Dad and Mom almost home

It's true, Dad and Mom are down the homestretch now with less than a week
before departure from Craig Hospital and their return to Medford.

The main news that I have on Dad (and Mom) is that Dad's brace came off last
week. The hard, plastic turtle shell was part of Dad's body for about 9
weeks, so he was relieved I think to have it off. He did say that it feels
like something is majorly different with his back...no surprise when you
have several rods, pins, and hooks holding a section of five vertebrae
together! Since having the brace off he has been working on more get-fit
skills, wheelchair skills, and personal hygiene issues. All of this is
making him more independent, which is the goal.

Thanks to Doug and Patty, Mom and Dad were able to host a little brat-fest
at the hospital with an assortment of brats from Nolacheks. This was
something that Dad wanted to do at the cottage this summer. We made it
happen in his honor, but it's nice that he was able to grill his own with
friends out in Colorado. Dad and Mom have had visits from Bill and
Arshebeth Hrabe and Steve and Anne Hayes recently. I know that they
appreciate seeing old friends and spending time together.

The plan as far as I know is for Dad and Mom to fly Denver to Minneapolis on
August 30. This means only one flight and NO Chicago O'Hare or tiny
propeller planes that fly in Mosinee. They are looking forward to it being
a smooth trip. I think that they have made arrangements for someone (not
sure who) to drive their car back to Wisconsin and someone to fetch them
from the airport. Pray that all goes smoothly.

I haven't heard exactly, but I am guessing that their room is pretty much
finished. There is a nice deck off the back with ramps, thanks Mike! I
wish that I could be there to see their reaction to the house starting with
the garage which has some new paint inside, a ramp, and a wider door into
the house. Then they have a fresh coat of paint and a wider door into their
room and finally their nice new room and bathroom!! WOW!!!!!!

I know that I always say this and some say I don't need to, but THANK YOU
ALL! We all deeply appreciate what you are doing!!

Much love,
Beth (on behalf of the Dixons)