Visitation at
Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita
|
|
Visitation at
|
|
We arrive at the assembly area to be greeted by five police cars and a host of police officers. It seems that a local snitch has tipped local law enforcement agencies that Joe is operating a traveling circus without a permit. James Thayer, a former Wichita police officer, an AAA rider of many years, and local snitch, is seen here convincing his brother officers that Joe is not really running a circus at all, but rather, a traveling group of migrant workers. As this is an Immgration and Homeland Security issue, we are released to the custody of James.
As one may surmise from the level of the tops of heads, they grow them tall in Kansas. James and Joe as seen standing head and shoulders (Joe's head and James's shoulder) above Abel. Jeff, a recent amputee who just completed his first skydive is shown next to Cliff.
In perfect formation, the group of riders enter the grounds of Wesley Rehab Hospital...
to be greeted by patients, staff, family, and friends. Two INS agents, seen on the far right, one cleverly disguised as a baby in a stroller, are seen keeping Abel and Joe under surveillance.
Cliff and Joe meet and greet patients while Abel ...
is interrogated by Levi, the first INS agent to be an amputee. After showing proof of citizenship, going back eight generations, Abel is, once again, released to the custody of Joe.
Cliff continues to do what he does best.
while Abel does a bit for Larry King Live, on the plight and discrimination of one legged, ex-Navy, bicyclists
At first, the audience thought that they were witnessing a demonstration of the first talking rostrum, but after the height was lowered considerably, it was discovered that it was only Abel, standing behind the rostrum, giving his talk.
Needing no rostrum, declining a microphone, Cliff, arrayed in his finest Spandex, talks about the wonderful cervical posterior and anterior components of patients, otherwise known as having a strong backbone. Despite his medical lexicon, as usual, Cliff blows everyone away. We knew Doc Cliff to be a cardiologist, but we are still amazed at his ability to touch hearts.
Stephanie is a recent bilateral leg and above the elbow amputee who blew us away, not only with her wonderful winning attitude, but with her get up and go lifestyle. She is already riding a bikes and horses with her grandkids. She is chock full to overflowing with the stuff that keeps us going. And she is just one of many that we have met that shows the courage and determination to get back to living. Thank you Stephanie and all like you who inspire us.
Abel passes out brochures to other members of the "Yellow Bracelet" cult.
And is shown here giving the official cult salute of obeisance during a cult initiation.
Here Joe sits with his 99 year old sweetheart. She touches your heart, kindles your spirit, and refreshes your soul.
Cliff, with a fellow aircraft aficionado from Boeing, trade war stories.
And Abel passes out graduation diplomas to other cult members.
Here Abel confers with cult command center personnel who are responsibility for the smooth day to day operation of all cult activities. Though suspected of being undercover INS agents, Abel is able to capture their hearts and minds through the use of several mind altering drugs.
Our visit to Wesley marks the halfway point, an appropriate place for the capstone of our ride. The wonderful outpouring of support and overwhelming excitement so evident in every single facility in the HealthSouth Western Region, says so much about the level of care afforded each and every patient in every facility of our visits. This journal is but a snapshot of what HealthSouth does every day, day in and day out, every day of the year, in giving patients back their hope and their lives. We are privileged to be allowed to witness and be some small part of HealthSouth's efforts to "Get People back to working... playing... and living." And Wesley is not exception. Thank you Deb Wetta for all that you have done to make our visit a great one.
|
|
|
