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
Friday, November 14, 2008
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4 comments:
Thank YOU Anne , we will certainly miss your regular updates.
It will be very different reading Marks comments.
Good luck to all of you in this next stage xx
CONGRATULATIONS on your "graduation" Mark! The PT staff at WRAMC have kept an eye on your blog throughout this process and are so impressed with your recovery. You look great. Good luck at home!!!
-CPT Karen Lambert, (PT - Walter Reed Army Medical Center)
Anne
I admire you so much... Amazing mother,friend and counselor. Thank you for trusting me with your son in such difficult times.
A BLESSED NURSE
God bless you Mom! Mark is a fortunate young man indeed, to have so much support and a wonderful family to embrace him along the way to recovery. Congratulations to Mark as he moves to his own place. Work hard and I hope to see you soon.
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