It was truly an honor to meet him, better pic to follow tomorrow (Where you can better see the faces of the most powerful women on earth.)
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Me, Carren, Mom, and... oh yeah, the most powerful man on earth
It was truly an honor to meet him, better pic to follow tomorrow (Where you can better see the faces of the most powerful women on earth.)
Thursday, July 28, 2005
HELP
Jason or Jim, contact me NIPR.
I could really use voice to text software
http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/preferred/
Or I could keep up the two line posts.
I have so much I want to blog but can't. maybe someone could cajole them into helping a wounded soldier...
working hard, chuck
Thank you all so very much... Daniel Johnson. Please e-mail me at ziegenfusscw@gmail with your contact info and mailing address.
I could really use voice to text software
http://www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/preferred/
Or I could keep up the two line posts.
I have so much I want to blog but can't. maybe someone could cajole them into helping a wounded soldier...
working hard, chuck
Thank you all so very much... Daniel Johnson. Please e-mail me at ziegenfusscw@gmail with your contact info and mailing address.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Down but not out
The cast is heavy for typing, but thanks for your cards and prayers. Carren is an angel, I love her so.
I am getting better daily.
chuck
I am getting better daily.
chuck
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Update 24 July
What a week!!! I finally got all of my papers written and the stress of school is behind me (for now). I need to thank the MSW faculty at Washburn Univ. in Topeka, KS for allowing me to finish the semester while being away. I still have more catching up to do when I get back to Fort Riley, but the faculty is working with me so I don't lose the many hours I have already put in. I am taking a year off from grad school so I can take care of my family. I have one more year to go... eventually I will finish!
Chuck is doing really well. The two of us had an emotional meltdown this week and we feel much better now. Things were getting very tense b/w all of us (including Alice) and we needed to talk things out (and cry) to get past it. We all have a better understanding of how each of us feel and we don't let the tension build like we were doing before. We were all trying to protect each other and then BOOM! - a meltdown. The problem was the communication b/w patient and care-giver. We needed to understand Chuck's pain and how he was trying to express himself... and he needed to understand how Alice and I felt as care-givers, trying to take care of a loved one and make him as comfortable as possible. BUT, like I said, we got past it and we are all much better now. I am now "allowed" to sit on Chuck's bed w/ him (I wasn't allowed to before b/c of how sore he was all over)... and he wants me to lie down next to him sometimes too. We sat on the bed together for about 20 minutes yesterday and watched "The Simpsons" on TV. It's the simple little things like sitting next to your spouse to watch TV that make a big difference.
As far as Chuck's injuries go, they are all healing nicely. His legs look better every day and he is getting better on his feet. His left arm is his biggest problem. The grafts are healing well, but the pain he gets from the nerve damage is sometimes unbearable. He is moving his fingers on his left hand, which he was not able to do for some time after his arm was grafted. His left wrist is still broken, but he is getting a bit more movement in his wrist as the days go by. We still don't know how long we will be here and what other milestones he needs to reach in order to be discharged. Alice and I spoke w/ one of his (many) doctors on Friday and he said he would get some of the surgeons to help us w/ a general time frame of healing milestones and what to expect down the road. We don't need specifics... some general info would be nice!
Amongst all of the above, we have had the honor to meet some amazing people this week. Today was the best... we met General Meyers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife. They are two wonderful, genuine people and it was a real honor to meet them and chat. Chuck told General Meyers his story and the General was quite impressed w/ Chuck and who he is as a soldier and leader. Alice was beside herself talking to General Meyers. You don't realize how much you respect a person until you are in their presence and see the "human" side. Just like we felt when we met President Bush.
Roger Clemens, pitcher for the Houston Astros (just in case you didn't know), was also w/ General Meyers. Mr. Clemens was also a very genuine man when speaking to Chuck about being a soldier and how he (Chuck) cares for his men. Mr. Clemens told Chuck that although he plays baseball for a living, he is part of a team and believes in his team. BUT, he said, that Chuck and his men were the "Ultimate Team" and he believes in all of them. Alice would like me to relay her thoughts of Mr. Clemens: "Not only is Roger Clemens tall, broad-shouldered, and incredibly handsome, he is every woman's dream of 'Oh my God Gorgeous!'" (BTW, Alice is in desparate need of a date. She is a widow and single. REPEAT: In desparate need of a date!). Alice told me to write all of that, so please don't think I am being harsh!
Yesterday (Sat.) we had the honor of meeting Major General (MG) Hunseker and his wife. MG Hunseker is the 1st Infantry Division Commander... The Big Red One. He and Chuck had a great conversation, but I missed a lot of it b/c I was talking to his amazing wife. They, too, are genuine, caring people who have such respect for all of the soldiers in combat and their families. He is from Pittsburgh, and Chuck and I are both from PA as well (Chuck was an Army brat, but when he was 14 his dad retired in Carlisle, PA). MG Hunseker's sister went to Indiana Univ. of PA (IUP), which is where Chuck and I were both commissioned. His father was a teacher at IUP as well. Small world! We talked about the various "languages" among Pennsylvanians and had some great laughs about how people say certain words. Sounds silly, but that is what we Pennsylvanians do!
Friday afternoon, Chuck's Brigade Commander, Colonel Howard, and his Brigade Command Sergeant Major, CSM Moore, came to visit. And not far behind was 2-34's amazing Rear Detachment Commander, CPT Stowell. It was good to see some familiar faces from fort Riley. Chuck talked to COL Howard, CSM Moore, and CPT Stowell for about an hour. Alice and I left them alone to swap war stories, have some laughs, and, if they could have, share a pitcher of beer (apparently there is some crazy rule about patients on narcotics not being allowed to drink alocohol. I just don't get it... ha ha).
On Friday we also met some other players from the Houston Astros. Later that afternoon we met a Congressman from Minnesota. I would write his name, but I would badly butcher the spelling so I won't. He was fun to talk to. Alice and the Congressman talked about the funky language in MN and it was just a fun, light-hearted conversation. He offered to give us a personal tour of the Capital once Chuck is ambulatory. He was very adamant to his assistant that HE give us the tour. Pretty cool.
We met the Secretary of VA and some of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday (note: not Coors beer, the baseball players. Chuck actually didn't know who/what the CO. Rockies were until we told him. And he didn't try to blame the drugs for his lack of knowledge!). They were some really nice guys as well.
Alice and I would like to thank CPT Stowell and his wife Misty for taking us to dinner on Friday night. It was good to eat something other than hospital cafeteria food, but it was even better to be in the company of a man who has been helping me through this ordeal from day one. CPT Stowell, you are one hell of a leader and 2-34 is lucky to have you! And Alice wants to thank you for giving her a ride in the "luxury limo mobile." wink wink
We had some other visitors from home as well... Charles and Bev Bollman. They were in DC visiting family and they were kind enough to stop by and check on us. We go to church w/ the Bollmans in Junction City, KS. I also received a voice mail from Shelly Kite... she and her husband Tom were visitng in DC. They go to the same church w/ us as well. Unfortunately I was not able to link up w/ them, but want to send them a thank you for calling.
Okay.... I am done. Alice helped me with a lot of this so she needs some credit to this post as well. And if I continue to keep this post open she will tell me even more things to write!!!
Take care, God Bless, and thanks to all of YOU amazing people all over the world who dare to follow this blog! :)
P.S. from Alice: You have read about the people who have come to visit Chuck. Now it's your turn... Alice really needs a date (w/ a man, of course).
Carren, Alice, and Chuck
Chuck is doing really well. The two of us had an emotional meltdown this week and we feel much better now. Things were getting very tense b/w all of us (including Alice) and we needed to talk things out (and cry) to get past it. We all have a better understanding of how each of us feel and we don't let the tension build like we were doing before. We were all trying to protect each other and then BOOM! - a meltdown. The problem was the communication b/w patient and care-giver. We needed to understand Chuck's pain and how he was trying to express himself... and he needed to understand how Alice and I felt as care-givers, trying to take care of a loved one and make him as comfortable as possible. BUT, like I said, we got past it and we are all much better now. I am now "allowed" to sit on Chuck's bed w/ him (I wasn't allowed to before b/c of how sore he was all over)... and he wants me to lie down next to him sometimes too. We sat on the bed together for about 20 minutes yesterday and watched "The Simpsons" on TV. It's the simple little things like sitting next to your spouse to watch TV that make a big difference.
As far as Chuck's injuries go, they are all healing nicely. His legs look better every day and he is getting better on his feet. His left arm is his biggest problem. The grafts are healing well, but the pain he gets from the nerve damage is sometimes unbearable. He is moving his fingers on his left hand, which he was not able to do for some time after his arm was grafted. His left wrist is still broken, but he is getting a bit more movement in his wrist as the days go by. We still don't know how long we will be here and what other milestones he needs to reach in order to be discharged. Alice and I spoke w/ one of his (many) doctors on Friday and he said he would get some of the surgeons to help us w/ a general time frame of healing milestones and what to expect down the road. We don't need specifics... some general info would be nice!
Amongst all of the above, we have had the honor to meet some amazing people this week. Today was the best... we met General Meyers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife. They are two wonderful, genuine people and it was a real honor to meet them and chat. Chuck told General Meyers his story and the General was quite impressed w/ Chuck and who he is as a soldier and leader. Alice was beside herself talking to General Meyers. You don't realize how much you respect a person until you are in their presence and see the "human" side. Just like we felt when we met President Bush.
Roger Clemens, pitcher for the Houston Astros (just in case you didn't know), was also w/ General Meyers. Mr. Clemens was also a very genuine man when speaking to Chuck about being a soldier and how he (Chuck) cares for his men. Mr. Clemens told Chuck that although he plays baseball for a living, he is part of a team and believes in his team. BUT, he said, that Chuck and his men were the "Ultimate Team" and he believes in all of them. Alice would like me to relay her thoughts of Mr. Clemens: "Not only is Roger Clemens tall, broad-shouldered, and incredibly handsome, he is every woman's dream of 'Oh my God Gorgeous!'" (BTW, Alice is in desparate need of a date. She is a widow and single. REPEAT: In desparate need of a date!). Alice told me to write all of that, so please don't think I am being harsh!
Yesterday (Sat.) we had the honor of meeting Major General (MG) Hunseker and his wife. MG Hunseker is the 1st Infantry Division Commander... The Big Red One. He and Chuck had a great conversation, but I missed a lot of it b/c I was talking to his amazing wife. They, too, are genuine, caring people who have such respect for all of the soldiers in combat and their families. He is from Pittsburgh, and Chuck and I are both from PA as well (Chuck was an Army brat, but when he was 14 his dad retired in Carlisle, PA). MG Hunseker's sister went to Indiana Univ. of PA (IUP), which is where Chuck and I were both commissioned. His father was a teacher at IUP as well. Small world! We talked about the various "languages" among Pennsylvanians and had some great laughs about how people say certain words. Sounds silly, but that is what we Pennsylvanians do!
Friday afternoon, Chuck's Brigade Commander, Colonel Howard, and his Brigade Command Sergeant Major, CSM Moore, came to visit. And not far behind was 2-34's amazing Rear Detachment Commander, CPT Stowell. It was good to see some familiar faces from fort Riley. Chuck talked to COL Howard, CSM Moore, and CPT Stowell for about an hour. Alice and I left them alone to swap war stories, have some laughs, and, if they could have, share a pitcher of beer (apparently there is some crazy rule about patients on narcotics not being allowed to drink alocohol. I just don't get it... ha ha).
On Friday we also met some other players from the Houston Astros. Later that afternoon we met a Congressman from Minnesota. I would write his name, but I would badly butcher the spelling so I won't. He was fun to talk to. Alice and the Congressman talked about the funky language in MN and it was just a fun, light-hearted conversation. He offered to give us a personal tour of the Capital once Chuck is ambulatory. He was very adamant to his assistant that HE give us the tour. Pretty cool.
We met the Secretary of VA and some of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday (note: not Coors beer, the baseball players. Chuck actually didn't know who/what the CO. Rockies were until we told him. And he didn't try to blame the drugs for his lack of knowledge!). They were some really nice guys as well.
Alice and I would like to thank CPT Stowell and his wife Misty for taking us to dinner on Friday night. It was good to eat something other than hospital cafeteria food, but it was even better to be in the company of a man who has been helping me through this ordeal from day one. CPT Stowell, you are one hell of a leader and 2-34 is lucky to have you! And Alice wants to thank you for giving her a ride in the "luxury limo mobile." wink wink
We had some other visitors from home as well... Charles and Bev Bollman. They were in DC visiting family and they were kind enough to stop by and check on us. We go to church w/ the Bollmans in Junction City, KS. I also received a voice mail from Shelly Kite... she and her husband Tom were visitng in DC. They go to the same church w/ us as well. Unfortunately I was not able to link up w/ them, but want to send them a thank you for calling.
Okay.... I am done. Alice helped me with a lot of this so she needs some credit to this post as well. And if I continue to keep this post open she will tell me even more things to write!!!
Take care, God Bless, and thanks to all of YOU amazing people all over the world who dare to follow this blog! :)
P.S. from Alice: You have read about the people who have come to visit Chuck. Now it's your turn... Alice really needs a date (w/ a man, of course).
Carren, Alice, and Chuck
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Update 20 July
When I typed in the date above I had to ask myself, "is the date really the 20th?" Has it really been almost a month (that would be the 21st) since I got a phone call in the middle of the night that has since changed my life as I know it? Okay, yes, it is the 20th (had to check the calendar :). My days all run together and they don't usually come w/ dates attached. Alice and I were talking last night about the feeling of being in limbo... we don't feel like we are moving forward or backward... just kinda hangin there.
Of course, we are moving forward as far as Chuck's recovery, but we still have many unkowns and "what ifs" that we can't do anything about... except wait. So wait we shall. Alice was also a military spouse. Chuck's dad was enlisted in the Army for 17 years (and was medically retired due to non-hodgkin's lymphoma). So Alice can more than identify with the feelings I have as a military spouse. Military families do not often have control of their lives... where they will be stationed... when will the soldier deploy and for how long... will we get to live on post or have to find a place off post... and the list goes on. So of the FEW things we CAN control in our lives, we take hold and run like the wind! Then we have times like these where we have to revert back to that sense of not being in control and we fight our way through it (or cry or laugh or scream our way through it - usually all of the above).
Where is all this coming from, you ask? What happened to Carren and is she totally losing it? Well, not totally, but starting to feel the effects of all of this. I am not writing this for anyone to feel bad for me or Chuck or anyone else, I guess I just needed to vent a few things. I know Chuck started this blog to have an outlet... I am not one to whine and complain to the whole world (not that Chuck was doing that on his blog).... I just started typing and this is what has come of it.
So, about Chuck... he had his right thumb grafted today and is doing okay. I saw him briefly this afternoon after surgery and he was kinda sore and cranky, but seemed to be handling things well. I had to leave him to eat lunch and work on my final exam (a 10 page paper) for one of my classes. So I just finished typing 4 1/2 pages and thought I would update all of you (procrastination is my middle name :). Alice is with Chuck so he is not alone. I am headed back to the hospital in a few minutes.
We have received approximately 50 cards since I posted the PO box address... and I have not been to the box yet today. Thank you all sooooo much for the cards. I was reading some of them to Chuck again today. He loves to hear from all of you and really looks forward to "mail call."
Y'all take care and I will update again in a couple of days... probably when I am done with my final paper.
God Bless!
Carren
Of course, we are moving forward as far as Chuck's recovery, but we still have many unkowns and "what ifs" that we can't do anything about... except wait. So wait we shall. Alice was also a military spouse. Chuck's dad was enlisted in the Army for 17 years (and was medically retired due to non-hodgkin's lymphoma). So Alice can more than identify with the feelings I have as a military spouse. Military families do not often have control of their lives... where they will be stationed... when will the soldier deploy and for how long... will we get to live on post or have to find a place off post... and the list goes on. So of the FEW things we CAN control in our lives, we take hold and run like the wind! Then we have times like these where we have to revert back to that sense of not being in control and we fight our way through it (or cry or laugh or scream our way through it - usually all of the above).
Where is all this coming from, you ask? What happened to Carren and is she totally losing it? Well, not totally, but starting to feel the effects of all of this. I am not writing this for anyone to feel bad for me or Chuck or anyone else, I guess I just needed to vent a few things. I know Chuck started this blog to have an outlet... I am not one to whine and complain to the whole world (not that Chuck was doing that on his blog).... I just started typing and this is what has come of it.
So, about Chuck... he had his right thumb grafted today and is doing okay. I saw him briefly this afternoon after surgery and he was kinda sore and cranky, but seemed to be handling things well. I had to leave him to eat lunch and work on my final exam (a 10 page paper) for one of my classes. So I just finished typing 4 1/2 pages and thought I would update all of you (procrastination is my middle name :). Alice is with Chuck so he is not alone. I am headed back to the hospital in a few minutes.
We have received approximately 50 cards since I posted the PO box address... and I have not been to the box yet today. Thank you all sooooo much for the cards. I was reading some of them to Chuck again today. He loves to hear from all of you and really looks forward to "mail call."
Y'all take care and I will update again in a couple of days... probably when I am done with my final paper.
God Bless!
Carren
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Update 16 July
Chuck has made many great strides this week. Wednesday he sat on the edge of his bed and stood up, briefly, but he was able to finally stand on his own two feet. Thursday he got out of bed (with assistance) and sat in a recliner chair that PT brought into his room. He said he sat there for a few hours. He was so excited to finally be out of bed! Friday he walked across his room, unassisted, but w/ a PT close by... and Alice and I were probably too close, but we were being very protective! Then today, Saturday, he walked down the hall!!! He walked unassisted, but had the PT close behind. He even got to open a door in the hallway and breathe in some fresh air. It was so wonderful to see the smile on his face and watch him walk. He moves very slowly, of course, but he is able to support himself on his own two legs. I could see it in his face... how good it felt not just to stand up, but to walk w/o anyone holding on to him. The last four days have been amazing.
Chuck has also been "back to his old self." We bicker and argue like we used to... and it's fun! I think the nurses wonder what kind of marriage we have b/c we are always cutting at each other, but that's just how we are and I have missed that so much ever since he deployed. It just wasn't the same when we tried to "bicker" via e-mail. There is never a dull moment when he is awake!
We still have a lot of "unkowns" about the near future. Still don't know when he will have leave, and whether we will stay here or try to go home. We both miss out kids terribly and this has been really hard to be away from them. I talk to them just about every day, and Chuck talks to them a few times a week. My sister and her husband are taking care of our kids for us. God love them! They now have FOUR kids to take care of - including their own twins boys who will be five in September. So now I must ask, rather late, for you all to pray for Becca and Ben while they manage three preschoolers and a toddler. And let me tell ya, the stories Becca tells me are so funny! I wish so badly to be there w/ all of them. Becca and Ben are two amazing people and they are taking great care of our kids. I think Chuck and I will have to fund their next vacation when our kids can finally come home to us again! And I guess I should watch their kids too... maybe :)
Alice has a challenge for all of you. She wants to see how full we can get the PO box for Chuck. So if you have the time, please send him as many jokes as you can. If you read his blog you know his sense of humor (and nothing offends him, unless it's personal about this family). Alice suggested sending "a joke a day." We have already received many cards and Chuck read all of them. He loves to get mail! The cards he has recieved that have a joke makes him just laugh out loud. Alice and I love to listen to him laugh and see how much he enjoys reading the silly cards. (NOTE: If you sent Chuck a sentimental type care, don't think he didn't appreciate it... he likes to know that so many people out there are praying for him). Soldiers who are deployed thrive on mail from home, and I know Chuck thrives on mail and e-mails and stuff from all of you wonderful people. So if you think about it, find a joke and throw it in the mail. Just for fun!
Okay, I'm tired now. Thank you all for checking the blog and sending cards. Keep them coming b/c we will be here for an unknown period of time..
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice (and Chuck)
Chuck has also been "back to his old self." We bicker and argue like we used to... and it's fun! I think the nurses wonder what kind of marriage we have b/c we are always cutting at each other, but that's just how we are and I have missed that so much ever since he deployed. It just wasn't the same when we tried to "bicker" via e-mail. There is never a dull moment when he is awake!
We still have a lot of "unkowns" about the near future. Still don't know when he will have leave, and whether we will stay here or try to go home. We both miss out kids terribly and this has been really hard to be away from them. I talk to them just about every day, and Chuck talks to them a few times a week. My sister and her husband are taking care of our kids for us. God love them! They now have FOUR kids to take care of - including their own twins boys who will be five in September. So now I must ask, rather late, for you all to pray for Becca and Ben while they manage three preschoolers and a toddler. And let me tell ya, the stories Becca tells me are so funny! I wish so badly to be there w/ all of them. Becca and Ben are two amazing people and they are taking great care of our kids. I think Chuck and I will have to fund their next vacation when our kids can finally come home to us again! And I guess I should watch their kids too... maybe :)
Alice has a challenge for all of you. She wants to see how full we can get the PO box for Chuck. So if you have the time, please send him as many jokes as you can. If you read his blog you know his sense of humor (and nothing offends him, unless it's personal about this family). Alice suggested sending "a joke a day." We have already received many cards and Chuck read all of them. He loves to get mail! The cards he has recieved that have a joke makes him just laugh out loud. Alice and I love to listen to him laugh and see how much he enjoys reading the silly cards. (NOTE: If you sent Chuck a sentimental type care, don't think he didn't appreciate it... he likes to know that so many people out there are praying for him). Soldiers who are deployed thrive on mail from home, and I know Chuck thrives on mail and e-mails and stuff from all of you wonderful people. So if you think about it, find a joke and throw it in the mail. Just for fun!
Okay, I'm tired now. Thank you all for checking the blog and sending cards. Keep them coming b/c we will be here for an unknown period of time..
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice (and Chuck)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Update 13 July
Another day, another post! Alice and I went to the post office today to mail some things and we were excited when we saw EIGHT cards in the mailbox! Thank you all so much for the cards! I opened each one and gave them to Chuck to read. He is able to hold the cards b/w his fingers on his right hand. He was very touched by the cards and I know they are helping him keep his spirits alive! I have also read (to him) all of the other cards that he has received. So we thank you all for the cards!
Chuck had surgery again today. They removed all of his wound vacs, cleaned and redressed his graft sights, and they plan to graft his right thumb on Friday. Chuck had some great milestones this week. On Monday he brushed his own teeth, shaved part of his face, and managed to feed himself some of his dinner. He also sat up in his bed yesterday (and today). I helped him sit up and he was able to stay in the position for about 3-5 minutes. As I held him up, Alice and the OT scratched his back and we washed his back for him. We were all very excited that he had the energy and ability to do these things. He is improving more and more every day. The OTs and PTs are hoping to have him sitting on the edge of the bed in the next few days.
We might be leaving Walter Reed (temporarily) in about two weeks or so for Chuck to take 30 days of leave. We will have to come back after those 30 days, but it will be nice to get away from this place for a while. We don't know for sure if we will return to Ft. Riley... that is our hope. The kicker is that Chuck needs very specific OT and PT while we are on leave. He needs therapists who have experience with burn patients, due to his skin grafts. I have a wonderful friend who is looking into this for me in Topeka, KS (Thanks, Christina!). The other kicker to all of this is that our son Creighton starts Kindergarten next month. Please pray that we can logically find a solution that best meets the needs of both Chuck and Creighton. We just don't have enough info yet to make a decision, but we have started coming up w/ some options. This is tough for me b/c I need to be with Chuck, and we both need to be w/ our kids... and Chuck's OT and PT are crucial to his recovery. So more prayers are welcome!!!
As far as the last post about some of the staff at Walter Reed goes, I want to make it clear that not ALL of this has been a bad experience. Just certain people and certain situations seem to be a pain in the butt. I am glad that Chuck is at Walter Reed b/c the surgeons are incredible!!! He has had military and civilian surgeons and they all seem to know their stuff. It's been a ball of confusion many times, so Alice and I advocate for Chuck and ourselves. We have others who are advocating for us as well (at the hospital), but we do a lot on our own b/c there is a lack of continuity of care, and that is frustrating. When we first got here we were told "continuity of care" is the most important part of all of this. Well, Chuck has not had that continuity and it has become a thorn in our side. It's really too hard to explain it all...
I want to make a note that Alice often gives me input on the blog. I usually read her what I wrote and she gives me more stuff to tell you all. So I want to give her some credit on this blog b/c she has reminded me of some very important things along the way.
One more thing, a good friend of ours (CPT Joe Albright) was injured in Iraq this week. We met him and his wife Lisa while stationed at Fort Knox, KY. As far as I know Joe is still in Germany and Lisa is not sure where he will go stateside. Please keep Joe and Lisa in your prayers as well. Lisa said Joe is still in good spirits and he has not lost any limbs. I don't know his exact injuries so I won't try to give any details.... just please pray for them and continue to pray for all of Armed Forces and their families.
I must close for now. You all are amazing and much appreciated for your comments, cards, prayers, etc.
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice (and Chuck)
Chuck had surgery again today. They removed all of his wound vacs, cleaned and redressed his graft sights, and they plan to graft his right thumb on Friday. Chuck had some great milestones this week. On Monday he brushed his own teeth, shaved part of his face, and managed to feed himself some of his dinner. He also sat up in his bed yesterday (and today). I helped him sit up and he was able to stay in the position for about 3-5 minutes. As I held him up, Alice and the OT scratched his back and we washed his back for him. We were all very excited that he had the energy and ability to do these things. He is improving more and more every day. The OTs and PTs are hoping to have him sitting on the edge of the bed in the next few days.
We might be leaving Walter Reed (temporarily) in about two weeks or so for Chuck to take 30 days of leave. We will have to come back after those 30 days, but it will be nice to get away from this place for a while. We don't know for sure if we will return to Ft. Riley... that is our hope. The kicker is that Chuck needs very specific OT and PT while we are on leave. He needs therapists who have experience with burn patients, due to his skin grafts. I have a wonderful friend who is looking into this for me in Topeka, KS (Thanks, Christina!). The other kicker to all of this is that our son Creighton starts Kindergarten next month. Please pray that we can logically find a solution that best meets the needs of both Chuck and Creighton. We just don't have enough info yet to make a decision, but we have started coming up w/ some options. This is tough for me b/c I need to be with Chuck, and we both need to be w/ our kids... and Chuck's OT and PT are crucial to his recovery. So more prayers are welcome!!!
As far as the last post about some of the staff at Walter Reed goes, I want to make it clear that not ALL of this has been a bad experience. Just certain people and certain situations seem to be a pain in the butt. I am glad that Chuck is at Walter Reed b/c the surgeons are incredible!!! He has had military and civilian surgeons and they all seem to know their stuff. It's been a ball of confusion many times, so Alice and I advocate for Chuck and ourselves. We have others who are advocating for us as well (at the hospital), but we do a lot on our own b/c there is a lack of continuity of care, and that is frustrating. When we first got here we were told "continuity of care" is the most important part of all of this. Well, Chuck has not had that continuity and it has become a thorn in our side. It's really too hard to explain it all...
I want to make a note that Alice often gives me input on the blog. I usually read her what I wrote and she gives me more stuff to tell you all. So I want to give her some credit on this blog b/c she has reminded me of some very important things along the way.
One more thing, a good friend of ours (CPT Joe Albright) was injured in Iraq this week. We met him and his wife Lisa while stationed at Fort Knox, KY. As far as I know Joe is still in Germany and Lisa is not sure where he will go stateside. Please keep Joe and Lisa in your prayers as well. Lisa said Joe is still in good spirits and he has not lost any limbs. I don't know his exact injuries so I won't try to give any details.... just please pray for them and continue to pray for all of Armed Forces and their families.
I must close for now. You all are amazing and much appreciated for your comments, cards, prayers, etc.
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice (and Chuck)
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Mailing address and update
The last few days have been a whirlwind for us. Chuck had his skin grafting done on Friday and it went well (his right leg and left arm were grafted). His pain management is getting better and he now has a nerve block in his left shoulder. His shoulder has been a major source of discomfort for him, in addition to the severe nerve damage in his left arm. The block seems to be helping. He also has a PCA... the wonder drug button that he can push every 6 minutes to get a dose of pain meds (Chuck calls it his "happy button"). He also has a button for the meds that go into his nerve block. We had to tape the buttons to his hand at first, then one of his nurses taped them to a pillow that he rests his arm on. It's much easier for him, except when he moves too much and can't find the buttons.
I won't go into the details of our last few days b/c I would be writing forever. Let's just say Alice and I got quite angry on Friday when the people on his ward gave us the brush-off when we asked for updates about his surgery. We spent 11 hours at the hospital on Friday, waiting for him to get back from surgery. I had to get pissy w/a few people and go to the Recovery Room to find out what was going on. Needless to say, I got my answers and managed to calm down.... but I will not allow that to happen again. We plan to talk to the head nurse on Chuck's ward tomorrow b/c we have some gripes. It's the "little" things that drive me nuts. Like stuff that a non-medical person would know. I tell ya, Alice and I have been playing nurse and today we could have had our own spa! We gave Chuck a bath - head to toe (w/o touching his wounds). It took us three hours... no kidding! We then came back to our room and took a three hour nap!
On Saturday Chuck was able to talk to the man that saved his life - CPT Jason Spencer. It was very emotional (for me), but I managed not to lose it. It was the first time Chuck has been able to talk to Jason directly since he was injured. Chuck also got to talk to LT Meeks and 1SG Williams... two other very important people to Chuck. He talked to them about 20 minutes, and in those 20 minutes you would of thought he was back in Iraq just chewing the fat w/ his men. It really helped bring his spirits back up. The men in his company mean so much to him. Fortunately, they are all okay. I keep in contact w/ our Rear D Commander to check on Chuck's men for him. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers.
I decided to rent a PO box for people to send cards. Receiving mail here at the Mologne House, or through Walter Reed is very unpredictable. So, please feel free to mail stuff to Chuck at the following address:
CPT Charles W. Ziegenfuss (or Carren Ziegenfuss or Alice Ziegenfuss)
PO Box 59051
Washington, DC 20012
Thank you all, again, for everything. Chuck and I were talking about the blog again the other night. He said he was surprised that I managed to figure out his password, and he is happy that I keep you all updated. He is also very appreciative that you all continue to read and comment. He can not wait to get back to it. He even offered to "share" his blog w/ me so we can both post. That could be a scary thing! BOTH of us posting at the same time. Heaven only knows what you all may learn about us then! :)
Alice and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Soldier's Angels and the Wounded Warriors Program. Without their unending help and support, this experience would be much more difficult. Thank you all! Also, thanks to those who have donated blood. Chuck still has to get blood every now and then, and there are many other people out there who could us your blood! So if you haven't done it yet, I think tomorrow is a great day to help save a life!
Take care, God Bless, and I will post again soon.
P.S. LTC Hall, Chuck got your message about getting back to work... I'm not sure you want to know what his response was! Just don't be surprised if you get a "nasty" picture in the mail! :)
Carren
I won't go into the details of our last few days b/c I would be writing forever. Let's just say Alice and I got quite angry on Friday when the people on his ward gave us the brush-off when we asked for updates about his surgery. We spent 11 hours at the hospital on Friday, waiting for him to get back from surgery. I had to get pissy w/a few people and go to the Recovery Room to find out what was going on. Needless to say, I got my answers and managed to calm down.... but I will not allow that to happen again. We plan to talk to the head nurse on Chuck's ward tomorrow b/c we have some gripes. It's the "little" things that drive me nuts. Like stuff that a non-medical person would know. I tell ya, Alice and I have been playing nurse and today we could have had our own spa! We gave Chuck a bath - head to toe (w/o touching his wounds). It took us three hours... no kidding! We then came back to our room and took a three hour nap!
On Saturday Chuck was able to talk to the man that saved his life - CPT Jason Spencer. It was very emotional (for me), but I managed not to lose it. It was the first time Chuck has been able to talk to Jason directly since he was injured. Chuck also got to talk to LT Meeks and 1SG Williams... two other very important people to Chuck. He talked to them about 20 minutes, and in those 20 minutes you would of thought he was back in Iraq just chewing the fat w/ his men. It really helped bring his spirits back up. The men in his company mean so much to him. Fortunately, they are all okay. I keep in contact w/ our Rear D Commander to check on Chuck's men for him. Please continue to keep them all in your prayers.
I decided to rent a PO box for people to send cards. Receiving mail here at the Mologne House, or through Walter Reed is very unpredictable. So, please feel free to mail stuff to Chuck at the following address:
CPT Charles W. Ziegenfuss (or Carren Ziegenfuss or Alice Ziegenfuss)
PO Box 59051
Washington, DC 20012
Thank you all, again, for everything. Chuck and I were talking about the blog again the other night. He said he was surprised that I managed to figure out his password, and he is happy that I keep you all updated. He is also very appreciative that you all continue to read and comment. He can not wait to get back to it. He even offered to "share" his blog w/ me so we can both post. That could be a scary thing! BOTH of us posting at the same time. Heaven only knows what you all may learn about us then! :)
Alice and I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Soldier's Angels and the Wounded Warriors Program. Without their unending help and support, this experience would be much more difficult. Thank you all! Also, thanks to those who have donated blood. Chuck still has to get blood every now and then, and there are many other people out there who could us your blood! So if you haven't done it yet, I think tomorrow is a great day to help save a life!
Take care, God Bless, and I will post again soon.
P.S. LTC Hall, Chuck got your message about getting back to work... I'm not sure you want to know what his response was! Just don't be surprised if you get a "nasty" picture in the mail! :)
Carren
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Update 06 July
Hello! As I always say, I thank you all for your unending prayers and support. The comments you all make mean so much to me. They really do. The words of encouragement and your sincere gratitude for my husband, myself, and all of our Armed Forces and their families is truly appreciated.
Chuck did not have any skin grafting done on Tuesday. The surgeons wanted to see if any of his wounds would heal some more so there would be less grafting. And they are healing well... His right leg now has two "smaller" wounds instead of one large one. The surgeons were able to stitch some of the skin on his leg, so now the wound is not as big. His left leg will not need any gratfing, and he has two wounds on that leg that are stitched up. His left bicep and forearm need grafted, as well as the two wounds on his right leg. The surgeons will be grafting his left arm and right leg on Friday. They can not graft his right thumb yet b/c he has an infection. He has been on antibiotics since he was wounded, but the infection in his right thumb just won't go away. They are hoping to graft his thumb next week. We shall see...
The wounds on Chuck's face are healing really well and they are almost completely gone. Alice and I have been picking little stones and pieces of "who knows what" out of Chuck's face. He actually doesn't mind, not that he can really hit us or anything if it hurts (just kidding). The shrapnel has managed to get under his skin in his face, but the pieces slowly surface and we pick out what we can. I think Alice and I could be nurses after all is said and done! I am so NOT a medical person in any way. I can handle helping people w/ emotional issues (hence the fact that I am working on my MSW), but the physical wounds are a whole new ball game. It was really difficult at first, especially b/c it is my husband, but it is getting easier and Chuck actually appreciates the fact that I pick at his face! :)
Alice suggested I mention that Chuck has received a total of 9 units of blood since he has been here. She wants me to ask you to donate blood, if you can. Especially if you live near Walter Reed. There are many soldiers here, and many more to come. So if you think about it, please call your local Red Cross and donate blood, no matter where you live. Someone out there could use it and you could save a life! PLUS, Alice mentioned the fact that if you donate blood you'll get free snacks and drinks. Kinda like the Oil For Food Program (wink wink).
On a more somber note, Chuck's battalion suffered a KIA recently. The soldier was in HHC, not Chuck's company. Please pray for this soldier's family and the soldiers of 2-34 AR as they mourn the loss of a Brother in Arms. There is also a soldier from HHC (2-34 AR) who will soon be coming to Walter Reed. Please pray for him and his family as well.
Alice and I have been taking care of ourselves, for those who may think we are wearing thin. We went to a mall yesterday (thanks to those of you who gave us info on shopping malls). I also slept in this morning... Alice keeps teasing me about it. I was sleepy!!! And she went back to bed too, so I didn't see any reason why I had to get up! If you all could be flies on the wall you would never think she was my mother-in-law (for those who think the words "in-laws" are "bad words"). We are very close and have a lot of fun together. If you ever wonder where Chuck got his sense of humor, all you need to do is meet Alice and you'll understand. Just ask Chuck about the practical jokes Alice used to play on him when he was growing up...
I'm done babbling for now. Again, I thank you all. Please continue to read and comment on the blog so Chuck can look back and read all of your words of support and encouragement.
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice
Chuck did not have any skin grafting done on Tuesday. The surgeons wanted to see if any of his wounds would heal some more so there would be less grafting. And they are healing well... His right leg now has two "smaller" wounds instead of one large one. The surgeons were able to stitch some of the skin on his leg, so now the wound is not as big. His left leg will not need any gratfing, and he has two wounds on that leg that are stitched up. His left bicep and forearm need grafted, as well as the two wounds on his right leg. The surgeons will be grafting his left arm and right leg on Friday. They can not graft his right thumb yet b/c he has an infection. He has been on antibiotics since he was wounded, but the infection in his right thumb just won't go away. They are hoping to graft his thumb next week. We shall see...
The wounds on Chuck's face are healing really well and they are almost completely gone. Alice and I have been picking little stones and pieces of "who knows what" out of Chuck's face. He actually doesn't mind, not that he can really hit us or anything if it hurts (just kidding). The shrapnel has managed to get under his skin in his face, but the pieces slowly surface and we pick out what we can. I think Alice and I could be nurses after all is said and done! I am so NOT a medical person in any way. I can handle helping people w/ emotional issues (hence the fact that I am working on my MSW), but the physical wounds are a whole new ball game. It was really difficult at first, especially b/c it is my husband, but it is getting easier and Chuck actually appreciates the fact that I pick at his face! :)
Alice suggested I mention that Chuck has received a total of 9 units of blood since he has been here. She wants me to ask you to donate blood, if you can. Especially if you live near Walter Reed. There are many soldiers here, and many more to come. So if you think about it, please call your local Red Cross and donate blood, no matter where you live. Someone out there could use it and you could save a life! PLUS, Alice mentioned the fact that if you donate blood you'll get free snacks and drinks. Kinda like the Oil For Food Program (wink wink).
On a more somber note, Chuck's battalion suffered a KIA recently. The soldier was in HHC, not Chuck's company. Please pray for this soldier's family and the soldiers of 2-34 AR as they mourn the loss of a Brother in Arms. There is also a soldier from HHC (2-34 AR) who will soon be coming to Walter Reed. Please pray for him and his family as well.
Alice and I have been taking care of ourselves, for those who may think we are wearing thin. We went to a mall yesterday (thanks to those of you who gave us info on shopping malls). I also slept in this morning... Alice keeps teasing me about it. I was sleepy!!! And she went back to bed too, so I didn't see any reason why I had to get up! If you all could be flies on the wall you would never think she was my mother-in-law (for those who think the words "in-laws" are "bad words"). We are very close and have a lot of fun together. If you ever wonder where Chuck got his sense of humor, all you need to do is meet Alice and you'll understand. Just ask Chuck about the practical jokes Alice used to play on him when he was growing up...
I'm done babbling for now. Again, I thank you all. Please continue to read and comment on the blog so Chuck can look back and read all of your words of support and encouragement.
Take care and God Bless!
Carren and Alice
Sunday, July 03, 2005
A Quiet Day
Hello to all of you! As always, I thank you for keeping us in your prayers. The prayers are working, I promise!
I say today was quiet because Chuck finally slept most of the day. Yesterday was rough... he was in a lot of pain all day and Alice and I spent 8 hours straight at the hospital. It's not the fault of the nurses or doctors... they have tried numerous things to help manage Chuck's pain. Chuck just burns through pain meds so quickly and it is hard to find a balance. Fortuntaley, today he had a balance in pain meds and got some badly needed sleep. He still has his sense of humor and we joke around every now and then. I know he wants to blog so badly, and he will soon enough. In the mean time, he knows you all are out there praying for him and it really means a lot to all of us involved.
Walter Reed is a very humbling place. I have met many incredible Americans here - soldiers, marines, and their families. Yes, Chuck was injured badly and I would never say that his injuries are "no big deal." BUT, when I see a soldier or marine w/ no arms or legs, or sometimes is missing both legs and one arm (no, I am not kidding), I take a step back and realize just how grateful I am that Chuck still has his arms and legs. I can not compare myself to any other family member and what they may be going through with their loved one. The hardest thing about all of this is seeing my husband in pain and there isn't anything I can do to take that pain away. THAT is hard. Alice and I do everything we can for him. We wash his face, clean his ears, adjust his arms and legs (quite often), feed him, give him drinks, etc. It's all the "little things" that we take for granted every day. I never thought I would have to do these things for my husband. I can't even compare it to raising my kids because it just isn't the same. But I will say this - I wouldn't leave his side for the world. I miss my kids terribly, and so does Chuck. But I know my kids are in good hands and I thank God every day for my family and friends and the support they give Chuck, me and our children.
I don't know where the soap box came from. I guess I finally had a chance to sit and think today while I watched Chuck sleep. Alice and I also got a chance to go out and eat with some wonderful people. Thank you Martina, Kim, and Veronica for giving us your time today. Alice and I feel refreshed and the strength of these three ladies helped us relax our minds and put life back into perspective. And if it wasn't for Veronica's "On-Star type" travel guide in her car, we would still be driving around DC!!! :)
Overall, Chuck is doing well. The surgeons say his wounds are healing nicely and they are still hoping to start skin grafting on Tuesday. Until then, please pray that Chuck and all of the injured service members have a chance to escape their pain and sleep for a while. It is so peaceful to see Chuck sleep, knowing he does not feel any pain.
By the way, does anyone know of a good shopping mall in the NEAR vicinity of Walter Reed?
I am off to bed. Take care, God Bless, and Thank You all!
Carren
I say today was quiet because Chuck finally slept most of the day. Yesterday was rough... he was in a lot of pain all day and Alice and I spent 8 hours straight at the hospital. It's not the fault of the nurses or doctors... they have tried numerous things to help manage Chuck's pain. Chuck just burns through pain meds so quickly and it is hard to find a balance. Fortuntaley, today he had a balance in pain meds and got some badly needed sleep. He still has his sense of humor and we joke around every now and then. I know he wants to blog so badly, and he will soon enough. In the mean time, he knows you all are out there praying for him and it really means a lot to all of us involved.
Walter Reed is a very humbling place. I have met many incredible Americans here - soldiers, marines, and their families. Yes, Chuck was injured badly and I would never say that his injuries are "no big deal." BUT, when I see a soldier or marine w/ no arms or legs, or sometimes is missing both legs and one arm (no, I am not kidding), I take a step back and realize just how grateful I am that Chuck still has his arms and legs. I can not compare myself to any other family member and what they may be going through with their loved one. The hardest thing about all of this is seeing my husband in pain and there isn't anything I can do to take that pain away. THAT is hard. Alice and I do everything we can for him. We wash his face, clean his ears, adjust his arms and legs (quite often), feed him, give him drinks, etc. It's all the "little things" that we take for granted every day. I never thought I would have to do these things for my husband. I can't even compare it to raising my kids because it just isn't the same. But I will say this - I wouldn't leave his side for the world. I miss my kids terribly, and so does Chuck. But I know my kids are in good hands and I thank God every day for my family and friends and the support they give Chuck, me and our children.
I don't know where the soap box came from. I guess I finally had a chance to sit and think today while I watched Chuck sleep. Alice and I also got a chance to go out and eat with some wonderful people. Thank you Martina, Kim, and Veronica for giving us your time today. Alice and I feel refreshed and the strength of these three ladies helped us relax our minds and put life back into perspective. And if it wasn't for Veronica's "On-Star type" travel guide in her car, we would still be driving around DC!!! :)
Overall, Chuck is doing well. The surgeons say his wounds are healing nicely and they are still hoping to start skin grafting on Tuesday. Until then, please pray that Chuck and all of the injured service members have a chance to escape their pain and sleep for a while. It is so peaceful to see Chuck sleep, knowing he does not feel any pain.
By the way, does anyone know of a good shopping mall in the NEAR vicinity of Walter Reed?
I am off to bed. Take care, God Bless, and Thank You all!
Carren
Friday, July 01, 2005
Chuck speaks!!!
Chuck wanted me to share a few things with you all. I told him how much you all miss hearing from him, so here are a few things he wanted to say:
"Great, now I'm surrounded by a bunch of Virginians!"
Current mood music: "Half the man I used to be" by Madonna (he'll have to explain further when he gets a chance)
Notes to self:
1. "July is never a good time to visit DC - very humid."
2. "When falling off a canal river bridge wearing body armor, it is never smart to fall in head first."
One more quote:
"You can talk about our President, his politics, and his family, but you can never talk about his character. I met him face-to-face today and I will protect him as well as I protect my own."
End quotes for the time being.
Yes, we met President Bush today. He is an AMAZING man! As human as we all are... and genuinely cares about the American people. I will not go into detail about what we talked about, that will be up to Chuck. Let's just say it was a day we will never forget. If you do not support Bush, that is your choice... please do not post your opinions (if they are negative) on this blog. I do not want a political debate. My husband met his Commander in Chief - and the honor was all ours.
Chuck is doing well. He will have his wounds cleaned again tomorrow and they are still hoping to start some skin grafting on Tuesday. He is chompin at the bit to post again... his time will come soon enough. Until then, you are stuck w/ me posting random things (too bad... you'll have to deal w/ it a while longer! ha ha).
Again, we thank you all for everything. Please make sure you read the post below... it was written by a friend of ours and he has some profound things to say.
Until next time,
Carren
"Great, now I'm surrounded by a bunch of Virginians!"
Current mood music: "Half the man I used to be" by Madonna (he'll have to explain further when he gets a chance)
Notes to self:
1. "July is never a good time to visit DC - very humid."
2. "When falling off a canal river bridge wearing body armor, it is never smart to fall in head first."
One more quote:
"You can talk about our President, his politics, and his family, but you can never talk about his character. I met him face-to-face today and I will protect him as well as I protect my own."
End quotes for the time being.
Yes, we met President Bush today. He is an AMAZING man! As human as we all are... and genuinely cares about the American people. I will not go into detail about what we talked about, that will be up to Chuck. Let's just say it was a day we will never forget. If you do not support Bush, that is your choice... please do not post your opinions (if they are negative) on this blog. I do not want a political debate. My husband met his Commander in Chief - and the honor was all ours.
Chuck is doing well. He will have his wounds cleaned again tomorrow and they are still hoping to start some skin grafting on Tuesday. He is chompin at the bit to post again... his time will come soon enough. Until then, you are stuck w/ me posting random things (too bad... you'll have to deal w/ it a while longer! ha ha).
Again, we thank you all for everything. Please make sure you read the post below... it was written by a friend of ours and he has some profound things to say.
Until next time,
Carren
A message from our good friend Joe
Our friend Joe asked me to post this on Chuck's blog. Please take a few moments to read what he has to say. He is one of our best friends from college and we love him dearly! He has some profound words... Thanks, Joe!
Today was an interesting day.
Today I did something I had hoped that I would never have to do. Visit a Friend in the hospital.
My name is Joe Eveges. I went to college with Chuck and through ROTC at Indiana Univ. of PA. As you can imagine, I have some dirt on him and he probably has more on me, but just barely.
Today another old friend and I made the trip down to Walter Reed to visit and cheer him up. As far as an update on his condition, he’s doing as well as can be expected. He is battered but far from broke. His spirit is up and true to form, he was making smart ass remarks and cracking jokes. The morphine seems to have increased his drooling though, but he’s always done that after a beer or two, so I hardly noticed.
The reason I asked Carren to post this though, is not so that I can make jokes or give an update on his condition.
Today I got a slap in the face.
Today I saw my friend in a hospital bed in pain.
Today as we drove around Walter Reed I saw men on crutches, mending wounds.
Today I saw men who were missing an arm or a leg or both.
Today I saw a portion of what it costs others, so that I and people like me, can sit in my comfy chair and bitch about the price of gas. So that I don’t have to worry about explosions in my back yard or if the car behind me is full of C4.
Today I saw that they are doing their part and more.
WE NEED TO DO OURS!
We owe our soldiers our support so that they can win the victory.
There is nothing that I can do or say that can thank my friend and all our soldiers for what they have done for us. Unless you have been there, and I have not, we have no inclination of what these soldiers have given in sacrifice, terror and blood.
But what can I do?
I challenge everyone who reads this, DO SOMETHING!!
Send the care packages, do the “any solider” program, adopt a unit, something.
Fly the colors, welcome soldiers home, voice your support, give your time, anything.
This weekend is Independence Day and for most of us reading this blog, it means a cookout, fireworks and maybe a parade. Shake that veteran’s hand that is walking in the parade, buy him a cup of coffee, JUST SAY THANKS! Shame on everyone of us who just walks by that guy in uniform in the airport without saying something to him or says “I’m to busy to get a package together”. BULL! They are doing their duty, you do yours!
Today I saw the effects of war and the toll for our freedom.
Tomorrow I will start to do what I can to repay those who purchased my security.
Will you?
Today was an interesting day.
Today I did something I had hoped that I would never have to do. Visit a Friend in the hospital.
My name is Joe Eveges. I went to college with Chuck and through ROTC at Indiana Univ. of PA. As you can imagine, I have some dirt on him and he probably has more on me, but just barely.
Today another old friend and I made the trip down to Walter Reed to visit and cheer him up. As far as an update on his condition, he’s doing as well as can be expected. He is battered but far from broke. His spirit is up and true to form, he was making smart ass remarks and cracking jokes. The morphine seems to have increased his drooling though, but he’s always done that after a beer or two, so I hardly noticed.
The reason I asked Carren to post this though, is not so that I can make jokes or give an update on his condition.
Today I got a slap in the face.
Today I saw my friend in a hospital bed in pain.
Today as we drove around Walter Reed I saw men on crutches, mending wounds.
Today I saw men who were missing an arm or a leg or both.
Today I saw a portion of what it costs others, so that I and people like me, can sit in my comfy chair and bitch about the price of gas. So that I don’t have to worry about explosions in my back yard or if the car behind me is full of C4.
Today I saw that they are doing their part and more.
WE NEED TO DO OURS!
We owe our soldiers our support so that they can win the victory.
There is nothing that I can do or say that can thank my friend and all our soldiers for what they have done for us. Unless you have been there, and I have not, we have no inclination of what these soldiers have given in sacrifice, terror and blood.
But what can I do?
I challenge everyone who reads this, DO SOMETHING!!
Send the care packages, do the “any solider” program, adopt a unit, something.
Fly the colors, welcome soldiers home, voice your support, give your time, anything.
This weekend is Independence Day and for most of us reading this blog, it means a cookout, fireworks and maybe a parade. Shake that veteran’s hand that is walking in the parade, buy him a cup of coffee, JUST SAY THANKS! Shame on everyone of us who just walks by that guy in uniform in the airport without saying something to him or says “I’m to busy to get a package together”. BULL! They are doing their duty, you do yours!
Today I saw the effects of war and the toll for our freedom.
Tomorrow I will start to do what I can to repay those who purchased my security.
Will you?
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