A "Miracle" of a story!

Last Saturday (April 10), Debbie, had a terrible auto accident driving home from work just after 5:00p.m. (Debbie, is our neice and oldest daughter of Angela and Bill.) We now believe that she fell asleep and drove off the road into a tree. She was rushed to a local North Shore hospital where she was diagnosed with a serious enough injury to her aorta that she was med-flighted to Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. After further scans doctors performed open heart surgery on Debbie to find out that her aorta was actually  severed. You read correctly. Her doctors, all of us (and anyone we tell this story to) cannot believe she could receive such truma to her aorta and survive. Af first it was thought that she had a tear to her aorta. The doctors explained to the family that her aorta was in fact severed but clotted in such a manner that she did not "bleed out", which would have resulted in death within seconds.  Her injuries include six broken ribs, a hairline crack in her ankle and many bruises.  As far as her family, doctors and friends are concerned, this can only be described as a true miracle. Debbie must've had an angel sitting on her shoulder.

After surgery, Debbie was in the ICU for several days and heavily sedated. Bill and Angela left for home the next day cutting their stay short. Debbie was in good company. Her sister and brother, Dawn and Bill, Debbies daughters, Ashley and Taylor and her husband were by her side.

Prayers made the difference. Offerings for prayers came from everyone far and wide. Darlene contacted her prayer group in Indiana and another couple in a prayer group in Oregon. All of Bill and Angela's friends here at the park offered their prayers as well.

The "miracle" continues. Debbie, with assistance, was able to sit up and talk with her family a couple of days ago. Please keep Debbie in your hearts and prayers as she progresses in her recovery.

Winding down... kinda!

Finally, spring is in the air. Temps are hitting the mid 80's, the sun is higher in the sky and many of our friends are heading north. Our bicycle group is clinging together inspite of the exodus. Our group planned a Monday ride before most of the members headed for home. Neither sleet, nor rain, nor whatever was going to halt our last "official" ride. However, a heavy downpour did managed to stop us on our mission this day... but not our bike ride lunch! 

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the "Winter Garden Pizza Company" along with many laughs, memories and expectations for next year.

A few days later our "party of six" headed for the new store at DownTown Disney, "RideMakerz".

The remote control toy car store was a treat for adults as well as the kids.

You pick the body, chassis, wheels and tires and then you can go crazy putting your own "details" on the car.

They provide "work benches" and even a few "technicians" to get your car road-ready.

But, they have a couple of real "eye-catchers" for every car lover....

Recently, we celebrated another one of our "party of six" member's Birthday. Darlene got to plan "her day" so we headed to Disney's "Cast Connection" for some shopping and lunch at "The Earl of Sandwich".

The day was perfect to enjoy being outside. After Darlene "hunted" for some Tee-Shirts and a (to die for) warm-toasted sandwich we made our way for a treat... or two!

Darlene's "Birthday button" and face clearly demonstrates the elegance of the Wetzel Pretzel's "Sinful Cinnamon" pretzel she just had to have!

But, we saved the best for last. Later in the evening, our "party of six" celebrated our youngest member's special day with...

With knife in hand, Darlene performed the honor...

After some laughs and Birthday wishes we did the next best thing.........

we ate it!!!!!!! (Well, not all of it, honestly!)