Many people remind me that the trip is only beginning for Katy and I. There will be rehab, prosthetics, more rehab, more prosthetics, medicines, and doctors in our future for a while still to come. As people remind me of these things, I am reminded that, in life, the journey is more important than the destination. We all end up at the same place, at least on earth, so our travels will define us more than our end. I am also reminded of something Katy and I heard while taking the Landmark Forum. A great person does not do great things. A great person overcomes great obstacles to do great things. That phrase has stayed with me since I first heard it. I draw on it, often, when faced with unfortunate circumstances. I hope that this will help some of you too. Besides, what good is it to argue what has already happened? We are here, all of us, today, and, though we can’t control what tomorrow may bring, we can own how we approach each day. Anyway, I’ll step off the soapbox for now.
Katy had a good day. Her PT and OT are moving right along. We did a practice run transfering her from a wheelchair to the car. I had no problem with the transfer, and then Katy and I made a lap up the 6 levels of the garage and back down. I wanted to see how she would handle the motion of being in a car. I sped around corners, hit the breaks, swerved back and forth, and Katy was just having a great time. She said it felt great to be back in one of our cars! I know that she cannot wait to get back to Houston, and I feel like we are getting close.
Every day, as I write the blog, I try to thank and acknowledge all those who have helped us. Every night, when I am done with the blog, I think, “CRAP! I forgot to thank _______.” If I have forgoten to write my thank you on here, please know that I have not forgotten everything that all of you have done. I would like to add one more special thanks to all of my students who have raised funds for us, and for Colina’s Restaraunt for hosting an event. I am so blown away, and proud, of “my kids.” It reaffirms my faith in America’s youth. It seems that all you have to do is reach them, and they are capable of anything. I will write more later.
Love to all,
Al
Thanks for leaving a post even when you don’t feel like it; I look forward to them.
Oh my, how far you’ve come, Katy! You are amazing! The angels are with you every minute of every day lifting you up & giving you the courage to keep onkeeping on!
See you at home soon.
Love you & Al,
Nancy
I have been following your life blog and have found inspiration in the way you have faced each new day. Katy you are miracalous and are bound for great things.
Al as you are in the hospital timezone I am sure the days get long and the information is always that of needing deciphering. I have a bit of morbid humour for you. I hope that you will take this with the sarcastic humour as I can detect by your posts.
When my father passed away he had a prostetic leg from the time he was in his 50″s. When my brother and I went to the hospital to claim his belongings his leg was given to us. My brother and i just looked at each other. We were adults than. We each made fun and said to each other: I don’t want the leg, you have the leg!” We said this all the way home with really not knowing what to do with it. We could have donated it back but for some reason we never got to that point and the leg ended up in my garage for many years.
I am praying with you guys and for you guys as you move through your journey. In Christs love. Jo
I know both of you are ready to be home, a chance to sleep the whole night without interruption. We are ready to see both of you at the beach! Katy’s Army made a little something to help with a bill or two. Big thanks to Dan Electros Guitar Bar.
Blessings to everyone and call if you need us.
Al and Katy,
You are both incredibly inspiring and I am SO grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from you (both). Every day I am astonished by your attitudes, brave-ness, loyalty, and sense of humor. I admire you both so very much. This has been such a learning experience – I thank you both for all of the lessons I have been taught.
I will keep you both in my prayers every day.
Love,
Cindy in Arizona
Al and Katy,
It sounds like you had a pretty busy day. PT and OT can be exhausting .
Make sure you inquire about a Motorized Electric Wheelchair for Katy while she is in Rehab. It’s important and was to us with our daughter. She actually drives that baby around the neighborhood.
Because both our families are experiencing the same event, (ours is going on 18months) you will never lose your Angels. They are a constant and the strength that will endure.
You mentioned KID”S………your so right and they are very good fund raisers. We are still raising money for our daughter. Her Brother in law is going to do a JUMP from 15,000 ft to raise money for her. Maybe someone can do the same for Katy and you.
We lucked out with a great son-in- law and Katy lucked out with you. There’s no way you can get this done without love and support.
Our family will continue to pray for you all and your family.
Have a productive day tomorrow Katy .You CAN do it !
Have a brighter tomorrow, get outside when you can. God Bless!
The Burnette Family in FL.
I am so drawn to this blog. What an inspiration u as a family are.. My prayers are with you all and the entire journey.
Thank you.
peace and blessings!
-angela
p.s.
Are you a christian?
I sent an email, but just wanted to post also. We have been through a very similiar ordeal the last couple years. If there is anything you need…please let me know. I will follow this.
Scott and Carol Decker
Katy and Al,
Thanks so much for posting the three generations photo of your mom, Amber and yourself. What a wonderful picture on such a perfect day!
Katy, I can’t believe how far you have come in your recovery. This whole situation has been surreal but it also serves as a great reminder that miracles do happen! I am going to keep lighting candles for your recovery and pray that your return home will come sooner than later. Getting back home in your own environment will only speed up your recovery and will be get life back on track.
I hope to see you and meet Al at some point once you are more settled. Until then we will continue to be a stop along the dusty trail between Texas and Michigan for any family members making the long trek there and back!
Love to you and the whole family. Give your mom a HUGE hug and kiss for me.
Your cousin,
Sarah
Oh my dear sweet Katy,
You can do it.
I am rooting, cheering and praying for you right now.
Be blessed dear one!
Katy and Al,
I am so glad to hear you guys had a fun ride in the parking garage today. It’s great to hear how the “little things” make such a big difference and make your days more exciting. I continue to think of and pray for you all and your families back home.
On one of your other posts a lady mentioned the blog about Carol Decker. I did have a chance to go and read that as well. It was not quite as detailed or fun to read for that matter as yours, but still very informational. I believe that lady who made the “rude” comment about having your babies in the hospital REALLY needs to go read it as well. Their story just disproves all of what she was saying, as the Deckers daughter WAS born in the hospital.
Sorry I just had to get that little bit of frustration out…
Praying for many more good days, more fun trips for you two, and great quality healing time together. Warm wishes from FL.
Elizabeth
Dear Katy and Al,
I started reading about you on Friday. I was shocked, saddend, angry and uplifted all at the same time. I have lupus SLE. It is a horrible, aggravating pesky lil autoimmune disease. I was diagnosed in 2007 and have not had a dull moment yet!! First it attacked my joints, then my blood, and now currently my nerves. I’ve had over 200 blood transfusions,spleen and gallbladdder removed, powerport put in,countless CTs,X-RAYs,MRIs and DEFINITELY my share of skin,bone marrow and lymph node biopsies. And that was the good part of the year:) In December i was diagnosed with lymphoma. Ok, fine nothing suprises me any more. In January i went 1 round with chemo, supposed to go for 2nd one about 3 weeks later, instead that monday went to oncologist because of a bad headache, that thursday i was in ICU Critical and “not likely to make it thru the night”. From a minute sinus infection i didnt know i had, NO symptoms, my body did the whole fluid from the brain or somewhere and went into sepsis shock. Organ failure all around, nine fluid warmers, IVs every where like a NYC street and im down like a TKO! You have been thru more physically and mentally. I truly know what its like to wake up to a beautiful nightmare. A husband who loves you more than himself, who will not leave yourside until you finally go to sleep,even when you are mad at the world, even when the docs and nurses try to push him to’go get some rest’ and still take care of the kids and house and work etc. I Also know what its like to think I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO angry, pissed, hungry,invaded,tired, sick,nauseated,embarassed frustrated and overwhelmed in my whole life. And on top of that they keep cutting on these bright lights everytime they come in here!:) You are a true inspiration to our family, the blogs are great, Al is truly something special as is the rest of your family and friends. I still cant really do anything by myself but because of you im NOT GIVING UP!! I will be in touch:)
Jay
Hey guys !! I had to laugh a little to myself as I imagined you speeding around corners and slamming on the breaks. I can just see Katy’s big ole smile and hear her laughing.
So happy and so impressed with the progress…not that I ever doubted Katy…but dang girl, you rock !
Big hugs and kisses to you both !!
Love you guys~
Amanda C. (your lil coon-a** friend)
Where can we send a contribution DIRECTLY to Katy? NO middle men, websites, organizations. Thanks.
Anabelle,
Very soon we will be adding the address of a secure PO Box. For obvious reason, we do not want to put our home address out to the public. Thank you for comment, and look for the address to be posted soon.
Al
Hello my name is Monica Jorge. Many people have contacted me regarding your wife Katy. I am so sorry for everything you two are going through. I completely understand what you must be feeling and the long road ahead of you. On Aug. 12, 2007, three days after giving birth to my daughter, I was airlifted to MGH in Boston. I also had flesh eating bacteria and my abdominal wall was removed removed and all four limbs amputated. My husband had to make the same decisions yours did. Iwatched a video from CNN and YOU LOOK AMAZING. I would love to talk when you feel up to it. I can fill you in on all of the wonderful thing you have ahead of you but then again you already know every time you look at your children and husband.
p.s. I am adding the links to a story so you can see how much we have in common.
Monica J.
sorry forgot the links…here they are
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/02/10/saving_monica/?page=1
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2008/02/17/i_can_still_be_a_mother/
Hope to talk soon. 🙂
Found your story and blog from ABCnews. You are both inspiring. I wish you the best of luck in the future. So long as you have each other, you can make it through anything. I will most definitely keep reading, and will be looking forward to the day when I read that Katy is going home. 🙂
Take care,
Lisa (from Ohio)
Glad to hear of the continueing progress! you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers !
Hi Katy & Al,
I saw your story on Fox 26 and then found this blog. I want to say that I am definitely praying for both of you. I didn’t know if either of y’all had ever heard of Nick Vujicic. He is an Australian man who was born with no limbs. He goes all over the world speaking and encouraging people. If you go on youtube and type in his name there are a lot of videos of him. I hope they help lift your spirits and encourage you too. He was also in a mini-movie called ‘The Butterfly Circus’. It’s about 20minutes. You can watch it here: http://vimeo.com/9819610. I highly recommend it.
God’s blessings on you and your family,
Stephanie
LOL!!! I’m still laughing after reading your parking garage ride story. Sounds like you and Katy had some fun there. And, it’s clear to see that you and Katy are a “Great” person. I’ll keep in you my prayers. GO Katy!!!
Love ya,
Grace Chamberlin
Hi Al and Katy,
Can’t wait to hear you say you are taking Katy on a road trip home to Houston!!!!!:)
Love
Claudia Bailey
I am so glad I have met you through difficult circumstance in life. I am amazed at both of you and your humor, grace and perseverance. I am praying for Katy and your family. What an adjust on this journey in life!
God is faithful and we will never understand everything we walk through here but its worth it all to see His face when we take off mortality and put on immortality. I am nothing without God and I can do all things through Him.
I know there is power in prayer!
Praying for you,
Monica
Al- just wanted to let you and Katy know how much I love your blog. I am sitting at work here with the doors between the three adjoining classrooms open yelling out your latest entry to my co-workers who have become fellow Katy lovers due to her story on the news last week and what I have told them about her extraordinary personality. It warmed my heart to see her beautiful smile has survived all that she has been through and I count the minutes until you two are back in Kingwood. Can you feel the love? You two have become local celebrities!!
How inspiring you both are! I sit here, dwelling on my stressful life, wondering how I will make it through the day….I’m disgusted and humiliated with myself. You both should be so proud of yourselves. Al, it’s amazing as I read all your posts, haven’t finished yet, how strong you are, and you seem to get stronger with each passing day. Where do you pull it from in such dire circumstances? If I could only find that within myself, just half, I could be a much happier person. I’m still looking for that spot, hope I can find it, just keep doing what you’re doing, you inspire alot of people by the sound of comments left. Pull strength from the support, turn the cheek to people second-guessing you. I would have made the very same decision. God Bless, God Speed in your recovery and strength, and I will continue to pray for your family. You are all amazing.
Al and Kathy,
I can’t thank you enough for sharing all these moments with us. I would’ve done anything to see Kathy’s face on the car or better yet the faces of those watching Al making all those parking garage “stunts” — makes me think of the transporter 🙂
God continue to bless you and fill your life with love. You’ll always be in our prayers.
Peace!
Dearest Katy and Al,
I am one of the friends you have not met yet. I have been reading the blog since that horrible day, February 26th. I just need you to know that your family has become a part of mine. The love that your family has, is inspiring and should make the rest of ashamed by comparison. You are in my heart every day, and I will carry the lessons learned through your writings as long as I live. Thank you and know that you are in my prayers.
Teri Higgins, of Denver Colorado.
I heard this song and instantly thought of you.
Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup,
drink it up,
love her and she bring you luck.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Hayes,
I’m a single, disabled Mom from Brooklyn, NY trying very hard to maintain the roof over my family’s head, feed us and stay afloat in these troubling times. As hard as I sometimes think things are, God always reminds me that I have much to be grateful for; as do both of you in having one another, three beautiful children, countless friends and a community that respects and holds you dear.
When I read about Katy’s medical crisis today, and the decisions that Al had to make, I was touched deeply and immediately said a prayer for you both. Your courage, commitment and love are a testament to the human spirit.
I wish I had more to contribute financially, but could only make a small donation to the fund for Katy at this time. When things are better for me, I will try to send more.
You and your children will remain in my prayers. May God bless Katy’s speedy recovery, remove your financial worries, continue to bring you excellent medical treatment and care providers, clear the road from obstacles in getting home, give you both the strength necessary to create a new and happy normal, and forever watch over your children, family, friends and community.
Brandon & Leslee Jones are members of our Sunday School Class and we have been praying for you and your wife since this began. Leslee sent me the link to the news story and I was so relieved and praising the Lord that you both are doing well. We will continue to pray for you both.
Amanda West
Gospel Light Baptist Church
Hot Springs, AR
Al and Katy,
The Journey is what it is all about…..
Often we humans are face down on the floor crying out for more…more money, more sucess, more blessings, and the list goes on.
Then we are abruptly reminded that the beauty of life is just living….making it through each day and having a family to share it with!
I like the phrase you posted… because your family has done great things, will do great things and will overcome great obstacles.
Matthew 6:34 So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I’m glad to hear the car ride went well =)
Oh, and don’t get off the soap box just yet….I like hearing the positive attitude!!!
I hope all of your children are well? Katy your in my prayers.
Love Amber =)
Love to hear the progress
Love to read the tales
So close to going home
God’s love never fails
God Bless You
PS. Don’t forget to check out the Gerson Videos, it will fill you with lots of hope, healing and supreme healthiness.
You guys amaze me and I continue to pray for you both. You’ve inspired me as I battle daily with life’s obstacles, but you are so right–it is the journey, and you are both so blessed to have each other. May God continue to hold you up, give you peace and courage and bless you and your family. I thank you for your inspiration and your courage.
Chris
Dear Katy and Al,
I am so inspired by your love for each other and your courage in all you have been through and what you have ahead of you.
I just last night read a very inspirational story in Readers Digest….a young woman was in a train accident and lost all 4 limbs. She recovered, rehabbed and went on to become a Rehabilitaion Physician. Her story reminded me of you two. It is the June/July issue, page 154 “Hit by a Train” the story of Daniella Garcia.
I hope you will continue to blog about Katy’s continued recovery and rehab and into the future.
Bless you both and I am glad you ignore negativity, no one need that in their world.
I don’t like the fact that people are reminding you of what is ahead. Can’t they see from your blog, that you are only interest in the future , and Katy who is alive, who has overcome such great obstacles! What is wrong with these people?
I’m getting worked up over this. So, all I can say is hang in there Hayes Familywith your positive attitude & with all good things for the future!
Don’t know you, just love you & pray for you!
You are such an amazing writer and your words of inspiration have definitely insprired me and my family. Everyone should learn a great lesson from what you have taught what its really like in the face of adversity. Obstacles are opportunities turned inside out. I am in awe and continue to be every time I read your blog – You both are so blessed to have one another. The McCalls
Go Katy, Go!!!!! – a little cheer from our family to yours.
Yeeee Haahhhhh! Katy You Have Arrived!!!!
Praise Jesus! Pray for us Mary and Joseph! St. Padre Pio Pray for Us!
Katy & Al… Thanks for sharing your experience of unconditional love, committment, grace, strength, focus, fortitude, togetherness, will-power, courage and team spirit.
May you and your family find enough grace to continue carrying you through each new day!
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Sandra Sanquine S’angel