Clay’s Story: Finding Strength, Faith, and Forward Motion
For Clay Parrish, 2024 was a year of unexpected challenges—but also a year of profound growth, perspective, and faith. After a below-knee amputation in April, Clay became a New Hope Prosthetics & Orthotics patient in October and has been on a steady path of progress ever since. His journey has been marked by emotional milestones, honest reflection, and a determination to move forward—one step at a time.
Working with his practitioner, Paul, Clay began learning how to navigate the world with a prosthetic limb. “Trying to describe what I’m feeling when I put the socket on has been a challenge,” he said. “It’s strange, because I still have all the nerves that were in my leg. I still feel like I have my leg that’s not there anymore. But Paul has worked with me to figure it out, and it’s been a great partnership.”
One of the most memorable moments of his journey came right before the holidays. “When we first started in October, I was kind of concerned about whether we’d be able to get my prosthetic by the end of the year,” Clay said. “But I got it the Friday before Christmas. It felt like a really cool Christmas gift. Never thought I’d be saying all I want for Christmas is a leg—but here I am.”
It marked the first time in nearly eight months Clay was able to visit other people’s homes. “I hadn’t been to anyone’s house since everything happened,” he said. “I was in a wheelchair and just didn’t think it was worth the hassle. But on Christmas Day, I got to go to my sister’s house, and then my in-laws'. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t perfect, but I did it. That was a big deal.”
From there, progress came gradually but meaningfully. “It’s been one milestone after another. Getting into my truck on my own. Climbing stairs. Going back to work in person. You look back and realize how far you’ve come.”
One of his biggest goals now is to get back on the golf course. “Golf has always been a big part of my life—it’s kind of my therapy. I haven’t played a round yet, but I’ve been hitting the driving range. My swing’s a little off, but I’m getting there,” he laughed.
When asked about his proudest moment, Clay didn’t hesitate. “There are a few,” he said. “I’m a youth pastor, and the first time I stood up behind the pulpit and preached again was amazing. Just being able to walk back into a church service and sit in the pew—not in a wheelchair—was a victory. And being able to stand up and hug my wife for the first time after everything… that one, I won’t forget.”
Clay’s journey has been deeply shaped by his faith. “My faith was a massive part of my recovery,” he shared. “Without it, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it the way I have. I’ve been blessed with a support system—family, friends, church, coworkers, and even the caregivers I’ve had along the way. Not everyone can say that, and I don’t take it for granted.”
He also believes in the power of humor. “I’ve always had a pretty strong sense of humor,” he said. “That hasn’t changed. I make jokes about my situation, not to downplay it, but because you can’t pretend it didn’t happen. It helps the people around me feel more comfortable, too.”
Clay offered heartfelt advice to others facing limb loss. “Stay positive. Look forward. It’s easy to fall into the 'what ifs' and get overwhelmed. But you have to focus on what you can control and make things better from there. There has to be something bigger than yourself that drives you.”
When reflecting on how this journey has changed him, Clay said, “It’s made me appreciate things more. I don’t take things for granted like I used to. Time with family and friends, the small victories—those mean more now. It helps you get past the surface and realize what really matters.”
Limb loss is only one part of Clay’s story—not the definition of it. “Being an amputee doesn’t define me,” he said. “It’s a part of who I am now, and it’s changed my life, sure. But I’m still me.”