During my Dad's hospitalization he received lots and lots of letters and cards from children at the local St. Joseph's school. Here are some of the ones I've really enjoyed so far.
"Think Big
Dear Danny,
I am a student of 6th grade and I am writing to hopefully make you feel better. Really I'm also writing you to tell you that I know how it feels to be in the hospital. I was in the hospital last month and I wasn't even sick. I was in there for neurological tests. I hope you feel better.
Tim"
"Dear Danny,
I heard about you when you got in a car accident. I bet you are thinking why am I writing to you. Because I never got in a car accident before. That is why I don't know how you feel but I will keep you in my prayers and ask everybody I know to pray for you.
Dino"
"Dear Danny,
I picked your name out of the three because we were in a car accident in 1972, November. The guy (who) hit us from behind, he knocked us 20 feet because he was going so fast. When he hit us we were completely stopped turning into our street we live on. He left the scene of the accident. Some friend called a police and an ambulance, the police gave my mom the ticket because a man said we didn't have no lights on, he was the witness for the man that hit us. We went to the hospital for three hours my mom had real bad whiplash. I had a bad back and neck and hit my head on the window when the guy hit us. My sister Debbie went home earlier from the hospital because she wasn't hurt and neither was my brothers Peter and Billy. My mom and I stayed because we were hurt the most, we went home later after we had xrays. My mom has to take pills so she can move her neck. We were only in a little accident, it must be lousy lying in a bed all day and night and months. Not being able to play football or anything. Get well very quick and I might come down and see you Danny.
Joe"
"Dear Danny,
I really feel sorry that you got in a accident. I hope you get better. I really don't know what to say but I'll write what I could. I want you to recover so I will remember to pry for you every night and every Sunday at church. I will say special intentions for you to get better. I sure hope you get better just like normal especially. By the way if you want to write back you could. My address is...
Yours truly,
Dianne
P.S. You don't have to write back if you don't want."
"Hi There
Dear Danny,
I hope you can read this. I just got finished breaking my arm. Right now I am writing with my left and I am right handed. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Sincerely,
Mary"
"March 5, 1973
Hi Danny,
I am in the 6th grade at St Joe's and I heard about your accident and I am very sorry. We all know that you are going to be able to do what other people do but in a different way. I will always keep you in my prayers every night.
Sincerely yours,
Mary"
This next card has a drawing of Snoopy sleeping on his dog house...
"Hurry and get better!
P.S. I can draw better but someone bumped into me.
Dear Danny,
I just recently heard about your accident. I know how you feel because I was just in a accident. My name is Valerie I'm eleven years old I go to school at Saint Joesph's. I love horses and I like the Peanuts characters. I hope you feel better.
Yours Truly,
Aecie"
"Dear Danny,
I hope you get well soon. I don't know how it happened. It seems boring and its getting monotonous isn't it? I hope it was a sturdy car and didn't smash up. A lot. One day when we were driving to Los Angeles we had to stop for a red light but a yellow mustang didn't. It just sped right on through and smash! It was hit on the broadside by a huge moving van. So all I'm trying to tell is that your could have been worse.
Your Pal,
Ronald"
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Mon. 1-22-73
"Mary Jane came bringing more things from home. I went to Confers for a shower (marvelous) and changed my clothes.
During the first week Gleen Parks came. Gary Parks, Glenn and Gary together, Shirley and Dot and Jim when they were over the flu. Jim Addcock checked in and son Dodo the next two days. Don Confer and Mark and David came several times. Greg Heisey, Bell Dwyer and Artie Cloud came all several times. Sandy V. came often. Al Karnik came Thurs. morning, Keith Fri. and his folks Fri. Susan Iozzetta came. Emily the first to write and received it Wed. in I.C. Odd place to receive mail. Bev and Al Mertel came with both there daughters, Steve came. John and Joie Meeks stopped on their way to Yuma. Margaret and George Steel came Fri. evening on their way to Phx. and stopped by again Sun. eve on their way home.
Scott* thought he was losing weight because he cried so much. He was a big help to us during the long, long first week. One time when I was patting a little Mexican lady in the hall he went and got her a tissue. She was crying and did not speak English. Scott got the whole box. Very short little lady in cheap plastic jacket. Scott patted her also.
I left the hospital Thurs. night to sleep in a bed at Confers. Bob and Scott stayed alone. Scott went in at 2 by himself. Fri. night Bob came to Confers too and got his first nights sleep. Mother, Daddy, Russ and Cousin left Tues. afternoon. Russ and cousin returning early Fri. evening. Judy and Russ stayed at the hospital all night Fri. and Sat. for Dan and for us."
*Scott and Mike are my Dad's little brothers. Mother and Daddy are my grandma's parents. Judy is my grandma's sister, Russ was her husband and Cousin is their son.
During the first week Gleen Parks came. Gary Parks, Glenn and Gary together, Shirley and Dot and Jim when they were over the flu. Jim Addcock checked in and son Dodo the next two days. Don Confer and Mark and David came several times. Greg Heisey, Bell Dwyer and Artie Cloud came all several times. Sandy V. came often. Al Karnik came Thurs. morning, Keith Fri. and his folks Fri. Susan Iozzetta came. Emily the first to write and received it Wed. in I.C. Odd place to receive mail. Bev and Al Mertel came with both there daughters, Steve came. John and Joie Meeks stopped on their way to Yuma. Margaret and George Steel came Fri. evening on their way to Phx. and stopped by again Sun. eve on their way home.
Scott* thought he was losing weight because he cried so much. He was a big help to us during the long, long first week. One time when I was patting a little Mexican lady in the hall he went and got her a tissue. She was crying and did not speak English. Scott got the whole box. Very short little lady in cheap plastic jacket. Scott patted her also.
I left the hospital Thurs. night to sleep in a bed at Confers. Bob and Scott stayed alone. Scott went in at 2 by himself. Fri. night Bob came to Confers too and got his first nights sleep. Mother, Daddy, Russ and Cousin left Tues. afternoon. Russ and cousin returning early Fri. evening. Judy and Russ stayed at the hospital all night Fri. and Sat. for Dan and for us."
*Scott and Mike are my Dad's little brothers. Mother and Daddy are my grandma's parents. Judy is my grandma's sister, Russ was her husband and Cousin is their son.
Tues. 1-30-73
"Tucson Medical Center
The accident happened Sunday Jan. 21 1973 right after 2 in the afternoon. Four lane highway, on a curve, by the conveyor belt beside the Lavender Pit - Bisbee.
Bob took the call from the Copper Queen Hospital right at 3. All they said was there had been an accident and to come right away. He made one call locate Scott, unplugged the popcorn popper while I dressed and we were on our way. So frightened when the 2 doctors came towards us but he was alive though they didn't give us any encouragement. They didn't do anything to his head, but talked to Tucson Neuro people before they left Bisbee and were in touch with them on the long ride up. The Kanes brought Scott and a suitcase to the Warren cut-off and we were on our way.
Everyone from Douglas got to see their family but us. Just before they loaded the ambulance we finally got to see Dan for about 30 seconds.
The ambulance was at the emergency door wide open and unfolded when we arrived. We were the first to get to Bisbee and to Tsn. They said they had a rough trip but they made it. Called Mike at Manzanita Hall and a friend brought he and Sandy out. He arrived while we were in Emergency talking to Dr. Goodman - a neurologist. They wanted to do a test looking for blood clots and he explained there was an element of risk, like 1 in 200. He convinced us we had no choice and we signed. An anesthetist put 2 needles in the neck using a dye and very fast Xray pictures were taken. No clots, so no surgery. They just sewed him up and moved him into Intensive Care. They had no idea if he was going to live or die. He compared it to walking a tight rope. Called Judy and she said she was coming and I said good. Asked her to call the folks. Bob called Don Confer and I think Jackie walked in 10 minutes later. We sat and watched and got to see Dan for 5 minutes on the even hours. Judy didn't come alone! They all came Russ, Cousin, and Mother and Daddy. We sure were glad to see them. Sat in the Surgery Lobby outside ICU and watched the clock. Cafeteria open until 2 - thank heavens. After 4 walked back to the Police and Press room in Emergency for some pretty lousy coffee. One family sleeping in Surgery Lobby. Later met and became acquainted with the Figueroa family. Their 18 yr. old son had all the blood removed and changed because his liver was destroyed. He was in an isolation room in ICU."
The accident happened Sunday Jan. 21 1973 right after 2 in the afternoon. Four lane highway, on a curve, by the conveyor belt beside the Lavender Pit - Bisbee.
Bob took the call from the Copper Queen Hospital right at 3. All they said was there had been an accident and to come right away. He made one call locate Scott, unplugged the popcorn popper while I dressed and we were on our way. So frightened when the 2 doctors came towards us but he was alive though they didn't give us any encouragement. They didn't do anything to his head, but talked to Tucson Neuro people before they left Bisbee and were in touch with them on the long ride up. The Kanes brought Scott and a suitcase to the Warren cut-off and we were on our way.
Everyone from Douglas got to see their family but us. Just before they loaded the ambulance we finally got to see Dan for about 30 seconds.
The ambulance was at the emergency door wide open and unfolded when we arrived. We were the first to get to Bisbee and to Tsn. They said they had a rough trip but they made it. Called Mike at Manzanita Hall and a friend brought he and Sandy out. He arrived while we were in Emergency talking to Dr. Goodman - a neurologist. They wanted to do a test looking for blood clots and he explained there was an element of risk, like 1 in 200. He convinced us we had no choice and we signed. An anesthetist put 2 needles in the neck using a dye and very fast Xray pictures were taken. No clots, so no surgery. They just sewed him up and moved him into Intensive Care. They had no idea if he was going to live or die. He compared it to walking a tight rope. Called Judy and she said she was coming and I said good. Asked her to call the folks. Bob called Don Confer and I think Jackie walked in 10 minutes later. We sat and watched and got to see Dan for 5 minutes on the even hours. Judy didn't come alone! They all came Russ, Cousin, and Mother and Daddy. We sure were glad to see them. Sat in the Surgery Lobby outside ICU and watched the clock. Cafeteria open until 2 - thank heavens. After 4 walked back to the Police and Press room in Emergency for some pretty lousy coffee. One family sleeping in Surgery Lobby. Later met and became acquainted with the Figueroa family. Their 18 yr. old son had all the blood removed and changed because his liver was destroyed. He was in an isolation room in ICU."
I sure wish my Grandma was still around. It would be nice to read these journal entries with her.
Mon. 1-29-73
"The Garbaroughs, Liz and J.E. Phillips and daughter Bonnie Grainger were by. Rudy Castillo and a buddy came. Rudy practically cried and said he would keep praying for Dan.
Xrays taken by the portable right in bed. Met Dr. Gleason - neurologist.
Dr. Goldfarb and Goodman in early evening and talked to Mother. They said he was a hair better and mentioned improved eye movement."
Xrays taken by the portable right in bed. Met Dr. Gleason - neurologist.
Dr. Goldfarb and Goodman in early evening and talked to Mother. They said he was a hair better and mentioned improved eye movement."
Sun. 1-28-73
"Vic and Mary Lou Daniel and Pete and Rosie Robb came by. The Morgans came for the day and gave Bob and Scott a ride home to Douglas late afternoon. Had a talk with Dr. Goodman and he explained he is being moved out of Intensive Care to the Neurology Wing as they had done all they could.
Barring complications and if he remains stable might be able to move him home to a Douglas hospital in 30 days.
Met Dr. Katz - orthopedic surgeon - he explained they would put a pin in the left knee and put him in traction to put his separated pelvis bones back together. He mentioned 4 or 5 weeks and said they would use a local anesthetic.
Russ, Judy, Cousin Mike and Mike left for Phx right after the 2 o'clock visit in ICU. Didn't get to see him in 208 or with the pelvis bones fixed and in traction.
Margaret and George Steele came by late afternoon."
Barring complications and if he remains stable might be able to move him home to a Douglas hospital in 30 days.
Met Dr. Katz - orthopedic surgeon - he explained they would put a pin in the left knee and put him in traction to put his separated pelvis bones back together. He mentioned 4 or 5 weeks and said they would use a local anesthetic.
Russ, Judy, Cousin Mike and Mike left for Phx right after the 2 o'clock visit in ICU. Didn't get to see him in 208 or with the pelvis bones fixed and in traction.
Margaret and George Steele came by late afternoon."
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A Small Small World
I hate the stupid saying that everything happens for a reason...but I believe it. I also believe that certain people are brought into our lives for certain reasons. We just have to do our best, not to figure out why they are here, but to just embrace their presence.
I have a coworker who I really look up too. She is honest, tells it like it is and doesn't take crap from anybody. She is knowledgeable and cares deeply for her patients and their outcomes. Through getting to know her I discovered that her partner is a good friend of my uncle. I then found out through my dad and uncle that her partner was in the accident with my dad. I experienced a flood of emotions when I discovered this news. First was surprise. I'd never given the other accident victims any real thought, much less thought I'd ever have the chance to meet them if I wanted. Second was anger. Anger because of my dad's disability, why was he so hurt and his life so altered, but this other guy's wasn't? I haven't told this coworker that I know who her partner is. I want to and have thought about doing it a million times. Those first emotions have disappeared, I am no longer angry, but know that there was a reason for the way everything happened. And that this person was brought into my life for a reason. I am very thankful for the relationship that her and I have and really think she will be in my life for a very long time.
I have a coworker who I really look up too. She is honest, tells it like it is and doesn't take crap from anybody. She is knowledgeable and cares deeply for her patients and their outcomes. Through getting to know her I discovered that her partner is a good friend of my uncle. I then found out through my dad and uncle that her partner was in the accident with my dad. I experienced a flood of emotions when I discovered this news. First was surprise. I'd never given the other accident victims any real thought, much less thought I'd ever have the chance to meet them if I wanted. Second was anger. Anger because of my dad's disability, why was he so hurt and his life so altered, but this other guy's wasn't? I haven't told this coworker that I know who her partner is. I want to and have thought about doing it a million times. Those first emotions have disappeared, I am no longer angry, but know that there was a reason for the way everything happened. And that this person was brought into my life for a reason. I am very thankful for the relationship that her and I have and really think she will be in my life for a very long time.
Greetings
My husband and I were talking the other day about what it means to be an adult. It seems that now at 27 we are finally figuring that out. I hope to use this blog as an outlet for all of my true feelings and experiences. I haven't yet decided if I'll even tell anyone about it, I'll decide that later.
"A Life Before Me"...what does that mean? Its first definition regards my parents and their life before me. As children you think you are everything our parents ever had, but as I've gotten older I realize that they had a life before me. They were children too and had all kinds of life experiences, good and bad. Its second definition is in regards to my life, now and what lies ahead.
I plan on doing a lot of writing here. My first major topic is my dad, Dan Jones. My dad suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was in a terrible car accident on January 21, 1973. These are the details I have always known:
My grandpa gave me a box today of all the stuff he and my grandma saved from my dad's accident. Reading the contents has been a very eye opening and emotional experience. I plan on writing out my grandma's journal entries and sharing the sweet, compassionate and caring letters and notes that were given to my grandparents and dad.
"May the wings of happiness never lose a feather.
March 5th, 1973
Dear Danny,
I am a sixth grade student at St. Joesph school, my name in care you were wondering who I am is Cathy Valverde. I heard what happened and I feel sorry for you and hope you will feel better. I will remember you in my prayers. My your voyage through life be as happy and free as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea.
Your Friend,
Cathy Valverde"
Reading his letters and my grandma's journal entries has made me laugh and cry. I am really looking forward to recording such amazing history.
"A Life Before Me"...what does that mean? Its first definition regards my parents and their life before me. As children you think you are everything our parents ever had, but as I've gotten older I realize that they had a life before me. They were children too and had all kinds of life experiences, good and bad. Its second definition is in regards to my life, now and what lies ahead.
I plan on doing a lot of writing here. My first major topic is my dad, Dan Jones. My dad suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was in a terrible car accident on January 21, 1973. These are the details I have always known:
- He and three friends were hit by a drunk driver.
- He was in a coma for 67 days.
- He had to re-learn life.
My grandpa gave me a box today of all the stuff he and my grandma saved from my dad's accident. Reading the contents has been a very eye opening and emotional experience. I plan on writing out my grandma's journal entries and sharing the sweet, compassionate and caring letters and notes that were given to my grandparents and dad.
"May the wings of happiness never lose a feather.
March 5th, 1973
Dear Danny,
I am a sixth grade student at St. Joesph school, my name in care you were wondering who I am is Cathy Valverde. I heard what happened and I feel sorry for you and hope you will feel better. I will remember you in my prayers. My your voyage through life be as happy and free as the dancing waves on the deep blue sea.
Your Friend,
Cathy Valverde"
Reading his letters and my grandma's journal entries has made me laugh and cry. I am really looking forward to recording such amazing history.
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