Heroes ... Compassion and then some

An experience that deserves to be shared, as concise as my abilities allow, I hope you find this story worth the 3 minutes of your life it will take to read it.

A message to Dani’s extended family in Michigan and beyond.

A couple of days ago Dani paused by the children’s bookshelf in a Toys ‘R’ Us store. In a flash her eyes lit up, her facial expression switched to jubilant, and with the high pitch that her voice takes on when excited,

Contrary to what some web hosting advertisers may suggest,

There is no order to this list and it will never be complete. Some of you work there and offer kind words and a smile for Dani every day but I don't know your names.

Thank you for being a second family to Dani during this difficult time. Recalling and recording the acts of kindness shown to my niece during her stay there would require a large book. The names below are the ones floating through a mind that daily tries to solve what appears to be unsolvable, drives 180 miles, and then sleeps too little.

Forgive me if your name is not yet here. Your contribution to Dani's current life is invaluable. You know who you are. I speak for Aunt Lesa, Aunt Lollie, and myself. God Bless You All.

Nurse Joan

Nurse Star

Nurse Gertrude ...

I have spent many hours inside Kernan Hospital's Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Unit. The first thing one comes to realize is that this isn't the stereotypical model of a hospital we have come to know.

(The quotation marks are used here to indicate dialog and are not intended to suggest a transcript as the only one that exists resides in memory.)

I was walking with Dani in the side courtyard of the hospital late one evening in May. Nurse Star appeared through the automatic doors and summoned me over.

"Uncle Lee, there's a phone call for you."

No one had called me at Kernan since I'd been visiting Dani there, so I asked if she was sure it was for me.

"He says he's Dani's man friend from Illinois. You might want to take this call."

Dedicated to the unsung heroes in Brain Injury Units and Rehab Facilities across the country who daily help patients rebuild their lives.

The Starfish Thrower

A young man came upon a very old man walking by the ocean. As he grew nearer he saw the old man bend down, pick something up, and fling it into the water.

When he drew near enough, his curiousity took over.

"What are you doing?"