Thursday, June 13, 2002

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HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital, Glendale, AZ

It was the worst of days... it was the best of days.  By the dawn's early light, it was discovered that Joe's bicycle lock had been cut and the bicycle stolen during the night.  A dark and gloomy pall hung over our heads as we journeyed to the Healthsouth Valley of the Sun facility.  It was not long, however, that the gloom was dissipated by the excitement and enthusiasm of the staff and patients at Healthsouth.  What started out as a bad day, turned out to be one of our best due largely to the warmth and understanding shown by everyone we talked to throughout the day.

We rode into the facility to be welcomed by applauding administration, patients, staff, and members of the Glendale  Fire Department.

 KPNX an NBC Affiliate was there to interview Joe.  An appeal was made to the community crime watch for the return of the bicycle.  The response from the Phoenix community to raise funds to replace the bicycle brought the emotions in all of us.  Phoenix is a wonderful place and we thank everyone for their genuine concern and hopes for a speedy resolution.

The highlight of our visit was meeting three patients recovering from recent amputations. We were impressed with

 the unique way that each patient is adapting.  Edward and Jerry shared Navy yarns as two comrades in arms.  Joe talked to John Keane about the importance of getting back on the horse that threw him, if only to demonstrate to himself that he could.  All three of us enjoyed talking to Joan who turns 87 years old tomorrow.  She shows an inner strength that we all admire and know that there is nothing that will hold her back.  Happy Birthday, Joan.

Starve, we did not.  We were served a spectacular Mexican lunch and met lots of people, staff, vendors, and administrators.  A lasagna dinner was served at the amputee support group meeting in the evening.

We made the mistake of allowing Jerry unlimited time to kibitz, sermonize, and exaggerate.  Blah, blah, blah, blah.  Of course, Joe and John had everyone hanging on our every word. 

Truly, we enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone.

A special thanks to the Valley of the Sun Adminstration and staff whose generosity, kindness, and support made our visit truly memorable.

Thanks for your next door business that contributed soft drinks, powerbars, water, and gatorade.

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