He got there about nine am in a very nice car, a BMW. He said that was his gift to himself since he can walk again. He is a delightful person and has had an amazing recovery. He has had twenty-one surgeries and number twenty-two is coming up in September so he will not be able to come to the grand opening. He hopes, however, to be able to stand to receive his promotion to full Colonel in November.
He had an artificial replica of his leg wound, which was the worst of his injuries. They had made it from an MRI, at Walter Reed, to show him what was going on with the surgeries. It was incredible! He told us that he has been through so much at Walter Reed and has navigated so many problems, and found solutions for them, that the Air Force is now going to train Patient Representatives for each of their medical installations around the world. He said some of the younger enlisted are afraid to speak out because of the higher-ranking officers and so, often, they do not get their issues attended to by the correct person. They are now having patient reps at Walter Reed for this purpose, thanks to Michael's experience. He said that he has had survivor's guilt, since he was the only one of four that came through the attack. We pointed out that everything happens for a reason and, perhaps, it was because someone needed to speak for those who can't speak, while under medical care, that he was spared. He seemed quite taken with this idea and said he needed to think about it.
He was thrilled to get a BSM shirt. Becky also brought a small, flag covered men's jewelry box for him. It was a music box that played a patriotic song. He was pleased to have us as friends and said that our e-mails, cards, etc., gave him comfort. He was on his way home to celebrate Milestone Marzac Fest (the annual family reunion) at the land that he owns in Sardinia, NY. He was turning fifty last Saturday, his sister was turning forty and his Dad was turning seventy-five. He was very thankful that he was around to celebrate with them. Since he drove himself up to New York, his airport greeting was being translated into an escort to the family reunion by the PGR. He was very excited. He was also able to meet two disabled Viet Nam war vets, Dick and Jim McDermott, who had stopped in for a short visit. They seemed pleased to meet Michael and the three of them had a good chat.
Michael loved the Canteen. He said it was homey and cozy. He took a clipping of Ann's Christmas cactus, which is in the dining room, for his own plant collection. He is also the servant of two cats. He is determined to lead as normal a life as possible with his injuries and said he is just thankful to have come this far. He left about 11:30 am to go and visit with friends who live in Canandaigua. It was wonderful to meet him and we wish him only the very best for the future.