Well today was a absolute 9-3/4!!!! Jess arrived this morning at 6 a.m. after an overnight flight from Los Angeles. As her mom mentioned in a comment, she refused to stay overnight in Los Angeles and fly through New York. She told Qantas she wanted to fly straight from LA to Tampa as soon as possible. I picked her up at the airport and we waited a few hours before going to Mark's room.
He was very happy to see her. It was the start of a good day. We got on the bus with the other soldiers and one retired Navy commander who are also patients on Mark's unit and headed to see the Yankees. Mark was so glad to be off the hospital grounds and out for the day. He had a burger and fries and ice cream. He never even dozed off once and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The Yankee management were very nice. We all had wonderful seats by third base and in a small park, could see everything perfectly. We were each given a very nice Yankee cap. I know those of you in Cleveland are probably groaning about now, but it was a really great day.
We were all exhausted when we got back. Mark was very tired, but he didn't want to go to bed until he saw Jess again. She had been up for 48 hours and jet lagged, but just finally went to sleep.
One of the nice things that also occurred today, was the wonderful outpouring of thanks and compliments Mark and the other soldiers received from the people at the game. Countless strangers came up to the fellows and expressed their thanks and best wishes for recovery. It was very special and the guys really appreciated the comments. It was definitely an exceptional day.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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3 comments:
While I never considered myself to be a particularly emotional person, I must confess that your blog has on a few occasions now, brought tears. I am so very happy that Mark is progressing as well as he is and also very pleased that Jess is with him once again. What a change she must see in Mark!
As for the Yankees, everyone need competition and it's nice to have a Yankee cap. Ask LBJ!
Keep up the good progress Mark and enjoy Jess' visit.
Ted & Marilyn Neale
I'm so happy to hear that Jess made it in ok and I'm sure Marks just thrilled! And to see the Yankees? What a bonus!!!
I'm so proud of you Mark. So are the junior enlisted Soldiers here in Commanche land. Their teaching their young Soldiers about you and your drive to succeed. Their trying their very best to emulate you, to pass the torch and train the Soldiers the way you would expect them to be trained as crewchiefs. Know that your memory is living on in everyone in 3/4, as we are ensuring these young new troops know of your legacy. We love you Mark. Keep it up! :) SGT Amy Koblos
Happy to hear all went well at the ballpark...Oh yeah, you didn't say who won. lol....It's ok, trust me. Have great visit with that girl that flew half way around the world to see you! Not many guys can say that about a friend. Keep on making strides with the repair work. See you soon.
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