ATLANTA-- Shane Ladner walks with a cane and a distinct limp, but doesn't want to talk about his injuries.
His only concern is for his wife, Meg, and her recovery after both survived a deadly accident in Midland, Texas last week when a train hit a parade float.
"I know what the diagnosis is for my back. I'm trying to take it slow, but I don't want to even think of treatment until I can talk to Meg and make sure she has everything she needs," said Ladner.
Ladner sat down with 11Alive's Duffie Dixon Saturday afternoon to talk for the first time about the accident and what it has been like for him since then.
"I tried to go home for a night, but it was hard. Everywhere I look there's something to remind me of Meg. I can't stay there without her," said Ladner.
Meg Ladner is in ICU at Atlanta Medical Center. Shane rarely leaves her side. She had her left leg amputated in the crash. Her other leg is broken in several places and her pelvis is crushed.
"I know she has a long road of recovery, but I intend to be there by her side for all of it. She's my best friend. It is hard. I haven't heard her voice since the night of the accident," said Ladner.
Right now, doctors have Meg heavily sedated, although at times Shane says she does squeeze his hand and make eye contact.
For now, Shane is content to keep watch over his wife at her bedside saying when she does wake up for good he wants to be the first thing she sees.
"I want her to know we're going to get through this together. That is my mission right now, to get Meg well," said Ladner.