July 27, 2005

Visitation HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of York

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The AAA group sheds the nice, black trailer complete with decals and yellow beacon safety light for a shorter, white version with no decals or blinking light.  The logic behind a move like this?  A broken axle!  Somebody must have been looking out for us though as we were able to limp into town just before it gave up the ghost.  We all bowed our heads as it was towed away and had a moment of silence in behalf of the Ampu-trailer.  Hopefully, this rental will serve us well in the closing days of our trip.

We pose for a picture at the assembly area just before heading out to HealthSouth.  We are met there by several members of HealthSouth, local news media and other well wishers.  Jim stands behind the newest member of his fan club while Joe, weakened from the loss of our trailer, leans on Bill (literally) for support.

Jim is given a warning and a stern lecture by the local police for kidnapping a stuffed animal from the baby in the picture above.

We all head to the assembly together and in straight lines...... (well, except for Jim and Bill).  The speed of the bikers is evident by the camera man walking behind the group and the brake lights of the motorcycle.

We knew we were getting close when we ran into this sign!

With traffic now backing up behind us for miles, we are able to make the turn up the hill and into the facility.

We are met at the facility by staff, patients and well wishers who applaud at our entrance.  After passing out, water and oxygen, our guys greet and mingle with the crowd like seasoned veterans.  We were all touched and amazed by their hospitality, generosity and spirit.  Jim tries to remember where he put his hat.  Bill shuffles it off to one of the patients and dares him to give it back to Jim.

Bill explains that Jim quite often loses track of personal items and this little trick is being done for Jim's own good.  "He's gotta learn to take care of things on his own, now", he explains.

"This is the 5th time this week that he's lost that hat and Joe and I are just trying to help him."

As the guys prepare to speak to the awaiting throng, Trish takes to the crowd impersonating a news reporter and even asks the guys a couple of questions in order to stir up interest!

Sheryl, HealthSouth CEO, senses foul play and takes back the microphone.  With her big smile and friendly demeanor, the crowd is back at ease and the program continues.

Joe skillfully delivers opening remarks, discussing the history of AAA and offers a challenge to each one there to never give up on their life goals despite their adversity.  Despite his silly antics and demented sense of humor, Joe has a heart of gold and a deep love for the patients and it shows in each visitation.  Bill and Jim can do well to follow in his footsteps!

Today was a wonderful visit as we each took turns torturing the therapists, encouraging the patients and playfully romping through the hospital.  We met many folks that were struggling courageously with various types of adversity and setbacks.  We were all humbled by their determination and resolve to get their lives back to the level that they once knew.  We wish each one a speedy recovery and look forward with them for the time they will return home to their loved ones.  The staff of HealthSouth do a fantastic job and it's evident that because of their commitment to giving proper care and attention to others, their success rate is so high.

Our final hours at HealthSouth were spent at the Amputees for Amputees support group meeting.  Informal discussion and dialog in a caring and sensitive environment was a fitting end to a great visitation.  Our thanks to Monica Kruger for her prodigious efforts to make us feel welcome, for organizing a stupendous event, and for facilitating our visit with the many HealthSouth patients.

Shown on the right is Luke Myer's rites of passage for joining the AAA ride.  Luke is a returning Jr. Ambassador and will be with us for the rest of the tour.

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