A son is down and the world falls apart

Every parent's nightmare

Pat Kuhl Cain writes: I've debated about writing this for several weeks now and have finally decided I will. On Oct. 10th we got the phone call that is every parent's nightmare!
Our son, Sean, 31, was in a motorcycle accident near Crosby, Minn. As we were talking, he was being moved by helicopter to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale.
We knew he was alive and that he had a broken left wrist and hand, a broken right lower jaw in 3 places, a broken nose, a broken vertebrae in his back and 3 compromised vertebrae in his neck. They had done a tracheotomy in the field -- a second one was done before the jaw surgery because the first was inserted too high. There was brain injury/swelling on the left side, plus bleeding in that area which the doctors felt would take care of itself and it did.

Brain injury, tubes, IVs, a miracle
Needless to say, the world falls apart about that time! When we arrived at the hospital, our daughter and her husband were already there and called us to say he would be okay - just would need surgeries and time to heal.
What a shock to walk in and see all those tubes, IV's etc., and there's only one place left to even touch him - his right arm. He had five surgical procedures during that first week and was in ICU about two weeks and a couple of days. We've learned more about brain injury than we probably ever wanted to know. But what can I say -- we have truly seen a miracle!

Thanksgiving
He was released to us on Thanksgiving Day and will stay with us until the doctor says he can take care of himself. The cast could come off this week yet, the trakes are okay, and the vest and supporting halo will probably be on until mid-January at least. Sometime after that he'll be able to return to his own place south of Aitkin.
Right now he needs some "nursing" care on the halo pins and cleaning under the vest, etc. Never did I think we'd be doing this type of care for one of our children at this stage in my life, but I'm thankful I can be doing it and he's here to receive it.

Could have, would have
We've were told at the hospital that anyone coming in with those neck and back injuries especially would normally be dead! He was not wearing his helmet, but a doctor said (off the record) that most likely had he had a helmet on, it would have severed his spinal cord!
There were so many times when it could have been severed. A couple buddies found him in the ditch where he was not breathing. They did not move him, but screamed in his ear until he gasped for air and started breathing.
The second night he was in the hospital, he was very sedated, but sat straight up in bed twice, while the back break was still "very unstable" as the doctor said.
We are very aware of just how close he came - several times - to being a para- or quadrapalegic! It is truly a miracle that he is so very close to being back to normal.
They say with a brain injury, people are never "back to normal", but he sure will be very close. The only area of weakness right now is remembering the name of something, but he can describe how it looks or what it does -- as if none of us ever forget something!
So, once again, I write how much of a miracle we have received and can "put up" with having him in our house again for a few weeks and driving him to speech and occupational therapy a couple weeks.

Keep in touch with your kids
We have truly felt and witnessed the power of prayer in our lives. We had - and have - friends and family from Canada and all across the U.S. praying for us and have really survived because of that strength. Our lives are getting a little bit back to a schedule - of a different kind, but things could be so different. I just want to add, keep in touch with your kids, and when possible, give them lots of hugs and kisses and TLC, regardless of how old or big they are! This one is about 11" taller than I am so I either have to stand on a stool or he has to cooperate and bend over for that hug and kiss -- but do it!

Postscript
Sadly, I learned through e-mails to friends of the past weeks that Kathy (Schultz) Hagemeister's oldest son's wife was killed in a car accident. What a sad time for them all.

And how many of us EVER thought we'd be going through things like this in our lives!

I've really enjoyed checking out this blog and hope more aren't as slow as I am to send something in.

Pat (Kuhl) Cain

McPhee's life changing experience in New Orleans

(Many bloggers have asked if Jim McPhee couldn't share some more details and photos of his experiences as a volunteer worker for the Red Cross in the aftermath of the hurricane in New Orleans. We're proud of Jim and believe he represents our generation's humanity. He's also an inspiration. We asked Jim if he'd send us some comments and photos. Today they arrived in the mail and here they are. -- Stan)

The three weeks I spent in New Orleans were a life-changing experience. My job was workin on an ERV which is a feeding truck. Every morning, we would load over 500 hot meals, 1200 bottles of water and snacks and go to the 17th Ward to feed the people.


This Ward had flood waters from 3 to 15 feet. When I first got there, we could barely get through the streets. The flood left the homes in ruins. When the people return, they have to throw all their belongings out to the street. After the belongings are out, they have to remove all the sheetrock from the walls and ceilings.


The next step is to bleach every 2x4, one at a time, to try to kill the mold. These people are unbelieveable. They would tell me they are in God's hands and he will show them the way. I don't think I could do it. All they want is a 32-foot FEMA trailer on their front yard, so they can stay home and rebuild. They will probably be in the trailer two to five years.


This pile goes on for six or seven blocks. It is 20 feet high and 100 feet wide.


The BMW is wrecked, the water was over the top of the home. This is the Ninth Ward you often see on TV. The car will be taken to a site and given a chemical bath to decontaminate it. It will then be crushed and the metal recycled.


All the refrigerators have to have the freon removed before being crushed.


This photo was taken in Mississippi. They didn't have the flood, but Katrina didn't move for two days and the winds were over 100 mph. The homes are totally blown away. The message painted on the side of the van says it all: "Please don't loot. It's all we have left. God Bless."

Remember the Red Cross. They really need help. They will be there for a long time.

Jim McPhee

David and Brenda Overly -- photo taken on her birthday. 

The Col. in Alexandria enjoying White Friday

OK, it's technically Black Friday - but not here where the day after Thanksgiving turned from a predicted dusting to about 6 inches! Here is Dr. Tom Kiehne, "home" for Thanksgiving for the first time in 41 years (he's been wimping out in Texas since then) so we had to provide him with appropriate weather. He made a point of continually saying it is 75 degrees in Austin now while we had wind chills of about 15 below zero for his arrival. Ice is forming on the lakes and tonight they lit the Christmas lights on Broadway. Welcome home, Tom!! (Photo and caption from Tom Obert, Prof. Kiehne's host.) 

Anne Riggs makes EchoPress headlines

Anne Riggs this summer with a couple of guys: her husband Bill and friend Del Fladwood. (Photo by Lorlee Bartos, 65Roundup Staff Photographer)

Riggs wins race against cancer
Jo Colvin, Lifestyle Reporter
11/25/2005
Anne Riggs ran the Twin Cities marathon in in 1998, just three years after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has completed four marathons since then and plans to travel to Paris within the next year to complete a race there. This week she will celebrate her 10th year of being cancer-free.
When Anne Riggs discovered she had cancer, she hit the ground running – and in 10 years, she hasn’t stopped. To her, cancer was merely a speed bump on the scenic road she calls life.
Many Alexandrians may know Riggs from her 25 years as a French teacher at Jefferson High School and Discovery Middle School. Ten years ago, at age 55, she retired from the job she loved so much and found so rewarding.
Three months later, the day before Thanksgiving, she was told she had stage three ovarian cancer, which has an average life expectancy of just three years.
“I never thought I would have cancer,” Anne said of what she called “a bit of denial” after losing two sisters, one to breast cancer and one to ovarian cancer.
By the following Monday, Anne was in the operating room having the cancer removed. During her subsequent chemotherapy treatment, one thought kept running through Anne’s head, giving her the strength and courage to make it through – completing a marathon.
“When I was on chemo, I thought, ‘what are some of the things you really want to do with your life?' ” Anne recalled. “Running a marathon was one of them. It was going to be my reward for finishing chemo.”
A self-described “non-athlete,” at age 50 Anne had taken up running, mostly as a stress reliever.
“Something about it allows you to think more clearly,” she described. “My more creative ideas come to me when I am running.”
As soon as she was done with chemo, she started running again and training for the marathon she promised herself.
“At first I could only run a block,” she recalled.
That block soon turned into miles and in 1998, Anne completed her first marathon, which is 26 miles.
“You get this great rush,” she said. “I can’t tell you how much fun it is. And to finish…!”
In the past 10 years, Anne has completed five marathons; gone parasailing, white water rafting and kayaking; gone up in a hot air balloon; and traveled to Europe and Mexico.
“Getting cancer is almost a liberating thing,” she said. “It’s made me not afraid to do anything. That has changed my life.”
Anne now runs outside at least six miles five to six days a week, all year long. And she is 66 years old.
“I’m proud of my age,” she said. “This is the best time of my life. I can hardly wait to get up in the morning. I’ve never been more healthy in my life.”
Anne credits three things in helping her win the race against cancer – the “amazing” medical treatment she has received in Alexandria, running, and the “tremendous” support she has received from family and friends.
This week Anne will cross the finish line of a major milestone. It has been 10 years since she first found out she had cancer. She defied all odds by remaining cancer-free since her chemotherapy. She plans to celebrate by training for yet another race she's always dreamed of – the Paris marathon, which she will do either this April or the following.
"If you are diagnosed with cancer, it's not necessarily the end of your life," Anne said of her determination to overcome the disease and live life to its fullest. "Cancer is just a word, it's not a sentence."
And Anne plans to end that sentence with a big exclamation point.

(Article submitted by Tom Obert, Cub Reporter. If you see items that may interest fellow classmembers, be sure to forward them to trailboss@swpub.com for posting here. Thanks, gang. -- Stan)

Pat Collins Owens brother Don died Nov. 17

Donald Collins
Donald Thomas Collins, 53, Alexandria, died November 17, 2005 at his home.
Donald was born July 29, 1952, a twin son to Clyde and Mertyce (Cole) Collins. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1970 and then attended Alexandria Technical College for a year in accounting. He enjoyed watching sports on television and especially the Vikings.
Donald is survived by two brothers, Gary and wife, Gretchen Williams, of Bloomington, and Dennis Collins of Moorhead; sisters, Pat Owens of Osakis, and Marie (Robert) Baas of Alexandria; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mertyce Collins; and a brother, Michael Collins.
A funeral service was held November 21 at Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Noel Rich officiating.
Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

David Overly -- from 1965 to present -- sorta

(We received Dave Overly's bio this week. Dave missed the reunion on the grounds that we hadn't located him in Park Rapids. Would have enjoyed coming, he said. In lieu of that, we asked him to jot a few things about the past 40 years. Here it is:)

On graduation night, 1965, I got in my brother's car and headed to the Cities. My older brother, Jim, had driven up to witness my graduation and then take me back to the Cities. After spending the night on the couch in his apartment, he put me on a train to Colorado where I joined my family who had made the move earlier in April.

A buck an hour
I tried to find a job in Loveland and especially in Estes Park, but no luck. So I ended up painting the house we were renting, inside and out for $1 an hour. I also painted the neighbor's kitchen (because she liked the way I had done ours).
Even though I had been accepted at Moorhead, I had decided not to go, because the family was now in Colorado. So, as Uncle Sam's letters of invitation began to find me, I did the noble thing and joined the Navy. I was in Vietnam twice, once at the Naval Base in Danang and later on the USS Enterprise.
Upon receiving an "early out" in order to start college, I was discharged in June of 1968 and was traveling home to Colorado with a friend the night Bobby Kennedy was shot.
I was planning to attend CSU in Ft. Collins that fall, but in August while participating in a Sports Car Road Rallye, flipped my new MGB and broke my hip. Because I was bent on pursuing a career in theater, I decided to attend UNC in Greeley the next fall instead.

The greatest event of all
It was here in the Spring of my Sophomore year that the greatest event in my life took place. My best friend called me one night to tell me he had gotten "saved." I said, "What does that mean?" He said, "It means I have trusted Christ as my Savior, my sins are forgiven and I'm going to heaven!"
"Good for you, Mick", I said, "But I'm not interested in anything like that. I'm going to New York, to be a professional actor." Four days later, Mick calls again.
"Dave. I want you to go with me to hear this singing group".
"Great! What kind of group?"
"You will really like them!"
"What kind of group?"
"I know you will really like them."
"Mick. What kind of group?"
"It's a Christian group called 33 A.D."
"No thanks. Not interested"
More persuading on Mick's part. Finally he says, "Dave, if you go, you will get to meet some really neat girls."
"OK," I said. So I went to hear these kids sing, and during the songs some shared their testimonies -- how since coming to know Christ they had purpose, peace and joy in their lives, etc. As I sat and listened, I knew that I wanted what they had. So that night, April 28, 1971, I repented of my sin and trusted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and that one single event changed my life forever.

Baptist Bible College
A lot of neat things happened in my life, and two years later I was enrolled as a Junior at Baptist Bible College in Denver. There I met a beautiful girl named Brenda, who became my bride on June 8, 1974. That was the second most blessed event in my life. Seven equally great events followed in the next 13 years, beginning with the birth of our first son, Joshua, in March of 1975.
I graduated college in May of 1975 and the three of us headed back to Minnesota.
I got a job as a painter that summer, but the fall found us headed to Boston in a 1965 Black Ford Galaxie, pulling a U-Haul with all our earthly possessions.
We spent five years in New England, helping to plant a church and start a Christian
school. I was also ordained into the ministry in 1977. That was the beginning of 20 years in full time ministry, which took us to several different places, including Park Rapids, Minn., which has been home to us for the last 20 years.

Painting contractor
These past several years I have been working as a painting contractor and my wife works as a nurse in the nursing home here.We have three married daughters, 10 grandchildren and one son left at home in school -- Seth, who is a Junior. None of the boys are married so I don't know how many grandchildren we will be blessed with before this is all over. Uff da.
We are hoping to get a family picture on Thanksgiving, and if it turns out, we will forward for posting.
Well, that is an account of some of the major highlights of my life since good JHS days.
Blessings to you all,
David

Thanks from Sue Engstrom, more news from Alex

Many thanks from Sue Engstrom for help getting the names of their alumni. John Herdan used ZABA to find six or so names to help the class of 1961 get identified. Good work, John.

And now the news, reported by Tom Obert
Our hockey girls beat Fergus for the first time EVER last night to raise their record to 4 - 0. They have been to the state tournament two years in a row so, of course, we're expecting big things from them this year too.

Distinguished guests motor to Alexandria

Prof. Dr. Col. Kiehne is in town from Texas for the holiday and Little Mayo Johnson is up from Burnsville - was hoping to get both of the lads over to the girls game Saturday (@ 2:00) against Mound/Westonka.
Unfortunately, they will both be gone by then - but if any other alums are in town, please join me, as the girls will be my favorite winter sports team.
Cubbie

Anybody know these folks? The Class of '61?

Les Engstrom's class of 1961 is having a reunion next summer, and they've lost track of the following people. Do you recognize any of these names? Organizers hope there may be
a sibling or relative in our class. If you recognize anybody, write the trailboss@swpub.com.

Allen, Arden; Brakke, Mark; Claven, Dan; Craig, Gary; Davis, Kay; Erickson, John; Holt, Ron; Johnson, Leighton; King, Kathy; Nelson, Richard; Nicholas, Randy; Olson, Gaylord; Wendt, Fred.

Leslie Engstrom is deceased. His widow, Sue, is conducting this search. Anything you can do to help will be appreciated.

Later...
(John Herdan went to work using the ZABA internet research device. He got hits on most of the above names.)

David Serie praises Jim McPhee for Gulf efforts

David Serie writes:
I read Jim's article on volunteering in New Orleans for the Red Cross. I know first hand that they need all the help they can get.

I have work friends at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula and Biloxi Mississippi that have shared with me some tough stories. I got to know many of the NGSS people the past few years through a shared defense contract where they make the ships and my company, BAE Systems, formally United Defense in Fridley, design and manufacture the guns and launchers.
A number of the people that I know had major water and or wind damage and some lost family members, pets and their entire homes. The many Hotel/Casinos in Biloxi are either totally wiped out or have major damage. Many of them were on floating decks and ended up floating out to sea or on shore blocks down the beach.

Water to the third floor
The one I stay at there is the Beau Rivage which had water up to the third floor and it is one of the Hotels that is on high ground! Many of the Casinos won't open for a year at a minimum. Imagine the lost revenue (Billions) and lost wages for the local people that work there and how difficult it will be just paying their bills during that period.
NGSS was lucky in that their shipyard did not have major damage but did have some water damage to some of the offices. There was some lost time but nothing like many others. I have not been able to get back there for any business because all the hotels are booked with workers. The closest hotel is 50 miles away. It will take many months--years to recover from it all.

Jim, I salute you for your volunteer efforts. If anyone can share any time or money for a good cause, this has to be it. I know many people already have, but if the shoe were on the other foot we would be needing the same help!

Great reading the blog stories, keep them coming.

Dave Serie

(Classmates have asked if Jim McPhee could provide more details. Jim says he will, in good time. Right now he's just coming down from the experience. --Stan)

Lake Darling, this morning

It was so cold on Lake Darling this morning it shrunk the format of Tom Obert's camera. Now we await news of the first ice over, then the first fish house, then... ice out. There's not too much to do beside a lake during the winter in Alexandria, but looking at it and making nice pictures of it is one good thing. Thanks for the shot, Tom, and we assume you were indoors when you took it. 

Uff Da. Patty. Tom. What's up with this?

Boy do I feel stupid. I click on your KXRA link and have my speakers on and don't hear anything. I can find where to send more money to the Red Cross, and I see Mannheim Steamroller (loved his Christmas concert in Berkeley a few years back) coming your way, but I can't hear the music and talk. Do I have to be in a fishhouse to get reception?
Solveig Shearer

You can now get KXRA on the Internet

Today Tom Obert, who has been out of service due to a faulty computer, reports that Radio Station KXRA has gone global. Yes, expatriate Alexandrians worldwide can tune in to:

www.kxra.com

and hear old familiar names and places like South Broadway, Trumm Drug and Patty Wicken.

Obert, liberal curmudgeon that he is, confesses that he seldom listens to KXRA after 10 a.m. when the station shifts to a national format with a political bent easily well to his right.
But earlier in the day, say from 6 - 10 am daily listeners can hear various programs hosted or co-hosted by Patty Wicken, nee Bratton, who, of course, we all remember from the class of '67. Patty, Tom says, is a real hoot and often reminisces about the good ole days growing up in Alexandria and he thinks she traces her family roots back before the Vikings (no, not the ones who party on Lake Minnetonka) arrived.

So now, people like Bob Helie in Oklahoma, can recover from whiplash while listening to the healing sound of KXRA.

Jim McPhee volunteers 3 weeks in New Orleans

Jim McPhee (right) in a light moment with classmate Jerry Deleski.

Stan,
I just got back from a three-week stint with the Red Cross in New Orleans. Unless you have been there you can't imagine how big this thing was. They will not have power in parts of the city for 9 more months. The destruction is so massive, I wonder if it can ever come back.

Red Cross volunteering a great experience
The Red Cross is a fantastic organization and is in need of money. They are at least 500 million in the hole, so please don't forget them. If you have the time, try volunteering, it is a great experience. You get used to working 12-14 hour days.
Those of you who are looking for a part-time job, Burger King is offering $6000 bonus if you are willing to stay a year.

Poverty
Once again, if you can, give to the RED CROSS .These are truly wonderful people. 80% of the people who live in New Orleans have never been out of the state. 50% of those have never left the city. Having to live in that kind of poverty is a very hard life.
Jim McPhee 

Obituary for Morris Butler, math teacher

Morris Butler
Morris Butler, 90, died October 31, 2005 at Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria.
Morris was born March 17, 1915 in Northwood, Iowa to Ira and Emma (Vanghavgaard) Butler. As a young boy the family moved to Motley where Morris attended school and graduated high school in 1933. Morris then attended St. Cloud State University where he received his education degree.
On September 25, 1943 Morris married Irene Lavinder at Zion Lutheran Church in Lamberton. Morris enlisted in the Army where he was stationed at West Point where the couple lived for a couple of years before moving to Alexandria when Morris accepted a teaching position in 1949.
While teaching, Morris attended St. Cloud State University during the summer months to finish his master’s degree in education.
Besides being a math instructor at Central Junior High School he was also a drivers training instructor. Morris was a very active member at Zion Lutheran Church and in American Legion Post 87 in which he held a variety of posts at the local level as well as being the 7th District Commander.
Morris enjoyed fishing, gardening, puzzles, reading and swimming, in which he held the most laps swam in the Central Junior High School pool. Morris loved to spend time with family and friends, especially the grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man who jumped at the chance to volunteer or to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Morris is survived by his son, Bruce Butler of Minneapolis; daughter, Maureen House of Eagan; grandchildren, Julie Landino of Connecticut, Veronica Shaw and Brett Butler of Minneapolis; two great-grandchildren, Shelby and Devinn Butler; brothers, Harold (Geraldine) Butler and Roger (Ruby) Butler, both of St. Louis Park; and sister, Berniece Deglman of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene; brother, Earl; and sisters, Ruth and Marian.
Funeral services were held November 4 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Terry Finnern and the Rev. William Moeller officiating. Irma Brockberg was organist and Dan Olson was soloist. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Brett Butler, Roger Butler, Harold Butler and Mitch Brand. Honorary casket bearer was Melvin Ziegelman. The American Legion Post 87 accorded military honors.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

School bus driver Bob Helie gets hit in rear end

Here's a note from Bob Helie, who writes from his home in Oklahoma: Careful reading of it may explain why he appeared as he does in this photo. -- Stan

Bob writes:
I've been on the "refresh" key with my life for the past month or so. I was rear-ended in my school bus (33 kids on board) by a huge brand new Dodge pick-up doing 40+ mph. We were at a complete stop. All the kids did well. I got whammed. The standardized basic whiplash along with a moderate concussion. Neck is back to normal, but head is still pretty much confused. I'm scheduled to see a neurologist on the 16th, but there has been some confusion as to whether or not go in to look around. Something about "the size of a pea" and not being sure "if we can find it amongst all the rubble." (You don't think they really WERE talking about my brain capacity were they?) Maybe we'll be getting up to good ol' Alex this December to get in a little walleye fishing in and maybe stop in to see that crazy publisher dude. Will have to see how it goes. "Til then, My regards.........
Bob

Cardinals out of it, lose to Rocori in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. — Senior Zach Johnson caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Brad Olson with 8:48 left and Rocori converted the two-point conversion on its second attempt to beat Alexandria 8-6 in the Section 8-4A championship Friday at the FargoDome.
Rocori (6-5) had the PAT attempt after the touchdown go off a goalpost no good, but the Cardinals (7-4) were called for roughing the kicker to set up a second opportunity. The Spartans took a timeout and rushed in for the two-point conversion.
The Spartans (6-5) play at 7 p.m. Friday at New Prague in the state quarterfinals. New Prague beat Orono 7-6 for the Section 6 title to advance.
"We are so happy," Rocori head coach Rick Theisen said. "We are so proud of our seniors. They've led us through this Cinderella story and we could not be prouder of those guys."
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Spartans senior cornerback Nick Fabel intercepted two passes, including one with Alexandria driving in the closing minute.
The Cardinals took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter at on field goals of 30 and 28 yards by kicker David Vinje.
"It was a big defensive struggle," Alexandria head coach Dennis Kalpin said. "We had a couple of turnovers and we shot ourselves in the foot. We had to settle for field goals instead of getting the ball into the end zone."
Kalpin said Rocori's size was a problem for his team. He stated his team couldn't keep up, wearing his team down, enabling the Spartans to score in the game-winner. Kalpin also said that a big key to Rocori's success was stopping his running back Woody Wagner.

Postscript from John Herdan:
Stan, The senior from Rocori, Zach Johnson, that caught the winning touchdown is the son of phy-ed teacher and former head football coach Mark Johnson. Mark is the one who disarmed the student that shot the two other students two years ago. Great kid from a great family.

Another gem from our class photographer

Nothing new from Lorlee on the Harriet Miers obituary, but we do have this picture Lorlee took for a photo contest. It was a winner in a small national gardening magazine. Lorlee was third out of 5,000 entries and it was published in the December issue of Gardening How-To. She won $100 and promptly blew it on more plants, a $25 gift certificate from Burpee's for more seeds and 12 perennials. Now, what more could a gardener want.
The mag is headquartered in Minnesota. Check out
www.gardeningclub.com