Hi Everyone~
Is it really September already? Unbelievable! It was a pretty good summer and here are some of the highlights: The 4th of July weekend was a blast. Sister Sue and her family came to town, which is always a treat. A contingency from Minneapolis came, also, in the form of Aunt Mary Lou, cousins Jack and Lynne and Jack’s youngest daughter, Natalie. Cousin Mike Henry represented the Denver Henrys. I hosted the post-UA parade party with the usual suspects of family and friends, plus a few surprise guests. One of Sue’s contributions to the party were napkins that stated: “Don’t confuse my tolerance with hospitality.” Couldn’t have said it better myself!
The golf outing was on July 5th and it came off without a hitch. Cousins Matt and Heidi Robinson did an amazing job organizing the entire event! Thanks to everyone who played in and sponsored the event. Those who participated said they had an awesome time. Also, thanks to my buddy Cameron for donating the choice food!
Our band, “All Folked Up”, played later that evening at the Peddlar Lounge. Thanks to everyone who hung out to listen. Matt and Heidi want us to play again sometime this fall, so apparently we weren’t too bad.
I also had a nice visit with Aunt Claire and cousins Jill and Trish who came for a later visit from Chicago. They’re a riot! We met at The Peddlar and, again, partied with some of the Robinsons and Sheedys. The family on my mom’s side knows how to have fun, and it’s been cool hanging out with them a few times this summer.
I’ve also done some cool stuff with TAASC (The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition) this summer. I kayaked about ten times with the group, who also hosted a water weekend, which included waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and a cookout. A lot of suburban newspapers and The Dispatch ran nice stories of the organization and the event.
I’ve, also, learned how to ride the recumbent hand-crank bicycle this summer. It is a heck of a workout– burning arms, back, shoulders and lungs. A friend has left his bike in my garage to use until the bike that I’ve ordered arrives. So, I’ve gotten out a few times each week.
This year the Columbus Marathon is allowing hand-crank bikes into the handicap division of the race. I know a half-dozen guys who are riding this year, and if I get in shape, I might join them. A few weeks ago, Steph and I drove to Yellow Springs and rode 18 miles, which is 2/3 of a marathon, so we’ll see.
The painting business has had a good summer, as well. Sister Meg has done a great job keeping things rolling, and the crew, especially Tim, has really stepped up in my absence. I believe that I’ve recovered, both physically and mentally, to slowly return to work. I look forward to, once again, being able to work with past clients, as well as meeting new ones. If you or a friend have any painting needs, please call me at 614.314.4499. We’ll take good care of you.
Steph and I are planning a trip to Colorado later this month. I didn’t go on my yearly trip last summer, as something else came up. But, I look forward to seeing mountains again. It will be bittersweet, knowing that I can’t frolic in the mountains as I once did. I will have to be more of a tourist, being content with looking at the views as opposed to hiking through the views. There are some adaptive organizations that I will have to hook up with, to see what I can do while I’m out there. My social worker said that a lot of people come back from their first vacation post-accident a little agitated. Considering that I was easily agitated before my accident, that’s a little scary. Pray for us because if I’m very agitated, Steph will leave my ass out there. So, I guess I’d better be on my best behavior.
My friend, Dave Tuttle, belongs to the Families For Life Foundation, which is sponsoring a golf outing on Saturday, September 13th, to benefit my Phil’s Fight Fund. What an awesome gesture! They’re having a silent auction on Thursday, Sept. 11th, from 6 to 9 p,m. Please show up, if possible! There are some really great items up for auction. The golf starts at 7:00 a.m. at Raymond Memorial Golf Course, followed by a Schmidt’s lunch. Please call Tut at 614.205.8932, if interested.
Thank you to everyone who still reads or writes entries on the blog. Your words and prayers mean as much to me today as they did a year ago. Bless you all.
Love, Phil
P.S. My cell phone got wet when I flipped over while kayaking on the Scioto, and I lost all my stored phone #s. So, please call all me at 614.314.4499 with your phone number, or e-mail me at UAphilhen@yahoo.com.
Phil,
Great to read your latest blog !
The July 4th weekend was a blast and props out to Heidi , Matt Robinson, Peddler employees and all the people that took part in the Golf outing, it was a lot of fun, can’t wait for next years outing. Something that I noticed was all the people that came out to golf that had not ever met you before, it was cool to see as people introduced themselves to you.
It is great to see that you are resuming your physical activities.
Thanks for the update !
Love,
Jack, Kelly, Jamie and Natalie
By: Jack Krallman on September 4, 2008
at 12:29 pm
Phil,get the hell out…you blogged!!!!!!!! xoxo, thanks I need to see what’s happening in your world. Looks like you are coming full circle there lad!
Keep the faith & the vision, God’s holding your hand every day & what a journey it continues to be.
I was reading about your reservations or precautions of heading out west because of what you think you can or can’t do. Perhaps you getting 10,000 feet up a mountain is not attainable now at this moment,but, BUT…look what you thought last year this time, and look at all you have done, kayaking, cycling…living!
Be at peace that you are FORTUNATE enough to head west, be at peace that you HAVE BEEN to the top of mountains, be at peace that you are able to SMELL the pine needles, and fresh air. Be at peace that you have Steph to SHARE these moments, be at peace that you can SEE those sights and be at peace that you can HEAR nature and all its sounds. You will be viewing in CO a beautifully landscape scene that God made for you to embrace and others can only view in a book or TV.
As always, I look at thinks 1/2 full because Life is good, God is good & Phil, you are still here with your family & friends…
and my words to you since I’m on this peace kick….from the good book…
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. — John 14:27
Peace to you…
Kate
By: Kate(Oakley) Leaver on September 4, 2008
at 2:33 pm
Phil,
Great to talk to you the other day. Have a great trip to CO.
Remember last year when you announced the start of the marathon. You said, well, maybe I will do the race next year! And, I pray you get to the start line. We would love to have you in the marathon.
By: Bill and Kathleen Williams on September 5, 2008
at 7:13 pm
Phil,
I loved reading all you have been up to this year. I wanted to comment on your anxious feelings about visiting Colorado but I read Kate’s message and she has said it all. She is really the most inspiring correspondent.
A friend of mine just came back from a vacation in the Smokey mountains where she did some hiking with her family, nothing too strenuous, and yet they saw a bear and later a bear and cubs. I am very jealous about that and I know you can still do that. Maybe not this year but soon, I am sure. Maybe being made to slow down and look at the scenery will be a good experience, different from the more competitive thrill of climbing to the top, but maybe even better in some ways.
My neighbor was going to call your company for painting but for some reason ended up getting a different company (maybe yours was busy)–anyway they were quite unhappy with the job those guys did, so I know they are sorry they didn’t get you. I am very glad the company is doing well.
I am very happy for you, Steph and your family for how far you have come. Congratulations to you all for your achievements! kay
By: kay huebner on September 9, 2008
at 5:34 pm
I read a quote this summer that I have totally taken to heart from Randy Pausch’s “The Last Lecture.” It goes “You just have to decide if you are a Tigger or an Eeyore…..
You are definately a Tigger, my friend!!
Love hearing what you are up to!—- Molly
By: Molly Onstott (Mortley) on September 10, 2008
at 9:12 pm
Hey, how was your trip? Maybe you are still on it. Would love an update!
By: Leigh Ann on September 18, 2008
at 2:44 pm
PHIL!! Hey, what’s up? Haven’t blogged but that doesn’t mean you are not on my mind daily!
Hope you are well, hope your trip rocked & wanted to leave you with this beautiful verse from the good book….
“…God not only loves you very much but also has put His hand on your for something special.”
1 Thessalonians 1:4
…IS THAT NOT TOTALLY YOU?? Can I hear a huge amen from all the other bloggers???
Peace to you Phil!
Kate
By: Kate (Oakley) Leaver on September 25, 2008
at 11:05 am
You got a witness!
By: Dave Tuttle on October 2, 2008
at 9:09 pm
Phil,
OKay, it’s time to talk to us. Let us know what’s happening w/you.
Hope you are grooving on this fall weather!
I’ll leave you with this thought…
Live Simply, and enjoy what matters….
Peace to you!
Kate
By: Kate (Oakley) Leaver on October 3, 2008
at 3:08 pm
Hi, Phil!
Like others I’m so anxious to hear about your trip. I know you expressed reservations about the trip bringing up feelings of what you are no longer able to do, and I imagine that is completely natural and part of the reality. If that’s what you are feeling, let us know and I’m sure I’m just one of many who will gladly punch a wall with you. I do, however, hope that the trip had some positive moments — a beautiful change of scenery or some good laughs with the Henry clan, assuming you were visiting the Colorado Henrys. When you have a chance to write, let us know how you are doing.
In the meantime while I know it is football season in Columbus, it is October baseball season in Chicago. Of course, Cub fans are wearing black armbands and Sox fans have ours ready; although, we are clinging to the hope of a win tonight! Jack and Randy are headed to the game, and Kate and I will be glued to the tv. In fact, when the Sox had to play the Twins for the one game tiebreaker, Randy headed out to Ticketmaster and was able to get six tickets. I was so tempted to call Jack, Gary, and Lynne and see if they wanted to take an impromptu road trip and join us at the game, but I guess it would have been a quiet drive back for them. Maybe it’s true: don’t initiate conversations of sex, politics, religion, OR American league baseball with family.
Jill
Lots of love to you, Phil!
By: Jill Braverman on October 6, 2008
at 3:15 pm
Hi Phil!
First of all, my apologies for not writing to you sooner. Please know that I am always thinking of you and praying for you. With the school year beginning, the football season in full swing for my children and all the volunteer activities starting up again, I seem to just make it through the day. We are always racing, and are bearly at home. (Excuses, excuses…) I do no know the last time my children and I sat together for a meal. Their schedules are crazy and I seem to feed everyone in shifts.
My son, Jack, began high school and is playing football. He is loving the whole high school scene; attended the Homecoming dance, and is at every event possible.
My son, Matthew, is in the midst of completing college apps. who knows he may even end up in Ohio somewhere.
I am enjoying my new classes of Kindergarteners, even though I have quite a few Bilingual students. they laugh at me as I try to speak a ew words of spanish to them. My boys have taught me some phrases, but I obviously do not pronounce it correctly!
Well wnough about me, sure hopr you had a great trip to Colorado, and can’t wait to hear about it. I bet it was beautiful scenery.
As Jill mentioned above, baseball fever has been happening here, but unfortunately has ended today. My son, Jack, went to the Sox game on Sunday with Alice and her family and needless to say had a blast!
Hope you are enjoying the football season in Ohio,
and taking good care of yourself. Remember one day at a time!!!
Hi to all the Henry clan!
In closing, I will share one of my favorite quotes:
“Our prayers are answered in God’s time, not our time; and in God’s way, not our way.”
Take Care,
Tricia
By: Tricia O'Neil on October 7, 2008
at 4:54 am