Saturday evening was very special for Caroline. She was able to spend a good portion of the evening with her friend Patricia Neal. Yes, THE Patricia Neal, Academy Award winning actress. For those of you who are young (under 40) ask your parents or grandparents about Patricia Neal. The occasion was the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. We had a wonderful time hearing about the history of the Center, the awards it has and is continuing to receive and visiting with friends and therapists. Caroline was honored for the endowment that has been started by the “Caroline Can” campaign begun by Reid, Jay and Whitney (the reason for the English Channel swim attempt). Being in the restored Tennessee Theatre just added to the ambiance of the event. During the program the entire audience was invited to come up onto the stage; when the curtains opened we saw candlelit tables, champagne and a myriad of wonderful desserts. Caroline sat with Miss Neal during most of the remainder of the program. They held hands, had their arms around each other’s shoulders and whispered (well, Patricia whispered). At one point, Caroline gave Miss Neal a back and neck rub, she was thrilled! David and I just watched from the distance and marveled at the bond that seemed to be forming between an 83 year old movie star and a 22 year old girl who cannot speak except with her hands, fingers, smile and heart. We will forever be grateful for all that the Pat Neal Rehab center has done for Caroline. Saturday night will be one of the highlights of our lives for many reasons but mainly for being able to watch two generations of women connect and enjoy one another without saying a word. Susan and David, Reid, Jay and Whitney and CAROLINE!
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