Visitation at
HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Colorado Springs
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Visitation at
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We assemble in the Firemen Memorial parking lot. Luke is not sure about the sudden appearance of the law enforcement officers right after he puts the chaw under his lip. Luke swallows the evidence. Surveillance by law enforcement continues despite Luke's greenish pallor.
Abel discovers someone actually shorter than him and lords over Vlad. This only lasts as long as it takes for Vlad to go to the car and put on longer legs. Like Wiley Coyote, Abel slinks away to lick his wounds.
Luke, our local celebrity and Amputees Across America alumnus of 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. As usual, Luke sets the style by combining a red, white, and blue jersey, with Army fatigue pants, held up by a Michigan belt buckle and hat that Luke found in Dr Humphrey's old desk. Noting Luke's adherence to losing teams, Jim Delong is already preparing the condolence letter for the Ohio State vs Michigan game this winter.
Ethan and Chris (alumni of 2003, 04, 05, 06, 07) get ready to ride into the facility.
Vlad doesn't let the absence of any brakes deter him from enjoying himself. Taking the corner a bit fast, Vlad leaves a little piece of his arm on the pavement. Vlad isn't fazed a bit but keeps right on truckin.
Howard, Luke's dad, plea bargains with the police officers for Luke's release after it is discovered that Luke has been harboring illegal mesquite and sagebrush powder. Luke is required to wear an electronic monitoring anklet around his right prosthetic leg. Luke promptly drops his leg and leaves the scene of the crime,
Chris and Ethan share war stories about gameboys. Having survived many, many alien encounters, usually with Luke, Ethan gives Chris the five fingered Colorado salute. Chris, being from Idaho, does not understand
We ride in followed by friends, family, and supporters to a welcoming crowd from HealthSouth. Cliff edges Joe and his bubble bike into traffic, takes the lead and races for the homestretch.
Cliff meets patients during the meet and greet and is seen here reaching for the $20 bill sticking from the patient's purse.
Here everyone listens to the stories of the riders. Abel as usual, keep everyone on the edge of their chairs. Luke and Chris tell their stories and blow everyone away with the power of their messages. Cliff finishes with eloquence and emotion.
Following the presentations, many, many posters were personalized and signed.
Joe finds a new sweetheart age 97 named Mandi who hails from Long Island farm country.
Abel helps the patients do their group exercises.
Once and for all, Joe and Abel are measured across the tops of their hats. Joe is a clear winner. Hopefully, this puts the issue at rest.
Every year that we return to Colorado Springs, we are made to feel like we are coming home. This is the fifth year, and you would think that our shining faces would be old news. And it is every year that we are surprised at the enthusiasm and warm welcome that we always receive. Thank you Ellen, CEO, and Jen who were able to arise above adversity and put on a great visitation. And for the PTs and OTs who so patiently put up with our antics during therapy. |
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