From: Robert Wardlow [rwardlow@cortnet.com]
Sent:
Thursday, March 06, 2003 10:07 AM
To:
rwardlow@cortnet.com
Subject: FW: A message of faith and friendship
for Russ
Dear Russ,
You do
not know me but I was deeply impacted by your courage and the beautiful family
you have when I first saw you at Kessler East Orange. My father-in-law was
in the lounge area and a group of us were playing scrabble. Perhaps you
heard me constantly say, "I have the WORST letters! Who can do anything
with a Q, no U's, four L's and two C's!!?" Your family was gathered around
you, holding your hand, joking, and sharing what I am sure, were wonderful
stories about you! Russ, you are a young man who WILL get through
this! I KNOW you hear every word spoken as for two and a half years I
volunteered with patients just like you and when they recovered, as you
certainly will, the first thing they said was how comforting the voices from
others were! Hopefully, everyone around you will be saying upbeat comments
and noting that your color is good and you are a person of excellent physical
health. Hang in there! Each of our lives takes a "detour" at times
but God keeps us on the path somehow. Could you ever imagine that so many
people would come forward to support you and your family? I want to
thoroughly read your web site so my next letter can also comment on your
interests. When I worked with patients like you, I always began telling
them the date and time it was and the local news and weather. Then I would
tell them about their progress and weave in some personal stories that were
entertaining. I believe I saw your sister and brother-in-law there.
Your sister is apparently a student because she was studying something but I did
not want to disturb her. Your brother-in-law seems to be a lovely young
man and I know that must be important to you. You and your family are in
my thoughts and prayers. My father-in-law is now at the St. Cloud facility
in West Orange and doing much better. I will write again. One day
you will be able to access this website and truly be in awe of the support
network you have. Think positive! We are here for you!
Diane