What a summer it has been!   It is NOT one any of us ever want to relive, but must also say that it brought to us many wonderful days with friends, family and lots, lots of learning and growing.    

Sometimes it feels like this summer went by in the blink of an eye and at other times it seemed so long and hard.  Cole went through some very painful and difficult weeks.  We watched with heavy hearts as he dealt with his phantom pain and his new life.  But he struggled through and showed us how to help him.  He worked so hard to gain his independence back as soon as he could. This was so important to him and we respect this so much.  

I also must say he has the BEST friends a person could ask for.  They were and are there for him each and every step of this journey.   This summer I experienced first hand their friendship, love and and care for him.  Don and I can’t thank them enough for helping us through these difficult weeks and helping him in the road ahead!  You are all the BEST! Especially his roommates Jon, Joe, Jason, Henry and his friends since kindergarten Joey, Joseph, Sam and so many others.  To

many to name but you know who you are!  Love you all.  

Thirty three years ago this week we lost a dear person to us, Lora  Coffin - Don’s first wife, Chris’s mother and my dear friend.  During her battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cancer, I found a great  book written by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel. In the book he talks about the importance of medicine for healing but speaks to the power of “mind over matter”, the power of attitude and unconditional love in the healing process.   He states that he has seen time and time again how powerful unconditional love is to the immune system and the healing process.  He states.... “love heals”!   I gave this book to Lora that summer and also bought a copy for myself,  and I have never forgotten the powerful message the doctor delivers in this book entitled Love, Medicine and Miracles.  This book came full circle this summer.  There is no way to describe the last 12 weeks but Love, Medicine and Miracles!  Cole had great care and medicine-but  miracles, unconditional  love  and his optimistic attitude have taken him through all of the roller coaster moments in the last few months.  

Today marks 12 weeks since the accident.  And, just a few weeks ago Cole got his new leg.  At physical therapy each week he learned to walk, climb stairs, maneuver hills and learn the daily routines needed.  Amazing strides is what he has accomplished with a positive  attitude and love all around him!  

Today finds us in the the middle of Labor Day weekend which marks the end of summer.  So fitting that today Cole returned to Iowa City to finish his senior year at Iowa. We can’t  begin to express how proud we are of him.  ❤️❤️.  He continues to be a fighter, with great ambition and positive outlook on everything. He is such a straight forward, honest young man.  He faces adversity with great passion.  He will continue his physical therapy  in Iowa City with  occasional visits back in Des Moines with his uncle Mark.   Mark.... how do we thank you for all your help, expertise and advise over the last 12 weeks!  So great. We love you. 

Throughout this summer I would periodically re-read the CaringBridge posts.  I was pretty numb most of those early days after the accident.  It was  important to me to read them again now that time has passed and things are more clear.   As I look back now I truly can’t believe what all transpired during the evening hours of June 12, 2020 from 6:45 p.m. -  8:00 p.m.   I firmly know that Jen Scott saved our son’s life and that she is forever an angel/hero to us along with Jessie, Kelli and Vanessa who helped our son and Jack.  Without these God given good samaratins our son and Jack  would not be here.  It was a treacherous   environment when they jumped into the water that night.... and they still did the right thing for Cole and Jack.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you thank you! ❤️🙏🏻💪❤️.