three weeks of 2012, our exuberance over our new year’s resolutions may be beginning to fade and we may feel the need for further motivation and inspiration in our continued attempt to make self-improvements. If the resolutions include incorporating more exercise into our lives, many may turn to pictures of washboard abs and other physically fit characteristics to stoke our enthusiasm to continue striving for a more active lifestyle.

The residents of Medicine Lodge are fortunate to have had a walking, talking, smiling, laughing, example of tenacity and perseverance moving amongst us who is an encouragement to all on how to keep on keeping on, Bob Smith.

Bob will turn 62 on March 27. In spite of the challenge of living with cerebral palsy, he has daily walked the streets of Medicine Lodge in cold weather and hot, greeting people with his slow friendly drawl.

On Friday, January 13, Bob was making one of his trips through downtown when he fell at the corner of Kansas and Main. The always-there knee pads didn’t help with this fall as his face made contact with the sidewalk.

Bob is now at Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. The injuries to his face are extensive. His jaw is wired shut and he now has a feeding tube. A trachea tube is in place to assist his breathing which is impeded by the many fractures in his face.

For those wanting to wish him a fast healing and a speedy recovery, cards of support may be sent to Via Christi St. Francis, Bob Smith, 929 N. Saint Francis St., Wichita, KS 67214-3821.

Determination and willpower is necessary to be successful in remaining true to our resolutions. Determination and willpower has fueled Bob’s walks all these many years and determination and willpower will see him through his recovery, assisted by the encouragement from his many friends.