SAN ANTONIO -- The images were so dramatic, even experienced emergency room doctors were shocked at the sight.

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Victim Talks About Learning New Tasks

The computerized tomography scan images revealed a steel hook impaled in a man's left temple and through his right eye. The hook came within millimeters of striking Gail Creek in the brain while he was taking a bucket off a backhoe in December. The bucket turned over, hitting Creek in the face, followed by the hook.

Two months after the accident, Creek knows it's a miracle he's alive.

Although the hook severed both his optic nerves, leaving him blind, Creek has not lost hope that his remaining senses will help him relearn simple tasks, like how to walk to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"They've done a real good job at getting me ready," Creek said of the University Hospital physical therapists who are teaching him new tasks.

Creek admits physical therapy is tough, but having his wife, Barbara, makes all the difference for him.

"I couldn't do without her," Creek said.