I want to start off by saying “thanks” to all of you who were able to show up to Katy’s party, and to those who were there in spirit! Katy was surprised, and her tears during dinner were, as she put it, because “I am so grateful!” She is the strongest person I have ever met, and she continues to amaze me through this whole process.
We did a have a VERY scary event occur on the way to the party. While slowing to stop at a red light, Katy propelled forward and landed on her face in the van! Apparently, her seatbelt had been taut, but partly trapped under her wheels. When the weight shifted, she came loose and fell forward. I was HORRIFIED! I pulled over, and got her in the chair again. She was scared, but pulled through. I thought I was going to have a heart attack, I was so scared.
The event for July 10th continues to grow. The efforts of those working on the event are unbelievable! If you, or anyone you know, is interested in attending, please contact us at www.katyhayesfund.com ASAP. The event will be worth double the price of admission even if you don’t know Katy. The auction items are spectacular, and all of the funds go straight to helping Katy with her goals, and, hopefully, allow us to buy a house that can be modified specifically for her needs.. I can’t wait to see all of you there!
This week is full of more of the same for us. Katy is getting better every day, but still has a long way to go. The learning curve for the body powered prosthetics will be difficult, but I know that Katy will master it soon enough. I know her spirits will lift even higher when she can start to do things for herself again, and she is looking forward to some more independence.
On the music front, my song “Wednesday Afternoon” is now on Napster, E-Music, and Amazon. I am also working on new material for release soon. I hope to have the entire album out by the end of the year. Our gig on Friday went very well, but we did miss Katy! We have another gig this Friday at Castaway’s Bar in Surfside, TX, and then I will be back in my studio (home studio) continuing to work. I can’t wait to have Katy next to me on stage again!
I promise to write more soon. Thanks for your patience with me lately!
Love to all,
Al
Hey Al,
Sounds like things are continuing to move forward – Praise The Lord!
Have you or anyone that you know of submitted your family to the Extreme Home Makeover people? Seems like y’all would be perfect candidates.
Thanks,
Elizabeth Schooler, Joey’s mom
They’re renting a home. Extreme make-over doesn’t fix up rental homes.
So glad nothing serious happened to Katy. How are you feeling after your spider bite? If you can, post some pictures of the birthday party. I hope Katy likes what I sent.
Yes! Photos of the party. It would be great to see Katy out and surrounded by so many friends.
I agree with Elizabeth Schooler and encourage everyone to nominate the Hayes family for an Extreme Home Makeover. It is very easy to do. Just go on their website and submit an entry about Katy’s family onto their discussion board. The more people do this the better! It would be wonderful if Extreme Makeover could come to Texas to build a house fit for Katy’s needs.
Way to go Katy!!! What a special lady you are! I am a fan i n MI; we know your MOM from Toastmasters. As a mother/grandmother/great gramma I am very happy for you and I feel like another mom to you. God does have special plans for you, as he does for all of us. God Bless you and may he continue to bless you in your recovery.
Love, Gretchen >:)
In reference to the person who suggested an extreme make over; we started to nominate you two but you must have a house already that can be made over. It is simple to nominate anyone who owns a house. Hope you all can buy one and then we can nominate you. Love you guys and you are doing great. You both have tremendous strength and we are so proud of both of you.
As usual, your writing helps me “see” how everyday tasks like driving to the restaurant,etc. all have a new dimension to them. Sounds kind of dumb of me, but I never thought about Katy not being able to catch herself if she fell over. Praying for ability for Katy & you to process her loss of independence, but I know it will be regained soon. I’m so glad the party went well, I wish we could have been there.
Sending love,
Laura
Al & Katy – we are so proud you that after all that you have endured, that you are continuing to move forward! And not just moving forward – moving forward with HUGE momentum!!! I am impressed!!! Our son, at 10 months old, got a bacterial infection, streptococcus pneumonia, and if your blog was not date stamped, I could have used it for my own… unbelieveable. I read practically the whole blog from start to finish, and could not stop reading/reliving the experience. Our son, lost his legs “through the knee” and just below the elbow on the right arm and about a quarter of his forearm below the elbow on the left side. He has a “you can’t stop me” attitude as well. I know that it must be easier to learn to manage life from a young age of 10 months old, but it appears to me that Katy’s strength, perserverance and your alls family support will get her up to speed in no time at all!
If you and or Katy would ever like to meet our son, who is just turning 12, or just use us as a sounding board please feel free to contact us. We are from Maryland but have family – believe it or not in Kingwood, Tx…I was not only amazed by your alls story, but that you would be from Kingwood, and that at the time of our sons’ illness, his brother was 5 years old and had to be looked after by his grandparents for a good portion of our 4mth stay at the hospital.
Our prayers for your continued recovery!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Natalie
Another option for housing ———–would be Habitat for Humanity Houston. I’ll research some other options.
Remember there are alot of needy deserving families – so the more options available – the better chance of securing housing. The family would need to apply.
Extreme Makeover gets many requests and unfortunately they have to turn down so many folks – but certainly it is worth nominating them.
Katy & Al:
Happy the Birthday celebrate went well.
Looking forward to meeting you guys in person one day.
Stay strong – stay focused!