Friends
So here’s the thing. I was just about to give you an update about Guenter and mention for the very first time since arriving back to Europe and my laptop how sorry I was to hear the news of Mary Phelps’s accident, but then Guenter went and rubbed it in that he’s sitting in an air-conditioned room while I had to go out and buy a fan just to survivie my “furnace” here in Belgium without expiring! Needless to say, I lost my train of thought.
Seriously, I am happy that both my good friends are doing better and Guenter is even joking around as he awaits his flight home on July 14th. Mary was already doing better when I called and spoke to her in the hospital and whether it was me truly being funny or just her med’s kicking in, she laughed a bit and I knew she would be just fine. But since her husband, JJ, told me if I said anything to anyone prematurely he would have to “kill me”, I have kept my word. JJ’s wirey but strong! I wish them both very speedy recoveries.
I also want to say to one of my students who I will not name that my heart goes out to them and my thoughts and prayers are being sent out continually. And even if you are not my student and this message applies to you, please know that I wish every one of my readers and friends all the very best always. Remember - there’s Dressage and then there’s LIFE. We should always try to keep it all in perspective, eh?
Cheers!
RD
Mary Phelps — July 10, 2010 @ 4:21 pm
Thanks Robert for making me laugh, even though it hurts! Still in Rehab and still looking for a Jewish Dr as you recommended (good for pain meds, I am sure). 6 broken ribs, cracked pelvis, punctured lung, broken clavicle and wrist since my 4 wheeler accident June 26. Did I beat Guenter on injuries?
I am improving each day, and in spite of the pain I am grateful to God for my life and that I will heal. Thank you everyone for your prayers, thoughts, calls and cards. I have the best people in my life taking care of our business so I can focus on healing with no stress! Thank you Courtney for calling me, you are my inspiration. And to my Jewish “Mother” Robert, for being there! This is the first time I have typed something this long, not bad! I am sorry to be missing Aachen, but will be rooting for everyone for a strong and healthy show!
katherine — July 10, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
Jewish doctors give good pain meds? I’m definitely going to remember that!
Jean — July 11, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
Dearest Mary,
I don’t know if you will be able to read this, but I wanted to tell you how very sorry I was to hear of your terrible accident. You have my prayers and best wishes for a complete and swift healing.
Mary I have so many memories of our first meeting. Was it in Sweden or Norway? We met while waiting in the lobby for our rooms to be ready. Herb treated us to our first taste of smoked salmon. It tasted so different then lox in the USA. You were at every show Robert was ever in and chatting with you calmed me down greatly. You know how nervous I always was, big show or little show.
Now you have to learn patience so take it easy on yourself. lean back and let people pamper you for a change.
Love Robert’s Mom, Jeanne
Mary Phelps — July 11, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Thank you “Mom” Jeanne for writing. I am about to settle in for a good night’s sleep. Of course I remember our time together in Stockholm, and your love and devotion to your son. How proud you have always been of him, and I am glad I was able to help ease your nerves at some of the many shows we have shared.I also know how proud he is of you both, and of his love and devotion to you. Robert was one of the first calls I got in the hospital, and then Courtney King Dye called too! Give Herb a kiss from me, and thank you for your prayers. I am feeling the love and the healing process has begun to increase. I am in a wonderful hospital, making new friends and amazed at the genuine gift of love and healing those in the medical community are able to give. I am lucky and blessed, and so grateful to be alive! I get to go home Tuesday to my husband and dogs, grandkids and more family. I am sorry to be missing Aachen but Robert is right, there is so much more to life to embrace, and I am blessed with the opportunity to continue this wonderful life.
Beth Collier — July 17, 2010 @ 12:06 pm
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Mary! Burt and I usually see you at Gladstone (coming up soon!) or Dr.at Devon, but if we don’t, we’re still sending you positive healing thoughts and prayers. And if Robert decides to visit you, just remember that he posted a rather revealing photo of Guenter in the hospital;)