We had a great surprise on Friday. Jess had an hour break in his schedule and there was a cancellation for pool therapy. So Jess was able to go down at the spur of the moment and go swimming. It was such an incredible time. Sharron the pool therapist has been working here for 28 years and said that it was one of the most special times she has ever had here. 
Jess was able to swim around with Briley on his lap. Briley absolutely loved it. She loves the water so much. She was even putting her face in the water and blowing bubbles and then she would pull her face out of the water and laugh.
A large company donated their employee Christmas Party to Craig hospital and we were invited along with a couple other patience to come. It was absolutely amazing. The party was held at the Brown Palace, which we were told where Obama stayed when he was here in Denver. The party was incredible. The decorations, band, dancers, food, and everything else was amazing. I really can't explain how great it was. It was so nice for us to be able to get out of the hospital setting and for Jess to be able to wear something other than sweats. And maybe the best part of it was we were able to find a babysitter for the night. It took a little bit of searching, but Marie, a friend from High School, contacted me about a week ago. I had totally forgot that she lives here in Denver. So when I was searching for a babysitter she was the one that I found. So THANK YOU Marie. I can't explain how much it meant to be able to go and how much fun we had.
They started out the party by bringing out hats and feathers for everyone. It was such a great way to get the party started.
Jody has been here with us for the last week, helping with Briley and just hanging out. It was nice that the three of us could go together. It was like having a little bit of home with us.
Jess and I spent most of the night on the dance floor. The band was so good, there was nothing that could have stopped us from being out there. It was also great to be able to see other people in wheel chairs out dancing. I know I'm repeating myself, but I can't explain how much fun we had. It's been a really long time since we were able to relax and just hang out expecially out of the hospital setting.
At the end of this last week Jess was moved from a hospital bed to a regular bed. He was a little apprehensive to change beds, but after it was done he loved it.
17 comments:
hi Jess hey thanks for the great weekend i had with you and your family . Its been such great week with the three of you your a amazing family . You are a wonderful friend husband dad and so much more . Its been very fun seeing all that you have been going threw its going to be so nice to share my experiance with everyone. Thanks for the great dinner and dancing you still got it going on freind . thanks for letting me help you out and sharing your daughter with me and most of all Emily she is a great person and great freind thanks for bringing her into all of our lives. to everyone this place is so amazing and the Alberi family is doing wonderfull their doing so wonderfull. Love you Jess and Emily and little briely its been a wonderfull week with you I love you all very much thanks for the great experiance its been life changing thanks for teaching me all the fun stuff jess . he he lots love Aunt Jody
Hi Jess & Emily,
You look SO awesome in your party finest...it looked to me like an early Anniversary celebration...can't believe that's coming up again so quickly!
How far the Lord has brought you in so quickly in your marriage...the move, parenthood, allowing Jess to live (despite weather odds that in man's eyes should have been fatal)...and now the incredible "adventure" you are having during these few short months of recovery & Rehab.
You are sharing, learning and facing more than most married couples EVER do in their lifetimes. He will use it for His purpose and to Glorify Himself through you.
I know when I spoke with you I mentioned that you can call 24/7's...not sure I gave you my best number though...the area code is The Last Frontier, and the number 862-7232.
I'm grinning, and going back to re-visit all of this postings photos. Hopefully I'll be able to get a grip and not see them through tears this time!! :)
Love, Until He Comes,
Joan
Hi, Jess and Emily,
If Briley keeps up her swimming she probably will be scholarship material. I can't believe she would put her head under the water at her age. What fun to be playing with her in the water.
You two look terrific all decked out for the Christmas party. Looks like it was lots of fun and you were enjoying the evening.
Going over the blog, the documentation of your progress, Jess is inspirational. You have come so far in such a short time due to your hard work. Keep up the great work.
Emily you are awesome. We appreciate all you put into the blog site even though I know it is time consuming and you could be spending it with Jess and Briley. You looked great at the party and seemed to be enjoying every minute of it. I hope all continues to go well for everyone and you get home soon.
Love,
Mary Emily and Jim
Alright - you've got me crying again. I really don't think that it is because it's 3-something in the morning and I'm on deadline for my sports articles.
Emily, you are a tremendous writer and a wonderful photographer. I particularly appreciate the pictures of you two on your "night out." Jess, you could have fit in with our "Swing" theme for our Christmas concert here. Speaking of which, I am listening to the sound track right now.
Last Saturday, we presented to the Palmer Correctional Facility. I'd guess that there was 120 men in attendance for the performance. Things went well. It's a much more upbeat format than in year's past - it's a lot of fun.
We go to Hiland (the women's facility) this coming Friday. I hope that things go as well there. Sometimes women behind bars can be more resentful than men.
Oh well, back to you guys. Jess up to 10 pounds, after just three a week or so ago. You're awesome bro!!!! Keep it up.
Zack just go in - on Friday. He's here for nearly three weeks. Did I mention previously that he has a girlfriend named Emily. Go figure Jess. All my boys want to be like you!!!!
You both continue to be an inspiration in my life. GOD has wonderful plans for you two, along with Briley (the little fish - head in water and blowing bubbles, and laughing).
I had a job interview on Saturday. I will be retiring from the School District in June - after 26 years. It's time. Although I have several possibilities, I am considering working at RE/MAX of Eagle River, alongside Alison. Or should say, in the same office.
It's a long story - for another time.
Em, sounds like your mom had quite a long ordea in surgery this weekend. I look forward to seeing her in the next day or so.
Well, gotta go. I have a newspaper to write.
Blessings on you all. We love you!!!!!
David
What fun! It looks like you guys had a great weekend! It's so great to see you two dancinga nd having a relaxing time together. Love ya! -Hannah & Kevin
You know me...DANCING is important! Ha! Glad you guys had a great time out on the town. You both look fabulous! Keep up the great work! Love, Hillary
You look so handsome, Jess...and what a hat!! Emily, you couldn't have been more beautiful in that gorgeous blue dress! Hey, I want a picture of you sitting in his lap, Em! Bet you really tore up that dance floor! Jess, I can't tell you how much it meant to have you call after my surgery. REALLY appreciate it! You are so special and we couldn't ask for a better son-in-law, and husband for Emily. It looks like Briley is taking on the swimming tradition. Great Grandpa Larry would love to see the picture of her in the pool. I will have Aunt Lauri or Noah show G-pa and G-ma the blog the next time they are at a computer. Grandpa Larry will love it.
Well I am thrilled to have had the only doctor in Alaska who could do all 5 procedures laproscopically. Here I am at home and recovering without an 8 inch incision!! THANKFUL is the word. I'm moving rather slowly, but all-in-all, doing well. Hope to talk to you soon. Remember that the Lord gives us strength for each new day, no matter what that day brings. Keep reading those scriptures. Love you, Mom, Dad, and Jesse
I still have to do a double-take when I see you (Jess) in a cowboy hat...I guess I'll always picture you as a city slicker like the rest of the boys. I am psyched you got to hit the town and show Denver some real dance moves. It is not by luck or chance that you have made such amazing progress (both of you). You are a solid team...keep motivating each other! Can't wait to see you soon!!
You guys rock. Every time I look at your blog I am totally in awe. I am so inspired to have you as a friend--I like Nissa am laughing at the cowboy potato chip. You actually look like you belong with it on your pin head!! Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift that is why we call it the present. Keep on keeping on Love you The Borjas'
Auh; MAN!! The two of you really enjoyed yourself!!!! I am so excited to hear and see the joy that you guys had!!!! I am very glad to hear that Jess has moved to a regular bed!!!! More progress!!!! Mery Christmas and look forwerd to hear more good NEWS!!! Emily, thanks for keeping us posted on Jess' progress!!!!
Hi guys! So glad you enjoyed your evening at the Brown Palace....what a neat hotel! Lot's of history there. From the pictures it looks like you had a blast. Keep up the good work!
-Kyle A
Hey you three! What amazing times you have been able to share lately. I'm excited that Briley is enjoying the water so much...great times will be spent together doing silly things like blowing bubbles! Jess, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see the progress you're making in such a short amount of time. I can only imagine the great things that will come from you in the future. Emily, glad you getting to be so involved in the therapy and other daily activities. Keep up the strength and positive attitudes. You're all in my thoughts each day. Take care and enjoy the holidays.
-Kyla
It was really great to see you having so much fun! We love the blog and photos so keep it up! Love ya!
Janell
Hey guys,
Great to see you both out and about, dancing together and enjoying a night out away from the hospital and all the PT. I'm sure it was welcomed, and it was certainly well deserved. Jess, the video of you swimming with your daughter is one of the cutest things I've ever seen. She looked so happy to be in the water with her daddy, what happiness and joy the love from that little girl must bring you both.
Keep it up, you're both an inspiration to us all.
With love,
Andrew
It is so good to see you two out and enjoying yourself! It does make a difference to get out of sweats and into "normal" clothes. Thank you so much for keeping everyone involved in how things are going. We wish you a very BLESSED and Merry Christmas! We are always thinking about you all and praying for you. Keep up the fantastic progress! Your little family is an inspiration to everyone you come in contact with! God bless you!
The Jordans: Mike, Julie, Kaylee and Joseph
God Bless you Guys, You are never very far from our hearts and mind. We wish you a Very Merry Christmas and look forward to what the Lord is going to do in your lives in the coming New Year. God Bless you Jess, we will be watching, praying and expecting. We do serve an Awesome God. Thanks Emily for your time and effort in keeping us all up to date. It can't be easy. Just want you to know that we are out here, praying and thinking about you down there. Merry Christmas from the Neumann's. April, Rachael, Art, Frank.
Hello Jess and Emily...just hoping your holidays are treating you well. I am sure you are still working hard daily with therapy and I am hoping you find time to relax and enjoy each other and family during the holidays! Sending love and best holiday wishes your way...take care all of you. Love, Hill
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