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Wynonna, Cactus Moser: Accident Took Marriage 'From Honeymoon to Real Love'

Erika Goldring, FilmMagic

Wynonna says Aug. 18, 2012 was one of the worst days of her life. That was the day her husband, musician Cactus Moser, had a motorcycle accident which ultimately resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. As is true for country music fans, the notes, calls and prayers came flooding in, helping the newlywed couple get through those first harrowing days.

"The very first moments that I was in the hospital, there were messages coming in from fans," Cactus tells The Boot. "They were not these cordial, nice things, but very heartfelt, directly speaking to my heart. I spent many a teary moment reading them to Wy. I couldn't believe the true heart that people were sharing with me ... stories of healing and other amputees ... it was kind of overpowering, that outpouring of love."

"There were thousands of messages," adds Wynonna. "We were not prepared, as you never are, for something so powerful. There were people from the 1970s that we hadn't seen since we toured together, on up to the guy we met recently at Walgreen's and gave him a phone number for a good vet. It's unbelievable what you go through, and you need the support of people. We are still getting messages, and we are keeping everything in a big file because we want to address it as much as we can at some point."

When Cactus had the accident in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the couple canceled a show that was scheduled for that night. Wynonna says she sat on her bus for five days in silence.

"In that silence I was like, 'OK, God, I don't know why, but I know who. You are still in control. What does this mean?'"

The couple, who married in June, has since been taking it all one step at a time. Cactus was told he would be in rehab for three to four weeks, but he was out in eight days. Wynonna says they went from honeymoon to real love, real fast.

"I went from Wyonnna the singer to Wynonna the wife, the nurse, the cook, the driver. We're talking real down-in-the-trenches, hardcore stuff that you don't really think you're gonna have to go to [in a marriage]."

"I've watched what she's done for me and to me, to help me get into a shower and into the bathroom," Cactus explains. "I can't imagine being in that situation and going, 'This is who I love, but this is not how I saw him.' I have watched her be a gallant, amazing champion and wondered how I would have reacted if it were her."

"He was a maverick and then, the next thing I know, he's like a newborn, in that every two hours it was like, 'What can I do for you?' He taught me -- and I can't believe I'm saying this -- to be selfless. I'm so in a world that is selfish in terms of it's always about me -- Wynonnna Inc., Wy's next gig, Wy's on tour, it's all about Wy. All of a sudden I have my hair in a ponytail and I'm a wife. I didn't get applause, a standing ovation or an award. I was doing my duty as a wife. It was very strange at first, I have to admit. The rhinestones had to be hung up and I had to put on good stretchy clothing that was washable. It was very weird but it has taught me a lesson I needed to learn."

The lesson may not be over but the routine is getting to be more normal now that three months have passed since the accident. The couple is back in the studio and plan to finish Wynonna's new album very soon.

"We went back in a week-and-a-half ago," Cactus notes. "I'm ready to get back to work, whatever it takes. Put me on a padded seat and get me in there. We're making a brand-new record here! So, we're back in the studio with three or four songs to record. I'll be back playing drums beginning Nov. 26, when Wy starts her Christmas tour. She's been sweet enough to go, 'I trust he can do it.' Everybody who has been through this say it's the muscle between the ears that you have to work out to be OK."

As for the album, Wynonna has a warning: "I just want to say, I'm a confident woman who is 48, so all you baby boys run home to your mommies, because you're gonna be really scared. Mama is coming back, so step aside and let the woman through. I'm bringing sassy back."

A single is expected early next year, with the album to follow in May or June.

See Photos of Wy, Cactus & Other Country Newlyweds



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kaly.white

o very happy to see an update. As terrible an accident as it was, it seems that you have both grown. Cactus, how brave you are to so hard through the rehab and be back to work in such a short time. I am beautiful woman and I love good man…..inter racial romance is my dream… so I joined —blackwhitePlanet.С0M—–it's where to- connect with beautiful and excellent people! Wynonna how brave to admit what you have admiitted learning about yourself, especially being a public persona. What a tough way to test the strength of your brand new lives together, but it appears you have gotten through it. It was a tough way to learn it, and I was so upset for you both when I read the news.

November 14 2012 at 1:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
boslerhs

Still dislike Wynonna for having her dogs vocal cords cut for barkingl Maybe her vocal cords should be cut. How would she sing??????????? what goes around comes around.

November 13 2012 at 1:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
GOOD DAY MAR!

Wynonna, you are so beautiful inside and out. To have that kind of unconditional love is a once in a lifetime thing. Your husband is so blessed to have you who is there for him as a wife, best friend and helpmate. Spiritually and emotionally you two connect on so many levels that most of us never see in our lifetime. It takes real commitment and time to heal from this accident. When something like this happens, that is when you know if your mate is going to be there from start to finish. I found out the hard way when I was diagnosed with MS because he didn't want to believe that I was sick so I left and I'm dealing with it alone. In sickness and in health is suppose to be a part of marriage.

When my son was in an auto accident during college his right arm went through the windshield. A friend was driving the car with 4 boys in it. It was a dark rainy night and a truck was blocking the road when they topped a hill. My son was the only one hurt and had to be taken to another hospital that had surgeons who could deal with his type of injury. It took a year of driving 2 hours there and back 3 times a week for rehab and then plastic surgery for his arm. The college town they were heading to didn't have facilities for his surgery. They could only stabilize him and transfer him out. He severed the main artery and had an open wound for months. They had to wait for the swelling to go down before they could do surgery. The Dr didn't think he would have use of his arm but with lots of prayers and great surgeon he ended up with use of his arm again. I watched him go thru depression that broke my heart. It is hard to watch a loved one go thru that, especially my only child. As a nurse and mom I had to be strong for him. change dressings and drive him to appointments. After the year was up we returned to his surgeon who said he had been afraid to tell me after the accident that he doubted my son would ever have use of his arm. God did all that and my sons great health plus determination to getting well and this mom doing whatever I had to for him to heal. This is when you really find out who your friends are. The one main friend that stood by him is now his brother in law. My son has a beautiful wife and daughter.

I have followed you ever since you and your mom Naomi first started out. Your song Grandpa was a favorite in our house that our teens sang on Sunday morning in church. When that song came out I lost my grandpa and it helped heal my broken hear.t.

Cactus and Wynonna, you have a beautiful lifetime ahead of you. Sending healing prayers for Cactus and praying for patience as you continue to heal inside and out. May God continue blessing your family.

November 12 2012 at 7:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
princess

Congratulations to both of them for finding out (the hard way for sure) what real love, unconditional, not about you, love is all about. Staying together takes more than just words and love, it takes commitment.
My husband and I have a son who is 25 years old. Born with severe cerebral palsy and just recently had and operation to get the fluid out of his lungs. He had double pneumonia and a collapsed lung. He is now on a feeding tube and bedridden.
Also, years ago when my husband was 25 himself, he had cancer (we were married, and our son was 5) and then 7 years ago he had a brain injury overseas while in the military.
Nothing prepares you for the 'worst' but sometimes that is just what you 'need' to find out what your best is. Keep going Wy and Cactus. You have family, friends and fans who love you!

November 12 2012 at 2:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
GBeggin

That's a real love story.

November 12 2012 at 1:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Linda

Best wishes , and a speedy recovery/ healing to Cactus ......Hang in there Wy....
Love ya.

November 12 2012 at 12:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Patsy

Hi! I am really glad that she is finally living in the real world now but so sorry what brought this about. She finally admited that she was all about ( her ) and that is great and ( selfish ) so I am very happy for her. God works in strange ways but we all have lessons to learn and learning to care about others is a great start. God Bless You Wynonna and your family also.

November 11 2012 at 11:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
yellow_daisy

i'm loving my Wynonna. knowing that her biggest beauty, is well hidden in the depths of her heart. Moser is a very lucky man. girl has has a rough road. may their late in life love, bloom in the fields of christian country forever.

November 11 2012 at 9:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lovessports4ever

I want to wish Wynonna and Cactus well. Keep on getting well Cactus. God is with you.

November 11 2012 at 7:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vickinlouisville

Honestly I think it's very sad that he lost a leg, but this sounds like a country music song in the making. Just saying!!

November 11 2012 at 7:05 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply

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