JerryfromFauq (Ellis) Update

Hi to All of Jerry's Many Friends from MPIP,

Hi to All of Jerry's Many Friends from MPIP,

I had the good fortune to spend over two hours today with Jerry in Colorado Springs.  He has been in rehab there for two weeks, after two weeks in Denver receiving emergency and acute care for an accident from horseback riding, when he was thrown, dragged, and kicked by the horse he was riding. I was not able to see him in Denver, and waited until he had recovered enough to have a visitor.  I was supposed to get together with Jerry before all this happened, and I have been following the updates on the OTBB about his progress.  It has been a long 4 weeks, but I have good news to share with you about Jerry.  I asked him if it was ok to post, and he wants to say hello to all of you.

Let me tell you – this guy is absolutely amazing!!!  Hearing more from Jerry and his daughter Tanya about the accident and the aftermath, it is miraculous he is here at all, but the story is even better than that.   His surgeon has done a really good job of putting his face back together but couldn't quite make him resemble Brad Pitt….lol.  Jerry is very lucid, and up and around, and will be discharged tomorrow – I think he is too much for them to handle 🙂  His vision is off somewhat and a bit blurry, which is understandable when you consider both his eye sockets were crushed, but has improved dramatically.  He thinks that he can get new glasses that will help correct his vision, and one of the nurses there is setting him up with her opthamalogist.  His short term memory is a bit fuzzy, but Tanya says he is improving every day, and she had been an almost constant presence throughout the last month who has made a world of diference in his recovery. 

I told Jerry that he has great support from his many friends here, and that so many of you would like to know how he is doing.  He wants you to know that he is so grateful for your support and good wishes, and that it has made a real difference to him.  Tanya has read him your posts, although he has not been able to get his emails yet due to some computer problems, whihc he hope to fix soon.  Jerrry has an indominable spirit and great sense of humor, which is no surprise to those of us fortunate enough to know him.  Jerry has been a wonderful source of support, information, and wisdom to me from the very beginning of my posting on MPIP six months ago, as he has also been for many of you over a long period of time.  So I wanted him to know, from all of us who know him (and those who have not yet had the pleasure) that we miss him on here and wish for the day to come very soon when he returns.  Jerry will be back for sure, and I want you to know that fact – you cannot keep this man down!  I thanked him for his being there for me, and for all of us, just as we are and will be here for him – and a big hug to go with that thought.

Of course, we covered a lot of subjects over the time we had, most of which does not deserve to be recounted here.  I have always been impressed with is knowledge about our disease, sharp mind, and quick wit, but I also now have experienced his caring, compassionate, and helping attitude towards others.  He really feels that this board has been a community to which he belongs and should contribute – and has.  Jerry told me some of the history of MPIP, as well as a number of stories.  Anyway, I felt that I was lucky to be able to finally meet such a special guy who is a true inspiration and as resiliant as they come – Tanya said there is no such thing as an "ex-Marine", and I think Jerry is living proof of that!

Jerry will move to Tayna's house tomorow and stay in Colorado for a while, perhaps weeks, before deciding what to do next.  Hopefully he will be giving you his own update soon!

Best Wishes,

Jim in Denver