Artist Loses Hands And Feet, Not Talent

Becky Guinn Hasn't Let Amputations Keep Her From Painting And Teaching

(CBS)  If there can be such a thing as a bright side to losing both your hands and feet, Becky Guinn has found it, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman reports in this week's Assignment America.

Becky is without a single finger left to wear her wedding ring. But the way she sees it, "most men only put the ring on once, David puts it on every morning."

"Her spirit has been unbelievable through this whole thing," her husband says.

It's especially unbelievable considering what she does for a living, and how she lost her limbs in the first place.

"This came so out of left field," Becky says.

Four years ago, this otherwise healthy, 59-year-old grandmother of four had a severe allergic reaction to a common blood-thinner called heparin.

"It clotted my blood rather than thinning my blood, and it filled the capillaries in my extremities. The effect was kind of like frostbite," Becky explains.

It was a blow that would have devastated most anyone — certainly any artist.

"When your wife is an artist; just the idea of losing your hands, it's tough," David says.

But amazingly, almost immediately after getting out of the hospital, Becky was able to use what arm she had left to sign her daughter's birthday card.

"That was a huge deal. It was kind of like a light coming on — like, OK, we're going to be able to do this," Becky says.

The second step was getting back to Valley High School in Valley, Ala., where Becky had been an art teacher. She showed up just six days after getting her prosthetics.

Later that year, when in English class the kids had to write a paper about their favorite hero, 60 percent picked Mrs. Guinn.

"Because she's so inspirational," one student says. "I got a lot of respect for her," another student adds. And another says "she's just a good all-around person."

"She's convinced that she needs to pour her life into these students," David says.

"I haven't studied this for 35 years to not share it," Becky adds.

Share it and do it. Today, four years after losing her hands, Becky has improved dramatically over that "Love, Mom" in the birthday card. She has been painting after the amputations. If anything, she may be better than ever.

"The work she's doing now, I just think it's the best she's ever done," David says.

[mlayton5]

She's a great inspiration. How can anyone feel sorry for themselves when they see what she has faced. I would like to have seen more about where her stregnth comes from. The story was way too short.
ML

[boogerbob2]

I knew Becky and David before the setback in 2003. They were already heros in my book. Many people talk about Faith but they live it. I will never forget visiting Becky in the hospital after the amputations. Though I dreaded to go I felt it was my duty to go try to cheer her up. Instead I was greated by a smile that lit up the room and a determined spirit to never give up. If this was the role the Lord had her to play she was not going to complain.
Thanks so much for sharing her story.

[paphar]

This is the most inspiring story anyone could ever see. I know her family is very proud of her. She is a blessing from God for sure. Yes the story was way too short.
PH

[alli1208]

As someone born with no arms or legs, Becky's story is a true inspiration. As difficult as it was for me to accept what I never had, I can't imagine the strength it has taken to move beyond
all that Becky lost. However, I do know what is gained in that loss. It's the privilege of being able to tell the world WHERE and from WHOM that strength is given.

Don't worry David and Becky. Even though this story stopped short of giving all of the praise and thanks to God, everyone who knows you or knows of you, is aware that your courage comes from the Lord!

May He continue to bless you and your family.

[asor1-2009]

Rather than send Becky a nice card, I need one FROM her, I am such a whiner about the least loss.
Thank you for this story, the world really needs it.

[patpm]

I too am honored to know Becky and I have taken inspiration from her ability to paint even without her 10 fingers. She taught me - a 58 year old woman - that a little arthritis should not keep me from my artwork either. Thanks to CBS for the short snippet, but really - way too short to really tell the world Becky's Story.

[patpm]

I too am honored to know Becky and I have taken inspiration from her ability to paint even without her 10 fingers. She taught me - a 58 year old woman - that a little arthritis should not keep me from my artwork either. Thanks to CBS for the short snippet, but really - way too short to really tell the world Becky's Story.

[karlpam]

Only God, through Christ, can give joy like David and Becky share. Only God gave hope when things looked so grim. I know, because I received numerous e-amils from David throughout the days of uncertainty and recovery. Emails expressing the pain, yet maximizing the hope. Believing when the Bible says that "All things work together for good, for those who love God..." is what gets them through this total life change. They are truly amazing people, exemplary people, who allow God's love to sustain them. May we all follow that path.

[lightnin38]

Karlpam,
It is possible to make it through an ordeal like this AND NOT BELIEVE in any god. If that belief is a crutch that some need to get through, then so be it. I did just fine, and am doing just fine without fingers or toes. Actually, my belief in no god was only strengthened by my crisis. Same results, different path...Oh yes, I continue to paint also.

[matt36854]

I know Becky from school i had her class right before she went off and had her surgery. and now she is a Inspiration to the whole city of Valley,Alabama.

[teacher2007-2009]

I just read the post from the woman without fingers and toes who said that her non-belief in God has been strengthened by her adversity. I couldn't help but notice the difference in her bitter tone and Becky's sweet acceptance.

[photonut5]

A loss like this would be a tragedy for anyone and certainly there are others who have suffered as much as Becky and even more. She doesn't ask for special attention or feel as if she deserves it and she is the first to say that she just did what anyone else would do in her situation.

I am often amazed that Becky's faith in God, not only survived this, but became stronger through it. It seems like the easiest thing to do would be to not believe in a god or to react in anger at the horible injustice of your circumstances. And who could blame anyone for feeling that way after so much suffering? The inspiration here doesn't come from what she lost, but what she held onto in spite of her crisis. Instead of looking at herself in pity, she selflessly looks to what she can still give. Somehow, the faith that provides such strength and determination seems like anything but a crutch. Besides, her faith didn't come with her handicap, it shined inspite of it. And it all just goes to show what a wonderfully positive and caring person she is, and has always been.