20-year-old upbeat, optimistic in wake of paralyzing accident

'He is still Brian'

By KIMBERLY WATLEY, Special to Sauk Valley Media

Created: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 1:15 a.m. CDT

Updated: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 8:33 a.m. CDT

AMBOY – Brian DeArmitt’s return home was something to be thankful for in and of itself, said his mother, Julia.

Monday, 5 months to the day after a diving accident that left the 20-year-old a quadriplegic, Brian left the hospital.

Coming into town on state Route 52, he saw the words “Welcome home Brian” on the Shell gas station marquee. Then he was surprised with a police and fire truck escort, and with the dozens of friends and family members who lined the road to welcome the former Dixon youth to his new home in Amboy.

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20-year-old upbeat, optimistic in wake of paralyzing accident

'He is still Brian'

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On pensions, Bivins and GOP far apart

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