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On the road to recovery
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 George Kraus For one of the few times in the past 25 years Kraus did not conduct an Easter church service. Still it may have been the most thrilling Easter of Kraus’ life. Kraus attended a service in his church for the first time since being injured in a car accident Feb. 1 near Alicel. “It was so wonderful. It was special for everybody,’’ said Kraus, who is wheelchair-bound and will remain so for several more months. Kraus sustained serious fractures of both his legs in his winter accident and was flown to Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. OHSU doctors operated on both legs within the first 48 hours of Kraus’s arrival. Kraus underwent a third operation three weeks later on his more badly injured left leg. Surgeons could not work on Kraus’ left leg a second time until late February. “It was crushed. The doctors had to wait three weeks for the swelling to come down before they could operate on it again ,’’ Kraus said. To date Kraus, who was flown back to the Grande Ronde Valley March 19, is recovering right on schedule. “So far the doctors are pleased,’’ he said. Kraus’ accident took place on Highway 82 and was caused by ice and snow that pushed his vehicle into a lane with oncoming traffic. A car with one passenger hit him. “I’m very thankful the two people in the other vehicle were not hurt,’’ said Kraus, who was driving alone. Kraus and his wife, Holly, have lived in Elgin 1 1/2 years. They moved to Elgin from Mololla where they lived two years. Before that the Krauses had lived in Nez Perce, Idaho, for 12 1/2 years. George Kraus has served as a minister for all but two of the past 25 years. Kraus was in Portland a total of six weeks, spending time at OHSU and a care center. Letter carriers became familiar with his unusual last name during this time, delivering at least 50 cards and letters. “Having a stack of cards and get well wishes to look at really meant a lot while I was lying in a hospital bed,’’ Kraus said. He was touched by the outreach. “This community is very, very loving,’’ Kraus said. He noted that he received cards and letters not only from Elgin but from many people throughout the Grande Ronde Valley and beyond. Kraus said he wants people to know how much he has appreciated everyone’s prayers and support. “It has been very encouraging during the toughest times. I am truly blessed.” |
