Blessings and rehab for Dad

For those of you checking up on my dad, here is some more news for
you. The photo is from last week when Aunt Kathi was there for a
visit. Dad is able to sit up with the back brace. Mom has been an
incredible support through all of this! They are both amazing!

He started PT and OT at Craig Hospital last week and it is going
well. He is working hard and the doctors say that his flexibility
and strength will benefit him greatly in the rehab process. Somedays
he sounds like my same, witty dad on the phone. Other days he sounds
tired depending on how many exercises he had and how difficult they
were.

They have had some visitors. Their good friend Brian came out to
visit around the time of the surgery when Luke and Ellen were there.
Mike Malchow drove the Freestyle out for them, thanks Mike. Aunt
Kathi came down from Colorado. The Robinsons are flying out for a
visit July 2. Bill and Archibeth (Mary) Hrabe live out there and Bill
has been to visit, hopefully they will both come next time. Mom said
that they have been enjoying things like playing cribbage with
visitors, enjoying breakfast together in the cafeteria, and sitting
outside in the afternoons on the patio at the hospital. Rumor has it
that the patients get to go up on the roof on the 4th of July to see
the fireworks. Hopefully they will enjoy that with the Robinsons.
There may be some other visitors in mid July and then I will arrive
July 25 for a week with them -- cannot wait!!!

A special thanks to Debbie, friend of Michael and Karyn, who is
letting more stay at her house - only a five minute drive from the
hospital. I think it's quite nice for mom to be close.

Now here is where it gets a bit more emotional...you all are amazing
and showing God's unconditional love to Dad (and to Mom) in ways that
they cannot even fathom. When I asked Dad how things were going in
rehab he didn't mention the exercises or the physical pain. The only
thing he said is that the most difficult part is dealing with the
outpouring of emotion that comes with opening the mail. He has
received several special, thoughtful presents. The day that I talked
to him he had opened about 20 cards the morning before and had not
received that day's mail. He said he is really touched and never had
any clue how much people cared! This has been truly amazing and an
incredible blessing to both of my parents! Again, thank you for your
prayers, thoughts, cards, emails, presents, and phone calls! This
kind of support seems to really be lifting both Dad and Mom. Thanks
for loving them!

I am still getting some requests for contact information. Here it is:

Mom's email address:
jadixon54@hotmail.com
Mom's cell number:
715-560-0168
Address at the hospital:
Craig Hospital
3425 South Clarkson
Engelwood, CO 80113