OAKLEAF – It’s been nearly six months since Taj Richey, 18, lost his left leg and nearly his right after a car crash in September forever changed his life.

Richey’s left leg was amputated, and his right leg was saved after five surgeries. And while the recovery has been slow, he’s getting better every day. He attends physical therapy, completes schoolwork at home, and works physically and mentally to make a full recovery.

“I feel like I’m getting there day by day,” Richey said. “It’s about everything getting exact and getting where it needs to be.”

Richey understands the healing process isn’t quick. A big part of losing a leg is coming to terms with the fact that something you’ve had all your life simply isn’t there anymore. Richey remembers realizing his left leg was gone and thinking he was in a dream.

He said he doesn’t feel normal but he’s learning to accept his new life. Physical therapy has been a big part of that acceptance.

“It’s so much fun,” Richey said. “Even if I don’t get to walk that day because of adjustments we have to make [to his prosthetic leg], I still get to work and strengthen something,” Richey said. “My right leg still has a ways to go and we have to work on that as much everything else.”

Richey said the prosthetic feels good when it’s on, but can mentally test him often, especially when adjustments are needed. He can’t just walk or stand up when he wants to anymore. Coming to terms with that and learning how to walk with the new leg has been fun though, he said.

Richey’s friend, Keondre Moss, 16, died at the scene and another Oakleaf High classmate was seriously injured. Their car crashed over a grassy median and hit a tree on Oakleaf Village Parkway. Initial reports from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the boys may have been racing.

Other than the obvious losses involved with that day, Richey said his life continues to improve due to unique opportunities and the community support he’s received.

He hasn’t had the chance to help somebody through a similar situation, but he said others with prosthetic limbs have been great resources of support throughout the entire process. His biggest source of support has been his family.

“I’d accept him with no legs,” Richey’s mother, Stephanie Elder, said. “I’m happy he’s alive. We’ve all learned how to cope and come together to help with his needs.”

Elder said Richey and his 5-year-old sister have grown to be very close over the last few months. She’s always asking if he needs help and trying to make sure he’s OK at all times, Elder said.

“It’s very cute to watch as a parent,” Elder said.

Despite the positive outlook everyone has on the situation currently, Elder said it wasn’t easy at first.

“It’s rough to see your child who was born with two legs suddenly not have one of them,” Elder said. “It was almost like having two little kids again and it’s been life changing for everybody, but we’re all excited and rooting for him. I’m just glad he’s going to walk again.”

Richey said it’s important everyone sees him as a person, not as an amputee. He and his friends still hang out and he hasn’t had to slow down despite his situation.

“My friends, my family, everyone,” Richey said. “They help with anything and everything. Getting better for myself, for them...that’s been my main driving force.”

Elder said that watching Richey is inspiring. Every positive step forward is a step closer to things getting back to normal.

“He’s very strong and very positive,” Elder said. “It’s really changed his outlook in life, and it’s changed my outlook in life. I know he’s inspired people around him.

“At the end of the day, I’m proud of him because he’s not feeling sorry for himself. He’s working hard every day to get up and get back to living a normal life like everybody else, and I’m proud of him for that. So proud.”