90-year-old El Paso amputee learns to love herself after suffering numerous setbacks

EL PASO, Texas -- 90-year old Davie Johnson is quite the inspiration. Eleven years ago, she had both of her legs amputated at the knees. Her life expectancy following the procedures?  Five years.

Fast forward 11 years and I'm interviewing her at the local YMCA, while she pedals away on a stationary bike.  She's a witty lady - chatting away with a big smile - and she's not even winded!  

"I was a dancer.  I danced all my life," Davie says.  "I would prefer to have my legs and enjoy being able to walk and dance.  But with my faith in God, I think I was just able to accept it and move forward."

Davie loves what she can do, and focuses on that.  She wakes at 5 a.m. every morning to eat breakfast, get ready for the day, and catch the Sun Metro bus to the gym. There, she works out, and chats with friends she's made over the years.

"We're like a family! When we don't show up and we haven't received a phone call we want to know why? Are they ok?" Davie explains.

Davie has a master's degree in nursing, and a master's in aging, as well as a degree in social work.  She currently teaches a fall prevention class for University Medical Center.

"I know what it's like to be down on the floor," Davie says. She's a vegetarian, drinks lots of water, and gives thanks for each new day - defying the odds, and pushing forward.

When asked how she feels about being an inspiration to others, she looked surprised.

"I suppose I've never thought of that," she said. "This is just a gift God has given me and if it helps anyone, I'm blessed and humble to do it."