FROM MIKE AND SHERRY!
IT'S BEEN AWHILE BUT MIKE IS ALIVE AND DOING WELL. Not too much has changed over the past month so nothing new to report. However, Mike continues to get stronger, has taken up doing the dishes and seems to be getting more independent every day.
(BTW this photo was part of a panoramic pic and Mike moved so it's a little distorted, but I liked his smile! So what if he has 3 thumbs and no fingers. Could be worse. Right? ) :-)
Happy boy with a grilled cheese sand-which and tomato soup! It's nice to have him at the table now that his foot can be in the "down" position for more than 30 minutes at a time. It doesn't feel too good at 30 minutes but he can do it if he must. When we take trips to the doctor, or to see his dad in the car, he's always in the back seat with the leg propped up on piles of pillows. It's quite an ordeal getting in and out, but we got that routine down to a science. He loses his drawers scooting in and gets a wedgie on the way out. And it's sort a "Driving Miss Daisy" scene straight from the movie. Happy to report that shower and bedtime rituals are becoming a cinch as well.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with family and friends.
Thanks to my sister Sandy and hubby Charles, they are amazing cooks!
Someone fell fast asleep after eating Turkey! This is creeping at it's best! Thanks Britta!
"Keep laughing everyone - life is too short to not smile every chance you have"
Mike's good buddy (and first friend on the scene at the accident) Mike Ashe called to ask if he could stop by. Well, that's always a big "YES". When he showed up he had the whole riding posse' with him. I have always seen combinations of these guys, but never the entire posse' at once. A very happy moment for MC. He had a wonderful visit with "the guys".
Here we have Benny, Dave, Mike, MC, Gary, Steve and JR. WOW, the whole bunch at one time.
Good -byes are always the hardest so we just say "see you soon"!
Little Baby Brayden, MC's new Grandson is already 4 months old in this photos. It's Mike's favorite photo of him so far, so I thought I'd include it. Brayden, Mike's daughter Katelyn and son-in law Codi, just arrived in Portland a few hours ago. Merry Christmas to MC!!! He's so excited to see this little guy!
I included this photo of my (Sherry's) Granddaughter Harper, her big sister Addy and Santa. Harper was just not quite sure of this Santa character! Wanted nothing to do with him. The severe burns she had on her hands are doing so much better and for now she has avoided surgery. Finally walking, hands feel better and Life is Good again.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. Mike had me pull a bunch of my Holiday decor out of storage and toss it around the house. And that I did! I have more than enough and I really enjoyed pulling it out of boxes. Last year I sold my house in Bend and I didn't do Christmas at home.
Mike is here just sitting in the evening Christmas lights. It's peaceful and quiet and it gives us a time to reflect and have gratitude for all that surrounds us. The good, the bad and the ugly. We embrace all of it! Our advice is that everyone try to do just that.
I'm going add a Special note about Mike's sweet, sweet Daddy, James Colligan. This is Jim seated here with Mike on his 89th birthday July 26th, 2013. (just 5 days before Mike's accident and the night before Mike left for his trip) Today Jim is struggling a bit. He's still with us, but love and prayers go to him, Mike, his brother Pat, Sister Judy and the rest of the family that love him so and are touched with his failing health. We love you Papa!!!
Be well...
Wed' like to say "so much has happened, but alas, we must say we feel as though everyday is Ground Hogs Day". Hope you get that! A little bit the same. Big day this Friday the 27th for MC when he finds out what day the fixator frame will be coming off surgically. He's READY!!!! Once the frame is off, Mike will have a boot and will be expected to begin walking on it. This means the bones in Mike's ankles must be healed. Otherwise, more weeks with the frame. Stand by for the next BIG chapter!!
We would like to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Have an incredible New Year. 2014 holds promises for all of us! I'll be back in touch shortly after the 27th when Mike hears news from Dr. G.
Enjoy your families, take nothing for granted and take every opportunity to see the people you love as often as you can! Don't forget the " I love yous" !
S&M
out for today!
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