intro

the new son

On New Year’s Day 2006, Spc. Evan Mettie was on patrol when a man blew himself up near the Humvee Mettie was in. The explosion knocked his helmet and goggles from his face and shrapnel lodged in the left side of his brain. At the Army hospital in Balad, Iraq, doctors weren’t sure they should revive him. For weeks they weren’t sure if he would live.

Now, after nearly two years in private rehab facilities across the country and another year at Yakima’s Garden Village, Evan’s family has finally brought him home.

His mother, Denise, quit her job when Evan was injured to become his full-time caretaker and advocate. It’s a role she’s kept even though Evan is now back in his hometown.

The struggles she’s faced here have been the same as those she’s faced away from home -- constantly making sure Evan’s needs are met, learning and applying new therapies, advocating for other soldiers and their families, and holding out hope that Evan will continue to heal and progress.

taking care

homecoming

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