Wow Debbie, thank you so much for your upbeat update, I was wondering if you did get to do the meet-up knowing that a lot had gone on before. And for Nancy, you and Colleen it was all so positive. What a fantastic treat to meet people you know here and now know in real, face-to-face life! Viva Strokenet!.

The gambling would leave me bored but buffet food I do understand. The misadventures of Bruce and the scooter will seem funny when you look back on it even if it was horrifying at the time. I know that "wanting to be in control and wanting our guys to perform well" feeling. But it is what it is.

I hope this is the start of some beautiful friendships.

Debbie,

I have said many times it would be a good thing if survivors could somehow, someway get together and see how the others are coming along in their recovery process. I think it means a lot to see there are others struggling just like you and we are making the best of the situation as we can with what we got left after the stroke to work with.

Our veterans here are severely disabled as wounded warriors with missing limbs but daily they try to be all they can be with their families and the kids. I can almost feel how the three of you care givers had to feel getting a chance to meet and greet each other for a while.

The guys did really OK but Bruce needed a few more days of practice riding and handling his scooter in crowded places. Even so it still went well and no damage to report. It has to be the start of a beautiful relationship. "Who said women can't get along??"

That's the making of great days ahead no doubt. I felt that way when I got to stop in and visit Ruth and William at their house in Houston. I got to get back to see their little dog just like mine and they can meet too. Mine stays right by my feet all day long and watches my eyes to see if anything is wrong with me while her little owner is in school all day.

Hopefully Nance and Dan will still be able to make their planned Texas trip and we can meet them here in Killeen. I really want Dan to see all the wounded guys and gals and how jolly they seem to be every day. Hopefully we can make a trip to the VA in Temple to see other veterans making the most of a bad situation.

No casinos are close to me but my wife loves to go there and I'm right with her and we tend to have a great time and fun too win or lose. It's the comps my wife accumulates when she plays and at times she will win a little cash to bring back home.

Debbie :

its so nice that you guys got to meet each other & spend time together & have fun together. I am J. Its nice to meet each other & build new friendship.

Asha

Debbie makes it sound so much worse, the "table incident" wasn't catastrophic by any means. Just good fun really; another day in the life and so typical. Plus if not for the laughs afterwards, what would we have? She and Bruce were sweethearts, some of the nicest people we've ever met (in case you don't already know). She went way out of her way to guide us through Foxwoods, and I doubt she got much done for herself personally, even though Bruce was so excited to be there. She came to guide us. Yes Ray and I are wanderers, don't really gamble, just there for the atmosphere and we were soaking it up. Thank goodness for cell phones.

Meeting Debbie was just so natural, not just for me but also Ray (who is very picky about people in general). I thought when we met Nancy, it was a miracle, but it keeps expanding somehow. Ray instantly bonded with Debbie, as he had with Nancy last year. Debbie talked to Ray, not just politeness, but asking him so many questions that he just blossomed. So wonderful, I can see why she was born to be a nurse.

What Debbie mentioned about the guys being comfortable with each other instantly is so true. Ray and Dan have extended "conversations" with words like "Yeah" and Wow", and a few hand gestures. They are totally tuned in to each other. Best of all, they both comfort each other when the other is stressed, and try to make them smile again. You'd have to see it to believe it! Because these are not touchy/feely kind of guys usually.

The coolest thing was that Nancy's daughter Beth, and Debbie, and Nancy of course, were hands on helping me out, so I got to walk away for 15 or 20 minutes a few times with no worries. That means more than anything else I can imagine. When Nancy and I first met in person it was unbelievable, but it isn't over yet I guess! On to Bermuda,and meeting Nancy's daughter Erica too,. No worries!! As I told Debbie, we are the Three Musketeers. Nothing can stop us.

Colleen thanks for posting the pic and sharing your adventure with us. It is amazing that you all got together. I hope the guys appreciate all the work you went through for this and enjoyed it as well. Have fun on your cruise and send more pictures.

Julie

We look so cute! Just before Bruce dumped the table - LOL

Ha, why didn't I get a picture of that! Or a video? Oh well, I'll be more on the alert next time! We were too busy having fun.......

parting of the sea-- the tables - it was so much fun, we all know the feeling , and oh my gosh are colleen and i got stories to tell -- you are going to love it !! and we havent even made it to the ship...