Sunday, November 23, 2008

Hello all across the continents. Since Mum's last post and move back to the land of ice and snow, I've been left in charge of this project. Allow me to use this chance to apologize ahead of time for my spelling/grammatical errors. I just hope none of you reading this were English teachers from back in the day.

Since she left, and with my switch to the "transitional program" it has given me a chance to do things that I have wanted to do for the past year or so. For example, I finally had the opportunity to finally do the shopping I intended to do for my family last Christmas (damn "nap"). Oh well, what can you do? It has been nice having Mum here for support over the last year, but it does feel nice to be "in control" again.

On the note of support, allow me to take this opportunity to thank you all across this "round rock" for the support you have all extended. No one has had doubted from the beginning that I could accomplish this feat. That faith has made all the difference most days. Please pardon my "brain damaged philosophy", but this whole year has given me a second chance. An opportunity to right wrongs that were committed in the past, and a second chance to do those things for the better.

Anywho, allow me to sign off and enjoy the beautiful day we've been given. Thanks all, and take care.

Well, if I might add my two cents, I am so pleased that Mark feels comfortable without me hanging around all the time. Phone calls are good! I am so happy that he has made the recovery he has so far, and will continue to do so.

Being home has been a bit of an adjustment for me. Living in a house full of great people to spending time with just one wonderful person, has been nice this week. I must admit that I have kept close to home and got used to my old space once more. I did see some old friends, which was nice, but also just absorbed the idea of being back in the "land of ice and snow" as someone just recently reminded me!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Today is definitely bittersweet. I leave Tampa tomorrow to go home for good for the first time in a year. Mark has come such a long, long way in this time and we are so grateful that he is well enough to be on his own here with Jess's loving help. It is a day I have waited for, but at the same time, it tugs at my heart to leave behind all the wonderful people we have lived and worked with here. It was especially hard to say good bye.

To the nursing staff, Grisel, Jose, Annies, Marcia, the Dianas, Deana, Paula, Mo, Anne, Liz, Beth, Eppie, Mary, the Angels, Victor, Carmen, Katrina, Fortunata, Juanita, Bernice, Thessla, Josh, Marsha, Lisa, Kelly, Terri, Cheryl, Alana, Enrique, Rick, Blanca, Chris and Marti: You were the most loving, caring individuals and we were blessed to have you take care of Mark especially in the early days of our stay. Thank you.

To the therapists, Lindsay, Carrie, Earlene, Frederica, Jim, Barb, Karen, Amy, Tami, Barb, Judy, Kathryn, Imelda, Becky, Abby, Mary, Jamie, Tammy, and Linda: You helped Mark prove that he had determination and stamina, he could endure the pain, and move forward and we know you will continue to do so. Thank you.

To Dr. Scott, Dr. Mascarinas, Dr. Scholten, Dr. McCarthy, Dr. Rieszk, Dr. Melo, Dr. Miller, Dr. Nasser, Dr. Thors, and Dr. Richardson: Your patience and guidance, your knowledge and especially your devotion to Mark and me got us through the most difficult time in our lives and your continued medical excellence will see us through the next phase of his recovery. Thank you.

To the Family Support Group, Steve, Lenore, Olga, Gladys, and Annette: Your experience, knowledge and love each and every week gets everyone through the tears and laughter to continue on for another week. Thank you.

To the support liasions: CPT Turner, SGM Phillips, SSG Lumpiesz, SSG Burris, CMDR Hartford, Mary Ellen, Vince, Fr. Ed and June: You were always there when we needed anything and everything and continue to be so much for so many. Thank you.

To our "family" here: Veronica and Brad, RyAnne and Scot, Chris and JT, Debbie, Ed and John, Julie, Chris and Billy, Nellie and Jose, Rey and David, Leslie, Brianna, and Kevin, Meredith and Mike, Rodney, Ivonne and Anthony: You are our heroes and will continue to be. Don't ever give up hope for a better tomorrow. You have been through the worst that anyone could endure and you have. It will only be better each day. Your courage and determination are the finest anyone could every hope for. Thank you.

To AJ: You are the sunshine in a life often covered in clouds. Your smile turns the world right in just an instant. You are our hope for the future and may it be a future full of promises, peace and love, for you deserve everything the world holds dear. You are a treasure. Thank you.

Our blog will continue with Mark doing some of the work and we hope all of you who read it as part of your day will continue to do so. Without all the love and support from people all over the world, we would not have made it this far. Thank you.

Love, Ann Marie

VETERANS DAY, November 11, 2008

Today was a wonderful day to celebrate! It started with a parade right here on the hospital grounds. We had front row seats under a canopy with beautiful weather. All the fellas enjoyed themselves with one exception. AJ was not particularly fond of the fire engine siren! However it was moving to see all of the hospital veterans, young and old, as well as our military liasions and their families.

A visit by NFL legend Mike Ditka ended our afternoon. He flew in today to specifically visit the active duty soldiers, marines, and sailors here in the PolyTrauma unit and the Spinal Cord Injury unit. This hospital currently has 19 patients who fall in that category. As I have mentioned before Tampa is one of the four PolyTrauma Centers who care for the most serious of the active duty wounded.

Coach Ditka was wonderful with the guys and wanted to know each story. When Mark told him he was from Cleveland, Coach Ditka mentioned he was originally from Pennsylvania. Mark told him he was sorry, where upon he replied with a smile that Pennsylvania kept Ohio from falling into Lake Erie! He signed Mark's football with a "Go Buckeyes" anyway. He even took a turn at pushing Mark's chair into a prime position for a group photo. There was a moment when the guys were wheeled in to meet him, that it was very evident that he was quite choked up, but continued to push on and greet each one individually. Of course, little AJ won him over completely.

As parents and wives, we were all especially proud of our fine young men on such an important day.

Saturday, November 7, 2008

We had a special experience today as Mark was asked to attend the Veterans Day ceremony in downtown Tampa, which was put on by the Chamber of Commerce. He was dressed in uniform for the first time in a year, which was quite poignant. Many of the nurses were a bit teary when they saw him and Jess and I were especially proud.

We went downtown with the Army liasions and Mark was seated in the front row and acknowledged. He was interviewed by several of the local television crews. His sergeant major naturally was quite pleased with her "poster boy for Army Strong". He was also greeted by his two favorite generals, Gen. Michael Diamond, Commander of the C.A.R.E. Coalition and Brig. Gen. Arne Skjaerpe, Norway, who is the Commander of the Coalition Forces at U.S. Central Command, who we now consider a friend.

The keynote speech was given by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. She gave an extremely moving and eloquent address.

It was a very fitting ceremony to attend on the eve of the first anniversary of the accident and our thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow are with the others who have been so affected by this tragedy.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

It has been beautiful here today! Temperature about 80, sunshine...the perfect day for kayaking! Mark and Jess and a whole group of therapists, doctors, nurses, students and trainers went kayaking down the Hillsborough River after a training session at the YMCA pool yesterday.

They got Mark into the kayak and off they all went. Mark and Jess did really well, since both had been kayaking before the crash. They have a special seat on order for the kayak that would make sitting more comfortable, but unfortunately, it had not arrived in time for today's trip. Even so, he did well until his back started to hurt. He and Jess returned earlier than the rest of the group but had a blast nevertheless. By the way, to all of you in G Company, no paddles were lost during this trip!