Thursday, May 21, 2009
Epilogue
Today, Thursday, May 21, 2009, I will return home to Chicago. I was discharged from the hospital last night with instructions to perform my own physical therapy through range of motion exercises, walking, and elevation when I am resting. I am told that it will take at least 2 weeks before I am able to resume my normal activity level. When reflecting back on the trip, I think it was the stress that led to me being bitten by the rattlesnake. I was trying so hard to meet Broeder's high standards that I was under an incredible amount of stress, which led me to let my guard down. Thus, I did not look carefully enough where I was walking/urinating, or even consider the fact that I should not stray from the road. My safety was the last of my worries when it should have been the first. As testament to the fact that I am normally much more observant than I was on the trip, at the airport today I found a $50,000 dollar ring. I found it on the floor, somewhat hidden and camoflaged (much like the rattlesnake), yet in a public enough place that everyone had an equal chance of finding it. I know nothing about jewelry, so upon picking it up, I found that it didn't weigh very much and decided it must be some sort of cheap ring for children. I began to put it down in a more noticable place where the kid who lost it could find it, when an airport employee heard me say something about a ring. Many airport employees came over when they heard me tell him I found a ring. Apparently the airport employees had been looking frantically for this expensive ring for several hours. A passenger who already departed lost it and was blaming the airport employees, accusing them of stealing it. If I was a man of lesser character or a thief I might have pocketed it to cover my hospital bills. However, I was glad to turn it in and be treated like a hero for finding it. The latest word is that I may be brought back for the tail end of the trip, starting somewhere around Florida. Look for future entries to keep you all updated on the life and travels of Jeff Brinker.
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The Natatorium
This was the swimming pool complex at University of Texas-Austin. Everything's bigger in Texas...
my standards are only moderately high. You perceive them as high standards. My new driver says they are normal...nothing crazy. Hope to see you at the end of the ride. But watch out of alligators when you are doing your road side thing.
ReplyDeleteI have to completely agree with you Jeff. Dr. Broeder is waaaay stressful. I see he posted otherwise--however he is not unbiased. I think his mission is incredible and he must be goal oriented inorder to finish his goal. However, in my opinion relationships are more important than accomplishments! I feel he has too much negitivity for my taste---although a hero for setting out for such a worthy cause. I think if he would add God into the whole mixture he would certainly cook up a more tasty cause! Love to you and I will continue to pray for your quick recovery and may peace be with you. Mary Beth, RN
ReplyDeleteJeff, Don't let Craig's standards get you down. Being his wife let me give you some advice. On someday just don't pay any attention to him. I do know that he did tell me that you did a better job with paying attention to the little deal things than Bradley, the new driver, is doing and you do. You found the ring. So we all have our things that we are good at. also I know Craig would like to have you back at the end of Summer to complete the trip.
ReplyDeleteBy the way you have done a great job on your blog.
ReplyDelete