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Bob Woodruff Returns
February 27, 2007 6:35 PM
Below is an extended transcript of Charlie and Bob's conversation that aired on tonight's broadcast:
Gibson: I am delighted to say that Bob Woodruff is back at “World News” on this set with which he is very familiar. It has been a long 13 months. I’m curious, what this does to you inside? We’ve seen the manifestations outside, how does it change you inside?
Woodruff: Well, I think I’ve got a lot more love for my family, my kids, no question about it. It’s been great for me to just, over this time to recover the way that I have and then be able to come back and be a journalist again. For me, I have to tell you that is very, very happy.
Gibson: I’ve had friends who have had very close calls with death. And they say ‘I keep saying to myself, why was I allowed to live? Is there something I need to do, is there something different now?’ Do you feel that?
Woodruff: Well, I still don’t understand it, to tell you the truth. I don’t know how those rocks went through my neck, came up near the artery on the other side and stopped one millimeter from it and I still lived. Why these other ones hit my nose and didn’t go through my eyes, other ones went into my cheek. Why I didn’t die from this, smashed my shoulder on the back, it didn’t go through my heart.
Why that happened, I don’t know. To this day, I don’t know why this has become such a miracle for me. (At left, Bob's skull, with debris lodged into his neck, from a CT scan.)
Gibson: Does it change your faith?
Woodruff: In some ways, it definitely does. I had this moment right
after this happened where I could see my body sort of flowing right
below me, floating around, in a whiteness. Now I don’t know what it
was, but it was something that was there for a minute. And then I woke
up and I could see what was happening after that. I don’t know what it
means but it certainly makes me feel better and I really do have a
feel…less fear…
Gibson: I was very curious to hear you say that to Diane [Sawyer], this morning, ‘I have less of a fear of death.’ I don’t know how you explain that to people. How you convey that?
Woodruff: I don’t know, I think a part of it, Charlie, is when you go through something like this and you do survive it, then you realize, ‘Ok, I went through the worst parts of it.’ And also when you’re in a coma for 36 days, and you can’t wake up, and you don’t feel anything negative about it while you’re asleep, it’s not such a bad thing.
Gibson: I’m curious watching you go back and meet soldiers and marines, going through what you went through, and I’m curious what’s in your mind, what you’re thinking. I see you greet them, I see you with them but I don’t know what’s going on in your mind.
Woodruff: Well, I feel like I know them pretty deeply. And to go to see
not only the soldiers and the marines that have been injured but also
their family their wives, their husbands, their mothers, their sons,
their daughters. And to see them, you just feel so tight with them. It
just has completely has converted me in terms of what I want to know
about what’s happening to those who have been injured in this war
because we [are] learning more and more how many there have been in
this war and how different this is from previous wars.
Gibson: But I would think there’s also a frustration, ‘I wish I could do for you in terms of getting a recovery what doctors did for me.’
Woodruff: There’s no question I’m filled with guilt. I feel guilty having come back as much as I have for various reasons. Who knows why? Some have turned out worse. Some of them have done better than me. And you know how long I’ll have to rehabilitate over time is still difficult. But to see so many that have gone through this and suffer through this, it makes me a little bit guilty about it but I also just want o help them as much I can.
Gibson: Lowest moment in all this?
Woodruff: I think waking up and the moment when I first saw my wife for
all that time and seeing my children and realizing what I had done to
my family. That I blamed my self for I put them through because I saw
the kind of pain they went through all those days. I had no idea it had
happened until I woke up. And over the time, when I was able to learn
about what I had done to them by doing this, by being in that position
and getting hit, and I feel guilty about that. Even though I don’t
think there was anything intentional.
Gibson: So that’s part of the survivor guilt, but it’s another kind of guilt laid on to it.
Woodruff: I think that’s right, think that’s true.
Gibson: But why? They don’t blame you…
Woodruff: Well you know it’s sort of hard to say. I think my wife got used to me leaving the house and going out on stories and being away for large periods of time. And now during this time I’ve been able to spend more time with my family which has been wonderful, but I think she’s ready to get me out of the house again.
Gibson: I asked about the lowest point in all of this, what’s the highest point?
Woodruff: The highest point is seeing everybody around me. I mean my
friends coming back. My brothers, my 3 brothers coming back and
spending time off in their lives. My wife’s sisters and all of my other
friends from my town where I lived and people from around the country.
Lived in so many different cities, because we’ve moved so many times in
this business. And to see them again and to see what they can do in a
situation like this has just been absolutely wonderful. (At right, with cameraman Doug Vogt.)
Gibson: And the bonds are tighter?
Woodruff: I would say so. Certainly my relationship with my children especially is very…and I’m more in love with my wife than I even was before which I’m not sure that was really possible.
Gibson: It is, as I said, very good to have you back and you have made it a good day for us.
Woodruff: Thanks, Charlie
February 27, 2007 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (130)
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It was wonderful seeing Bob Woodruff on Tv again
and we have said many prayers for him & his family
during the past months. God bless them all.
The Pettit's
Belmont North Carolina
Posted by: Maxine Pettit | Feb 27, 2007 7:14:36 PM
Mr. Woodruff, first of all I would like to thank you for going into such dangerous areas of life and allowing those of us who sit in the comforts of our home to have a glimpse of that life. As a reporter you wouldn't have the training that our military goes through. I believe that takes such courageous strength to take that responsibility. I believe that your heart is full of compassion and feeling the need to help those that you met. Your family seems to be the very example of what life is trully about.....to help and care for those in need. You have proven that you are a courageous individual by the responsibilities you held. Please do not feel guilt for needing the help of others at some point in your life. Please don't feel unworthy. We all have made mistakes in our lives. That is what life is all about......to grow and learn. I believe if we recognize our mistakes, ask for forgiveness and the wisdom to overcome that it will be answered. You have seen our young men up close and the everyday problems and concerns that they have overseas and when they come home. Try not to be overwhelmed by any responsibility you feel you have. Take one day at a time. Its impossible to try and look at the whole picture of what you would like to do. God bless you and your family and once again.........thank you.
Posted by: Helen Foster | Feb 27, 2007 7:59:18 PM
Bob Woodruff's near death experience was remarkable for me. I was deeply struck by the words he used to describe his feelings or encountering. One thing is certain to me that death is not something horrible to go through. Maybe the whiteness scenes are a domain we call it heaven. I'm still amazed by the miracle which happened to Mr. Woodruff. Thank God.
Posted by: Victor Lam | Feb 27, 2007 8:33:49 PM
My son suffered a TBI in 2000. Since his injury I have become very active in the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi. Brain Injury is an epidemic in this country, and is virtually ignored. We have no funding and no facilities to provide care for people like my son. Although he is functional, he has no short-term memory and requires constant care. Facilities that are adequate are so expensive, 1,400 to 1,800 per day - 9-10,000K per month. Now who in the world can afford that care for their loved one. Please Bob, continue your pursuit for national attention for TBI. If you are asking yourself why this happened to you, you might consider that all of us that have gone before you are joyfull that you are speaking out about brain injury. Thank you - this is what we have waited for.
Mary Lou Matthews
Posted by: Mary Lou Matthews | Feb 27, 2007 8:43:29 PM
Welcome back. We have missed you. I wish you and your family the best. I saw your family and you on the ABC today. It was so great to see your beautiful smile. May I say, that I could see your love for your family in your eyes and your smile.
Keep the great work on getting back to your anchor spot. God speed. Again welcome back to ABC
you were missed.
Posted by: Kim hopping | Feb 27, 2007 8:48:15 PM
Welcome back Bob.
Posted by: Jax | Feb 27, 2007 9:01:45 PM
Wonderful story of successful recovery on Bob Woodruff's part. Charlie just reported that the Veterans' Administration is now going to investigate returning soldiers who have brain injuries suffered in combat. I was successful many years ago in convincing the VA to acknowledge my father's brain injury being caused by a blow to his head when he was shot down out of a B-17. It made a difference in the amount of disability pay he would receive for the rest of his life throughout a series of 4 strokes. I can relate so intimately what it is like to watch a loved one go through the recovery process, but Bob is one of the very lucky ones to survive. My father did not. Many people never have the opportunity to be heard when their loved ones are injured as a result of combat. Fortunately, I was and now hopefully the situation will improve with Bob's courageous story.
Posted by: Barbara Davis Treadwell | Feb 27, 2007 9:02:05 PM
Hi,
I am so glad to see that Bob is O.K. I watched Oprah today and the interview with Charlie Gibson. My father was hit by a drunk driver when I was 12. I remember my mom explaining the situation to myself and my sister. All of the steps of recovery with Bob brought back memories of my Dad. I am so happy for Bob - the human brain is truly an amazing organ.
Connie
Posted by: Connie | Feb 27, 2007 9:43:49 PM
Glad he is OK! I wished you would have done a story of the thousands injured and dead while fighting in the military. Bob was ther eby choice...the troops are not.
Posted by: Ralph | Feb 27, 2007 10:14:46 PM
Bob -
You are a true american hero. There have been thousands not as lucky as you. Please help to remember these Soldiers and Marines, as they recover or as their families grieve their heroism. My heart is heavy with the thought of our country trying to help these people, who are willing to hand their country to insurgents. Thanks for your very poignet, heartfelt, and heroic struggle being documented for all of us to share. I have a brother there now, in the United States Marine Corp's.
David Nix
Simpsonville, SC
Posted by: David Nix | Feb 27, 2007 10:31:25 PM
Bob, Your an mircale!!!! Your family and friends are the greatest!!!! Please let this Republican Admistration know and undserstand what is STILL going on for NO!!!!!!, reason!!! No one's son, husband, child, or the innocint(MY Spelling Sucks)
people of Iraq are going though JUST, for OIL! God Bless All of you Your Family, Lynn, and you woderful kids!! Again God Bless!! You Keep up the fight for the injured soilders because no-one elese will!! Not our Gov.,Let's look at New Orelens,Etc. They Just Want Oil!!!!
Posted by: jacquie | Feb 27, 2007 10:41:11 PM
I just began watching Bob Woodruff's report. I cried to see so many young men in such bad shape from injuries from which most will never recover.What good is great care on the battlefield when such poor care is available back in the USA. How could Bush and Cheney do this? What were they thinking when they rushed to war. Bush's parents should be ashamed of his service to this country. I can't wait until his time is up.Thank you Bob, for showing us what we can't see.
Posted by: Jan Woodson | Feb 27, 2007 10:51:36 PM
Good evening.
Never before have I written in response to a telvesion program; however, I feel compelled to do so at this time due mostly in part by Mr. Bob Woodrow's experience in Iraq. It is heart wrenching to watch and I feel appalled that I, an American, have not become more involved in the intricacies that are far reaching with this war. I am aware of the brave men and women that have gone to fight and defend the freedom that I enjoy everyday; however, after watching this telecast I am not proud of the media. They have bomarded us with tivial news items of Anna Nicole Smith, but why haven't we been bomarded with the news of the devastation of all the YOUNG courageous men/women that are returning injured and their lives forever altered? What kind of society are we living in that the media believes that it is far more important to tell us over and over in microbotic detail about the custody battle of baby Smith? I am really angry and I would really like to have an answer. I would like to give a collosal THANK YOU TO MR. WOODROW, ABC FOR SHARING THIS STORY WITH AMERICA AND THE MEN AND WOMEN RECOVERING FROM THIS WAR. Most importanly, I would like to thank the men and women still, so far away from home...battling for my safety and my freedom.
Posted by: celeste marrero | Feb 27, 2007 10:53:27 PM
Bob, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you for your work on the TBI segment. I am a senior therapist at the most highly regarded rehabilitation institute in the country, specializing in brain injury for 5 years now. It is about time that someone share the stories of our heroes and their plights with TBI as the general public has been sheilded better than our soldiers on the ground when it comes to understanding the aftermath these young men and women are fighting. Whether it be visual field deficits, aphasias, hemiplegies, dysphagia, ataxia, apraxia- the list goes on and on- these are challenges that our men and women will be confronted with for years and decades to come. Few people know the repercussions, fewer people understand how to treat them. I certainly do agree that there is a great disconnect between what is portrayed on TV and through our government and what the numbers REALLY look like. Regardless if it is the severe TBI or most mild form that goes undiagnosed, every degree in between deserves attention- COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION that is properly covered by our government in order for people with TBI to have a chance at regaining independence.
Your segment will hopefully shed light on this staggering phenomenon, which will enable more opportunities for treatment and research. Thank you, thank you for your insight and I wish you and all of our recovering soldiers and persons with brain injury continued hope and perseverance. Very Sincerely, Lori B.
Posted by: Lori | Feb 27, 2007 10:58:54 PM
Thank You, ABC and Bob Woodruff, For bringing this important issue of TBI into our homes. I am watching Bob right now on his special Iraq and Back. I have to say i have used a whole box of kleenex,I am going for the second one now. I have cried so much that i am going to volunteer to help at the nearest Brain Injury Facility i can find,Welcome Home Bob!Good Job! Warm Regards, Danita Moore, Lake Panasoffkee,Florida.
Posted by: Danita Matias-Moore | Feb 27, 2007 10:58:57 PM
My father served in the WW2 I was so moved by your story and would loved to help.
Please tell me how thanks
Posted by: Maureen | Feb 27, 2007 11:04:27 PM
Thank you for you strength and true spirit...
We must stop this madness and I thing you and your wife's report tonight will help.
Posted by: Bruce | Feb 27, 2007 11:04:37 PM
Thank you ABC for telling the truth about the numbers of injuries and the failure of our government to take care of our veterans! Keep it up!
Posted by: karen | Feb 27, 2007 11:05:13 PM
I cannot believe the reality of the quantity of brain injuries alone that were reported in “To Iraq and back.” Many people believe, as I do, that there are far more injuries received in the war in Iraq than what we see in reports. What most of us that believe this cannot believe, is that it took an injury like Bobs to get this news media agency to accurately report it. Nevertheless, I believe it is too little too late, now. I believe my faith in the media is now diminished
Posted by: Jeff Dubay | Feb 27, 2007 11:08:05 PM
Bob, Only thru you as an advocate for our wounded veterans, will they get the care that they deserve.
Please dont give up the fight for them.
God bless you for what you have brought to the attention of the american people.
Vern L. Collins
Central Village,CT
A Veterans Service Officer
Posted by: Vern Collins | Feb 27, 2007 11:08:12 PM
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