Wednesday, August 13, 2008

We have had a very busy few days. Mark's friend PJ and his dad have visited each day and on Monday, we had a little "hurry back" dinner for Jess. We invited our entire Fisher House family and really enjoyed the evening. The boys even taught AJ how to eat whipped cream from a can, much to his delight!!!!

Mark was given Tuesday morning off from therapy so he could come with me to take Jess to the airport for her long trip back. We were able to check her in and enjoy a nice breakfast together. It was hard to say good bye but we know she will be back shortly. We heard from her today that she had arrived safely after a very long flight.

Last evening Mark, along with PJ, Pete, and the rest of the group in Mark's unit were entertained by a very talented young singer/songwriter who came to play for the guys. It was good to see the reactions of the young men still in emerging comas, as well as the ones who could sing along.

Today, Mark started the day early as usual and went through his regular therapy routine. PJ and Peter Sullivan were able to see Mark on the Lokomat and got to watch him walk in the parallel bars before they had to head to the airport and home. Then we were delighted to have visitors this afternoon. One of our Peter's elementary school teachers, Barb Zimmerman and her husband, came down from The Villages, which is just north of here. It was very good to see her and Mark enjoyed the time with them very much.

Barb brought cards that her students made at the end of the year for Mark and a t-shirt from his old middle school. She also brought a very special token from one of Mark's high school teachers, Joanne Pusti. Mrs. Pusti had given Mark a pocket angel coin when he left for Iraq, with instructions that he had to bring it back to her in person. He did just that. Today, Barb delivered that angel back to Mark with the same instructions from "the Pustinator". He has to walk back into her classroom to return it. He promised he would, and I am sure he will keep that promise.

Keep the door open Mrs. P!!!!!!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have no doubt that Mark will make good on that promise!!!! We will also be looking for Mark to walk into St. Matthew's one day too! What a day that WILL be!!! Mark, please know that your St. Matthew's family holds you close,prays for you and thinks of you always....

Anonymous said...

Your blog really made me smile from ear to ear. When you are ready to visit....I will be here. Just don't do it like last time and surprise me....I don't think I could handle that! I am so proud to call you my student, buddy! ME