Happy Father's Day to all the dads who follow our blog. Unfortunately we were not able to see Rich or Grandpa Pete today, but we did talk to both of them.
We've had a quiet Sunday, but yesterday was very interesting. We attended a medal ceremony for one of the other polytrauma patients, SGT Joel Tavera. Joel was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He was injured in Iraq when a rocket hit his vehicle dead on. He and another soldier were the only ones to survive. Joel was burned over sixty percent of his body, lost an eye and a leg and had many, many other injuries as well as a TBI. His parents have been at his side since he was life flighted to Germany. Jose and Marissa are wonderful people who have lived here at the Fisher House with us since last August. Their devotion to their son and their friendship toward the other boys is unsurpassed.
The ceremony was very moving and when Jose lifted Joel to a standing position in his specially equipped wheelchair, there was not a dry eye among the spectators. It was a real testament to Joel and all the heroes there that it was so well attended and that the attendees included off duty nurses, therapists, doctors, the medical director, and other VA employees who also brought their spouses and children. It shows how these folks feel about the young men recuperating here. They are treated like sons and brothers, not just patients, and their families also care about the guys and families here. This ceremony was a chance for them to introduce their families to ours. Our heroes were all in uniform and the photo below is just a quick one that was taken as they grouped them for a formal photo taken by the VA public relations department. I will be sure to add that photo or link as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, I will share this photo that actually only has a few of the guys in it, as well as Mark and Jess.
No comments:
Post a Comment