Monday, May 17, 2010

Update on Dan - Lyssa's Dad -


This was written by Dan's Sister - I don't know her personally and have only met Dan a couple of times but I want to thank her for keeping us "in the loop" Kurt and Lyssa and their kids have become very close to me over the last couple of years and have helped me with a great many things. Kurt took my ideas and built them into a Masonic Lodge (Specialis Procer #678). Without them my life would be much poorer.

Just spoke with Dan this evening and learned he’s doing well, but tires easily and is always cold. He’s doing some hand-finger exercises to regain manual dexterity and can go out, so long has he was a ride. He was at his daughter and son-in-law’s (Lyssa and Kurt) house for dinner with their family tonight. Tomorrow (Monday), he has an appointment for physical therapy and will learn more about what his PT regimen is to be. He also has an appointment with his Family Practice physician, this week, and other appointments set up with the various specialists involved in his care. The word so far is that he’ll still be restricted from driving for 6 months. He’ll get more details on what his schedule will be like and what will be required for full recovery in the next few weeks. I know he’s looking forward to having the roll call retirement party he missed out on, as well as planning a bigger retirement party for a Saturday evening. My guess is that his mind and heart are ready to do so many things, now, and his body is saying, “Whoa, Nelly!” It will be so much more fun for him to do these things he’s looking forward to when his endurance is a little better. He’s always good for a story or two, though, so give him a call. He’ll tell you if he’s up for a visit or needs to go out somewhere. He’s really appreciative of the officers, active and retired, and the other friends who have offered to give him rides.

Just a quick note from me: as much as I would rather none of this trauma would have happened, one of the blessings for me has been getting to know so many of you who are Dan, Chris, Lyssa, Brian, and Jacki’s friends and loved ones, over the past few weeks – being lifted up by your prayers and many kindnesses, along with Dan and his whole family, and being touched by your care for Dan, Chris, and their kids and grandkids, and for me.

Also, I need to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoyed getting to know so many Des Moines Police Officers: the younger officers who work first watch, as I often came “on duty” at the hospital about when they did and got to visit with some at length in the quiet of the night; the second and third watch officers, many of whom Dan worked with over several years; the Chief and her leadership team who looked out for Dan and his family in so many ways – all gave me a renewed sense of gratitude for being a Des Moines resident, under the care and protection of what must surely be the finest police force anywhere. How great to be able to have that confidence in everyone I encountered, from the youngest to the most senior! Thank you all for your service and your character. . . . and your good humor, which helped relieve the stress. Now, when I pass by a police car, I sort of crane my neck to see if it’s someone I got to know, and it gives me a good feeling to know you’re always nearby. I’m so very proud of my brother for being one of the best for 38 years, 7 months, and almost-17 days and want to thank him publically, for his service, too, as well as thanking Chris for being a terrific wife under the incredible pressures the law enforcement profession imposes on a marriage. Hope I haven’t gotten too sentimental, here, but one conclusion I’ve reached through this whole experience is that it’s best not to let your honest appreciation for others go unspoken when it comes to mind, as you just never know what the next day or hour will bring and whether or not you’ll get another chance to express it.

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