Color in the Darkness - Fort Collins Rescue Mission

When Eddie lost his leg, he thought he’d lost everything—until Fort Collins Rescue Mission helped him find stability and a new beginning.

We all have 24 hours in a day, and it only takes one moment to change everything. For Eddie, it was a matter of 24 hours where he went from navigating life with two legs to one.

“It’s difficult enough being homeless; we sleep where we think is best, and at that time I slept in a drain. It was dry, but it was dirty, so, I caught a bacteria from a little scratch,” he recalled. “It was less than 24 hours that they amputated my big toe and then they said, ‘We have to amputate your leg, otherwise, you’re going to lose your life.'”

At an already challenging moment in his life, things got a whole lot harder, a whole lot quicker. And yet, anytime someone asks Eddie about the story of how he lost his leg, he shares it with a smile on his face.

“There has to be a reason that I’m still here. So, I don’t take things too seriously. You only have one life, and so make the best of it,” he explained. “I’m just grateful for all the people who have been on my path since then. Now more than ever, I appreciate life more.”

Prior to losing his leg, Eddie had been experiencing homelessness for over a year. He struggled to find a job, spent many cold nights on the streets and struggled to find adequate food.

“I saw people get their toes amputated because of the weather. And not because they told me, but because I saw it, which is a big difference,” he said. “But this place is a blessing, because they treat people really good, and I’m grateful I have a bed, clean sheets, blankets, and clothes.”

Eddie Now

Eddie is learning to navigate life with one leg—including how to make it to all his doctor’s appointments, what his income options are and is even getting fitted for a prosthetic leg to help his mobility. Through the overwhelm of it all, he is grateful that the Mission is there to support him.

“Now I can go to my appointments and that’s huge. They have helped me to see things from a different perspective and to know that I’m not alone,” he said. “Being by myself on the street was hard not having anyone to share my struggles with, so therefore I’m very grateful.”

Eddie’s positivity and gratitude for life are infectious. One outlet Eddie has always enjoyed is art, and Jessica, who leads weekly art nights as a volunteer, has helped him reconnect with that hobby.

“They have helped me to see things from a different perspective and to know that I’m not alone.”

-Eddie

“I used to be an artist, and I still consider myself one. I prefer oil paint, but I can do acrylic, watercolors, pastels, charcoal, pencils, and airbrush,” he shared. “I like to take art classes with Jessica because I’m learning and she’s a really talented teacher.”

Jessica shared, “It’s amazing to see the difference it makes in their lives, just by showing up every week and giving them a creative outlet.”

As Eddie looks back on the tough times he has experienced, he is still grateful because that all led him to the Mission—the place where he learned that there is still hope for him to create a brighter future for himself, one with color and opportunities.