Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Oklahoma City Visitation

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Michael Mosley, at the Mariott Waterford in Oklahoma City, treated our team to a lovely breakfast at the start of our day today.

We got ourselves organized in the parking lot at the hotel before we rode to HealthSouth this morning. Today was extra special to Mark because his two kids, Maggie and Andrew, joined up with him last night. They were joined by Dick and Betty Burgess, Mark's in-laws, as well as Dick's brother and sister-in-law, Roget and Pat Burgess.

As always, Jim is a kiddo magnet. Here he's being closely watched by Andrew, Mark's 10 year old son.

We met many special people today, especially members of the amputee community in Oklahoma City. Here the boys pose with Ron Galloway, President of Amputees Conquering Today, a local amputee support group. 

Here's Mark's in-laws, who are dedicated Michigan Wolverines, which meant that they and Jim had many interesting "discussions."

Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics was another local sponsor to our visit today. Here's Kirby Shelton (Hanger) with Bruce and Ron and Kathy Galloway to left of Jim.

Gab, gab, gab... It's what the boys do best. Notice how everyone is facing the right except for....???

We were escorted to HealthSouth, a ride of just over 5 miles, by several Oklahoma City Police Department officers, pictured here with the boys. The rider on the right is Maggie Farrell, Mark's 12 year old daughter, who rode with us today (Mark was VERY proud).

We stopped at the Hanger facility on our way to HealthSouth, where the boys met several adorable children.  One of the children, Andrea, was a recent amputee so she was still in a cast, which the boys all signed. Her face when she was high-fiving Bruce was very touching.

HealthSouth gave us lots of opportunity to meet with in-patient amputees and members of the local amputee support group.  We are continually amazed at the courage and stubborn enthusiasm shown by recovering patients.  Each is a success in their own way and we never fail to gather strength from just talking with them.

Here is our AAA Fuzzy Wuzzy talking trash with the group.  Be sure to ask Bruce what the marking was on the balloons. 

A special participant today, and a guest rider, was Craig Gavras, who is deeply involved in fund- and awareness-raising through the Limbs for Life Foundation (see www.limbsforlife.org).

Maggie, our guest rider, and Mark's oldest (and only) daughter sits attentively as she watches her dad make a complete fool of himself.  No really, she was impressed with her dad. Not shown, is Andrew, Marks favorite (and only) son who helped with the support functions of the AAA team. 

Thanks Andrew.

Maggie... You GO GIRL !

The boys present a signed poster to Jo McGuffin, the HealthSouth Administrator for her wonderful support and encouragement in hosting our visit.

  Carl, a 69 year old amputee tells us he is giving up a promising career in music and will be using his money saved to buy a bicycle.  Ride on Carl.

Amputees in the crowd asked wonderful questions, which the boys were glad to answer. Mike was as much an inspiration to us as we hope we were for him.  He obviously is not giving up and we wish him success in his recovery.

Gab, gab, gab... the boys are VERY good at talking.

The boys pose with another in-patient amputee. This lady, 86 years young, had her amputation only four days ago.  She is doing better after four days than any of us did.

HealthSouth put on a great barbeque. The boys presented the head chef, Ulysses, with a signed poster in gratitude for those ribs.

Young and old alike find Jim a genuine inspiration. Here he talks with Joseph Brown and Annie.

And to Cheryl, our clearly departed support driver, we miss you and want you to know that Bruce was last seen in the lounge of the Marriott sitting amidst several, albeit many empty bottles of b___r , blowing cigar smoke rings in the air.  We miss you kid.  Hurry back!

Tomorrow we head to McAlester, OK on our way to Ft. Smith (and Jacksonville). Thanks for the great reception HealthSouth and Hanger!

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