Life goes on for wounded deputy and wife

Return to work unknown

MOSES LAKE - Five days a week, Earl Romig faithfully puts in his time at physical therapy, seven months after he was seriously wounded in a hunting mishap.

Romig, 27, hasn't been able to work as a deputy at the Grant County Sheriff's Office since January.

That's when he was shot in the back with a high-powered 30-06 hunting rifle. The incident happened while he was coyote hunting during his off-duty hours.

Robbie Joe Marcher, 38, of Moses Lake, stands trial in September on charges of third-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to summon assistance after the shooting.

Marcher reportedly told detectives he thought he shot at a coyote and didn't return to see what he hit.

Throughout the past seven months, Romig's life changed dramatically. Instead of knowing his future, questions remain.

But his sick leave time runs out this month and talks are ongoing about his return to work, Romig said.

In the meantime, Romig attends physical therapy at Moses Lake Sports Physical Therapy. Twice a week he also works out in a pool as part of his recovery.

When he was shot, the bullet tore through his back and exited through his stomach, causing internal injuries and nerve damage to his right leg.

During a recent physical therapy session, Romig's physical therapist Erin Lewis stretched his Achilles' tendon. Trauma caused the tendon to tighten, she said. Deep heat was also applied to loosen the tendon.

"We're still making small and gradual gains with his legs," Lewis said.

She said Romig came in using a walker and in some instances, he can now walk without a cane.

Other patients talked to Romig as Lewis worked with him, calling out greetings and asking about his wife, Tami. She was across town at the hospital visiting a friend who just had a baby.

Since the shooting, the young couple settled into a routine of sorts.

Tami is able to work from home and stays by Earl's side during his recovery. They're able to spend 24 hours a day together and she said that's "one part we're very blessed to have."

Earl and Tami wed recently after two ceremonies this year.

The first ceremony took place for a small audience of family and close friends at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The second wedding was a larger gathering of about 580 people and eight bridesmaids in Moses Lake in June. Tami sang Shania Twain's "From this Moment On." The couple wrote their own wedding vows.

Tami, 20, said the second ceremony was emotional because Earl walked the whole way down the aisle. There was also less stress, as the couple didn't have to worry about moving and coming home from Seattle, she said.

Over the months, Earl's pain decreased "a lot," but his knee is still numb, he said. He'll also have "drop foot," forever, which means he has difficulty lifting the front part of his foot, according to the Mayo Clinic Web site. A brace keeps his foot in place.

He's still unable to walk without the assistance of a crutch and experienced severe atrophy of the muscles, Tami said.

He said he's slowed down considerably, but has done some biking and swimming.

Earl said his attitude about life changed after he was shot.

Everyday problems were put in perspective. "None of that seems to matter anymore," he said. "Life is good if you're up and walking."

Tami also spoke about the unfairness of what happened.

"This isn't a poor decision he made," she said. "It's a poor decision someone else made."

The couple tries not to let the situation affect them too much, she said. And friends and community members have also helped during this difficult time. Co-workers donated some of their days to his balance and community members came together earlier this year to raise money for his medical costs.

Their priorities changed both positively and negatively. Their plans to buy a home were put on hold because they're still battling medical bills, she said. But they spend a lot of time with their parents and best friends.

"You don't sweat the small stuff anymore," Tami added. "We make it a point to always tell everyone we love them and laugh a lot. We really treasure them a lot more now."