I have written a full blog about March 1st but I decided not to post it. In that blog I wrote about how I believe this tragic event has almost been commercialized by some people. However, I scratched that blog because in the end it probably would have made things worse and wouldn't have made me feel that much better.
I really just want to tell my Dad and my great aunts how much I love them, and I don't and hope I never have to understand the extent of their pain. You must feel like you have been let down by the process. I do know that Billy Joe Magwood has set on death row way to long and wasted to much of our judicial system's time, money, and energy. Why can't the sentence just be carried out or be commuted to life to give my family closure.
I have seen the grief in my father's eyes and can't help but think that his spirit has been broken by the snails pace of this appeal process.
I am getting off my rant because I fear that my words are jumbled and not making sense.
Dad-I love you so much. Although you will never forget Daddy Neil or his legacy I hope one day soon you will see that justice was served and he did not die in vain.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Two Years
Well today marks the two year anniversary of my accident. It has been a pretty long journey, but I believe we are coming out on the other side finally. I would appreciate if you would all still put the Andress and Goodson families in your prayers today I know that today is difficult for them.
I know in the beginning that they asked Mom not to put names in the blog for privacy reason while I was in the unit. However, I think it has been long enough so I am going to name names. Of course all of you have heard my never-ending plugs for Dr. Vermillion, I still can't say enough about him. His P.A.'s Kendal and Patrick definitely made things easier when the big man was detained. It's amazing the patience I have now when I go to Dr.'s offices or the hospital. I just sit and wait with minimal aggravation because I know that the Dr. could be in surgery. I would say I am about 90% sure I bumped somebody that Tuesday that had a general surgery with Dr. Daly. Dr. Daly is the one that shored me up until Vermillion could get there as I have been told. Also, Dr. Fletcher, the orthopedist, put all the metal in my leg that first night but wasn't optimistic about my chances. We all later learned that was his true opinion because he doesn't sugar coat much.
While I was in SICU, the unit, I had the absolute best care. I think everybody told my nurses I was a better guy than I really am because when I woke up they all expected big things from me. Karen was my day nurse almost everyday for a month after I woke up. She is probably who to thank for me coming out of this with such a great attitude because it is impossible to sulk when she is around. Later on in my stay "Perky" Becky would join the crew on days and she definitely livened up the party. Also on days there was Matt that was never my nurse but he would come and talk because we are about the same age. John was a day nurse that I probably have to thank the most for helping Dad through the ordeal. He is also the nurse who's wife had the baby while I was in the unit. At night we had a whole other crew. The folks I had the most and grew closest to was Joseph, Michael, and Thomas. They were all around my age and would sit and chat about current events and watch March Madness with me. Thank you all for everything. I wouldn't be here today without you.
Once I got on the floor all the rumors I had heard turned out to be so wrong. I really didn't think I would like my nurses as much but there were some I grew just as close to starting with Ms. Lois. She was so sweet and caring. There were just so many more nurse especially on days. For whatever I was drawn to the techs more than the nurses. Sherika, Devina, Ms. Liz, and who could forget Fallon. Fallon kept DeAnn straight just as much as she did me. All of those ladies kept the mood around 619 so light. "Miss Rosie" was in housekeeping and after she got used to us became my in-house spiritual advisor. At night on the floor there was a whole different cast of characters. There was Gena, sisters Leslie and Christy among others that kept me company while I was am insomniac.
Michael, Kay, and Ramona who comprised the wound care crew probably spent more time in my room than anybody. They start out working on the medium pizza sized hole in my gut, but in the end worked so hard in trying to save me leg. We couldn't spend that much time with each other and not learn about their families. We celebrated when Kay's daughter was close to graduating and Michael daughter was getting married. We also tried to keep Kay on task so Michael could get home on Pizza Fridays.
I know I am forgetting people, but the good thing about it is they probably don't read the blog so maybe they won't be upset. In any case, if I have left anybody out specifically I am truly sorry, I am already over an hour into this thing. I wrote this blog because my friends and family are thank alot while this list of people have gone largely unnoticed.
See one person I know I have forgotten was Bev she was a tech, I think, in the unit. She definitely was there when I needed someone early on in the process.
To everyone that is mentioned above and those I left off, thank you ssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooo much for contributing to my recovery. I certainly wouldn't be here today without your hard work and kindness
Fins Up,
Jr.
I know in the beginning that they asked Mom not to put names in the blog for privacy reason while I was in the unit. However, I think it has been long enough so I am going to name names. Of course all of you have heard my never-ending plugs for Dr. Vermillion, I still can't say enough about him. His P.A.'s Kendal and Patrick definitely made things easier when the big man was detained. It's amazing the patience I have now when I go to Dr.'s offices or the hospital. I just sit and wait with minimal aggravation because I know that the Dr. could be in surgery. I would say I am about 90% sure I bumped somebody that Tuesday that had a general surgery with Dr. Daly. Dr. Daly is the one that shored me up until Vermillion could get there as I have been told. Also, Dr. Fletcher, the orthopedist, put all the metal in my leg that first night but wasn't optimistic about my chances. We all later learned that was his true opinion because he doesn't sugar coat much.
While I was in SICU, the unit, I had the absolute best care. I think everybody told my nurses I was a better guy than I really am because when I woke up they all expected big things from me. Karen was my day nurse almost everyday for a month after I woke up. She is probably who to thank for me coming out of this with such a great attitude because it is impossible to sulk when she is around. Later on in my stay "Perky" Becky would join the crew on days and she definitely livened up the party. Also on days there was Matt that was never my nurse but he would come and talk because we are about the same age. John was a day nurse that I probably have to thank the most for helping Dad through the ordeal. He is also the nurse who's wife had the baby while I was in the unit. At night we had a whole other crew. The folks I had the most and grew closest to was Joseph, Michael, and Thomas. They were all around my age and would sit and chat about current events and watch March Madness with me. Thank you all for everything. I wouldn't be here today without you.
Once I got on the floor all the rumors I had heard turned out to be so wrong. I really didn't think I would like my nurses as much but there were some I grew just as close to starting with Ms. Lois. She was so sweet and caring. There were just so many more nurse especially on days. For whatever I was drawn to the techs more than the nurses. Sherika, Devina, Ms. Liz, and who could forget Fallon. Fallon kept DeAnn straight just as much as she did me. All of those ladies kept the mood around 619 so light. "Miss Rosie" was in housekeeping and after she got used to us became my in-house spiritual advisor. At night on the floor there was a whole different cast of characters. There was Gena, sisters Leslie and Christy among others that kept me company while I was am insomniac.
Michael, Kay, and Ramona who comprised the wound care crew probably spent more time in my room than anybody. They start out working on the medium pizza sized hole in my gut, but in the end worked so hard in trying to save me leg. We couldn't spend that much time with each other and not learn about their families. We celebrated when Kay's daughter was close to graduating and Michael daughter was getting married. We also tried to keep Kay on task so Michael could get home on Pizza Fridays.
I know I am forgetting people, but the good thing about it is they probably don't read the blog so maybe they won't be upset. In any case, if I have left anybody out specifically I am truly sorry, I am already over an hour into this thing. I wrote this blog because my friends and family are thank alot while this list of people have gone largely unnoticed.
See one person I know I have forgotten was Bev she was a tech, I think, in the unit. She definitely was there when I needed someone early on in the process.
To everyone that is mentioned above and those I left off, thank you ssssssssssssssoooooooooooooooo much for contributing to my recovery. I certainly wouldn't be here today without your hard work and kindness
Fins Up,
Jr.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Happy Monday
Hey Guys,
I know that I didn't have a lot to post last week. But that's how it is for a poor ole boy that's on disability and didn't get out of Elba all week.
Well Saturday afternoon D and I went to Dothan to eat and while we were there we stopped at the playhouse to check on the gang. While we were there "Uncle" Robert scolded me for lack of blogs. I told him I would try to do better. We also talked about the beach and were putting some trips together. After being thoroughly entertained for a few hours we met Ann and Jan for supper at Logan's. On the way home I caught the end of Jimmy's first show of the year on XM.
That was pretty much my weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
I know that I didn't have a lot to post last week. But that's how it is for a poor ole boy that's on disability and didn't get out of Elba all week.
Well Saturday afternoon D and I went to Dothan to eat and while we were there we stopped at the playhouse to check on the gang. While we were there "Uncle" Robert scolded me for lack of blogs. I told him I would try to do better. We also talked about the beach and were putting some trips together. After being thoroughly entertained for a few hours we met Ann and Jan for supper at Logan's. On the way home I caught the end of Jimmy's first show of the year on XM.
That was pretty much my weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Friday, February 19, 2010
A New Post
Hey Folks, its me the long lost blogger,
I hope everyone enjoyed the snow last week. I honestly didn't. I had enough snow in March 93' in Sylacauga(sp?). We were up there for a basketball tournament and got snowed in. I was glad for all the young folks that had never seen snow in Elba. The pictures I have seen are very pretty and neat. The ones of the club are amazing. I really don't have any other big news.
Have a great weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Oh, speaking of Jimmy. He will be in Atlanta and Nashville this year on his tour. I recommend going to see him if you have never been. But make sure to rob a bank first as the tickets are fairly pricey.
I hope everyone enjoyed the snow last week. I honestly didn't. I had enough snow in March 93' in Sylacauga(sp?). We were up there for a basketball tournament and got snowed in. I was glad for all the young folks that had never seen snow in Elba. The pictures I have seen are very pretty and neat. The ones of the club are amazing. I really don't have any other big news.
Have a great weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Oh, speaking of Jimmy. He will be in Atlanta and Nashville this year on his tour. I recommend going to see him if you have never been. But make sure to rob a bank first as the tickets are fairly pricey.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Heading to the Weekend
Hey Guys,
Hope everybody is having a great week. We had a great time in Daphne for the festivities. Thanks Carol Ann for letting us crash at your house, it was great to see you. D and I had a blast at the Brad Paisley show. That boy can dang sure play a guitar. Also, all the performers kept the spirits up of the crowd by talking the saints up. It was a great show and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Before the show we had dinner at Ruths' Chris at the Hard Rock. It was wonderful as always. It was an early Valentine's if you were wondering. We were supposed to go to Montgomery Sunday but DeAnn wasn't feeling well and we were both exhausted, so we came on to Elba.
Wow, what about those Saints. Sean Payton made such a huge call coming out of the half. Recovering the kick was half the battle, they had score to make it a success. What a game.
We will be laying low this weekend and watching the 500. This used to be my favorite time of year, but my love of racing as diminished with the terrible product NASCAR as put on the track in the last few years. Anyway, stay warm and have a great weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Hope everybody is having a great week. We had a great time in Daphne for the festivities. Thanks Carol Ann for letting us crash at your house, it was great to see you. D and I had a blast at the Brad Paisley show. That boy can dang sure play a guitar. Also, all the performers kept the spirits up of the crowd by talking the saints up. It was a great show and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Before the show we had dinner at Ruths' Chris at the Hard Rock. It was wonderful as always. It was an early Valentine's if you were wondering. We were supposed to go to Montgomery Sunday but DeAnn wasn't feeling well and we were both exhausted, so we came on to Elba.
Wow, what about those Saints. Sean Payton made such a huge call coming out of the half. Recovering the kick was half the battle, they had score to make it a success. What a game.
We will be laying low this weekend and watching the 500. This used to be my favorite time of year, but my love of racing as diminished with the terrible product NASCAR as put on the track in the last few years. Anyway, stay warm and have a great weekend.
Fins Up,
Jr.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Signing Day and Mardi Gras
Hey Guys,
I'm just going to give you a quick update on everything. Yesterday I had an appointment with the pain management guy. He is such a joy to be around, just a great person.(Sarcasm) I got what I wanted and now we are good to go if the pain on my incision lines comes back. After that I jumped in the truck with Dad, Wynn, and Billy for the ride to T-town. Saban started the State of the Union around 5 and it lasted close to an hour with Q and A. He spoke of Healthcare(Hightower's rehab is coming along nicely), economy(the athletic department made close to 40 million last year) and his approval rating is off the charts. On a serious note it was fun and our class seems to be pretty good. The one thing Bama fans have to realize is we can only stay at the top for a limited time and some losses are inevitable. But all in all it was a great trip.
We are leaving in the morning for our long weekend. The ball is tomorrow night and we are all excited. It should be so much fun. Then on Saturday D and I are going to the concert. It promises to be a LONG weekend but a memorable one.
Who Dat and Fins Up,
Jr.
I'm just going to give you a quick update on everything. Yesterday I had an appointment with the pain management guy. He is such a joy to be around, just a great person.(Sarcasm) I got what I wanted and now we are good to go if the pain on my incision lines comes back. After that I jumped in the truck with Dad, Wynn, and Billy for the ride to T-town. Saban started the State of the Union around 5 and it lasted close to an hour with Q and A. He spoke of Healthcare(Hightower's rehab is coming along nicely), economy(the athletic department made close to 40 million last year) and his approval rating is off the charts. On a serious note it was fun and our class seems to be pretty good. The one thing Bama fans have to realize is we can only stay at the top for a limited time and some losses are inevitable. But all in all it was a great trip.
We are leaving in the morning for our long weekend. The ball is tomorrow night and we are all excited. It should be so much fun. Then on Saturday D and I are going to the concert. It promises to be a LONG weekend but a memorable one.
Who Dat and Fins Up,
Jr.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Another Monday
Good Morning,
I hope everybody had a nice weekend. The only thing of substance I did was go to the gym twice. Uncle Daniel put me through the ringer like something awful yesterday afternoon. I didn't want to get on the scales yesterday because I cheated pretty bad over the weekend but was very shocked to see it read 222 and a half. Only 37 pounds to go. Since getting in the routine of going to the gym I have started enjoying it for the most part.
In other news. This weekend we will be traveling to Daphne on Friday for the ball and parade. Saturday we are easing over to Biloxi for a Brad Paisley concert and then Sunday we are going to Montgomery for a Super Bowl party at Glenn and Jennifer's. It should be a great weekend but I know by Monday we will be exhausted.
Also, Wednesday is my cousin Elizabeth's birthday. For those of you that don't know her the month of February is not Black history month or the Chinese New Year it is Mater's birthday month. So I ask you all to observe this and for the next 28 days tell her Happy Birthday every time you see her. I don't know how this will go over in 70 years when we are in the nursing home. That might get old pretty quick.
Anyway, have a good week.
Fins Up,
Jr.
I hope everybody had a nice weekend. The only thing of substance I did was go to the gym twice. Uncle Daniel put me through the ringer like something awful yesterday afternoon. I didn't want to get on the scales yesterday because I cheated pretty bad over the weekend but was very shocked to see it read 222 and a half. Only 37 pounds to go. Since getting in the routine of going to the gym I have started enjoying it for the most part.
In other news. This weekend we will be traveling to Daphne on Friday for the ball and parade. Saturday we are easing over to Biloxi for a Brad Paisley concert and then Sunday we are going to Montgomery for a Super Bowl party at Glenn and Jennifer's. It should be a great weekend but I know by Monday we will be exhausted.
Also, Wednesday is my cousin Elizabeth's birthday. For those of you that don't know her the month of February is not Black history month or the Chinese New Year it is Mater's birthday month. So I ask you all to observe this and for the next 28 days tell her Happy Birthday every time you see her. I don't know how this will go over in 70 years when we are in the nursing home. That might get old pretty quick.
Anyway, have a good week.
Fins Up,
Jr.
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