in honor of

Bob and I just lost an incredible friend in a helicopter crash.  Joey was one of the most unique and special people anyone could ever meet. I want to share some thoughts about what it was like to have had the honor of knowing him as a person: 

Joey was initially a business associate/colleague of Bob’s brother, who over time became a good friend to me and Bob.    Very soon after my stroke he flew to Houston to comfort Bob.  In fact, when I was in pretty bad shape he told Bob candidly "She's not going to make it”.  He could sense I was giving up.  I think this candor was healthy and helpful to Bob and the behavior of a good friend. Joey defined friendship, he defined family.  I have never observed anyone more devoted to his family than Joey.  He could be at a party,  with 50 +friends and the minute his family arrived it was as if no one else was in the room.  He embraced them instantly - from his 2 grown children to his baby.  You had to be a little careful what you said around Joey, because he was the type of man who made dreams come true or brought dreams to life.  For example, I expressed a casual interest in learning Spanish. Within 3 months I was living on his ranch in Mexico immersed in Spanish lessons and practicing daily with a Mexican family. He saw to my every need during my 3-week stay here.

His generosity knew no bounds. After my stroke he insisted I come to the Feria in Queretaro.  And this trip would include attending a bullfight.  He knew I would have difficulty navigating the bullfight arena so he modified the bull ring stadium - just for me.  I was astounded.  Our favorite Joey phrase is "We’re going to have a lot of fun” He would say:  “Let’s go to Spain to the bull  fight or let’s go out on my boat”, etc.  Joey would say these things and then actually make them happen and you always, always did - have a lot of fun.

On a couple of visits to Queretaro, we included our friends and Joey embraced them as if they were his own friends.  His impact on our friends is legendary.

Joey loved Bob which made me love him even more. I remember he told Tom once that "Bob is the fun brother."

Joey smoked, drank, laughed, ate, loved, worked, traveled, entertained, partied,  and basically did anything he wanted to do for his 55 years.  I personally think he was happiest when he was surrounded by his family (and this would have to include at least one beautiful woman) and in Joey's case this was his wife, Alma.

As we go on in this world without Joey, we are going to live by his mantra:  "We will have a lot of fun. If we don’t, there no point in doing it.”  I honor you, Joey for the richness, (not riches) you brought to our lives.  I miss you already and wish we could have spent more time together.  You will be in our hearts and minds forever.

vegas Part 2

I’ve just returned from one of the most accessible cities in the country for the “handicapable”. Las Vegas, particularly the areas around the big hotels/casinos cater to those of us with a chronic challenge or two. I visited my sister who had a wonderful “master plan” full of activities that she fit within the four days I was there.  Parking, walking and building access is so good; I could almost go the distance on my own. Stepping out of the car, the valet was ever present to provide assistance. Also, hotels loan wheelchairs, also provided near the entrance to a hotel.  To maneuver through crowded casinos, the wheelchair was the right choice.  Shops and restaurants also are accessible with wide aisles, wheelchair accessibility and caring staff.  We went to a steak place in the Cesar’s Palace Forum shops and sat outside the restaurant so we could still have visibility into the mall. Accessible restrooms can be found throughout Las Vegas and not an after thought as in many of the places I have traveled. Everyone is so accommodating it’s almost as if the planners made a conscious effort to cater to all customers, especially those who needed a little more assistance. Of course, tips are welcome.

Mid Year Report Card

I am giving myself a midterm report on my rehab:  C- for walking and a B overall. Let me explain  If I were to contact my former PT at St David’s and ask to continue therapy with her,  I would  honestly tell her that not much has changed since our last session. With that report, she shouldn’t take me back.  I still don’t know how to completely put weight on my left side (because I can’t feel it) and pass with my right foot.  I do practice everyday at the ballet bar in our house. The exercise is to stand just on my left leg without holding on to anything.  However, it is difficult to place blind trust in something when you can’t feel your leg. Until I can do this I have limited travel options; however, this has not completely limited my travel.

I just returned from a week in Vegas with my sister Susan and her husband TJ.  Susan had a master plan of activities to fill the days.  The first day we drove to the Grand Canyon and toured/walked the Glass Skywalk A top the Skywalk, you stand 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon on a horseshoe shaped walkway with a glass floor. Look down and you feel as if you are "hovering" over the canyon. Because of the crowds we borrowed a wheelchair to get to the skywalk.  Other activities included shopping at Ceasar’s Palace Forum shops.  Again, we borrowed a wheelchair for this adventure because of amount of ground to cover and maneuvering the crowds.

We also attempted to paddle boat in Lake Las Vegas, however this wasn’t possible because of the three-foot drop to get to the water and paddle boats. No one was willing to risk carrying me down the steps and I don’t blame them. Our last outing was the Spring’s Preserve where the original settlers landed in Nevada. The springs terrain off the path was too tricky for me to manage so we stayed on the path.  Overall there was a lot of walking challenges, yet I managed.  I prefer not to use a wheelchair but it does provide adventures that are not otherwise possible.  The overall B grade is for trying and realizing my limitations.  There are so many things I can do it just means getting out of my comfort zone.