Curated and directed by Heather Killebrew on wldwd.com
Wildwood began as a collection of pages and ideas and gradually became a complete publishing application. This is the story of building the platform, separating posts, stories and articles into distinct systems, refining the techn…
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Joey Montes
Joey Montes
Joey Montes
Joey Montes
5 articles in this editorial selection
My PTSD grew out of the trauma surrounding Dawne's death and what I endured trying to resuscitate her. I spent years wishing other people could understand what I had seen and experienced. Eventually, peace began when I stopped trying to make anyone else carry it with me and allowed one simple truth to be enough: I wish I had nev…
TLIF fusion is a major lumbar spine procedure, and preparation can make the experience easier to understand and manage. This guide explains what TLIF is, why preparation matters, how to get ready for surgery, what to expect in the hospital, and what the early stages of recovery may involve.
TLIF stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. This illustrated guide explains the L4-L5 procedure, including decompression, pedicle screws and rods, an interbody cage, bone graft, and the goal of creating a stable spinal fusion.
On August 4, 2026, I underwent a TLIF spinal fusion at L4-L5. This is a personal look at what the procedure involves, why surgeons use it, how fusion develops, and what recovery can look like after major lumbar spine surgery.
Conceptual portrait of Joey resting his crossed, gloved arms on a weathered wooden fence. He wears a brown work jacket over a dark hoodie, with short salt-and-pepper hair and a serious expression. Autumn woodland appears in the background.
Conceptual Wildwood Farms portrait of Joey wearing a weathered cap with a tree emblem and a brown work jacket, standing in front of a rustic farm building with a Wildwood Farms sign.
Conceptual portrait of Joey closely examining the needles of a green pine tree, wearing a brown work jacket and a silver wristwatch.
Conceptual portrait of Joey sitting on the tailgate of a pickup truck, holding a metal coffee mug, surrounded by young evergreen trees with a rustic farm building in the background.
Conceptual Wildwood Farms portrait of Joey wearing a plaid work shirt and leather gardening glove, resting his arm on a wooden tool handle beside young evergreen trees.
Conceptual close-up portrait of Joey beside a mature tree, wearing a black T-shirt, with short salt-and-pepper hair and a thoughtful expression. Warm sunlight filters through the foliage in the background.
Conceptual high-angle portrait of Joey standing on earthy woodland ground in a weathered brown field jacket, black shirt, jeans and work boots, looking directly toward the camera in warm autumn sunlight.
Conceptual Wildwood Farms portrait of Joey wearing a weathered brown work jacket and a tan baseball cap embroidered with a tree emblem. A red agricultural tractor appears in the background under warm autumn light.
Editorial stories, essays and observations from contributors.