A picture is worth a thousand words?

Please add your own text today. I have to go to work :(



Dad's Stayin' Alive Dance



Working out with Beth



With Mary, my mother-in-law



Dinner with Mary, Aunt Patsy, Donna, moi and mom

Proud to say "He's MY Uncle!"

Yay! I went to see my uncle today and boy did I leave there with a smile. Everyone talked about how he still as his sense of humor. While I never doubted any of them, I was so so happy to see it for myself! He made me laugh on several occassions and I was only there for a short while! (Not to mention, he looks fantastic!) Sure, you may have some obstacles to overcome, but you have proved, once again, how strong you are!! Keep up the fantastic work! And, as always, my prayers keep-a-coming!! Love you!!!

Toni Ann

"What's the Word?"

asked Magic Michael.

"Heal", said Amazing Al.

"Good, you always were a man of your word."

So that's what's happening. Healing. He told me to tell you he was able to sit up without anyone holding on to him for about 1 -2 minutes. We just missed that trick yesterday, but we did catch his speech therapist. She was pleased with is progress and thinks he'll take the swallow test late this week or early next. He is still very weak. We just know part of the answer to that is real food, so please keep praying for that test!

And, he "danced" to his new CD. He even played the air fiddle! This is my idea of good therapy. No wonder I didn't make it into Physical Therapy school! Apparently there is more to real therapy than music but it sure can change your state of mind, so I'll be here burning CD's while he does the real work.

Lots of love,

Michelle

Hi!!!

Dear Al and Family,
I missed your send off from Virtua but I wanted all of you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Al, you look great in your pictures and keep up the hard work!! You are truly amazing!!
Best wishes Lisa Chiaradio, RN

To Sanctus Albertus Magnus

What?! Not interested in his computer yet????? Oh, c'mon, Al, this is a first. But soon I know you will be.

Sorry I can't come and visit right now - I would really love to see you looking your svelte self. But in the Fall, maybe Dan and I can make a little trip back there - we would like that a lot.

Keep plugging away, SAM. A big hug from SA.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race....

Suzanne and Frankie gave him a turtle to remind him of that and slow and steady is how Dad's playing this one. It's working! He was able to sit on the side of the bed without anyone holding him up. A huge accomplishment and the therapists are very pleased with his progress. He has been working very hard in his sessions as you can all imagine.

So, keep envisioning him getting stronger every day and soon, but not too soon, he'll be walking out the door! In some brand spanking new clothes - he now weighs 199 - down from 240 or 250.

Love from him to all of you. He is not too interested in his computer just yet(what?!), but when he is he'll look forward to reaching out to each and everyone of you to thank you for all the love and support you have given to all of us.

I think my family would agree that he is up for short visits so if you wanted to pop in and say hi I'm sure he would love to see you. Visiting hours are from Noon to 8 pm.

Cheers!

Michelle

get well

Hi Al,

Marc Teti from West Chester, PA. Sorry to hear that you've been so ill but glad to see that you're through the worst of it. Was emailing Angela to see if she said hi to my relatives in Torricella when she and Dan shared the news.

Well keep getting better and you may have a chance to enjoy the rest of the summer. We're heading to SIC, NJ for the week on Saturday. One day I need to drive over to your neck of the woods to say hi.........after you heal that is.

Best of luck.

Marc Teti