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Injured Alberta soldier receives award

Last Updated: Friday, September 28, 2007 | 11:21 AM MT

CBC News

Soldier Paul Franklin, who lost both of his legs in a 2006 suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan, was awarded for his courage at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton on Thursday.

The award, presented by the Capital Health region, recognized Franklin's recovery from the explosion, which seriously injured two other soldiers and killed a Canadian diplomat.

Cpl. Paul Franklin has had a rough road to recovery since he was injured in Afghanistan in January, 2006.

Health care specialists who have worked with Franklin said his recovery has been remarkable, given the severity of his injuries.

Franklin, who has learned to walk again with two prosthetic legs, said he's proud to be recognized but admits it's been a tough road to recovery.

"Every day I didn't think I'd make it, every single day, I'd look in the mirror and cringe at the look of my body, my face, my legs, what was left of me," Franklin said.

"I would mourn for the loss of who I was and what I was and then I thought I could recover that. It is overwhelming sometimes but in the end I know I'm doing okay."

Franklin works half-days for the military. He has also set up a charity to help all amputees and gives motivational speeches to schools and health groups.

This story is now closed to commenting.

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