Tuesday Update

Apparently, Dad was not supposed to get the water he swallowed the other day! He is still struggling to get those muscles back in shape so isn't ready for that next step to liquids.
He'll get there. This is one of the things they will work on when he is moved to the next facility. Still waiting on when that will be.

I'm not sure he is aware of just how far he has come already and how much work he has already done to get to this point. I also think he does not feel as good as he looks to us, but as he gets his strength back his spirits should improve, right, Dad?! It's not easy and we have high expectations for him. That's what happens when you are an over-achiever all your life!

Take your time, Dad. Each day brings you closer to home. This too shall pass - but not you!! Hang in there.

We love you. Michelle and Gang xo

Dear Al,

Until today, I was unaware of your recent illness.  I'm sad to hear that you have had this rough time, but pleased to know that you are doing much better. Please take this time to gain your strength back, because next summer I'm looking forward to seeing and spending time with you in Torricella Peligna! We will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of my father's birth, and we need to celebrate together!

You have been such a wonderful part of my visits to Torricella Peligna, and it has been such a nice experience to get to know you and your lovely wife. You helped make my visit with my son last year memorable. Thank you.

God bless you and your family.

Fondly,

Victoria Fante Cohen

Hello from Woodcliff Lake

Soooo happy to hear about your terrific progress Uncle Al!!  You're on my mind all of the time, but I don't get to check the blog too often.  What a wonderful surprise to see that you submitted your own post, and that you were able to swallow water!  We're looking forward to seeing you again soon.  Feel well, and continue to make steady progress, because I am sure you want to get the heck out of there!!

Love you,

Nancy, Roger & the boys

England expects....

"England expects that every man will do his duty" ......*

SO, now, dear Al, it's up to you to become victorious in your own battle and to overcome all odds and get better, get up and go home!!

Enough of this lounging about in your hospital bed!!Even over here across the seas, we are thrilled to learn of your recent excellent good progress - and now that you can read these messages, this one is especially for you.

Please carry on getting better we can't wait to see you out of there and back at home where you belong.Your family needs you, your friends need you, Torricella needs you ... and the web site is suffering as much as you!!!

Very much love Marion Porreca.

Author's Note:

* England expects.... was a signal sent by Admiral Horatio Nelson, from his flagship HMS Victory as the Battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on October 21, 1805. Trafalgar was the decisive naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars. It gave the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland control of the seas, removing all possibility of a French invasion and conquest of Britain. The significance of the victory and Nelson's death during the battle led to the phrase becoming embedded in the English psyche, and it has been regularly quoted, paraphrased and referenced up to the modern day.

From Kim & Ryan

This has been the BEST week in a long time! I'm sooo happy to hear all this good news. And the amazing effect it's had on your family! You have so much to catch up on when you RUN yes RUN outta there! Maybe when you get out we'll all hop on the Speedline and go to Christian Street in the Italian market and see Ryan's mural that he starts on Monday! Can't wait for that day! I wouldn't mind just seeing you hop out of that bed!!! I'm sure you can't wait to get started back to LIFE! We can't wait to have you back! If you are feeling up to it, I may stop to see you tomorrow, Sunday! If not maybe next week! Again Al, WELCOME BACK! We love you and have missed your smiling face so much! Still praying every 9:33 we can! Love you all! Kim and Ryan

Saturdays News...

Hi, all,

Just had a nice visit with dad. My husband and kids came down too and they were so happy to get a big smile from their dad and grandpop. He was pretty tired, but in typical fashion he used all his strength to make us feel better!

Jeff is there now and I'm sure even if all he does is stare at my dad sleeping, he is quite content to do so. I'm sure dad is content just to have Jeff in the room. Everyone is happier when Jeff is in town and my dad is no exception. Unfortunately, Jeff has to get back to get his boat ready for dad to go fishing! That will be "the best day ever"!

My dad loves you all very much and wants you to know he'll be back to his old self as soon as he can.

Monday he will have a "swallowing" test and if he does well (is there any doubt?) maybe he can have some liquids. Just in from Jeff at the hospital...dad had a sip of water! So much for the swallowing test. This news is live, folks!

Anyway, enjoy the good news.

Dad loves reading the blog so if you want to post a short note to him he would enjoy it. If you can't figure out how to post, just email me - mreasso@yahoo.com and I'll post it if you want or just read it to him. Mom has been saving all your cards so we'll be bringing them up when he moves to the next place.

We are all so appreciative of your support and prayers. You have been a blessing.
So, keep it up - we have a ways to go!

Love from Marlton!

The Porreca Family