Stryker Brigade News

Michael had a small setback a day ago. He hit the Pt stuff too hard and it opened some of his arm and it was leaking fluids more than the docs wanted. they have taken him off pt for a while and as of tonight, it looks like he will not have to have another surgery. Tomorrow will tell us more.

We got a surprise visit from two very nice young ladies the other night. We came back to Michael's room and found Cindy and her daughter Ashleigh talking to our son. Needless to say we were a bit surprised. Who are these people???? Cindy found our site by accident a while ago and has been following the stories posted and had become very attached to Her Boys in the brigade. Believe me when I tell you this lady and her family are true Americans, Proud and Patriotic with full support of our soldiers. They brought Michael, Scott and Travis patriotic bears, and cookies too, and some much needed outside the family conversation. My wife and I, along with Michael, really enjoyed having them there.

I am so blessed to have had so many people contact us via many methods to offer support and prayers. Sometimes it gets hard to even slow down and thank each one so I am glad there is this medium to express my gratitude to you all. Thank you so much.

Michael's mom is starting to get back on her feet after being pretty sick the last few days. She finally ran out of energy a few days ago and her pain was not being kept in check with her medications. I was so glad that she overslept the last few days and was not up too early. She made the trip to the hospital tonight and got to .spend some quality time with Michael and that was a good thing.

Ashleigh was on the phone with Michael when we got there so we let them talk while we went down stairs for a while. She wanted Michael to what the Virginia Tech game tonight so they could talk about it tomorrow. How sweet is that, a girl that likes football! I guess it helped that she went there. ;-) Cindy and Ashleigh said they would love to take us sight seeing around DC when Michael can be mobile and he is looking forward to it. I guess after the elections when things slow down a bit, we will get to see some of the sites.

NOt sure if I mentioned this earlier, but we met a staff sgt that handles some of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier duties and invited us to a VIP tour when we are ready. Just a chance meeting with this soldier turned out to be very special for me.

A retired col. from the 14th cav came by again the other night with his wife. What a great time we had chatting with them. We had to cancel dinner plans with them because Georg was not doing well but we are planning on getting together soon. I can not believe how helpful and friendly everyone has been. Offering rides off the base to go shopping, which we have not done yet but hope to soon, dinner invites, and offers to pick up things we may need and have them delivered. I am so greatful and at the same time amazed that total strangers would offer so much of their time for us. I am truly blessed.

Finally, I would like to say Thank You to all of my Stryker Family, you have made this whole situation bearable and I can see the light at the end of that long tunnel. With your thoughts and prayers, along with the fine people on GGVG and MM's message boards, I can hardly contain myself with the outpouring of kind words. Just sitting down at the end of the day and reading a few of the emails and messages gives me peace and hope to make it another day.

Take care and God bless.
Mike and family
p.s. Sgt. T., an email is on the way shortly.