HAPPY NEW YEAR

A NEW YEAR...
A NEW BEGINNING...
A PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS...
A TOAST TO EACH OF YOU...

Colonel Andrew Lourake made it happen

Lt. Col. Andrew Lourake made our Christmas Day dinner very special. He was the one who met us at the dinner room door, paid for our dinner, and took us to his table where we sat with the Paul Wolfowitz, Joshua Bolten, and Bob Dole stopped by.

Lt. Col. Lourake was with us a month ago when we needed a lot of help processing the events that were happening. He was there at Josh's side, being sure we were all right and if we needed any thing. Little did we know we would be having Christmas dinner with him a month
later. They have big hearts. They take care of
men and women here. Thank you all and thank
you Col. Lourake. Please read his story by
clicking on the site.

http://airforcemedicine.afms.mil/sg_
newswire/jul_04/AFamputeePilotLeadStory.htm

12/26/06 Ready Set......GO

The long awaited day has arrived...Josh got his first practice leg...and he is ready to GO!!
Yes his foot is on backwards...better to balance on they say....lots of work to do on the fit and will eventually add a knee and get that height (6'3" he hopes).
Christmas was great.... Christmas eve spent at Bethesda with Semper Fi Fund friends and General Al Gray--29th Marine Commandant. Christmas Day Josh, Myra and Virg ate with Sen. Bob Dole,former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz and Pres. Bush's Chief of Staff Josh Bolton. Nikki arrived (despite the cab driver who left her at the front gate of Walter Reed) to stay and take care of Josh and they will entertain lots of Indy friends to welcome in the New Year ! More pictures soon.....

December 25,2006

Merry Christmas to each of you from Josh and the Bleill Family

Christmas Eve Dinner

The retired 31st Commandant of the Marine Corp, joined us and about 30 Marine families back at Bethesda Hosptial this evening for a wonderful dinner catered by Magionio's...excuse the spelling. A little last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping and we are all ready for tomorrow. Yesterday was some Smithsonian Museum viewing and some wonderful dining spots.

Everyone connected with Josh Ryan Bleill wish you the best Christmas ever. ...it is a great Christmas here...

v

Josh's stocking's are full

How can we say that Josh just cannot get any more bulky packages sent to him at WRAMC? You all have filled up his stocking, room, chairs, walls, bed, closet, bathroom, etc.. A gift card he can handle..Prayers and thoughts occupy very little space in a big heart. A box bigger than a shoe box,... he does not have any more room.
Please consider sending your wonderful bulk items to other orgnaizations that we suggested in previous postings.

It's not too early to start thinking about holding those items till you see him in Indiana.. He's another day closer...closer that you might think.

v

It's not Kansas but we still have rainbows.

I heard a quote the other day, it stated "If you like the rainbows then you must endure the rain". I have been coming off my medicines this past week which is a great step but I have been feeling bad lately due to my body's reaction to this. Today was the first day that I had to skip PT and OT becuase I just didn't feel up to it. I guess this is my day to endure the rain. So after I let PT and OT know that I would not be up for the challenge today, I headed to our local PX(little grocery) to grab what my mother taught me was the ultimate cure for anything...saltine crackers and 7-UP. While I was in the store an older gentleman stopped me and asked what unit I was with in the military. After a few minutes of talking I learned that he too was in the marines. We had a nice chat and enjoyed laughs about our mutual feelings hiking up and down the hills of California. Then I grabbed my crackers and 7-UP and a few other necessities and headed for the check out. After the woman at the cash register rang up my items she smiled and said "No charge today." My new found friend how quickly snuck out and had taken care of the charges. This man had become my much needed "rainbow" today. :-)
I recieved a late phone call last night, it was from my friend Caryn Hines. She is the wife of Joshua Hines, my friend who was tragically killed in Iraq in our vehicle on that forever remembered October day. I miss my friend. He too was a "rainbow" in my life and the memories of him always will be. Please keep Caryn and their son Rylie in your prayers.
I just want to thank everyone again for your amazing support and outpouring of love.
Your love and prayers have kept me going and helped tremedously in my healing process. God has blessed me with such good friends and family, thank you all.
I pray that you all may find your "Rainbow" today!

A week of healing

One more week has passed where bones have continued to heal. One week from today, Josh will be standing on his left leg. This past week has brought a Washington Wizards basketball game with seating in the owners box. Got a visit from the team after the game and an invitation to spend the night with them at the hotel.

Goals are being met. Progress continues.

Christmas will be celebrated in Washington this year.

v

A Running Clinic and WWF

Today a running clinic was given by reps demonstrating techniques and exercises associated with getting used to new limbs. Reps were men who have experienced these losses and showed what they are doing. CMC (Commandant of the Marine Corp), General Conway and his wife were present to visit and see first hand,

and then...a little WWF rep visited at the hospital and then again here at the Mologne house.. Reddog and Kevin certainly remember the time the Dads took the boys to see WWF at Market Square Arena when the boys were about 12 ..that's right fans...that rep was no one other that
Mick Foley...alias "Texas Jack" and many other alias's..of the World Wrestling Federation... sorry moms...the boys never grow old of that stuff...and the scary thing is that Josh was very excited to see him....and guess where he is going next Monday night!!! hint is that the event is at the Verizon Center and it always happens on Monday night..and it does not involve a football..

Josh is closing on a 2 month anniversary ..he is getting there...what a group you all have been. You can feel it here. Your hugs are done by relays to Josh every hour of the day. Today a Korean Veteran, a man proudly wearing his history on his hat, poured out his heart to thank Josh ... His hug was from all of you. You could not be here but that gentleman delivered it.

Josh is another day closer to walking home.

v

Where's Bob Hope??

Went to a USO sponsored activity yesterday. ...and guess who wasn't there?

But it was the best..just a building or 2 away from here. Catered meal with first class service and food.. waited on by the best ...even had the tuxedos on. The entertainment was Daryl Worley, a country western singer...you would recognize his songs. Just what you wanted to hear. Only about 200 people able to fit into the event. Was just like you see these things happen on TV but you happen to be right in the middle of it. It was all filmed for showing later, someplace, sometime. Wonderful volunteers doing their thing to make everybody feel better.

Mark returned today to WRAMC after beating the infection...now ready to get back to rehab. Tim is headed home tomorrow for 30 days to heal then return to Bethesda. He also got the infection handled. Thanks for everything.

v

Where's LCPL Joshua Ryan Bleill??

Yep...he's gone...picked up by 3 of the 4 Marine liaison at 10:30. He packed his XBOX 360 in his backpack with all wires and controllers and headed over to one of their homes for a day of gaming...they needed 2 XBOX's so all 4 could play.. and play against others on line...sounds like food and drink are provided...

Joshua made a list of things to do on Monday besides his normal routine....wants his meds lowered or stopped completely...wants his left leg now so when Dec. 26 arrives he can put it on right away and not wait on preparation....meeting with doctor on wednesday to be sure no scar shows from where trach was in... and wants to meet with VA rep to check about all benefits, etc..

If anybody happens to be one line today playing XBOX 360 and you're playing 4 Marines in Washington, tell the short one to call his Dad..

v

what's a typical day like?

Monday through Friday...

8:00 am.... meet downstairs off the main lobby for all Marines..about 14 or so...with the Marine Liason which consists of 4 ..a chief warrant officer, 2 sgt's, and a corporal..these are the four Marines who take care of USMC matters here at WRMAC. back to the room after 15 minutes to prepare for the wheel chair push over to the hospital. takes about 7 minutes..pretty good going over..a gentle decline but coming back, got to get with it...can take a shuttle bus that pulls up out front and takes you to hospital but Josh has only taken that once...this morning the wind chill was about 10 degrees so you did not do any sight-seeing on the way over..does he dress properly for the cold??? Hey Mom's..did they ever dress properly for cold?? he can go to breakfast at the hospital but eats some things in the room to start the morning .

Physical therapy, 3rd floor of the hospital, begins at 9:30 but Josh arrives at 9 so he can do 30 minutes of upper body work on a horizonal rowing machine..working to get his "guns" (biceps) back.. then Kyla takes him on and puts him through various positions and exercises, right now working his core and upper body to prepare for walking.and regain his muscle tone and endurance ..about 15 working in this room with about that many therapists...the most motivating part of this place. so many wonderful stories here... this is one..every Tuesday and Thursday morning, a beautiful married couple brings several plates of cookies and goodies and places them on a table at the entrance to PT...they meet when she was a therapist and he was injured in Korea. They are actively involved in the PT area with there conversation and smiles.. Everyday of the year, that PT table outside the door is full of baked goods, coffee, etc..all provided by caring hands.. and Troy, the black lab is always walking the PT floor saying hello..trust me ...it's works and I do not know who brings Troy.

10:15 or so across the hall ..Occupational therapy..Kristi is his therapist...yesterday working the kitchen area, learning some techniques to use in the kitchen..got a fully furnished kitchen to practice. Kristi and Kyla are as happy as Josh. They face the challenges and do it the best they can..

11:00 or so head to cafeteria on that same floor...plenty of eats to choose from...

Rest of day...on your own...can go back for additional PT on your own..which he will probably start doing most days..has done some..or back and rest..or go back to Bethesda to visit his buddies if someone is here to drive over, takes about 20 minutes ..a nice drive,,or open mail, etc,

dinner..the hardest part...cafeteria is so-so in the evenings..and back in the wheelchair to get there...restaurant down stairs in hotel with a bar...it will do in a pinch but you would not want to eat there..thank goodness for visitors to take him out to eat in the evening...also, sight-seeing trips, volunteer groups providing activities, etc. are available..at times he just would like to rest but visitors make the afternoon wonderful and add adventures.

Still, the #1 thing that has made this mission great is the support that all have given him by coming to see him, taking him to dinner, sending him a card or e mail, or calling.

Josh's attitude makes this thing work.

May your day be all downhill, be filled with a wonderful dinner, and a phone call to someone you love..

semper fi...

V

Thursday 12/7/06

Good evening everyone! It's Julie. I'm updating for Josh & dad today. They are BUSY guys! Yesterday evening they were invited to a tour of the Captial Building. They met around 20 Congressmen & had a private tour. It sounded amazing!

Josh's friend Jenn has brought the Christmas spirit to Josh's Mologne House room. I hear there is a REAL Christmas tree & decorations now. It must be a sight, because I saw how small that room is & I'm sure it's Christmas Vacation tree sap all over :) But how can you beat that!

This evening, probably as I type, Jenn & Josh are headed to the lighting of the White House Christmas Tree on the south lawn. I'm so glad that he is able to now get out and do some things. What a wonderful holiday season this is. Certainly not the one we all expected, but definitely the one we will all remember and hold dear.

That's all the update I have for now but when I talk to them about the tree lighting, I will be sure to pass things along.

Love to all.

Julie

Skipped Nap Time Today...

Hello, it's me, Josh. I finally decided to write and take a break from "recovery". It is a pleasure to be writing to all of you. It will be impossible to compare to the wonderful job my family has been doing with the blog. They are amazing people and I am so thankful and blessed to be able to call them my family.
I cannot even begin to express the thankfulness that I have for all of you that have sent packages, cards, letters, and daily prayers. The outpouring of love has been unbelievable!!! I love you all!!
As my family mentioned in an earlier posting, I did recieve letters that were written in brail. These letters reminded me of the love and faith that I have been receiving from so many of you.
All the love, like the words on the letters represented by small bumps, cannot be visually seen rather they are something that have to be felt. I will never be able to express in words the love that I have felt and conitinue to feel from my friends, family and those I have not even met. Your love has comforted me, overwhelmed me and helped heal me during these rough days. I do not look at my situation as a tredegy but as a blessing in disquise. Though I may has lost my legs, I shall continue to walk the path God has set before me. I cherish each day, and pray each morning for the people who have overwhelmed me such as yourself reading this blog. I also pray for those still in the fight, so please keep my "brothers" in Iraq in your prayers, they are the real heros.
I hope that I am able to continue to update everyone on my progress. I am doing well, just trying to be patient on my recovery. I sometimes want to get farther ahead then they will allow. I must realize they I need time to heal before I can walk. And when I do walk I cannot wait to walk home and shake all of your hands and hug all of you for your support and love. Thanks and God bless, joshua

Weekend Activities

Julie here...:) My husband, Brandon and our two children, Ben and Ashley came for a long weekend visit to see Uncle Josh! It was a great weekend. We arrived Thursday evening, my two children got to spend some time with their uncle & take it all in. It was great to see them back together again, finally!

Friday, I spent time with Josh, watching PT & OT & visiting with some friends of his. It was amazing to see the progress that he has made since my last visit. I took a picture during his physical therapy session. This is called "Superman" & he does it to strengthen his core which will be essential once he gets his new legs.

After his daily hospital activites, we spent some time going through many boxes that he had received. They are all so special, but one set of cards REALLY touched Josh & he wanted me to specifically thank some great kids. The Indiana School for the Blind heard about Josh's story. Their teacher, Barb Wingert, has sent things to Josh & others. The letters Josh received were written in braille & then translated on another sheet of paper. Josh read them and we both were in awe that these children were so kind to write him. THANK YOU Barb & thank your students too!

Saturday, our dear friend, Alison arrived to stay with Josh until Tuesday. Then he had some frat brothers come down from New York to visit.
We all managed to get to dinner together & here is a great picture of the group.

Sunday was our last day for this visit with Josh, the kids played video games, we went through more boxes & all enjoyed our weekend.







Josh & Ben playing video games.













Ashley & Josh at dinner.





We want to thank you all for your continued support of Josh & all those protecting our country.

Love, happiness & hope,

Julie

Random items

To view the WTHR video last night, go to www.wthr.com and search for bleill. It is the second or third item and is listed "injured marines co-workers pitch for care packages". Thank you Conseco and Scott Swan for your continued support.

I'm going to try to attach a few photos from this week. The first is of Josh and a beautiful British actress who visited the boys with Ed Asner. Of course the boys were happy to meet Ed, but quite excited by his blond British colleague who stars in his upcoming Hallmark movie.

The second is of Chad, one of the many inspiring men in the same situation as Josh. The doctors said this week that his hip is healing nicely and they are sticking to the original timeframe of January for prosthetics in order to ensure his pelvis heals properly.




There is an article in this month's National Geographic about Walter Reed Army Hospital, and the journey soldiers and marines like Josh are taking. A hard read, but makes us grateful to the men and women in Iraq, Germany and the U.S. who worked to get Josh this far and will work with him until he walks home.

Thanks to you all for your continued prayers and support. Please especially keep Tim and Marc in your prayers right now.

Jenni