The delay in writing, this time, has been due to computer problems. I hope to have them all resolved VERY soon!
The exciting news is that the inspection went very well, and though there are things that need to be done to the house, we are moving forward with the closing! Yeah!! Katy, the kids, and I are so excited about the house. We all wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who have donated your time, money, and prayers to help us. We are one step closer to having a home that allows Katy complete access to all of the rooms, and, thankfully, keeps us close to all of our wonderful friends in Kingwood. We are planning on having a big house warming party as soon as all of the repairs are done, ad we have moved completely in. If anyone knows anyone who is skilled in the following areas, we need help with ….
ROOFING
AC INSTALLATION
PAINTING
WIDENING DOORWAYS (2)
BUILDING RAMPS
I am pretty handy with tools, and so are a few of my friends, but the roofing/AC work will require someone with more experience than I have.
In the last week and a half, Katy has been getting out and about more and more. She had a very sweet MOYC get together at Sharky’s. I know it meant a lot to her to get to have a great dinner with all of her friends! She is getting more proficient with her prosthetics, and was able to use them to move pieces in a wooden puzzle, feed herself a carrot, and even signed her name again! We also went for a family walk to Krogers where Katy operated her power chair all by herself!! She drove herself to the store, around the aisles, and back…we were all so proud! Another piece of good news is that, thanks to the nice people at Northshore medical supply, we may have found a solution to her ostomy problems. The new bags seem to be working great, and that will save us several dollars a month.
TO THE PERSON WRITING NASTY COMMENTS ABOUT ME – DON’T HIDE BEHIND A FAKE NAME. WRITE ME USING YOUR REAL E-MAIL ADDRESS.
I will write more as soon as I get more info on the house, etc.
Love to all,
Al
I am sitting here reading the latest with a BIG SMILE on my face! All I can say, is “way to go Katy” “you go girl”! Just shows what determination can do. Wonderful news also about your new house, how exciting. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the details. Katy continues to be in my prayers,and I know that God is watching over all of you. May GOd continue to bless you.
Please don’t worry about someone who is sayng unkind thoughts/words about you; You & I & God know better. And in HIS infinite wisdom will handle this for you. I know it is upsetting, but this person sounds like a coward. Only a coward hides behind being anominous. Hopefully, you can turn it over to God to handle. I pray that you can.
Please give Katy a hug for me.
Take care and God BLess you all.
Love,
Gretchen in MI
I’m so happy to hear things are going well for y’all!
I can’t believe anyone would leave nasty comments to you Al…who ever it is must have some serious mental issues. Just ignore them!
I may be able to help with the house work. Let me talk to some people and I’ll let you know!
I don’t know your family… I found out about you several months ago through another blog and have been praying for you since.
I am amazed at Katy’s progress, the blessings provided by your friends and family, and of course, the way God is taking care of you all.
I am heartsick that you would receive negative, nasty comments. Just ignore that stuff. You guys have an inspirational story, and I’m so pleased that I get a glimpse into a miracle recovery.
Thank you for sharing…
Yea! How awesome on the house! So happy for you guys!
Go Katy! Attitude is everything and you both have a wonderful one! I look forward to hearing about future progress!
Sorry to hear about the ugly comments! Wow, that’s just not right!
Baruch HaShem, Al! You really know how to lift a person’s spirits! I may be wrong, but I think this is part of the reason your marriage to Katy is so strong, and your relationship with your children, your family and your friends is so great! This is one of those times I wish we lived closer, so that we could get in touch and visit sometime when your schedule permits. You guys are really so very special.
Al,
So thrilled to hear Katy went to Kroger in her chair (we know that route well:) It is really so exciting to hear how well she is doing.
Congratulations on the house…I kept praying & hoping it would work out for you guys. I keep thinking about her not being able to get to the kids rooms, etc. and just not being able to get around her house for herself and her family. I’m so, so happy for you all about the house.
I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with nasty comments. All I can say is that those who know you guys…..know you. There are cowards and just plain evil people. I’m sorry that they apparently found you as a target. Keep going…I really can’t think of another couple who would be recovering from this as you two are…keep going!!!
Laura
Three cheers to Katy, you and your family! At first I thought you needed help widening the doors for Katy’s chair but, in retrospect I’m SURE the deed is necessary due to you being so SWELLED with pride at your beautiful Katy and her accomplishments. Truly, God is Good!! \o/
Thank you for sharing with us and y’all are always in our daily prayers.
My response to your news:
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!!
(and..whoa, really??)
xo from Michigan
I have never met you or your wonderful family, but I have been following your blog for a long time. Your family is so amazing and strong. I would love to help paint when the time comes. I love to paint!!!!
I am an amputee. I live in Kingwood. I have been an amputee since 1956…car accident. I was 8 yrs old..My mother died. My brother died. I am 62 yrs old. I would like to meet Katy and/or talk to her…My name is Jessica Grina. If that is ok, please email me:)) Thank you:))
Exciting times! Andy’s in roofing- I’ll have him call you.
Love to all,
Susan
How about maybe posting a couple pictures once in a while? A picture’s worth a thousand words so it might make this blog easier for you, plus pictures would help us understand what’s going on with your family better. Praying for you often . . .
Ann
Glad to hear of progress…truly amazing how far Katy has come in a short time. She has great support and love!
Sorry to hear about the negative comments. You’re right, at least have the guts to use your name. Life’s too short to waste on people like that.
Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!
To Al & Katy:
I don’t think I have posted here previously, but have read every single word of this blog. You are truly two of the most incredible human beings I have ever not met!
I know that the purpose of this blog is not to gain kudos for yourself, Al, but the way you have taken care of Katy is practically super-human. Katy, you are rocking the house! Keep it up.
I had not read the blog for a while and when I came back on a few days ago and saw that Katy was home, it made me so happy. The progress with the prosthetics is wonderful.
I feel so fortunate to be able to follow such a great blog. It is so inspirational to me. It makes me want to try harder. I have a number of health issues and I know that I don’t always try hard enough to overcome and work around. To see someone with much larger obstacles just overcoming and moving on and getting things done is so moving to me.
I know you have heard all of this before, but I just had to add my support. Thanks so much.
Belinda
Aberdeen, MD
So happy for you!
Sorry, but a couple more things….
Yay on the house! It is so great to see good things coming your way. Anything that will make your lives easier and give Katy independence is all good.
As for anyone leaving nasty comments, you have to be out of your mind. These are wonderful, beautiful people and they deserve the utmost in respect and support. I can’t imagine a single negative thing that could possibly be said here. Please take your vitriol elsewhere. It is not wanted here.
Belinda
Congratulations guys….unbelievable………..very very happy for you all….Katy, keep it up girl, you are doing unimaginably GREAT !!!
Love and prayers to all of your family….
Sonia
Hi Al and Katy,
It’s great to hear all of the good news! I just wanted to comment that I read a short article about door hinges that fold out of the opening of the door as well as taking the door out of the opening allowing access to the complete door opening. It would be great if something that simple could allow Katy to get her wheelchair through doors in your new house. Congratulations to all of you.
Hi Katy….Hard to believe Amber and my Jacob are 16. Time flies so fast. I need to find time to come see you. I will wait till you are all settled and healed. Maybe next summer we could get the kids together. I am so proud of you friend. I pray for you and think of you often. I love looking at the photos of your beautiful family. Hard to believe I held Amber in my arms. I know you are super busy but if you ever need a friend just email me and I will be happy to call. Glad your event was awesome….Hugs and Love to you ~Morgan
Praise God! I’m so happy for you guys!
Wonderful news! Congratulations! I’m so happy for all of you!
I notice from your blog that you need help with some things at your new home. Are you wanting volunteers or paid people? I have used a very nice man to paint, sheetrock, do carpentry, etc. He lives in Porter & makes a living doing this kind of work & has for 40 years. It is not a big business, but he makes enough to get by. He is very reasonable! If want to pay someone, Tom is your man. He would work with you on what he charges. If you want his #, let me know.
Also, I am going to contact Alert Contractors in Humble about your roof & ask them if they would like to donate their time & materials. I will let you know what materilizes.
Al,
Congratulations on your new home!!!!!!!!
Always good to hear news from you!
WHO is being mean to yo Al????? Don’t make me have to open up a can of whoop-ass on somebody!!! This Granny may be sweet but when it comes to messin’ with one of my younguns’…….. it won’t be pretty! I can’t believe that someone would be mean after after all you have been through. Idiot!
Congratulations on the house…we are soooo happy for you.
I had a dream about you, Al & katy, last night…
In my dream, I was in Houston for some kind of a music school fundraiser. There was a cool strip mall-like business center where all the shops were different kinds of music stores. Some were conservatory-like schools, while others sold instruments or gave voice lessons, etc. The whole business center was having an outdoor sidewalk sale to raise awareness of the musical performing arts for children and adults.
You guys weren’t involved in the sidewalk sale, but we saw each other there and wandered around meeting teachers and store owners and looking at the stuff that was for sale. We also saw Bono, who was there to help bring national awareness to the event. People were asking for his autograph while he spoke to the press about the importance of music.
What was strikingly realistic in the dream was that after the sidewalk sale we were back at your house and you guys had made dinner for everybody, and Katy, you were serving me mashed potatoes with your hands. You were spooning big, heaping piles of mashed potatoes onto my plate, smiling and talking all the while. You were in your wheelchair, and I knew you had prosthetic arms, but I was amazed at how strong you must have been and how much coordination it must have taken to do that.
Then Al put a handful of peppermints on my plate as a garnish. Some rolled off and we went scrambling to catch them, and the dream was over.
Weird, huh?
Hi, please, go to the BellaTucker.org. Maybe yours exp. can help this little girl.Thanks, Lena
Just note to tell you guys we still are thinking about you and amazed at all the blessings coming your way. Amazing how much progress has been made in such a short time. And a reminder the progress would have not been made without you’lls positive and inspiring attitudes. McCalls
Katy and Al,
I have been following the blog since I first saw the posting on facebook and have followed the ups and downs of your whole ordeal. I have faith that a higher power pulled you through, and so do many of my friends here in Northern Mi. I started reading your blog while at work and I cried. Since I work in the schools, there were many concerned people there, who still inquire about this mystery person that would make me cry, considering I dont do that.- atleast at work. Katy in high school you and I were aquaitances, not really close so keeping in touch was not done. After reading what Al has written over the past few months, it is as if I have followed you to where you are today. I am thankful that Al has stood by you and has kept the prayers going and everyone informed. It has been an extreemly hard road that you both have taken. I, as I read this latest news of recovery, see that this has made you both stronger and your family a better bond. Thank you for letting me know that your doing better and you will all still be in my prayers
Lisa Ralph
All good news on your end. We got good news yesterday from Oncology. Ben had a PET scan Thursday and the lymphoma is gone. Monday we see the surgeon to discuss the rerversal of his iliostomy. He still goes to dailysis 3 days a week and the kidneys seem to be coming around very slow but surely. He can’t seem to gain weight. He eat all the time, though. We thank God for the grace He has shown Ben. Hope all is well with you all. Looking forward to your next blog.
Love
Ben and Claudia
Hey Al, it is Shannon Farr from down the street. If you still need help on the repairds for your house, I have many people who are from our church who are more than willing to help your family with home repairs that are needed. Please contact me at shannon121601@yahoo.com and we can set your family up. I hope all is going well. may God bless you and your family.
Shannon Farr
Im sooo happy for you guys! Im so glad to hear that everything is going good for you all. Praying for you! Whitney
Wow, check out this short video. This special guy made me think of another family with an amazing attitude toward life – The Hayes’ Family. Inspirational!
Thank you, very much, for continuing to post and share your lives. I’ll send an email, so as not to completely monopolize your comments section – but the short version is, my story started out painfully similarly to Katy’s, though I was extremely lucky to have emerged from it without losing more than some internal organs and a section of my abdominal wall. (Funny how things like this can change one’s perspective; before this all happened, I never would have imagined feeling lucky about something like that.)
Take care, and keep writing,
Kate
I think about your family everyday and hope all is well.
Sending love and prayers to the Hayes family, from Denver.
I have been following your blog for awhile if anyone is deserving of an ABC Extreme Home Makeover its you and Katy…
Here is the link for the application.
God bless and may good graces keep falling upon you and Katy
http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition/apply