Don’t spend too much time trying to figure out tonight’s blog title. It is a joke that a friend of mine shared with me, and, for some reason, it popped into my head as I started to type. Katy and I were just talking about how nice it will be to see all of our friends, and meet-face to face- all of our new ones! Don’t forget, July 31st, 2012, Katy and I will renew our vows, and EVERYONE is invited. I’m thinking we might have to make this a BYOB event. 🙂 I have spent a lot of time this weekend reading all of your comments to Katy. SHe is BLOWN AWAY by the love we are being shown. We even had a good laugh at the comment from the person who described me as “humble.” Humble is not a word usually associated with me, but I will wear the title with honor this time. To me, Katy has done all of the work, and I have just been here to watch her back. The more I see her positive attitude, the more she becomes my hero. Anyone who meets Katy always comments on how her smile lights the room. Even after all that she has been through, Katy’s smile still seems to act as a lighthouse guiding me out of my occasional fog.
Katy and I had a good day. We did our best to sleep in, but Parkland is the noisiest place on earth! Also, our room is directly across from 2 helicopter landing pads! We ate a good breakfast, rolled around the grounds, shared a smoothie…a great Sunday with my girl! I took a small break from our evening to write a blog for tonight. Not much happened today, so not much to tell, but I will write more soon.
A quick story that happened while Katy was in the hospital. While she was in Kingwood Medical Center, my family and I met a really nice lady who’s husband was in the ICU after a stroke. I would go by his room, and wave a little good JUJU in as I passed his room on the way to Katy’s. One night, while the hospital is quited down for the day, I am sitting at his door sending a little prayer to him. All of a sudden I am scared out of my mind by a huge SNNNGGGGHHHH behind me! I whipped around, completely startled, to come chest to face with a very old, very short, Asian man. He was in a blue gown, using a walker, and had an indignant face as he grimaced at me. From inside the waiting area, I heard nurses calling, “Mr. Vu (made up name)! Where are you, Mr. Vu?” The old man quickly turned, and, not so quickly, tried to scoot off…away from the nurses. The nurses ran to get him. It was a very comical scene! It was devine how many times, in the midst of some very dark thoughts, that something would happen to make me smile. It was those little moments that helped me to hang on to my belief that Katy would make it through. I hope that all of you can find something to smile about, preferably something comically absurd, when life is bearing down on you.
Love to all,
Al
Katy and Al,
My name is Tiffany Craig and I’m a reporter at Channel 11 in Houston. We aired the story that Channel 8 did with you on Thursday.
On Friday, I went to Kingwood and talked to Michele and Paula Tobey and did a local piece on your support back home.
Here’s the link.
http://www.khou.com/home/Kingwood-baby-93814019.html
I got two calls this weekend about BIG donations and I would like to know if are interested. Can you please email me back at tcraig@khou.com or call me at (281) 995-6640.
Thanks so much,
Tiffany
went to the the vfw on Friday talked with tugs wife. she said she cried when she seen the story on khou I had not seen it when I came home I looked up. All the boys are thinking of both of you. Glad everything has taken a turn for the better. Keep fighting.
Al and Katy:
Just read your story and am amazed at the love and determination shown. I can only imagine such a difficult decision. Three weeks ago, I had to make the decision to take my husband off life support as he was brain dead after a brutal beating. I admire your tenacity to endure. May God bless you and your family always. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Joyce
Tonight when I was reading today’s entry in your blog, something came to mine. A long time ago, when I was in a very difficult transition in my life, becoming a single mom after an abusive relationship, a thought came to me in the middle of the night.
Life is like a staircase. If you keep looking forward on your way up, chances are you won’t trip or fall. However, if you try to go forward while looking back, you are most like to fall on your butt.
I’ve lived this since then. Health problems, good times, bad times, through it all. I just keep looking up and hoping i don’t trip and fall too many times.
It’s good to see someone else looking up and forward too. You both have so much ahead. God bless you all.
I just had to come back today to see what your post was today , I was half expecting a good cry and got a good laugh!! I can just picture you in the hallway being scared half to death and in a quite pause realizing a good laugh was what you needed!
I’m also glad to hear you and Katy find joy in reading through e-mails that everyone sends you. It motivates me to keep writing responses to your posts so you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
I don’t know what your families personal beliefs are, but I believe God has a plan for us all. Sometimes it takes near death to make a see what it true, real and most important in our lives. We can all agree that it is not a problem free life, but it is beautiful to have someone to share it with.
I have often wondered what I would do in a moment like you have faced….and as of yesterday before reading your story I would have said, I don’t know.
My husband has been sick in the past and we have had the quality of life talk if one of us were to become ill. After watching Katy say thank you for the choice you made….I have no more doubt that I will always choose life no matter what the circumstances that come of it. I thank you two for that, your amazing!
I will continue to lift your family up in prayer, I pray for understanding, health and the strength to overcome any obstacles that get in your way!
I wish I was able to bless you with money, but I can give prayer and the bennifits come in a multitude. Do you have an address where things can be sent to your family? Such as gently used clothes for any family members?
Love Amber =)
Al and Katy, I love that in the midst of all that the two of you have gone through, you still find something to laugh about, be amused about, and to be grateful.
From church today, I brought home a Prayer List card, on which I planned to place a request for prayers for you, Katy and the children. However, the new plan for the Prayer Lists includes placing the names on the list in the Church Bulletin the following Sunday, then after a week of prayer locally, the list is sent to Silent Unity at Unity Village, MO. For that, we ask permission before placing someone’s name in the Bulletin. If you guys would prefer that your names not be included, please let me know and the request will be made with no names. Oh, by the way, my church is Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane.
Glad you had a good Sunday outing.
My email address is: ritab1940@yahoo.com; Ph # 972-240-0604
http://www.thedoorpost.com/hope/film/?film=4dd298f102c77b625cf37a9e7744ac68
This link will take you to an inspiring 20 minute film called The Butterfly Circus, featuring Nick Vujicic. In “real life” Nick was born with no limbs. He is an amazing young man, full of life, love, hope and humor. If anyone doubts a limbless person’s ability to experience all life has to offer, check out Nick’s website at http://lifewithoutlimbs.org/
Been thinking of you and katy. Keep strong!!!
Trey
Al & Katy,
Ok Al, are you ready for another laugh? My husband’s real name is Vu…LOL…I’m so glad you guys had a wonderful weekend. I just wanted to stop by and let you all know that I am thinking of you guys & the family and praying for you and your return home each day.
Elizabeth
Hi Al,
I have been “checking” in on Katy since I heard about her.
I lift her up in prayers daily. God hears our prayers.
You both have taught me so much———- about love and life. Mucho Gracias.
Most importantly …….you have demonstrated that love is infinite.
i am looking forward to meeting you.
stay positive – stay focused.
Vibrant (in Austin)
Hey, Al, Coma Jennifer here. Is there a private e-mail that I can e-mail you at?
Al,
It took me 13 hrs to catch up on EVERYTHING going on within your family. As regards to your wife, please give her my best wishes on her hopefully soon trip home! As for you, WOW! You both have brought so much inspiration to me, but you remind me of how there is actually good men out there! Congrats on your new baby girl!! I’ll be really suprised if you have time to read this but I ust wanted to let you know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers. You and your wifes humor is very similar to ours and additude toward life lessons is as well! My husband and I have been married for 2 yrs and hope to one day have the joy of becoming parents and reaching our 10 yr mark as you both have! God bless you both and stay strong!!
Amanda
Al and Katy,
I am so thankful that you had a peaceful Lord’s day. I really believe that Sunday was given to us as a blessing…for refreshment from the toils of life. I am thrilled to hear of your progress, Katy! I am praying for all of you!
Blessings,
Kathy McFatridge
Hello Al and Katy,
I first learned of you two on AOL the other night and went straight to the blog to read. I stayed up very late until I read the whole thing. Al, you are one in a million! Katy, you are so lucky to be married to this man and in return he is so lucky to have you in his life. I wish you both the best.
Now, down to business. Undoubtedly, your expenses are going to skyrocket. Have you thought about adding Adsense or whatever ad company WordPress uses to your blog? Since your blog has now gone viral, it should supply you with an income fairly quickly. And your blog audience is growing every day. Put a free counter on your blog and watch the numbers roll by.
Ads that will relate to whatever you write about that day will be one side of your blog. Unobtrusive and the $$$ racks up each time you get a visit to your blog and each time someone clicks on the add for more info. I would gladly click on the ads every day for you as I’m sure thousands of others would too. That special van could be a reality before you know it. Its something to think about.
Just read about your family. Praying all goes well for everyone. You love your wife so much to make the decision you made. In return she loves you and knows you made the right decision. God lets things happen for a reason, the reason now, don’t know, one day you will know. Your family is so strong so don’t let go hang in there. Praying for your family.
In Christ,
Cindy
i am a chinese guy ,my dad has a very serious sick too, and he can not walk smooth ,he need our family to take care of him.you are my good example ,thank u .i hope Katy can go back to healthy quickly
When I travel on business, I always bring foam earplugs in case my hotel room is next to the ice machine or the elevators. Could you guys possibly wear foam earplugs to block out some of the noise? You can still hear, it’s just muffled. Maybe even just wear one? I’m sure you both can’t wait to get back into your own bed!!! Godspeed!
Encouraged and inspired by you both! Blessings for the day. McCalls
So glad you are getting outside and moving forward. May your Monday be filled w/ more progress.
Love,
Laura
Dear Katy and Al,
Minute by minute, day by day
The Holy Spirit blesses us
In most amazing ways.
Love you guys!
Katy… Love you Lots and lots!
I am in awe of your family. I am going to figure out what I can afford to help out. Katy is strong. Love and caring to each of you. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
hi al and katy i am writing to you because reading your story made me realize how lucky we are. see i had mrsa also and spent 8 months in the hospital. i had no insurance or a dime to my name but Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC took me anyway. my baby sister,darlene, called the ambulance for me because i refused to accept the fact that i was sick,even though i couldn’t walk. i was paralysed 2 days later for about 4 months. massive amounts of anti-biotics allowed them to operate on my spinal cord because that is where the infection was,also my left arm and somewhere in my stomach area. so i have plates, screws, rods and a hip replaced. what i am saying is this mrsa problem needs to be brought out and shown how dangerous it is. your courage and story needs to be the flagship we need because this disease will kill and maim people if it is not told by people like you. God bless your entire family and keep on living. Love….for only by the grace of God go I……………..
i just read some of your posts and im truly amazed by you both!! wishing your family the best and this is truly what love is all about! im speechless at how amazing this story is! may god bless you and your family as your journey continues!
I just read (most) of your story.
Simply amazing.
What a love story 🙂
I look forward to reading about God’s future blessings upon your family.
Your story has inspired me during a time I greatly needed it.
Thank you
True love endures. Praying for you all,
Sharon (Florida)
You are both amazing people. I saw this story on AOL’s home page and clicked on it never expecting to read at length and in detail what I have read. I can not begin to imagine what you both have been through, Katy as the one who has to do all the work to recover and Al, her loving, patient, kind and ever strong husband having to stand by and watch as the woman of his dreams is suffering. What a truly wonderful testimony of love the two of you share. I have told your story to more than one person and I will continue to check back and read your blog. Katy, god bless you and may he continue to give you strength and heal you. Al, god bless you as well, you have endured decisions that no one ever wants to have to make. You are both a true inspiration.
Al,
I have read every word of your compelling blog. What an amazing journey.
What I really appreciate is you bringing home the state of medicine and insurance in our country. Even with you advocating so strongly for Katy, look at the hassles and misinformation and the buck-passing you’ve endured! I feel so badly for patients who don’t have such a force in their corner.
I am a recent double mastectomy patient, and when faced with the treatment options available, I declined. What was most disconcerting to me was the lack of evidence the doctors could provide me. And don’t get me started on the costs! It was depressing to see both the chemo and radiation clinic waiting rooms absolutely full. And this is called the “standard of care.” Very disturbing.
SO, I am very glad you’ve posted everything you’ve gone through. I had to chuckle, I’m afraid, at the SSDI person questioning if Katy’s amputations would interfere with her work as a massage therapist! Seriously? I don’t doubt it a bit.
I wish you continued success in Katy’s recovery. Sounds like she has love and support in spades from a wonderful family and great friends. That, in my opinion, is the best medicine of all.
All the best to you, Katy, the kids, and your loved ones.
Patti
Scottsdale AZ