Willow had an accident near Topeka. Lori needs local assistance

[R J]

Thanks for your update Joe, we all appriciate it.

Had I of know, Dr's orders or not, I'd of given it a shot to attend.

[Dave Ritsema]

Joe,

I tell you with genuine humility I can only aspire to be as good of a man as you are. Thank you for everything you have done for Carl and Lori, and thank you for representing for all of us that are too seperated by miles to do more than we wish.
I really can't say more, but thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a blessing to many.

[billyboy]

Well said Stude   

[NC_Rob]

Joe,

I tell you with genuine humility I can only aspire to be as good of a man as you are. Thank you for everything you have done for Carl and Lori, and thank you for representing for all of us that are too seperated by miles to do more than we wish.
I really can't say more, but thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a blessing to many.

+1.....Joe, you da man 

[MP]

Dang gnats.  Getting in my eyes.

You the man, Joe.

Thank you, all of you, for representing all of the VRCC, and, as President of the VOAI, the members of that group as well.

MP

[T.P.]

Great write up Joe,  It was a good day to be in Kansas with friends.  I hope that we didn't wear Carl out with all of that excitement.  He has come a long way the last two weeks and in another couple of weeks he should be good to go.    T.P.

[wiggydotcom]

Nice work, everyone! Seeing that crowd would lift anyone's spirits!

[RainMaker]

Great Post, Joe.  I was affected deeply by your message and by the kindness of all that visited with Willow.  I thank you for including all of us who wanted to be there with you.

[flsix]

Great group and great photo!

[Robert]

WOW that was awesome, that was really great what you guys did for Carl and what great shot of all of you there. Joe thanks really thanks, that is trully a servants heart, bless you for all you do.

[BudMan]

Seeing the response for Willow makes me feel truely blessed to be a part of this group.
Thank you Joe for keeping us all informed.

[Serk]

Sunday night Facebook update from Motomama:

Carl went to bed pretty early this evening, as he had alot of excitement and visitors this weekend and he was just worn out! Today Gary and Ginger from Iola came up to visit and then Jennifer Kerr and Klint brought Kambrea and Kaden up to see their Papa! This visit really made him light up as he really enjoyed seeing and visiting with the kiddos. Right after they left, Tim Holmes came in to visit for a bit. He really enjoyed visiting with each and every one of them. The weekend was really good for him and now we are looking forward to a good week! Keep the prayers coming!

[wiggydotcom]

Sunday night Facebook update from Motomama:

Carl went to bed pretty early this evening, as he had alot of excitement and visitors this weekend and he was just worn out! Today Gary and Ginger from Iola came up to visit and then Jennifer Kerr and Klint brought Kambrea and Kaden up to see their Papa! This visit really made him light up as he really enjoyed seeing and visiting with the kiddos. Right after they left, Tim Holmes came in to visit for a bit. He really enjoyed visiting with each and every one of them. The weekend was really good for him and now we are looking forward to a good week! Keep the prayers coming!

Thanks, Serk....more encouraging news!

[Disco]

Does my heart good to see this. Good to see Willow smiling and y'all just plain rock!

I can't say it any better, so +1!

[solo1]

Thanks so much for the things that you are doing for Carl and Lori, Joe!   I wished that I was closer so that I could visit but your posts, along with Serk's post from Lori's Facebook, keeps us aware of Carl's progress.

As far as your Faith, Joe, I too, have a Faith.  It is nice to know that we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.  Your Good Works are the result of that Faith, Joe.  thanks again.

wayne, solo1

[therapist]

Again...so proud to be a member of this group.

[Rams]

Thanks for your update Joe, we all appriciate it.

Had I of know, Dr's orders or not, I'd of given it a shot to attend.

No doubt, would have loved to have made it.  I'm really glad this happened but really wish it had been advertised a little more.   Never knew it was in the works.   

[stude31]

We were wanting to make it a surprise...  Guess we surprised more than Willow

Anytime you all want to make a trip just let me know.. I hear their is one in the making for this friday..  PM me if you are interested.

Stude31 

[Whistler]

Thanks for your update Joe, we all appriciate it.

Had I of know, Dr's orders or not, I'd of given it a shot to attend.

No doubt, would have loved to have made it.  I'm really glad this happened but really wish it had been advertised a little more.   Never knew it was in the works.  

Here's another one:

Kansas Valkyrie Riders June Get Together

Saturday June 15th
Hillsdale Bank Bar B.Q. 201 Frisco Street Hillsdale, Kansas 66036    

Let's try and get there about 11:30  , that's 10:30 Topeka time! We'll enjoy some good food and fellowship and then ride over and see Carl and Lori for a bit! If I could get a head count on the Kansas board site on who's going I will call in a reservation on the 13th!

We'll find Carl where ever he is hiding, praying he will be home!

JDW

[wiggydotcom]

bg -  her facebook page is under Lori Smothers Holmes

I've been trying to find Lori under the above name on Facebook, but it doesn't score a hit when I do a search. Since she does FB updates, I'd like to follow along. Can anybody confirm that Lori Smothers Holmes works or doesn't? Thanks so much!

[stude31]

She Lives In Olathe,Ks.  Owns Motomama Munchies.  Lori Smothers Holmes

[Karen]

Thank you for the thoughts, words, and pictures; your love is stunning.

[HayHauler]

Continued prayers for Carl and Lori.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Serk]

I had to prod Lori for an update, but here we go:

He is continuing to improve every day. He was even able to walk without the walker last night which is a big improvement! He still has some confusion and memory issues, but those are even getting a little bit better! We should know more tomorrow after the therapists and doctors meet as to how long he will be here and what the plan is from here on out.

I am beginning to wear down a little bit. I am tired, but try to remain upbeat for him, so that he doesn't get down. I figure when all of this is over with, we are both due for a spa day!

Thank you for checking on us!

[Tailgate Tommy]

I'd like to add my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to everyone here who is helping out Carl and Lori from one of us that can't be there.   

And something from another brother:
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day........

   Battle of Agincourt in William Shakespeare's Henry V; Act IV, Scene 3:

[R J]

Thanks for forwarding that update Serk.

Thoughts, prayers and etc are still in the airwaves for da Jarhead and his family.

[HayHauler]

Carl, we're prayin' for ya down here in Texas.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Serk]

Latest from Facebook:

A little bit overwhelmed right now. They are looking at sending Carl home on Monday, and both of us are a little bit scared about that. There is just so much to do before he comes home and then I dont know if I can do everything that I will need to do when he comes home. Just a little overwhelming, but this, too shall pass.

[flsix]

Lori prayers are going out for strength for you too. Stay strong and you two will make it through this with Gods helping hand.

[RainMaker]

I seem to remember that in September of 2011, Willow had to become Candy Striper Willow when Motomama had pnuemonia.



Hopefully, with the Lord's help, she will be able to bring him back to 100% in familiar surroundings just as Willow helped her back.

[Whistler]

I seem to remember that in September of 2011, Willow had to become Candy Striper Willow when Motomama had pnuemonia.



Hopefully, with the Lord's help, she will be able to bring him back to 100% in familiar surroundings just as Willow helped her back.

Oh My!

[stude31]

Dang it Dang it Dang it.....  

I was about three hours late on this.  I found a green and silver valkyrie Interstate in western Nebraska for 1500.00.  I called the guy, he still had it but some guy was traveling to come see it and I guess he bought it.  I was so excited it would have put Willow's bike back together and would only needed a paint job but I guess it wasn't met to be.

So it goes..  I'll keep looking.  

Stude31

[old2soon]

Hope you are gittin better Carl.  Lori-hang in there dear-it WILL get better and before long this will be but another memory.  Some of us may not see you guys every day or talk to you every day but we are here.  May our Lord and savior JESUS CHRIST wrap his ever lasting arms around both of you. RIDE SAFE.

[RainMaker]

From Lori's Facebook last night:

Post 1: "A little bit overwhelmed right now. They are looking at sending Carl home on Monday, and both of us are a little bit scared about that. There is just so much to do before he comes home and then I dont know if I can do everything that I will need to do when he comes home. Just a little overwhelming, but this, too shall pass. — at Saint Lukes South."

Post 2: "Well, so much for that. Even though the doctor said Monday, the insurance has said they will not pay past midnight on Friday? So regardless of the release date the doctor gave us, we will now have to leave here Friday evening. I am so frustrated!"

Post 3: "The case manager is arranging for home health to come in to work with him and for an outpatient rehab. I don't know the ins and outs of everything right now, but she said she would keep me in the loop as to the arrangements. We will do what we need to do. Thank you all for the prayers and support!"

[Serk]

And this morning's Facebook update:

Sooooo frustrating! This morning I called to inquire as to why Carl's rehab stay was not approved through Monday, as the dr has requested, only to be transferred to multiple people, given the run around, and then told the people I spoke to initially were the ones that made the decision and they would have to tell me. So, I call them back, get a different person , and she tells me that additional days (other than the original 7 that were approved - which is all they approve initially for anyone) are only approved for 2 days at a time. UGGG!! So, then she tells me that they will be calling the rehab in the morning, to see if he is still inpatient (which he is) and approve another 2 days if the hospital thinks he needs them. This red tape crap is killing me!! So, there is a chance he will be there past Friday, but no one will know until Friday as that is "procedure"! Have I said that sometime insurance companies stink???? How does a person plan when they don't know from one day to the next what is going to happen?

[saddlesore]

Yup, it's a game you have to play.  I'm surprised the Drs and nurses didn't tell you of those last minuet phone calls.  It's all about money.
The fact that they are considering sending Carl home is a good thing.  Going home is a big step because of all the unknowns.  Wouldn't want you to get too used to the hospital routine.
You're heading the right direction.

[KSDragonRider]

Carl and Lori are being held in our thoughts and prayers... I hope the move comes when needed, and is smooth.

[cookiedough]

Yah, insurance sucks all the big money game is all one person says this and one says that same company.  I fight for every claim not what I should owe.  Happens daily claims are coded incorrectly and really have to review the EOB and call and call and call until resolved.  Is a pain in the butt that is one reason why I quit a job 10 or so years ago having to call up insurance companies doing accounts receivable and ALWAYS got the run around from a claims specialist on why payment was delayed especially when my boss was breathing down my neck to get payment so they could make payroll.

Sure hope Carl is good enough to get home on Friday and get some in home therapy.  But, if you have any inclinations that he needs a few more days in the hospital/rehab place,  don't be afraid to speak up.   I still question my ignorance for NOT speaking up about 2 months before my dad died when the hospital sent my dad after surgery to a nursing home for physical therapy which I knew in my mind he wasn't ready for plus the nursing home was NOT doing their job will never go back or recommend them to anyone, very poor patient care to put it lightly.  What sucked was his insurance would ONLY allow that one nursing home for rehab in the immediate area and I knew it sucked from family and friends.

[Rams]

As I told the last insurance/claims person I had to talk to, I sure wouldn't want your job.   She did not respond.   

This I know, if the Doctor says he needs to stay, the insurance will approve the additional time.

I'd go to the source, ask the Doc.

Best wishes to Carl and you.  You have been in my thoughts and prayers since the day the accident occurred.   We're all pull'n for ya.

[stude31]

Okay... You all have been waiting for this.....

WILLOW IS HOME BOUND!!!

Lori and I have talked frequently and it has been determined that a group of us will meet at the hospital and will visit and try and calm the anxiousness of the thoughts of going home.  A couple of us are going to pick up a bed in the afternoon and will move it into the house.  Apparently Motomoma likes living like a queen and have some really fluffy bed that Willow is afraid of falling out of at night.  So he will have a bed that is much closer to the floor so he won't feel like he is parachuting out of a plane when he wakes up. 

One of the major concerns is the stairs.  I will be installing a second hand rail in the staircase this sunday so he will be able to have a bit more stability when going up and down.  The concern is that he can't see the steps due to the neck brace so this should help his confidence and us guys will be there tomorrow to make sure he gets upstairs safe and sound.

I will hold back the surprise but we will have a distinguished guest coming on his valk to visit and I am sure Willow will be shocked to see this person.  I will post pictures tomorrow.   

Please continue to pray for Willow and Motomoma and calm their emotions and fears.  As I told Motomoma last night she isn't sure she is prepared for Carl to come home but she didn't have time to prepare for the accident but they both made it this far and there are plenty of us close by to lend a hand of support and spend time with them to ease the pressure.  So just keep them in your prayers as they move into the second phase of the healing process.

Stude31