Depart Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital
Tustin, California
Home Previous Page Next Page Go to calendar
|
|
Depart Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital Tustin, California
Home Previous Page Next Page Go to calendar
|
|
No sooner had we arrived than we were confronted with this pure ball of boundless energy. Paige Looney had arrived to greet us with a big hug and from that point on she was the star of the show. Paige Looney - - - You won over our hearts and when we are tired and hit that wall of fatigue, we are going to remember you and continue to be inspired by your strength and courage.
As the official departure point for our ride across the United States, the efforts of the staff and personnel of the HealthSouth Tustin Rehab Hospital made this event a huge success. Shown here (Back row left to right) is Ann Lewis, DMO, Scott Rifkin, CEO, Julie Puentes, Vice President (Orange County) Hospital Association of Southern California, Doug Davert, and Tustin Mayor Pro Tem.
Following Mr. Rifkin's presentation of the Proclamation of Amputees Across America, Paige with total poise and maturity, wished us well and said a prayer for our safety and the troops overseas. Thank you Paige.
Members of Functional Amputation Support Team (FAST) and Doris Austin returned to wish us well. They also attended our 2002 departure from Newport Beach, California. We were moved by the warm welcome and support of the HealthSouth patients who attended the event.
Will Krugman traveled to Tustin from Fresno, California to present us with his best wishes and more than several bags of raisins. Thanks to Will we will be fortified with iron and fiber. Bill thinks that raisins are as effective as prunes to maintain regular health, but Joe only poo pood this idea.
Paige joined us in signing posters while being entertained by Bill's renditions of Donald Duck, Goofy, Mickey Mouse, as well as the Kentucky version of Foghorn Leghorn. Gee thanks a bunch Bill. Son, I say, son. That boy is as sharp as a bowling ball.
Here our head support driver shows Paige the rudiments of bug protection. Joe however is not afforded any protection from Janette.
In a tender moment, Bill is caught whispering in the ear of Paige... "Do you have any candy?"
Actually, Bill will be shepherding a locket across the United States that Paige presented to the AAA riders to carry. Joe was told in no certain terms that he was not to touch it. Joe, in a fit of misery and rejection, commits himself to a monastery. Bill promises to return the locket to Paige at the end of the ride. Joe continues to loudly honor his vow of silence and threatens hari kari..
Paige gives everyone the thumbs up for a successful ride. We know that if Paige has anything to do with it, she will be joining us someday on our transcontinental ride. Ride on Paige!
Finally the moment of truth. We really are on our way. The safety engineer extraordinaire, notice how Bill is watching for the traffic approaching from the left. Joe as per usual will be keeping Bill's irons (and other anatomical parts) out of the fire.
Here Bill leads us through the light. Obviously, the color of the light does not speak well for the soundness of his advice.
Here is Bill The light is red Hey there Joe Perfect safety go ahead.
Traveling north on Tustin Street, Joe has found the owner's manual for his bicycle.
Mandi follows behind wondering when our next food break is due. We are averaging one stop for every 3 miles we ride. At this rate, we figure that we will be in Colorado by Christmas.
Two riders and a midget. Nuff said.
After a short rest stop we continued our weary way to Lake Elisnore. Our thanks to all of our sponsors. Without the support of HealthSouth, the El Paso Corporation, and Ohio Willow Wood, this trip would not be possible. Bill continues to pine for the co-workers he has left behind. On the many occasions that he outtalks Joe, while doing the Big Sandy Backstep, Bill sheds a single tear in remembrance of those he left behind. |
|
|
