Please feel free to leave warm wishes and words of encouragement for our dear friend Ross Dolloff.
Yes, I want to help!
-
Recent Comments
gra on-line on Leave a Message Batik on Leave a Message add youtube subscrib… on Leave a Message Harry Kitchen on Husseys Store Sign Care (Ross's Wife) on Message From Ross! -
Authors
getwellross
Hello Ross: We’re hoping that you will enjoy hearing from your many friends and colleagues from across New England, Florida, the Gulf Coast and beyond! We’ve heard from so many people wanting to send you get well greetings. Thanks to Bill Kennedy’s wonderful suggestion, we created this “getwellross”blog — for you and for us. Because while you are not here, we are moping around, not quite sure what to do with ourselves. We will post greetings and pictures, maybe even songs! More than anything, we want you to know how much we are thinking of you and cheering you on. Ellen
Hey Ross. Its hard to think of something lighthearted to say when, what I really want to tell you, is that you need to recover quickly and completely — for your own sake, for that of the next generation of social change advocates who need your inspiration and your guidance and for those of us who need your constant reminder that we need to keep pushing the envelope. But I’m afraid you’ll feel burdened if I were to say that, so instead I’ll just say: please get well quickly so that you can enjoy summer in NH, play music and hang out with all of us who love you. Hannah.
Hey Ross –
I’m glad to hear you are in rehab. When you get tired and start feeling down, just think of me singing This Little Light of Mine. If it doesn’t inspire it will surely make you laugh – and that usually does just as well.
En la lucha,
Ingrid
Hey Ross! Sure thinking about you here in Mississippi. Just returned from a wonderful trip to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe (a different planet than Mississippi, of course). Learned something new on my trip that you might want to try out during your recovery … Zubbles – a new version of Bubbles that comes in very bright blues, reds, etc. Only in California
Love, Bonnie
Ross -
Long Time
hang in there – get better soon!!
Bob Horne
hi Ross,
If I wait to try to think up something creative, you’ll be all better before I write anything. I hope you are continuing to improve and that we’ll get to see each other and work together again soon.
I’m sure that all of the messages you get will help to speed your recovery.
Joanne
Ross,
I attended a BLAST training and Affirmative litigation training with you and you made both experiences enlightening and incredibly engaging. You have a great sense of humor and wonderful way of conveying knowledge. I am a better attorney because of you. Thank you for offering your knowledge. I look forward to attending many more training facilitated by you.
Get well soon.
Peace & Blessings
EMW
Emie –
I am desperately trying to reach the Emie Michaud that previoiusly worked at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP’s Washington, DC office.
If you previously worked at Sutherland, please contact me.
Thanks so much,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia,
Emie’s email is emie_michaud@yahoo.com. I emailed her and she would love to get in touch with you!!
Zoe
Ross,
Hope they are treating you well at Spaulding. At least you are not out on this very rainy, cool July day.
I look forward to seeing you up and about soon.
Lonnie
Hey, Ross! Please know that all your Mississippi folks are thinking of you and trying to imagine how we can measure up to your high standard of excellence and productivity while leaving you to attend to the all-important task of your recovery. We’ll be building on your Call Center work as our tribute to YOU. And a big thank you to the creators of this blog for leaving us with no excuse for not communicating our progress to you along the way. You have ALL OUR GOOD WISHES AND SUPPORT as you focus on returning to good health. Love, Martha
Hey Ross,
Until we can repair to the Beantown and talk about baseball, the next best thing is Donald Hall’s The Musem of Clear Ideas and its wonderful long poem of baseball and life, evocative of timeless pleasures and just the thing for a summer night’s reading.
Keep on keeping on,
Ken
Hi Ross. I sincerely hope that you recover well and feel better soon. You and yours are in my thoughts and my prayers. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the next FLDI Retreat. But I’ll understand if you need a little more time to rest and recover. However, I must caution you that missing our Retreat is going to completely throw off your Gantt Chart and all of the random color coding. (smile) But that’s okay. Take your time. I just want you to feel better and soon. Sincerely, Vi
Dear Ross:
On the one phone call we had when I was prez of the legal services union, you were so very nice and decent. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Ellen Wallace
Ross,
I hope you recover and feel better soon. You have provided me with so much inspiration. I think of the little pieces of advice you gave me during the leadership institute all the time (and hopefully put them to good use).
take care,
Zoe
Hey Ross,
We are all thinking about you and hoping for a speedy recovery. You are surrounded by a whole community of advocates who need your wisdom and vision….
All my best,
Rick
Ross! Seems as though your approval rating is higher than Obama’s right now! Who knew?! Keep up the good work! In all seriousness, please take good care of yourself and rest! Know we’re thinking of you every day and sending well wishes your way…
Hi, Ross-
I expect to see you soon out on the Spaulding’s canoes, skulls and row boats in the mornings as the Downeaster comes into North Station! … thinking of you and wishing you strength.
Ross,
Always inspiring to be around you. Hope you are feeling better and quickly come back to full speed as we all know what would CLAE and legal services be without you.
Carolina
Ross,
You’re in rehab and the sox are in second place – neither is acceptable. Looking forward to visiting you and sharing a tofu pup. Everyone here has been asking about you and sending their best wishes. Hang in there – we and the entire legal services community are with you.
bres
Ross, Ross, Ross. Do not think this will get you out of BLSTing away with me on many future occasions. I am counting on you and and the sox getting your respective grooves back in the near future. See you then. Janet
Ross. You’re in my thoughts. You’re the man. Thanks for everything you’ve done for all of us. Feel well.
-Tom
Ross,
Thinking about you and wishing you the best, speedy road to recovery. You are much loved by sooooo many! Can’t wait to hear that you are back at work teaching all of us how to better do what we all try to do each day.
Love you,
Rob
You got that D chord back once – you can get it back again! Best wishes for a steady and complete recovery.
Pat L.
Ross,
All of us here in the Pac. NW are pulling for a speedy and full recovery. We send our best wishes, good ju-ju, and lots and lots of love.
Be well and, while you’ve got the time, watch some baseball; it’s very therapeutic (oops, did I see that the hated Yankees have taken over first place in the AL East?)
Jim Bamberger
As usual, the CLAE folks are way ahead of me technologically… first a “webinar” and now a “get well blog!” I’m not technologically savvy enough to know how to post anything here yet but good wishes, but I send those to you now! Knowing you, Ross, and your energy and determination, you are undoubtedly spending many hours a day working hard at rehab. Hang in there, keep it up, and know that we are all rooting for you, and looking forward to seeing you in Wachusetts in October! xoxo Amy
Ross, I just sent you a note in the mail which you will not get till after this, thanks to technology. Wishing you well, hoping you have a full recovery. The music world needs you almost as much as the legal services world.
Love,
Pat
Hi Ross -
Sending good thoughts to you and your family and reminiscing about last summer, the Mariners and Red Sox game before the Seattle training and giving Greg Bass a hard time. Hang in there through your recovery. You have many fans!
xoxo
Mona
Ross, here’s another of your California fans wishing you the best! Hope you’re soon back fighting the good fight and will be sending good thoughts in the meantime.
Marcia Henry
Dear Ross:
Summer will just not be the same without you and the gang coming to teach Community Lawyering, BLaST, and Affirmative Lit! I started teaching an “Advanced Poverty Law Seminar” last semester, and the very best part was the segment on community engagement, inspired by the advocacy and teaching that you and Zenobia have done. Several of your former CLAE @ Seattle U. trainees were in the class, and kept pushing for more–you’d have been so proud of them!
Please take good care of yourself, do what the docs and your family tell you to do (I have a book on 100 ways to cook tofu…). Much love, ada
Ross,
I’d sent you a card to the former hospital, but learned that you’d moved on before it arrived. I hope that means that progress is being made! You are in my thoughts and prayers wishing you healing, strength, patience and good humor! Be good to yourself.
Tess
Ross,
Best wishes from everyone at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, many of whom have benefited from your wisdom, good humor, and leadership. Being on the DL just means that you have to work harder. Be that professional athlete in rehab, and we’ll see you back for the post-season.
Judd
Hi Ross. It is Thursday and I am awed and inspired by the wonderful postings from friends and colleagues across the country. I hope they cheer you. Also, I encourage everyone to take a look at “Ross photos”; my favorite is the one from your first job in Alabama – the young Ross when hair was still red! I am off in a few minutes to MLAC Board meeting for presentation on Leadership Institute and will be joined by two more of your fans, Melissa Pomfred and Liz Matos. If I can figure out how to do, will post the cool powerpoint slides that Zenobia put together – lots of nice fellow/mentor photos. Oh, and we have all kinds of new social media things going on – ning sites and flicker and other things that we didn’t understand until last week. Interns Laura and Ashley have been working hard at them – you will be surprised and delighted when we finally are ready to show you. Okay, all for now. We think of you all the time. Ellen
Hey, Ross -
I hope you continue to do better and look forward to having you back at full steam. Your wit, wisdom and signature licks are irreplaceable.
-Seattle Mac
Hey Ross — Of one thing I am sure, and it is that you will apply the same commitment, skill, energy and creativity to your rehabilitation as you have to everything else that I have seen you do over the years. And I will once again be awed by what you accomplish. You are a hero, Ross, and we can’t wait for that commitment, skill, energy and creativity to be focused once again on fighting for justice. Make it soon. John
Ross:
One year ago today, July 23, 2008, you were training young advocates in Seattle. You took some time out to send your well wishes to me. I was in the hospital at that time having just had a tumor removed from my brain. The surgery left me with a swollen brain and post surgical bleeding. I was paralyzed on my right side and was unable to find words to speak. As you know, I returned to work in 4 months.
When you sent your note, I was struck by the fact that someone from across the country would reach out to me and wish me well. That is the type of community in which we work. It is a good community and we will wait for your return, which I fully expect.
Let me return the favor and send you my best wishes for a full recovery. Also, let me tell you that Rehab is worth the effort, as tiresome as it is. Rest and heal. A year from now let’s talk about the remarkable journey you have taken.
Fondly,
Bill Kennedy
Hey Ross,
We are all thinking of you and sending you healing vibes. Make sure we know when you are ready for visitors !! For now, work on what you need to do to get healthy and know we are all by your side in love and spirit.
– Steve
Hi, Ross,
Sending you much love and healing prayers. Thinking of you often and are waiting to hear the welcome news that you have left the Brigham and are back in Spaulding on the road to recovery. Four inches of rain due this morning in northern New England, so the lake will be even higher when you come home. The loons, sky, lake and music are all waiting for your return. Love, Candy and Jim
My dear friend Ross,
I heard the news as I was on my way up to Maine last week and thought of you as I once again enjoyed the restorative peace and quiet up in Calais. I hope that you will soon be able to enjoy this as well.
In looking for photos for my Mom’s 80th birthday, I came across all my photos from college again–the ones of you hanging out in my room with your wild and wooly look. You were such a good friend to me when I really needed some company and I always look back fondly to the times we have shared over the years. So….adding my love and prayers to all of the others in wishing you back to good health again.
If I hear you can and want some visitors while you are here, I will try to come by.
Love,
Karen
Hey Ross,
How are you doing? I’m thinking about you and wishing you well. I was at a Florida training earlier in the week and everyone asked about you. It seems you have made quite the impression in sunny Florida. Get well soon, you know how nice it is to be in Florida in the fall and winter.
Kathy
Hi Ross,
We’re missing you here in Florida. Your infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor are an added bonus to attending CLAE trainings. We can’t wait for your return to Florida – there is only one Ross and no one can replace you! Sending you my best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
Best,
Kristen
Dear Ross,
I am wishing you a gentle and smooth recovery. You have been a wonderful mentor to me in our work together in CLAE – your generous advice and good humor has made me a better supervisor, trainer, and advocate. And, it’s been a blast to laugh our way around the diverse cities of Orlando, Columbia, and Seattle! I am looking forward to our next training partnership and wishing you and your family all of the best. My thoughts are with you.
- Cassandra
Hi Ross:
We miss you down in Florida. Take care of yourself and get back down here soon. In the meantime, consider the bright side: while you recuperate you can focus your attention on the pennant race between Boston and my (almost) hometown Tampa Bay Rays. I think there’s one other team involved, but I can’t remember the name. Get well soon!
Peter.
Hi Ross,
I think I may have told you once that I knew I was going to like you before I even met you when you wrote in your introduction on the Affirmative Litigation listserv that you were watching an oriole and hummingbird that just showed up at your bird feeders that week for the spring season, and that was pretty much your definition of a perfect day. Well, little did I know that not only would I like you, but that you would become a mentor to me and one of the people who has influenced my work the most. You’ve not only helped me become a better trainer and attorney, but you helped me remember exactly why I wanted to join the legal services community in the first place. Without even knowing it, you’ve been there for me when I needed it the most. Your kindness, compassion, and unwillingness to never stop fighting injustice, have inspired me to keep up the fight during time when I felt like giving up. Thank you!
Please know I’m thinking of you and sending you all my best wishes. Take good care of yourself and hurry back to Florida.
Amy
P.S. I’ve been waiting all summer for the hummingbirds to show up at my feeders but they’ve been “no shows.” To my delight, one finally appeared this week. I’ll make sure he’s fed well so he can make the trip back to New England and hang out at your feeder next spring.
Dear Ross: with all the references to baseball, especially Ken’s initial one to the baseball poetry of Donald Hall, I thought it was time to start populating your blog with actual baseball poems.
** Here you can actually listen to Donald Hall recite one of his baseball poems: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4130843
** And did you know there is an actual website filled with baseball poems?? http://www.leasingnews.org/Poetry-Baseball.htm –
For now, we post your first poem, “Baseball” by John Updike:
It looks easy from a distance,
easy and lazy, even,
until you stand up to the plate
and see the fastball sailing inside,
an inch from your chin,
or circle in the outfield
straining to get a bead
on a small black dot
a city block or more high,
a dark star that could fall
on your head like a leaden meteor.
The grass, the dirt, the deadly hops
between your feet and overeager glove:
football can be learned,
and basketball finessed, but
there is no hiding from baseball
the fact that some are chosen
and some are not—those whose mitts
feel too left-handed,
who are scared at third base
of the pulled line drive,
and at first base are scared
of the shortstop’s wild throw
that stretches you out like a gutted deer.
There is nowhere to hide when the ball’s
spotlight swivels your way,
and the chatter around you falls still,
and the mothers on the sidelines,
your own among them, hold their breaths,
and you whiff on a terrible pitch
or in the infield achieve
something with the ball so
ridiculous you blush for years.
It’s easy to do. Baseball was
invented in America, where beneath
the good cheer and sly jazz the chance
of failure is everybody’s right,
beginning with baseball.
More to come. Ellen
Hi Ross,
Sending good thoughts your way and looking forward to working with you again soon!
Please post when visitors are allowed – I’ve got a few trips to Boston in the coming months and would love to stop by and send those good thoughts from a closer place.
Best – Debi
Ross –
I just heard about your stroke. It is most important to get well. But we miss you in the natioal community so get well and then rejoin us.
Hi Ross,
The four birds that say “Maine” to me more than all others are crow, loon, hermit thrush, and white-throated sparrow. Maybe the rose-breasted grosbeak (a robin with voice lessons) belongs in there somewhere too. It’s a good bet you can hear them all from the cottage on the lake in Somerville. Let me know when you get back there, and Mariellen and I will pop over with beer, or pomegranate juice, or whatever the medical folks are advising you to ingest at that time, and we’ll do a bird survey from your front porch.
Get well soon.
Jon
Hi Ross:
Sending lots of love and good energy your way. Thinking of you and knowing that better days are ahead. Stay positive and strong.
Get well and hope to see you very soon.
Lizz
Ross:
I am sending warm wishes to you from New Hampshire for a speedy recovery.
Chris
Ross,
I will look forward to enjoying your smile and dry wit at the next leadership institute meeting. I hope you’re already feeling better and that you feel all the way better soon.
Take care and see you soon.
Mike
Ross-
Sorry to hear the news. But as you know, the only thing tougher than a Jumbo is a Hogger. So that makes you double tough. I’ve contacted S. Johnson who may have already been in touch. All the best for your speedy recovery.
Jan
Hey Ross! We just got back from Mt. Desert and thought of you while coveting the sailboats in N.E. Harbor. Get well soon.
Ross,
Warm wishes for a speedy recovery. I’m so sorry you have to go through this and hope you’re feeling well soon. Legal services needs that brilliant mind.
Donna
Ross -
So, this blog thing is pretty impressive. Kind of like “Ross-a-pa-looza.” Or maybe “Ross-stock” without the brown acid and Richie Havens.
I’ve been trying to think of a pithy quote to match the creative postings. Honestly, Ellen is always ahead of the curve . . . baseball poems . . . who knew?
How about this: “I hear the voices, I read the front page and I know the . . . speculation, but I am the decider, and I decide what is best.”
–George W. Bush, April 18, 2006.
No, doesn’t seem quite apropos. Pithy, but not quite right.
Maybe, while you’re waiting (impatiently, no doubt) to start rehab, get it over with, rejoin CLAE and start driving Ellen to distraction again, think of this:
You don’t need to leave your room.
Remain sitting at your table and listen.
Don’t even listen, simply wait.
Don’t even wait.
Be quite still and solitary.
The world will freely offer itself to you.
To be unmasked, it has no choice.
It will roll in ecstasy at your feet.
— Franz Kafka
You know how I feel. And, judging by all the messages accumulating on this blog, everyone else feels the same way.
Talk to you soon.
Greg
P.S. Youkilis is overrated. And Dice-K . . . don’t get me started. There. I said it. So sue me.
Pedroia’s OK, I guess.
Ross,
I can’t talk about baseball but I have always promised to make you a true Mexican meal including homemade tortillas so you’ll have to recover speedily so that I can treat you to that.
Thinking of you.
Valerie
Hi All!
Thanks for all the messages – they have meant so much to Ross. He is now back at the Brigham with pneumonia and recovering. We are hoping he goes back to the Spaulding Rehab facility soon. We’ll keep you posted. He has told us all about the Sotomayor hearings and his take on what is happening so we are encouraged with his progress!
We may need support in the coming months so will let you know. Does anyone know anything about fixing our dock in Maine to be handicapped accessible? He loves that place so much and we would like to see him be able to use it. Let me know if you want to take that project on. That would be one thing that would really make a difference.
Thanks for all your prayers and kind words,
Care
Hey, man. It’s amazing to read this outpouring of love and admiration for you. It’s like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” without all the depressing shit.
(Though there’s still a little work to be done on getting the basket of money.)
Claudia and I are thinking of you, and we’re looking forward to coming up to see you at some point, hopefully soon. And to more visits to the lake and lobster excursions.
Hang in there and get well. We love you.
Neal
Ross,
All of Florida is rooting for your swift recovery. You are a strong and true advocate and I would like to say “thank you” for all the wisdom that you shared during Community Lawyering/Seattle & Orlando.
Best wishes,
Joan
Dear Ross,
I got a call today from Neil Goldfarb. I just learned that you are a bit under the weather. I know this is just temporary and that your wonderful spirit will restore your body soon. Please know that my best wishes are with you and Care. I will watch this site for news about you and let you know about happenings here in Washington, D.C. where I am now.
Your friend,
Julie Akins Clark
Ross,
I hope you are feeling better! You bring light and joy wherever you go. I hope that all the good you put out is reflected back on you as you recuperate.
Wishing you a speedy recovery,
Ilenia
Ross – I heard from Sharon at FLS that you were ill. I am so sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best in your recovery and look forward to working with you again on Essential Skills – I will not do it without you! You know how important it is to the support staff in Florida so that is incentive for you to get up and get going! Seriously, all the best in your recovery and I hope to see you soon. Take good care of yourself and follow instructions. I’m so happy this blog is here so that your many friends and colleagues can wish you well. I haven’t known you long but you really made an impression on me and taught me a lot. All the best.
Ronda
Monica Halas
July 22, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Hi Ross: Your union fans at GBLS are beeming the very warmest solidarity wishes your way. Please let me know if you would like visitors/reading material/or anything else. Hope to talk to you soon. with fondest regards, monica.
Fran Fajana
July 28, 2009 at 10:15 am
Hi Ross,
Your methodical and thorough analysis whether it be dissecting a leadership topic, tackling a structural racism subject or note taking are sorely missed. I hope you are back in commission soon.
So what do you think of the Sotomayor hearing?
Linda Perle
July 26, 2009 at 5:20 pm Dear Ross:
Don Saunders told me about your illness, and I just wanted to send you my best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. The legal services community needs you and your talents, so please get well soon.
Linda Perle
Tom Garrett
July 21, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Courage! I know you can climb this mountain, given all of the other mountains you have climbed and the example you have set for the rest of this.
Zenobia Lai
July 22, 2009 at 12:51 am
Ross,
Yes you can! Beat it!
Can’t wait to go places with you, and yes, you may compose cheesy training songs too. Get well soon!
Zenobia
Bob Capistrano
July 22, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Ross,
Take care of yourself. You’ve still got a lot of cannoli shops to take me to!
Bob
Melissa
July 27, 2009 at 10:46 am
Hi Ross!
I can’t thank you enough for all the information, tools and support you have provided through the Leadership Institute. It makes a true difference every day.
“A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.” ~Henry Brooks Adams
My thoughts are with you for a full and speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Ross,
I was distressed to learn form Cait that you had returned to Brigham. Hope that the treatment worked and that you are now back in rehab. As you struggle through this period, take courage from all the battles you have been through and won–including the cases and other things in Selma. This one is up to you, so fight hard and I am sure the results will be positive.
I have been in Mobile for a few days R & R. Tho things have improved politically–they now have an AFrican American mayor–some things are still messed up.
The Press Register had a large feature story of a deaf man the police arrested for staying in a restroom in a store too long. The man has the cognitive ability of a 10 year old, but he wrote with his family translating from sign language what had happened. He was graphically articulate.
Take care!
More later.
Abigail
Ross, just got word from Neal Goldfarb about your health problem and I am very sorry to hear about it. I wish you a speedy recovery!
Hi Ross:
Wishing you and your family strength and wisdom as you continue your recovery. Look forward to working on the Community Lawyering training once you feel up to it.
Ross:
My best wishes for a speedy and full recovery. It has been a great pleasure to get to know you and learn from you in the last couple of years as you have worked with DC Bar Foundation Grantees. Your wisdom, patience, and wit has been invaluable to all of us. Remember, as one of our grantees told us, “Ross rocks!”.
Hi Ross — I’m thinking of you, and sending you all my best wishes for a speedy recovery. Sincerely, Rochelle
Ross,
You’re still in my thoughts, pretty much daily. Hope you are steadily improving. Gotta tell you about an encounter at the gas station this morning. As I’m pumping gas the guy at the next pump looks over and says “gotta fill up today cause it goes up 25% tomorrow – damn tax increase. So it’s costing you $20 today, tomorrow it’ll be $24.” I didn’t bother to correct his math but did let him know that it was only a 25% increase of the tax so the difference would be about $0.02. He said “oh that ain’t so bad. Why didn’t they tell us that?”
Greg, if you want me to explain that to you just let me know.
Hi Ross,
I had a great chat with JoAnn today. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so impressed with all the messages from your friends and colleagues. You’ll be back to work soon, I know!
All of wish you a speedy rehab! Let me know when you’re ready for a visit.
Hugs, Betsy (Ross’s cousin)
Hi Ross, This is a great website! A card I sent is probably bouncing around between hospitals. Your sis has been keeping me up-to-date and I talked to Care recently – I’m so glad that you’re back at Spaulding ready to make real progress.
Who knew that having Obama as Pres would flip-flop the country’s weather – no rainy Spring for us here in Seattle – tied the record for longest stretch of 90′s in June (5 days) and last week had the hottest day EVER in Seattle (103) – no one here knows that it gets hotter in other parts of the country – people blamed car problems on the heat – one draw bridge couldn’t be opened because the metal swelled – we were East of the mts. where it’s supposed to be hotter and it was only 82 there that day.
I’m thinking of you every day and wishing you hourly and daily improvement – Jo says you’re determined, so keep it up!
Lots of love, Cousin Pi
Hey Ross.
I experienced the first three weeks after my surgery like it was boot camp. Or, maybe like basic lawyer training at Legal Aid University.
3 X 1.5 hour sessions of PT, OT and Speech therapy. It is exhausting leaving little energy for anything else. What bothered me is the therapists were noting deficits without a baseline. I never knew a lot of the words the speech therapist asked me to say and define before the surgery. They also kept saying I was engaging in circumlocution, which I now understand describes a person who can’t find the words to say what he wants and, consequently, just makes things up. That had nothing to do with the surgery.
I know how hard this period is, but I have great faith that you will come through this handsomely. Celebrate each and every small advance, and let your body rest and heal. Every ounce of energy you expend in social exchanges, will be less time and energy for your brain to rewire. Keep your loved ones close and know that your community is sending all the good energy we have your way. We cannot wait for your return.
Bill
Hello my Uncle Ross. Well wishes from your family in Oregon. We went camping this weekend and me and my girls sat around the campfire talking about things. One of the things we talked about was how awesome you are, and what wonderful things you’ve done for your family. Including buying those books for Morgan when we took the ferry in Seattle and Curt read to Morgan out of Black Stallion for a week! She loved that! And when Cassie spent time with you last summer and went boating with you, and you guys (of course!) bought her some clothes and she said to put a shirt back that was WAY too expensive and you picked it up and bought it anyway. The Love women adore you, and Micah too! I got to go to Cassie’s Americorps NCCC graduation in Denver a week ago and posted them on my Facebook. Check them out! There is a fav. of me and my girls. Please keep us posted. Lotsa Love your way!
Sending out positive vibes from Hanover, NH for continued recovery and strength, Ross. You can do it!
Hi, Ross,
We’re all thinking of you and sending much love.
Big hugs,
Susan, Kathi, Tatiana & Greta Garbo
Hi Ross:
I have a great card but have no idea how to put it into a blog! So – will just have to describe it and you can use your great imagination to visualize it.
Its a picture of a river with a gorgeous blue sky day. In the picture is a boat which has caught fire and is engulfed in black smoke. It is also heading toward a massive waterfall! The card says:
“Some days it seems like it is just one thing after another!”
I’m sure it has felt like that has been your life the last few weeks! But what the picture does not show is the captain and his hands giving it their all to get the fire under control and all the captain’s friends and family who are in other boats helping to divert the boat from the waterfall and draw it back to the great green shore lined with cheering family, friends and colleagues. ..That would be all of us in case you weren’t sure…
I know you know it will be a bit of a road back(or “row”, to keep with the theme) with lots of hard work – for you and the therapists. That is daunting for sure, but I am certain, working together with your focus and great sense of humor, you will get there.
Thinking of you with the best of good wishes for a speedy recovery – and no more waterfalls!
Catherine Williams
Dearest Ross:
Sending you so much love. I want to come visit you, so hop to it and get better right away!
xxoo your pal Marian
Hey Ross,
I just got back from a week at St. George Island. I know you love the island. I had been there for a couple of days and still I hadn’t seen the dolphins. St. George doesn’t feel right if the dolphins aren’t out playing by the sandbar. Finally, on Wednesday I went down to the shore and a whole bunch – school – class- whatever of dolphins were out playing in the water. Jumping out of the water, diving, swimming and putting on a dolphin show you won’t see at Sea World. Anyway, I knew then that all was right with St. George and I know that soon all will be good for you. The dolphins are waiting. Get well soon.
Kathy
I just heard the news, Ross. I’m imagining the stroke as a stroke of genius inspiration that was too powerful for the moment. I sense that the right moment to share your enthusiastic wisdom is about to come.
Wishing you an easy recovery with as much joy as possible.
Laurie
Hello Ross,
All of us at LACCM are sending our best energy to you for a speedy recovery. We’ve got work to do and are hoping you will help out with your big brain and anti-authoritarian streak. We miss you, Patti
Hi, Ross,
Glad to hear that you are continuing to make progress. I think about you often, especially as I work to orchestrate a major shift in how we handle intake. People begin lining up at 4:30 a.m. to get in to our lobby at 8:30. We don’t even have standing room for everyone, as it’s usually around 70 people for a lobby that seats 28. We are transitioning to an appointment only mode, and the details of coordinating among our 60 staff can seem overwhelming. But I know the clients will be better served, advocates will benefit, and hopefully, I will be able to sleep nights without seeing the faces in those long, heartbreaking lines. I have been able to apply some of the project management skills we discussed in LDI in planning this transition, and they have been very helpful. In addition, we’ve incorporated the Shriver DVD into our new staff orientation – the section on the history of legal services had a huge impact on me and others from my office who are involved in LDI, and we wanted to share the experience with our colleagues.
Take care, and good luck on your continued path to wellness. If you have moments of discouragement, remember how many lives you have touched through your career and how your teaching has had an exponential effect to benefit others. I hope those thoughts will energize you.
Tess
Glad to hear your back at Spaulding. Best wishes for a speedy and fruitful recovery.
Carolina Africano
Hello Ross
I hope the rehab people are being tough on you! (just kidding). I just recall from the many athletic injuries that I have had to rehabilitate from, you both curse and want the treatments. I hope you have less cursing as the days proceed.
Missed you at our Mississippi course – it was great to reunite with Bonnie and Martha. Bonnie took me to a great restaurant that had healthy Southern food – no deep fryer in evidence! We did love the Ross demo of good/bad feedback. We hope to see the good Ross back up to par before long.
David
Hey Ross,
Amy’s and my music partner Rick had NEVER seen the 1991 (?) movie The Commitments, the fictional account about the creation of a band in Ireland. So, dinner and a movie (the rental place had trouble finding it until they figured out that one of the staff had put it on their “favorites” shelf). Anxious moment for me, would the movie have held up over time, or would everyone look at me and say, “huh ???”. Drumroll ……. Yes !!! Rent it !!!!! Even if you saw it when it came out you’ll have a blast watching it again.
- Steve
Hey Ross –
I’m glad to hear you are in rehab. When you get tired and start feeling down, just think of me singing This Little Light of Mine. If it doesn’t inspire it will surely make you laugh – and that usually does just as well.
En la lucha,
Ingrid
(p.s. I think this appears 2x on this page. CLAE probably needs to do more technical ed. seminars.)
Hi Ross:
Ellen just sent us the news. All of us at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri wish you a speedy recovery. I hope they aren’t feeding you a steady diet of deli sandwiches. I know you got pretty sick of that at our Affirmative Litigation Training last October:) We have since hired a special events coordinator who knows a lot more about events than I do. I’m glad you are out of the hospital and back at rehab. It sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work!
Hey, Ross –
Sending good thoughts your way from Florida. That’s a hell of a thing to go through; knock on wood for your recovery.
We’re waiting on a verdict in this crazy domestic worker trial. First case, first trial for me, and I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing – thank goodness for the private attorney lead co-counsel and the amazing fiac support.
next time you visit florida, i’m hoping to hear stories of nutty-twists-and-turns in litigation from you and all the other learned folks.
you make the movement stronger. take good care.
So you want to know what is going on? Ian and I have tickets for the Subdudes and Richard Shindell, not together, although that would be an interesting combo. Wish you could join us! Fairfield University has a great little venue for music. Get better and come down to enjoy it with us.
Legal services life is alwys fun, if you like roller coasters. Funding goes up, funding goes down, makes me want to “you know what” and I never ever enjoyed roller coasters!
Hi Ross:
Hope this finds you doing much better and getting well. I trust you will soon be on the road back to see us in Florida. I gotta a kick out of this web site as I did not know it existed. But thought it appropriate for one who made us communicate for a solid month using the electronic form versus good old paper.
Do as the doctor orders and get well.
Randy
Ross,
So glad to hear that you’re doing well in rehab. Get well soon! I walked away from your presentations last Oct. in St. Louis with a much better idea of how to do systemic litigation to impact multiple clients. The importance of your work cannot be understated–by impacting hundreds of lawyers, you impact thousands of clients. Get better and keep fighting the good fight every day!
Hey Ross,
Glad you are back at Spaulding. Our boss is on their Board, so let us know if you need us to cause any trouble over there. I had lunch with Faye a couple of weeks ago and all of us ex-WMLS folks have been thinking of you.
Things are fine at DLC, lots of interesting litigation and more routine stuff as well. We are getting ready for a week of federal monitoring visit in September. I was remembering of some of our Holyoke years when right wing Republican campaign workers were sent as LSC monitors and would interview us alone, trying to trick us into “admitting” that our colleagues down the hall were spending all of their time filing class actions on behalf of undocumented abortionists…. I am assuming that this will go smoother….
Take good care. More to follow….
~Rick
Hi Ross, I’ve just read all these blog posts and can feel the healing power from all these voices of people who care about you so much and whose lives you’ve touched. I learned that you are a baseball fan–I don’t think we’ve ever shared our mutual passions for the game–maybe being from Philly just kept me quiet all these years. But, hey, things have changed!
I hope that you bring your tenacity to those arduous PT and OT sessions at the Spaulding Center and your mind’s air waves are filled with sweet sweet music…
I’ll be in ME from August 18 to 23. I can’t build that dock but I might be able to figure out a way to get you down to the water.
With love,
Jon
Hi Ross:
I wanted to send you my well-wishes. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you through the Leadership Institute. Particularly because I’d heard so many good things about you from your old team at NLS.
I also thought you might be interested in receiving a little update about NLS. We concluded our annual summer internship program this week. The two interns working with Michael and me helped us to create a ‘foreclosure prevention clinic’. Through the clinic, held every other week in Lynn, we educate clients about the foreclosure process and the available alternatives to foreclosure, and then agree to assist clients to apply for loan modifications. Our interns really did an amazing job, and we never could have finished the project this summer without them. To express our gratitude, we took the interns to Azteca for margaritas and the 10,000 calorie Nachos Fiesta appetizer. You can’t beat Azteca.
Take care Ross. We’re thinking of you.
Rob
Ross:
I was roaming China with son Victor when I heard the news of your stroke. Been thinking of you. Glad you are back at Spaulding. My sister was there for a time. Had a great view of the Zakim bridge.
Hope you’re doing OK. Lot’s of people pulling for you.
Phil
Just checking in to say ‘hi.’ Glad you’re back at rehab. I know you’ll work hard (unlike the rest of us).
We think of you often out here, and send continuous best wishes.
Just got back from the mountains and witnessed the most inspirational explosion of NW wild flowers. Sent some pics to CLAE, which I’m told will get to you.
Look forward to seeing you back in the saddle.
Jim Bamberger
Hi Ross
Meetings without you just aren’t the same. I know it is what you are missing most as you work yourself back into shape at Spaulding.
I was at CLAE recently with a summer intern from BU, meeting with Ellen and Zenobia to explore ways of developing and publicizing training for social service agency workers. Your absence from the discussion pulled back memories of so many other meetings at which you made crucial contributions: the IOLTA group, CLAE planning, the Northeast Region’s decision making, Commission meetings including those discussions of hotlines, the monthly (or did it seem they were weekly) E.D. meetings, the reconfiguration dances or, to go back a bit further, gatherings to explore outcome measures or intake systems or the actual results of self-help clinics.
So, on further review, maybe that’s not what you are missing most. But we are all missing you and your insight and wit, and wishing you the very best.
Gerry Singsen
Hey Ross —
Just wanted to check in and say hi and that I’ve been thinking a lot about you. I just ran across an interview of you talking about your (then) program’s assessment of your self-help eviction clinic and your regularly held focus groups to hear from clients and others in the low income community. It was inspiring when it was first done, and it still inspiring. Which is to say, that you continue to inspire me and others.
It’s great to hear about your progress and to get updates from your wife and friends. This is a great medium for keeping us posted, in addition to its intended purpose of giving us a way to send our thoughts and love your way. So, here are some more of the latter. Keep on keepin’ on. John
Ross,
It was great to see you today. In your self-deprecating humorous way, the first thing out of your mouth was “so how stupid do I look?” – putting a smile on my face! And telling me that “as long as I’m working I’m doing good.” Isn’t that always the way with you – never tiring of the work and always reaching for something amazing and seemingly impossible- but making it happen. I have no doubt that you will exceed all expectations and come out of this experience even more amazing than you already are – and it will be a teachable moment that we are all enriched by.
It was great to talk with you about what’s going on in legal services – figuring out opportunities for stimulus money – catching up on the goings on with the Mass. Project Directors! How did it happen that when I’m there to encourage you, I walk away with you telling me that I can meet all the challenges I face in these tough times. You always find a way of getting me to dig deeper and come up with the strength, courage and creativity I didn’t know I had. That’s always been the way with you!
I’ll stop by when I’m in town on Monday. All the gang at NLS sends their best! Love Sheila
Dear Ross,
I hear that you want to know what’s going on with the Project Directors. No you don’t!! It’s the same old whining the led you to move to CLAE. I will say you did a good job with your successor. Sheila is great.
The only neat thing is a possible bail out for our financial mess. Deborah Harris at MLRI has developed a scheme to get us literally millions in Welfare TANF. It’s a long shot but we are pursuing it.
We have a couple of interesting things going on. One was in the paper but you may have missed it. Following up on the MBTA law suit, we found that our, to our surprise, our clients with disabilities were treated terribly when they went to the hospital. People in wheel chairs couldn’t get weighed. Woman who couldnt’ stand up, couldnt’ get mammograms. Examining tables couldn’t be lowered and people got injured being moved to them.
After 18 months of negotiations with Mass General and the Brigham, we reached a comprehensive settlement in which they ahve committed millions to fix things up, train their staff etc. (I am pretty sure the settlement includes Spaulding, by the way. How were you treated?)
Somewhat related to that, we are in the middle of a class action against DTA on their inability to deal with peopel with disabilities. We did electronic discover and just got loaded on our compters 12 million records from the Welfare Department.
And you remember I took over your seat on the MCLS Board. Leslie is great and they are close to settling a mammoth case about the treatment of prisoners with mental illness, a joint venture of MCLS, DLS and CPR.
So good stuff goes on despite the financial mess.
Everyone misses you but it sounds like you are getting better. Take care of yourself first, but, when you are ready, come back. You are one of the few with a real vision and ability to look ahead. We miss your leadership.
Bob
Hi Ross! I hear thru the grapevine that you are on the road to recovery. Great news! We’re having the summer of no summer here in Vermont this year. July brought us rain 22 out of 31 days and a tornado hit (well bounced over) our house on the 17th. Fortunately, only trees were damaged.
Vermont Legal Aid, like all the programs, is struggling a bit with funding and staffing issues but so far we’ve avoided any layoffs and are hoping to continue that. We’ve been swamped with unemployment cases– I’m sure everyone else is too. I looked at statistics the other day for the year period starting July 1- June 30 and we did 30 cases in the first 6 months and 90 in the second. I guess we can tell when the economy went south here. Take care of yourself and hope to see you at another training event very soon. Karen
Hi Ross,
I’ve been thinking of you and hoping that you are on a good road to recovery. I recently enjoyed a few days at the Cape with some friends and introduced that silly game we played at our retreat. Couldn’t think of the name of that obscure but very famous guitar player that you used.
I have been away for a few weeks, and this is my first chance to really take a look at your blog. It’s almost as intimidating at the ALT website, but I am getting the hang of it.
Glad to hear that you are out of the Brigham and back at Spaulding. I first heard of Spauling back in the early 70s, when it was called Mass Rehab and Josiah Spaulding was the President. A then obscure union called “1199″ was trying to organize the workers there. I walked the picket lines with them a few times, and wrote a paper about it for a community organizing course that I was taking at MIT. I kept thinking that 1199 must be the number of the local, and had a hard time understanding that 1199 was the name of the union. Despite the campaign (maybe because of my time on the picket line) the campaign was not successful.
1199 is now a large part of SEIU, and is organizing hospital workers all around Boston. They have won recognition now at several hospitals, including the Carney and Union Hospital in Lynn, but I think that they still have not succeeded at Spaulding. Maybe since you are there and have a lot of time on your hands, you could help get the campaign going again.
And while you are doing that, keep getting better.
Hey Ross,
Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Take Care,
Crystal
Hi Ross.
I am just back from vacation and I hope you are well on the road to recovery by now. It was so great working with you in both Seattle and St. Louis. Posting this message brings back memories of posting responses on line regarding the 11th amendment, organizational standing and other fun stuff. Hopefully this will work.
I hope that your friends are bringing you good music to listen to, and that you’ll be back at that soon as well as all of your training actvities. I will be thinking of you as will others here at LSEM.
All the best, Joel
Ross:
My, my, the shadow of your reach is truly impressive and if well wishes fuel recovery, you are well on your way.
The postings have not provided details of your condition or the hallmarks of your recovery. I think your friends would like to celebrate them all with you. For example, I do not know whether you can walk or you are currently rolling down the hospital corridors. I don’t know of your progress on speech. This is not morbid fascination, but, as one who has been where you are, I think that I might offer more encouragement if I knew.
One year ago, one of the recovery hallmarks noted by my speech therapist was my ability to come up with and then say the name “diplodicus” when discussing my misshapen post surgical head. (you will recall that Diplodicus is a dinosaur with a hood ornament on its’ head.) That is my challenge to you, Ross. Say the word diplodicus.
I see some of your friends are sharing poetry and lyrics with you. A fragment of a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, kept intruding on me during my recovery. It was from the poem Ulysses. The part that stuck with me described Ulysses not as a young man setting off to the Trojan wars, or as a great sea captain navigating the treacherous waters between Scylla and Charibdys. The part that came to me described Ulysses returning home after his adventures. His children had grown, his friends had scattered and he was told that his life of meaning had come to an end. Ulysses addressed his people, according to Tennyson, thusly,
Come my friends,
Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Though much is taken,
much abides…
And though we are not now that strength
That in younger years
moved earth and heaven.
That which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic heart,
made weak by time and fate,
but strong in will….
To seek, to strive, to sieze,
And, never to yield.
I know with you, Ross, that “much abides” and soon we will see you and your “one equal temper of heroic heart” once again as a leader in this war on poverty.
Fondly,
Bill
Ross – I am happy to see you are back at Spaulding. I am sure that before long you will inspire all of the staff there to take on a second career doing affirmative litigation for legal services organizations. You sure inspired and energized me!
Please get well soon.
Jason Dodson
Dear Ross:
Went to my first Mariner’s Game of the season–it was great to see Ken Griffey, Jr. back, and to see some solid pitching, good batting and superb fielding–not to mention a winning game against the Chicago White Sox!
Recently went to a “Critical Race” discussion session planned by two social justice-minded young faculty members here at the Seattle University School of Law at which they showed a documentary history of “The Young Lords” in the 1970′s–talk about a nostalgia hit. Very compelling reflection back on the Latino community empowerment movement in NYC back then. A tale both sad and tremendously uplifting at the same time.
This year, our Alliance for Equal Justice launched a wonderful new initiative that places law students from all three Washington State law schools at civil equal justice organizations (the NW Immigrants Rights Project, Northwest Justice Project and Columbia Legal Services) in Eastern Washington for a semester to serve disadvantaged, hard to reach rural communities. They have been trained together and jointly supervised, and have each other as a nice peer support group. So far, so good–the architect of this was Aurora Martin, Deputy Director at Columbia Legal Services, assisted by the Washington State Access to Justice ATJ Board’s Law School Relations Committee.
Other exciting news is that the ATJ Impediments Committee has successfully gotten a court rule on accomodation for persons with disabilities, got a full-time disability accomodations attorney position funded at the Administrator for the Courts funded by the State legislature, and persuaded the justice system to adopt its court guide for judicial officers on accomodating persons with disabilities–not bad for a few years’ work.
All for now. Will write again soon. Fondest regards, ada
Hi Ross -
So glad to hear you beat that pneumonia down and that you are back to rehab making good progress. As we get ready to engage in some interesting litigation re our growing homeless problem in Sacramento and I prepare to teach my first law school class ever (UC Davis, Housing Law seminar), I think of all that I’ve learned working with you in Seattle, San Francisco and New England and it calms the butterflies. We’ll all keep sending good thoughts and karma your way.
-Mona
Dude -
Talked to Care last night and gave her the update on our trip last week to see Travis play in the North Carolina Coastal Plain League. It’s a summer collegiate wooden bat league with mostly Division 1 players that’s pretty much on a par with Cape Cod and Alaska. Travis has been short stop for the Forest City Owls, and they’ve been ranked the #1 summer college league team in the nation (applause please). Needless, to say, Travis has been having a blast – wake up around noon each day, go work out, take a swim, get something to eat, go to the ballpark for batting practice and infield, play the game, stay up all night, repeat the cycle. It’s a great life.
The baseball scene centered around this team in Forest City, North Carolina is wild. They built a new stadium last year, which rivals many minor league ballparks I’ve been in. They regularly draw 2 – 3 thousand fans per game, and it’s a focal point of community life in the town. The ballplayers are treated like local celebrities, with press events, living accommodations provided by host families, and autograph sessions after each game. I’m not sure Travis will want to return to Connecticut.
Going back to a sleepy little Southern town (Forest City pop. is about 7500) brought back memories of Selma – accents, moon pies, heat/humidity, sweetened iced tea, hush puppies, you name it. Barb and I explored local barbecue on the North Carolina Historical Barbecue Trail (I’m not making this up) – chopped, sliced, pork-only thank you. We also went up to Durham to see some Durham Bulls minor league baseball visit Duke University, and stay at the swanky Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club – a place I could get used to.
That’s all I’ve got, for now. See you soon.
Greg
Ross,
I’m probably the last one to send you good wishes because I was the last one to hear about your illness. I feel like the setting sun on the horizon of legal services. How’s that for an awful metaphor. My engagement in the legal aid world is diminishing. More on that on another occasion, but one of my regrets is the loss of regular contact with the many people I worked with in a 35-year career. Hence, it took a long time for your news to get to me in Amherst. Just imagine if I lived in Goshen, but who would ever do that?
But back to the point of this note, which is to convey my concern and encouragement as you fight for your health, which I assume that you’re doing with the energy and creativity you apply to every fight that you take on. The legal aid community needs you, because you are one of its special stars and leaders. But more important, we care about you because you’re such a special person and friend. Turning from the “we” to the “I”, I know that many things are important to you including music, art, recreation, and of course family. A true Rennaisance person! So my wish is that you will get stronger so that you can pursue what is most important for you.
Andy
Hi All,
First of all, thanks so much for the wonderful messages. I thought I’d honor Bill’s request and give you all an update.
Dad is still at Spaulding, working hard as always and getting some good laughs in between therapy. He is doing three hours of therapy a day (occupational, physical, and speech) and is improving at all of them every day.
Right now he is sitting up in his wheelchair, the ipod is blasting and we are discussing how I was clearly born in the wrong generation when it comes to music.
I have been reading him all the messages from the blog, and he wants you to all know that they are very helpful to receive.
Thanks and we’ll keep you posted!
Best,
Caitlin
Hey Ross,
I just got back from Girard, Georgia, population about 300. Eddie and I gave a party to celebrate his parent’s 60th wedding anniversary. The food was catered by the local restaurant “The Pork Place.” They have the best barbecue anywhere and although they don’t have a website, they will ship food. Let me know when you’re ready.
Finally, I just saw your doppleganger (don’t you love that word) at Staples in Tallahassee! I had to buy a 2010 calendar…. though really I think it’s a little early to think of 2010…. or maybe I just wish it was too early to think of 2010.
I hope to see you (the real Ross not the doppleganger) soon in Florida.
Kathy
Hi Ross. I had a dream about you the other night. We (I think I was with Zenobia and Jaime) were swimming in a lake and all of a sudden I looked up and from a distance you were swimming towards us. You looked so strong and healthy and I was so happy to see you!
I haven’t written for a while but it is not for lack of thinking of you. Did you know that Jaime is now a married lady?! Jaime Roosevelt! It was a wonderful wedding but we missed you and Care being there. Hopefully Jaime will post some pictures on the blog – she looked quite beautiful.
The work goes on; we are gearing up for fall madness. I look forward to filling you in soon. Ellen
Hi Ross!
Ok, so I’ve been meaning to write, but I’ve been preoccupied..so much to fill you in on! It’s true what Ellen says, I’m hitched. I’m legally still a Berton until I figure out all the nonsense paperwork to offically change my last name to Roosevelt..Check back with me in a few months to see how that process is going and if I’ve made any headway on it!
We did miss you at the wedding! I know how excited you were to have everyone up to Maine to show them your stomping grounds. When you’re up and around, we’ll have to make a field trip back up there! It was a beautiful day up in Lincolnville, Maine. Beautiful blue skies with perfect white puffy clouds. No humidity at all – really an outdoor wedding dream! We couldn’t have asked for a better day. Our guests were delighted by the boat filled with beer, the BBQ ribs & chicken and the antics of a bride dancing with an enormous stuffed bear. (Yes, I will post the photos in the photo section)
After the wedding we headed to Bar Harbor for a few days to unwind for our mini-moon. What a beautiful town..our real honeymoon will be in January in Antigua. Ya, somehow I lucked out and got two honeymoons out of all this!
I’m sure you’re kicking some serious butt at rehab and you’re probably teaching your team a few things too…keep up the good work! You have a band of supporters cheering for you, so don’t forget it!
take good care!
Love,
Jaime
Hey, man -
I just read that the Mariners signed their first round draft pick – Dustin Ackley, a hot shot from North Carolina. He spent most of last season playing 1st base for the Tar Heels (what exactly is a tar heel, anyway?). He’s saying he wants to play outfield for the Mariners, who currently have Ichiro and Ken Griffey, Jr. playing that position. That’s OK, he can ask the Hall of Famers to step aside, right? At any rate, Ackley spent his college career with North Carolina going to the College World Series and losing – the Buffalo Bills of college baseball. We’ll see how it works out in Seattle.
Things are progressing along at work. We’re toying with the idea of filing a food stamps (or “SNAP,” excuse me) applications delay lawsuit. Connecticut’s numbers are fairly bad. Marc Cohan and the folks in New York are co-counseling on several of these recently-filed lawsuits around the country. Could be interesting.
You looked great on our visit last weekend. I’m heartened by your progress. Take care. We’ll see you soon.
Greg
Ross -
Thought you might like this report of a Dershowitz vs. Scalia smackdown:
On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered a federal trial judge to take a closer look at the murder case against Troy Anthony Davis, a Georgia death row inmate. The SCOTUS directed the district judge to “receive testimony and make findings of fact as to whether evidence that could have been obtained at the time of trial clearly establishes [Davis'] innocence.”
Justice Antonin Scalia, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented. Justice Scalia questioned the viability of Davis’s claim of actual innocence, then went one step further. Even if Davis might be “actually” innocent, he’s SOL:
This Court has never held that the Constitution forbids the execution of a convicted defendant who has had a full and fair trial but is later able to convince a habeas court that he is “actually” innocent.
This bold pronouncement caught the attention of Professor Alan Dershowitz, back at Justice Scalia’s alma mater, Harvard Law School. From “Scalia’s Catholic Betrayal,” over at The Daily Beast:
Let us be clear precisely what [Scalia's dissent] means. If a defendant were convicted, after a constitutionally unflawed trial, of murdering his wife, and then came to the Supreme Court with his very much alive wife at his side, and sought a new trial based on newly discovered evidence (namely that his wife was alive), these two justices would tell him, in effect: “Look, your wife may be alive as a matter of fact, but as a matter of constitutional law, she’s dead, and as for you, Mr. Innocent Defendant, you’re dead, too, since there is no constitutional right not to be executed merely because you’re innocent.”
It would be shocking enough for any justice of the Supreme Court to issue such a truly outrageous opinion, but it is particularly indefensible for Justices Scalia and Thomas, both of whom claim to be practicing Catholics, bound by the teaching of their church, to do moral justice. Justice Scalia has famously written, in the May 2002 issue of the conservative journal First Things, that if the Constitution compelled him to do something that was absolutely prohibited by mandatory Catholic rules, he would have no choice but to resign from the Supreme Court.
So should Justice Scalia resign? The Dersh isn’t saying that — yet.
But he does have a challenge for Nino – he’s challenging him to a debate at Harvard Law School on what Catholic doctrine requires. If Scalia loses, he has to either conform his rulings to Catholicism, or resign from the Court.
Stay tuned.
Greg
Ross,
Your absence and hospitalization have caused a tizzy. I hope you know how much you mean to so many people not on this blog. Everyone is concerned and wishing you well. And I am sure you are challenging your caretakers to think out of the box – something you have taught so many of us to do.
I hear you are following events like the Sotomayor campaign. This health insurance fight is ugly and scary; I sure hope it turns out well. Last night, unintentionally, I got hooked on a long C-Span segment showing Barney Franks’ town meeting in Dartmouth. It was riveting and sobering. I can’t figure out these screamers – it seems more fundamental and worrisome than just a fight over health insurance or government’s role. And the numbers of these people, dumb and clearly not dumb, willing to turn out and shout out, is staggering. Is this all a backlash to Obama? And then there is my area – foreclosures. The government seems totally inept. I look forward to saner times.
My mom is in her nineties, and in assisted living. I like to say that Sarah Palin is the best thing to happen to her, because it brought out her feistiness and indignation and anger. She was totally enraged by Palin and engaged. I hope that is not the kind of medicine you need. I hope you are progressing every day and I look forward to seeing you back ‘on the street.’
Will
Hi Ross: I hope that you are starting to feel better. I’m sure you’re happy the Red Sox are winning again; being a Yankee fan myself I can tell you I’m pretty happy with the season so far, perhaps a little more than you are. Despite this profound chasm between us, I wish you the best and hope for the best for you and your family.
Ross (and Caitlin):
Thanks for the update. I don’t think anyone realizes how exhausting 3 sessions of PT,OT and SpT can be until you’ve gone through it. Think 3 rounds on the wrestling mat where one can hardly stand without every muscle shaking from exhaustion. Think swimming a lap or two underwater on one breath. I remember it, Ross and I admire you for your fortitude. The time between sessions, I’ll bet you just sleep. That is what I did.
Meanwhile, your brain is working at light speed to rewire itself and to get those neural pathways to reconnect and fire. There are millions of connections to be made and your brain, tyrant that it is, does not allocate much energy for physical activities. Thus, exhaustion!
I recall my first day on the parallel bars when the PT said, OK Bill, move your right foot. I looked at it, imagined movement but nothing I could do could will that foot forward. But then I leaned to the left, raised my right hip and swung my foot around ahead of me. Not really a step but the body began to recall movement. It was thrilling. And several weeks later I was walking unassisted.
One year later they have me doing 60 yard wind sprints, trying a 60 year old man’s version of running with abandon. I’ll give you a year Ross,or as much time as you wish, but I challenge you here and now to a 60 yard dash. The prize for you is two tickets to any concert you wish to attend, but you have to beat me.
Keep up your spirits during recovery. There is an entire community out here eager for your return.
Fondly,
Bill
Hey Ross,
Oh my gosh, it’s football season in Tallahassee. The Seminoles have their first game Monday evening against Miami. All the Grunewalds will be there. The game is on ESPN so look for us in the crowd. I didn’t check to see if the Red Sox are playing Monday night. But if they are, you can use your remote and flip back and forth between games.
I hope you are doing well. I know you’re working hard. We will miss you at the Administrative Hearings training the week after next. Keep the faith and remember “Go Noles!”
Kathy
Hi Ross!
Just checking in to say hello. Hope you’re hanging in there and making some terrific strides with recovery.
We got up to Maine On Sunday, took a friends boat out and cruised around Peaks Island. Took some great photos and will post for you soon.
Yesterday we went for probably our last beach day at Plum Island for the season (sniff, sniff). The Island (and the houses) seemed to have survived the last two rounds of hurricane winds. I’m hoping for all it’s a calm September and October.
We’ve just packed up all of the Materials for AHT & FL LI and we’re well on our way for a busy September. Since it’s so quiet around here, we’ve got Bugg the Pugg as our mascot. He’s doing a great job of keeping the Mailman at bay…
Take good care of yourself Ross and keep up the good work!
Love,
Jaime
Hi Ross,
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you! Hope you are doing well. We l0ok forward to welcoming you back to the Inn!
From all your friends at the Wachusett Village Inn
hi Ross! Happy birthday! I am sitting at Alissa’s place of employment watching her kick some serious butt (she is a supervisor here at the coffee shop, people call her “boss” for short) and surfing the web. I am coming to visit again on Saturday and Sunday, mainly so I can read some more of that Chuck Norris book. I hope things are going well, can’t wait to see you!
Love
Maureen
Happy Birthday Ross!
Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and say how much I love you. Keep up the great work at rehab. You’ve been doing great.
PT has been going ok for me with my shoulder this week. As you know, any PT is a long road.
Billy and I will see you this weekend.
Love you
Martha
Hey Ross,
Happy Birthday (belated but only by one day!) – I got a full report from Bres that you are making good progress! I will get in to see you soon. Last time we talked I told you about our efforts to apply for some of the stimulus funds for homelessness prevention – and since then I wrote 4 grant proposals for HPRP funds. Have only heard from one so far but we got it! You always seemed to spin out those grant proposals so easily – pages of great ideas before you even had breakfast!
We’re getting ready for our first Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 21 at Andover Country Club! Cathy Willard is doing an amazing job as usual, and everyone on the staff is involved in some way. We’re still signing up golfers and sponsors and it will be a great success, like every event NLS has put on – especially the Farewell Bash for Ross the Boss!
We moved my son, Tommy (or TJ as he likes to be called) into Mass. College of Art & Design last Saturday. He let us hang around and get him settled for a few hours before he nudged us to shove off! He’s loving it! His Foundation Year seminar is Urbanism and the Artist’s Muse – I am so envious of him! I’m bringing him a care package on Sunday so I will try to stop in and see you! Love Sheila
ROSS!
Okay dude, there is a SOAP OPERA going on in Exeter and we need you back to help move it along!
We’ll get you some updates next week …
Hope you are doing good and working hard.
Hugs- Carol
Ross,
Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Sounds as though you have been working hard and making progress. Care has been very good about keeping us up to date. Here’s to having the family under one roof real soon.
Betsy
Just to say I’m thinking of you and your family and wishing you a solid recovery. Amy
Belated happy birthday! The next Florida gathering is coming up. We’ll miss you but look forward to hearing about your progress.
Push hard, laugh often, think good thoughts. I am for your continued recovery! (From Care’s favorite bc member.) Merci V
Ross,
We miss having you at the table during our meetings. I am glad things are moving forward and look forward to seeing you soon!
Peter
Hi Ross,
Hi Ross, Phil and I are forwarding all of our accumulated good “Karma” your way, now that it has served it’s purpose so well for us! Our thoughts are with all of you!
All Our Best, Christy & Phil
Hi All –
Thanks for all your encouraging messages – it really means so much to Ross and all of us. We all have been incredibly busy with health care. All of us fighting hard in our own way.
Ross wanted to let you all know that he is making great strides in his therapy – literally he moved his right leg during a walking exercise! YEAH! Despite multiple infections Ross has remained in good spirits much do to all of his determination and the support he has received from all of you.
HERE is the GREAT NEWS- Ross has finally started eating. Small pureed meals, but hey what can be better than eating after two months! It happened on his birthday which was the best of all gifts! Pureed french toast YUM!
Caitlin and I are fighting the health care fight – trying to make sure Ross gets the therapy he needs regardless of health insurance expectation, hospital statistics and cost. We currently are fighting to keep Ross in Spaulding where all the good equipment and therapy is located. So far we have been successful but it is a week by week battle.
Please keep writing it is SO encouraging. We will continue to update as often as we can to keep everyone informed. Thanks everyone for all the kind words, thoughts and good energy!
Care
Hey Ross,
I’m getting ready to leave for Florida AHT and LI, will be thinking about you throughout the training. Bres has been a great help and has been keeping me in line, but I convinced him to show “my cousin vinny” and “a few good man” at the training, you know which clips I am talking about, right??
, it is a Flip Mino, I will test it out at LI, and show you some footage when we get back. I know you always want the standard size equipments, but you see, I like things that are my size, plus I never learned to use the standard camcorder, so this will have to do for now.
Oh, we bought another gadget
OK, Ross, you keep up the good work.
Best,
Z
Dear Ross:
You know that cabin on the Hood Canal that I have been trying to get you to come out and visit when you have been here teaching CLAE classes at Seattle University School of Law? Well, I got Ellen and Mark to come for a visit while they were nearby for a cousin’s wedding, so Ellen can report in to you what she found–I think she may even have a photo or two.
Another school year has begun, and I must confess, while I get more deskwork done when the students are gone, it is wonderful to have the halls ringing with the buzz of activity once again.
This year, Paul Holland, who you have met, who was recently promoted from Clinical Teaching Director to Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (his wife, Tana Lin, was a Training Coordinator years ago at CORT), was in charge of 1L Orientation. He put on an extraordinary panel of speakers to talk about their direct experiences relating to a book called “Asylum Denied”. It went so well that there has been a flood of interest on immigration-related issues and activities at the law school. We are off to a good start.
We are watching the health care debate with real horror. The ex-Governor of Alaska keeps fomenting trouble along with Dick Armey. Who ARE these people. It’s a struggle fathoming what picture of “reality” must live in their heads.
At our Access to Justice Conference back in June, the keynote speaker was Dr. Ben Danielson, head of the Odessa Brown Community Outreach Clinic, a part of Seattle Children’s Hospital. He said that all his patients were our clients, and that the current health care “non-system” was not only totally dysfunctional for his patients, but actually exacerbated their poverty and their disproportionate sickness. His was the most powerful condemnation I have yet heard, and he had the statistics and empirical information to back it all up.
On a happier and more encouraging note, I see that many of the equal justice and social justice-related fellowship applications coming through this year in Washington State revolve around community lawyering proposals–directly related to the CLAE curriculum that you and Zenobia have been pioneeering. Congratulations–we can see the ripples in the water. So, keep on fighting, Ross–we need you. We miss you! Fondest regards to you and your family. Love from ada
Ross….
I just became aware of the health issues that you have been facing gallantly for a couple of months now. I am so sorry to hear about your problems but encouraged to learn of the progress made to date and your will to fight and get back on your feet asap. I am also impressed, but not at all surprised, to see the incredible support system of friends and family that have been keeping you in their thoughts and prayers throughout this ordeal. I am happy if you would consider adding me to that list because as of right now my prayers will be directed toward the intention of your quick recovery. I am very familiar with Spaulding and although I don’t know if you are still there I know that whatever time you spent with those amazing people must have hastened your progress tremendously.
I am supposed to go to NMH this weekend in order to begin planning our 40th reunion. I can’t believe it has been that long. If it isn’t already Ihope that you make your attendance one of your goals and benchmarks during recovery. It would be wonderful to see you and as you know there just may be a reunion of some of the musicians in our class which should be interesting and entertaining to say the least.
I am going to take the liberty of sharing this news with select classmates for whom I have email addresses as I am confident that many MH ’70 members would like to send their best wishes as well.
Continued best for a little progress every day!
Neil Kiely MH ’70
It’s been a long road from “the Hog” to wherever we are now, but images from those times are still clear and sharp — like that burly bear of a guy with the ready smile and the soft underbelly! Here’s to you, Ross. Get yourself better, and we’ll see you at the 40th…
Steve Chiasson, MH ’70
Ross:
I just learned of your stroke from Neil Kiley and wanted to immediately send you my best wishes for a successful recovery. From the outpouring of support that appears on your website it is clear that you have postively influenced many, many folks. Add me to your long list of supporters.
Mark Carta (NMH 1970)
Ross,
Sorry to hear you were down for awhile. It seems like just the other day you and Willie were entertaining us at the Tufts reunion. I look forward to more music at the Hog’s 40th next spring.
Ted Martellini
Ross –
I heard the news and am heartened to hear that your recovery is moving forward. I am not surprised one bit when I think of how much you’ve inspired me in the time I’ve met you. SLS has put a whole new emphasis on training. I still remember hanging out with you, Amy and Pat in San Antonio and getting introduced to new music. Keep up the good fight! – Kathy
Ted just emailed me & Patti of your struggles.
Reading all these notes I see your life is full of people who love and respect you. Draw from that support. Keep fighting. Trust me, people make remarkable recoveries in rehab all the time. And anybody who says different doesn’t know you or your strength.
Baseball!?! Huh. At least you have the Red Sox. My Brewers have tanked, with the Cubs delivering the final blow last weekend.
So good to see you last May. But hey, did you HAVE to snort with laughter at the thought of me as a therapist?? I have a soft side. Really. In fact I’m sending you and you and your family a huge hug right now.
And thank you for the chance to sing.
Warmly,
Kris
Hi Ross. Just dropping by in the virtual world to say “hey” and keep up the fight. Word has it you are working hard and doing just great. No surprise there. No matter the project, you are always truly inspirational! Get well and blessings to you and your family. Jan
Hey Ross,
It’s been a crazy two weeks. Last week Administrative Hearings training and this week the Leadership Institute. I have to say I am happy to be in Tallahassee for two weeks before I go down to Tampa for a Health and Senior law training.
I don’t know if you are following any college football, but Florida State pulled off a big upset last week when they defeated Brigham Young. This week we are playing University of South Florida. My nephew is bringing up his little boy for his first college football game. It’s really quite exciting… and this game is a sell out. Unfortunately, the game is at noon and eventhough it is the end of September it is still very hot in Tallahassee.
Everyone asked about you at the trainings and Ellen and Zenobia were able to give them an update. Ellen and I are working on next year’s calendar and hopefully we will see you in Florida some time next year. I read the update on your health today and it seems you are making some great progress. Keep up the good work.
Kathy
Ross is doing so much better – he is eating real food finally!! He is also able to take a few steps with the aid of an overhead device that is available at Spaulding but not available at lower level facilities.
We are having issues however with health insurance and Spaulding. I feel like putting it all out there on this website as I’m so upset but am not sure this is the right place air my grievances. Suffice it to say that Ross will not be at Spaulding much longer and will not have the use of the wonderful equipment and therapy that they offer. I’ll be spending my weekend looking at Nursing Facilities which at times is very depressing.
Anyone know of any good facilities please let me know. I’m looking all over Boston and North. I am working with a great Social Worker but would love to know if any of you have some ideas.
When this settles a bit in my mind I’ll update you all again. Please keep up the wonderful inspirational messages and just good notes. It is all so good for Ross! You are all wonderful to take the time to post!
Thanks to everyone!
Care (Ross’s wife)
Hi All –
Well, we are advocating for Ross and hoping for the best outcome with healthcare. Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Unicare (our insurance through my state job) have succeeded in pushing Ross out of the Rehabilition Hospital and into a Skilled Nursing Facility(SNF). So many reasons why this is not good. Now just to find one that is good for him….
We seem to be in the middle of a lot of holes in the system. Many of the SNFs that we like have turned Ross down because we are NH residents – even though we both work in Boston and pay Mass taxes and plan to move back to MA. Some have turned him down because our healthcare only allows for 45 days of rehabilitation which is shorter even than medicare and they are afraid we won’t be able to pay them. Some have turned him down because he has 2 infections that he got in Spaulding that are still active (MRSE and C DIF)…. We are hoping to find a place today. (I can tell you about the ones you won’t want to visit). In the meantime Spaudling is charging us a private rate and right now this has leaped to tens of thousands of dollars.
Hopefully Ross will be accepted at a SNF today that we find to be suitable and will move either before or after the weekend. (weekends are not when you want to move to a new facility – trust me!) We’ll keep you updated.
The good news is that Ross has actually taken a few steps while using some of the amazing equipment at Spaulding. He is also eating regular food which is amazing! He is also wanting me to thank all of you for your continues support. Your messages and support have been wonderful.
Care
Ross,
It’s been many years since we have seen one another and I hope that that will change this June at Reunion. Be strong and and get healthy again so we can have you with us as we celebrate our 40th (scary to even think its been that long). My thoughts and prayers are with you!
John (NMH ’70)
Dear Ross,
I was gutted to hear about what happened.
Thinking of you as I know you, strumming your beard when you weren’t strumming your guitar, looking quizzically at the world while you quietly mastered it, and being the best of all possible friends, I remember how you were an oasis of warmth and generosity in a private school full of less than that.
My hope is that you recover swiftly and completely and get on with the business of being wholly you. You must know how much love and goodwill is being pointed in your direction, and it is a tribute to your giant spirit that you command such devotion and loyalty.
Get well soon, my friend.
Love,
Ron Berglas
Amigo:
So how come I’m the last guy to learn about the existence of this blogsite? Just heard about it from Neil K and Dave E. So sorry not to have been in touch since early e-conversation with Care.
Been thinking about you during my travels. Most recently Hong Kong. Don’t go there — hot, sticky, crowded and nothing to do but shop for dried cuttlefish, powdered rhino horn (NOT PC), or Armani/Chanel/Hermes etc. I am in the market for none of the above.
Care’s recent missive re move from Spaulding sounds less than cheery. What, if anything, can your friends do to help?
I am sending post haste some music to keep you up and rocking. (Think Crosley, 1968, 5w phono cranked through 50w Bandmaster) Collection includes hundreds of “important” garage band classics from the 60′s, e.g., “Are You Going to Be There At the Love-In” (Chocolate Watchband), “Mr. Pharmacist” (The Other Half), “Maid of Sugar” (Mouse & the Traps), and of course the usual catalogue — Too Much to Dream, Dirty Water, Talk Talk, Louie Louie, etc.
Just what “Mr. Pharmacist” ordered, I think.
Be well, and know that your friends, who are legion, have you in our thoughts and (in some cases) pagan prayers.
Bear hugs,
Steve
hi ross. Back from Florida again; twice in two weeks. Your extensive fans in the Florida community send regards and hugs; they are anxious to have you back. Yes, of course, they like me and Zenobia but all agree it is just not the same without you there. Zenobia and I are having a bit of a “if it’s Tuesday, this must be Belgium” experience: last week was Florida LDI; this week Florida Difficult Conversations; next week is final NE Leadership Institute retreat; the week after is NE CPD, then FL Basic Lawyering (yes, Florida again!) and then we’re off to DC for another round of BLST. Last week we showed the feedback video – the one with the “evil Ross” and “good Ross” giving feedback to Gene Koo. It was kind of nice to have your presence fill the big screen – not as good as having you there but still so familiar. Here is another way that you were with me this week: my computer blew up right before leaving for Orlando. I put as many files as I could on the thumb drive I found in my backpack and when I went to plug it in to spare computer I realized it was your thumbdrive (apparently one you lent me that I never returned?!) but it had lots of great stuff of yours on it, especially lots of music which I have been enjoying listening to. Well enough for now. I’ll be back to see you this weekend. Ellen
Howdy Ross,
Glad to hear you are gaining some strength and mobility – AND able to eat a bit. Wish I were not out here on the Left Coast. You better believe I would be whipping up some tasty pureed treats for you.
You have flitted through my mind numerous times the past week. Went to the “new” Freight and Salvage Coffee House in Berkeley last week to see Ellis Paul. Great venue – but not well attended. I had an extra ticket, and had to really beat the bushes to find someone who would go. People out here just don’t get those East Coast singer/songwriter/folk types. The NEXT two nights would have been the times to go – John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky performed, and of course Ellis swung back through town.
The BIG DEAL in SF this weekend is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass……Lots of great musicians will be here for a FREE concert. It is huge….I want to go, but am still recovering from foot surgery and can’t walk far…BUT why not see how close to one of the stages I can get with my disabled parking placard? ..SF is kinda like Boston – you really hate to pass up a terrific parking opportunity!
Another reason I thought of you is that I connected with one of the attorneys working with the Medical Legal Partnership in San Mateo County. She is involved with the regional MLP collaboration. The work is going well in San Mateo, Marin, Alameda and San Francisco Counties. I keep telling folks about this great work – and of course, always mention you when I meet folks doing this work in the Bay Area.
So all the best…
Love,
Jennie
Hi Ross,
So sorry to learn of your stroke but delighted to hear that you are making progress with mobility and eating. I have been thinking of you since Neil shared the news that you were ill. We all wish there was more we could do to help. Hope you will continue to regain function and the SNF is a stepping stone to recovery. Would love to see you at the reunion.
John
Ross,
I am tagging along on John’s message because I am a Luddite and cannot get the “leave a message” icon to work.
Sorry to hear about your news. Ideally, we can all be young forever, but in the meantime I want to wish you well, hope you get the care you deserve and recover quickly. best,
Bruce Berk
Hey Ross,
I know we didn’t know each other that well, but I remember you very well. I’m sorry to hear of your stroke. I am confident that you will make progress and that we will see you at our 40th reunion. I had triple by-pass surgery 2 years ago, so if I can get through this, you can too. Be well my friend! Hopefully you can get the care you deserve. Use the 40th as your goal. All the best. Howie Gilson ’70
Hi Folks –
Ross will be leaving Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on Saturday 10/10. He will continue his rehab in Beverly, MA at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center which is attached to Beverly hospital. The address there is 87 Herrick St., Beverly, MA 01915 – phone (978)921-1392.
Ross is doing great in his rehabilitation. He is now moving his right leg a bit when standing and walking which is amazing! He continues to improve both physically and mentally and it’s a joy to see. His progress truly inspires me. This week he also started on all normal food including regular beverages….hoping someday for that beer with all of you!
We are so please with how Ross is doing and only wish that the health care system allowed him to take advantage of the fine machinery and facilities at Spaulding now that he is ready. What a travesty…
I’ve become the advocate and Ross the poster child for the much needed health care reform as we have fallen in every crack possible with Ross – too young, too old, too sick, from another state, short insurance coverage for rehab (we have the best plan for state employees and have catastrophic coverage….go figure) etc. etc. So we are still struggling with bills, insurance and appeals. Thank god for all of you in this struggle. You have continued to provide the support needed – not only to Ross but to Caitlin and myself from reading your comments. It really has been inspiring.
So thanks again and please feel free to send a card or call me to come visit Ross. My cell is 603-765-6295.
My best to all of you!
Care
Care and Ross,
I will definitely come up and visit soon…I am so glad that you are getting well, but so sorry to hear of all of the issues you have had with insurance etc. Lessons for all of us.
Off to bed to listen to the rest of the Sox game–I just wanted to send my regards and love….Karen
Karen – Can’t wait to see you! More than welcome to visit – just give me a call. 603-765-6295
Care
Hi Ross, Care, Caitlin….Maybe we should, like, you know, rent a big ole truck and hire a bunch o’ large guys and liberate the @#$%-ing equipment from Spaulding? Seems reasonable to me.
Glad you are continuing to get stronger….
Beverly…..is that the Big Hair place you took me to?
Love, Jennie
Let’s liberate the equipment! I’m all for it!!! God knows he needs it. So stupid….now that he can use it both Spaulding and insurance want him to leave – for different reasons of course – but still stupid!!! Who the H*** wrote these policies – NO one who was ever sick that’s for sure.
Jennie – And no….the big hair place was Revere! LOL.
Today went well even the Physical Therapist was warm and welcoming! More tomorrow when it’s a full day!
Hey, Ross. It’s great to hear about your progress. Keep pushing. We think of you often.
Love,
Neal & Claudia
Hi Ross!
I’ve just updated some photos of “October” for you in the photos section…I figure you’re probably missing the turning of the leaves, the feel of autumn in the air and the site of pumpkins and all that comes with it….
Thinking of you and hoping the transition to Beverly was as smooth as possible. Once you’re settled and feeling up to it, I’d love to come visit…
keep up the good work,
Jaime
Hi Ross. I hope all is going well with the rehab in the new place. I’ll drive the truck to Spaulding and run recon on the place and cover for the covert opps.
Get better soon! See you on facebook! Joe D.
Hey Ross,
Just checking in, to say howdy…..Haven’t had a chance to catch up with you, Care or Caitlin recently.
If you did relocate to Beverly, I hope that is going well for you, and that you continue to get stronger.
I am avoiding working on a grant to have 5 VISTA members work at the United Way where I work. I am trying to finesse being in charge – so it goes well….Caitlin…wanna come out to California? We need smart people…..
It is fallish in San Francisco – so hot one minute, cold the next. Gorgeous the days I am stuck in an office – grey and cold on weekends. Typical.
So I hope you are able to keep doing various therapies. I need to be going several times a week for my foot, but work has made doing so impossible. Think I stood up the therapist this afternoon. I have to have a fairly minor “fix it” surgery on my foot – again. A quirky thing that has to be repaired.
Say hi to Care and Caitlin.
Love, Jennie
Hi Ross!
I’ve added a new section to your Blog – Video Messages! Here, I’ll upload some videos for you! Watch out, we may start to get very very creative here at CLAE!
Hoping you are working hard….thinking of you!
love,
Jaime
Dear Ross,
I am so happy to hear that you are making progress and being cared for by your lovely family. I hope that you continue to get stronger every day. As wonderful as CLAE is, our last retreat just wasn’t the same without you. Get better so that we can kick butt in Celebrity again.
Michelle Fica
Dude.
It’s been good to hear the encouraging reports from Care (here and on Facebook). Keep ‘em coming.
Claudia and I were up in NY last weekend visiting Eli. We usually stay up on the Upper West Side (i.e., yuppieville), but this time we stayed in Chinatown. Actually, *East* Chinatown, where the signs on the stores don’t have any English and the live crabs scuttle along the sidewalk. So of course, the first night we went for Chinese food in . . . Chelsea (i.e., West 20s). We walked past the Chelsea Hotel on the way from the subway to the restaurant; I had to explain its significance to Claudia because she’s led a sheltered life.
Next weekend I go to Nawlins to speak at, of all things, a conference for accountants. I’m trying to figure out how many meals I can fit into 48 hours.
I assume Greg told you about our visit. It was great to see him, then it was on to my my unofficial high-school reunion (unofficial=mainly the people I hung out with and nobody I didn’t want to see), which was also great. We’re going to make it a regular thing; hopefully we won’t have to wait 37 years for the next one.
Hi to Care and Caitlin.
Love,
Neal
Hey Ross! I have been following all the updates on your health.How ironic that your insurance company would hassle you after all of your years of fighting for healthcare! I have spent the summer holding signs, marching in rallies and everything else I could do fighting for health care for all. Yes, many of us have seen the light that Bob Reynolds tried to shine on us! Single Payer!
We jsut got back from our 2 week trek to Aruba. It was a very needed vacation since we had a rough year. My hubby Steve had a hard health year but doing better and the loss of our oldest son. Continuing our fight for better healthcare really help us this past summer. Once an activist, always an activist. Have done many joint ventures with Jeff Crosby and the North Shore Labor Council. One of my personal favorites was a huge march and rally in Lynn on Bank of America!
So you keep up your battle to get better! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and Peace
Leslie Greenberg
Hi Ross,
I just received a letter from Lonnie. I believe it was an open letter to the community. I was going to copy it for you here but I was afraid it would set back your rehab. He’s consoling us all on this terrible year. It was so depressing I can’t think why any of us would want to return tomorrow for more of this.
On another note, the search for my successor continues. I’m gratefully out of that process.
You are missed.
Meg
Ross:
You are in the dog days of rehab, if my experience is any guidance, but you must not despair. Recovery is within you.
It sounds like there is a storm brewing around you with insurance companies and care issues, but you are well represented on those issues so try to maintain your focus which is to heal and rewire your brain and body so that you can return to our community that so needs your spirit and guidance.
I lost a good deal of function on the right side of my body after my surgery last year. I am very pleased today that most people cannot see the remnants of that loss after 16 months of rehab. It took a lot of electrical stimulation and confounding brain work to get that function back.
Even today, like you, I continually have to decide what function I should work on next, whether to devote 1000 hours to relearning to shoot baskets and pursue my latent dream for NBA honors or to chop onions to cook. The latter won out. Yes, the NBA dream had to be abandoned. I know that you are making similar decisions on a more basic level but in time, it will change.
Probably the most important piece of advice that I can give you comes from my neurosurgeon. The rehab folks told me that I could not drink any alcohol for a full year after my surgery. Not a drop. I have never been a big drinker but I love beer; ice cold beer. When I met with my neurosurgeon for the one year follow up, I asked whether I could start drinking beer again. He launched into a tirade against the rehab folks and said that there was no medical reason whatsoever that a patient should be deprived of a glass of beer or wine during recovery. All of the literature suggests that it might even help. So, my advise to you is to savor a glass of ice cold beer right away.
I know your days are long and hard and that it is sometimes hard to see an end to all of this, but it will come and this community that loves and relies upon you so much will support you and await your return.
Bill
Dear Ross,
Whenever you get the yen for that ice cold beer Bill recommends, I’ll rush one over ASAP (and one for Care too)! And you can count me in that equipment liberation team too. But more than anything, I hope every moment you are awake you continue to feel the love and healing thoughts we’re all sending your way. Your every incremental step and improvement is celebrated and rejoiced and you, Care and Caitlin are on our minds each day!
Love,
Lauren
Hello from the frozen South!! not really, but it is only going to be a high of about 65 degrees today so as a displaced New Englander I am ecstatic over the change in weather!!! I’m so glad to hear you are making such good progress–that is wonderful. Hoping to see you at the final Leadership institute in January! Best wishes,
Sue
Linda Perle and I are glad that you are progressing in your recovery and wanted to say hi. We hope you continue progressing wanted you to know that we in DC think about you.
Hey Ross,
It’s been awhile and I am glad to hear that you are progressing. We’ve been busy in Florida with trainings… three weeks ago it was Health/Senior, two weeks ago it was BLAST, last week Immigration and soon I will be leaving for the Community Lawyering event in Tampa. Still I managed to get in a little vacation. I was in New York last week with a friend from Florida Legal Services and had a wonderful time. We went to several plays and then to the Blue Note in the Village. Spiro Gyra was playing and my friend is related to a band member. That was fun… I love visiting New York, I kept wondering what kind of a legal services training could I schedule in the theatre district, maybe one on oral arguments or openings and closings.
If you are paying any attention to college football this year, you’ve probably noticed Florida State is having a difficult year. At this point, we are playing hard to make it into some kind of bowl game. FSU, I believe, has the longest record for consecutive bowl games, I’d hate to have to start over on that record. But the Grunewalds are still wearing their garnet and gold and going to games and looking forward to next year! Also gearing up for basketball season.
Keep up the good work.
Hi Ross. With your help (and that of pandora) I have expanded the number and range of musicians that I’m listening to: the Wailin’ Jennies, the Waifs, the Weepies (why do they all start with “W” and how is it that I never heard of any of these people before??) I think of you every time I come across a new song or musician that I like.
I am back in Florida – having just completed the first of two days of training with staff and board members at JALA and TRLS. Your advice the other day on the board training was extremely helpful; i look forward to your increasing involvement again in our work. It is very odd to be doing all of this without you. We did True Colors today and I used some examples from our work together when explaining “issues of difference in approaches to work and problem-solving” (remember that?!)
From here I will go to Chicago where Mark and I will visit with Adina and then on to Denver for NLADA conference. I will miss having you at the CLAE booth with me. Ellen
Good morning, Ross
I have been travelling a lot in October, but I was glad to hear from Ellen that you are making progress. Next week, I will see lots of people in the legal serivces community in Denver, where I will do the Train the Trainer program for NLADA.
I will, of course, check in at the CLAE booth. Good news from PLI – they are going to support my ongoing involvement with CLAE in 2010. This means more days in the boardroom – covering the walls with flip chart paper and colorful marker ink! I am sure we’ll find ourselves saying – “How would Ross react to this design idea?”
If you are a news watcher, look for my daughter Amanda Grace on channel 7 (NBC local). She is the weekend morning anchor and reports evenings Monday- Wednesday. Another reason for me to love Boston and be a visitor.
May the hard work you now face be rewarding. I am sure you’ll see progress and know that your friends wish you every success in every small step to recovery
David
Hi Ross,
Just a short note to say that we’ve been thinking about you and are glad to hear about your progress…I had a chance to go to the Leadership Institute in Central Mass. last month and know how much you are missed at CLEA and throughout the legal services community….
Things here are fine… Lots of interesting work in the office, at the moment competing with pages of end-of-the-year grant reporting… Will continue to keep up with your progress and hope to see you soon. Take good care.
all of my best,
Rick Glassman
Ross:
Good to know that every day brings you better health. My best wishes to you as you continue your recovery.
Chris Wellington
Hi Ross,
Just checking in to see how things are going with you. Next week I will be in Tampa with Zenobia at the Community Lawyering training. We will especially miss your stories at this training. Have you authorized anyone to tell the story of the psychiatric facility? That’s a wonderful, inspiring and encouraging story for our participants to hear.
We will miss you in Tampa.
Keep up the good work.
Kathy
Hey Ross,
Just checking in to send you good vibes from Maine. I keep wondering what you’re thinking about the Afghanistan surge, the health care debate, the bank bailouts with no real help for the mortgagees. No need to tell me, I think I can guess. I’m keeping the beer cold and my ear open for new tunes.
Jon and Mariellen
Hi Ross,
Dave and I finally got to do some training as a team when we did the case planning and discovery training in October. The response to the training was terrific, as always, but we missed having you there as originally planned.
We hope you are doing better every day.
Joanne & Dave
Hi Ross!
I’ve just uploaded a special Holiday Video for you on the your home page..I’m sure you won’t miss it…
We hope you get a kick out of it…We’ve been practicing for months on this dance! I think we’re pretty talented.
Hope you are doing well and hanging in there…
love,
Jaime
Dear Ross,
I’m late to post to this wonderful opportunity to communicate with you.
My husband, Carnot, and I are spending this hear in Turkey where I have been awarded an Fulbight Senior Lectureship Grant to teach a course in the First Amendment to Turkish master’s level graduate students.
We hope that you are progressing well. We wish you a full and speedy recovery and hope that things are going as well with you as they can.
I’ll keep checking in.
My bestest wishes and warmest regards,
Alice
Just wanted to wish you Happy Holidays and great New Years from your friends in Florida.
By the way, Zenobia did a great job in the Community Lawyering training. I think Florida will start to organize and fight the power.
Take care.
Roberto.
Ross,
I’m so glad to hear that you are progressing and getting better! I can’t imagine CLAE without you. Best wishes to you and your family during the holidays.
Dear Ross:
It’s great to hear that you are making progress. Hang in there!
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
We miss you!
Lizz
Ross –
Hey, I just had great fun and good learning at the community lawyering training in tampa with zenobia and kathy. vi and roberto were there, too. i love y’all’s trainings, and that community lawyering one just gets me all revved up. zenobia’s work in chinatown, the other trainer reilly’s stories from mississippi, and john’s and carol’s community development work here in florida – really amazing, wonderful work. it would have been even better, of course, if you had been there. your presence always is missed, and i hope you are making progress on your recovery. best wishes for family-filled holidays!
Ross,
I just heard! So glad to know your recovery is going well. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Happy Holidays!
-ranie
Hey Ross,
Just checking in to say “hey” and see how you’re doing. We had a great Community Lawyering training last week, now it’s time to wrap up this year and begin to make preparations for 2010. I hope to see you at a training in Florida next year. Best wishes for a happy holiday season.
Kathy
Hi Ross. I just finished a live link up for the Florida Leadership Institute. It was wonderful to speak with everyone, but once again you were missed. I also attended Community Lawyering, which I must say is my most favorite training this year. But once again you were missed. Your presence is important; your positive contributions to legal services is undeniable and must continue; and you have a powerful impact on people that come to know you. I’m very fortunate to know you; and I pray for and look forward to your full recovery. Best wishes to you and your family this Holiday Season! -Vi
Ross:
We have just celebrated the solstice and darkness now must give way to light. Let that be a metaphor for your recovery. Darkness becoming light.
After my surgery I remember the overwhelming feelings of connectedness that I felt when I was right brain dominant. It was as if all of humanity was connected at one. The feeling was overwhelming and awe inspiring. I am wondering whether you have any feelings like that in your recovery. You have an opportunity to explore that inner world that makes us all human. I’d be interested in your thoughts. Can you do some recon work for the rest of us?
I wish you good tidings of great joy for you and your family during this holiday season.
Bill
Dear Ross:
Well, it’s that time of year again–time to get ready for a new semester of “Advanced Poverty Law”, which incorporates a healthy dose of “Community Lawyering” a la Ross and Zenobia!
Aurora Martin, Deputy Director at my old program, Columbia Legal Services, has been working on a community empowerment initiative that has the Alliance for Equal Justice partnering with local community-based organizations for the intentional and strategic purpose of serving as allies to communities that want to “grow their own” leadership advocates. It is very exciting! The first step is partnering with Heritage College, a true multi-cultural liberal arts college in Toppenish, WA, near Yakima.
So those ripples you sent out are still wending their way out in bigger and broader waves.
Thinking of you and your family. Fondest regards, ada
Jim,
I already sent you a donation, so I hope it will be matched.
My best to the whole Dolloff family.
Orrin
Well Ross, Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I here from your wife that progress is good and that’s great to hear. It seems both of our ancestors were farmers out of Sutton, VT so we are on the same family line if I’m correct. That would explain why you look just like my Father. Lol!!! Be safe and get better.
Well Ross, I guess I’ve been pretty far out of the loop these last few months (indeed am living in the garden state these days) – but today Joan finally brought me up to speed, over the phone.
It goes without saying, I would have been in touch sooner to wish you and your family well. Now, though, at least, you must be a whole lot further along with your rehabilitation. I hope you continue to make great progress and that the corresponding effort is always lightened by the many friends and well-wishers you so obviously have.
I hope 2010 brings only good things for you and, of course, the still mighty Sox.
Best, Jon
Hey Ross,
We are at the last Leadership Development Institute Retreat in Florida. We all miss you and wish you were here with us! I hope you are doing well with your rehabilitation.
Kim
Dear Ross:
I hope that in 2010 each day brings you strength of heart and body and that the support of your many well-wishers continues to provide you comfort (and a few laughs).
Chris
Hey Ross,
It’s great to hear you are making such excellent progress. We missed you at the final Leadership Retreat and I know, Zenobia and I will miss you at the support staff training we have coming up this month. I will be playing the part of Ross at this training and I’m sure many will be disappointed that the understudy is stepping in. I’m know you remember what a great time we had at this training last April. Best wishes for your continued improvement.
Kathy
Hi Ross, We are so happy to hear that you are walking again! Excellent news. We missed you very much at the recent graduation of FLDI. You would have been so proud of all the fellows and their stories of their projects. The future of our movement is in good hands- and you have helped to insure this by your own leadership. Please be strong and get well, Chris Larson, Florida Rural Legal Services
Hey Ross,
Miracles of modern technology. Ellen and I are now “Linked In” and the CLAE website led me to this blog.
May good friends, good wishes and a wonderful family continue to line the path to your recovery. I trust that your great attitude of taking your work seriously but not yourself defines your new, more challenging, daily grind. Thinking of you through the years (a baker’s dozen since I left MLAC) and across the miles.
Hi Ross. Guess who I saw today? Julia Santiago who now works down the street from us. She sends her love and hopes to visit soon. She has a new job and will hopefully be working closely with us again on various projects. I gave her a tour of our online campus and the many projects that you have been involved in with us. We think of you every day and cannot wait until you are settled into your new home in East Boston – just a boat ride away. I hope to see you this weekend. Ellen
Ross, I thought of you today because a brief article about you appeared in the NLADA update, with a link to your blog. I want to echo Chris’s and Kathy’s comments – we wish you could have been at the graduation for the FL Leadership Institute. The Fellows did a wonderful job with their projects, and I was particularly moved by the stories they shared about what made them choose to work for Legal Services. Very impressive.
Take care, continue to get better and we hope we’ll see you down here some time later this year.
Hey Ross,
I was just thinking about you and I am very glad to see that you are getting better and that you were able to raise $10k before even the end of February. That’s inspiring. I also hope you are able to do some of the things people are recommending here like cold glasses of beer and feeling connected. I am going to donate my February union dues to you, (since my union won’t have me.)
take care,
Zoe
Winter slowdown??
Just a quick update and note of concern that donations are currently lagging. We have a $5,000 match on the table ending soon and we still have almost $4,000 to raise to receive this entire match. With Ross moving home this month, costs for uncovered rehab services will increase substantially.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far – the outpouring of concern and cash has been very moving.
Jim
Ross…
I am just back from NMH where I spent the entire day signing letters for our 40th reunion in June. Also in attendance besides my wife Laurie (N ’70) were Sue Hurlburt Jacques, Kerry McCollester Smith, Deborah Persons Brooke, John Hirsch and John Witty. We had loads of laughs, especially those of us who spent the night last night in Moore Cottage on the Northfield campus. You were the topic of discussion and I was embarrassed to have to admit that I knew you were continuing to progress but that I didn’t know any specifics beyond that. I know I get some posts from this site but I have not seen an update from your wife in months and knew nothing about the fundraiser that you have apparently been running to help defray PT costs?
In any event if someone could give me an accurate update there are many classmates who are anxious to hear that information from me.
Thanks very much and hope that you continue on the road to full recovery. Neil Kiely
Hi Everyone –
I get the hint – more news!! I agree as there is good news to tell. Ross is up and walking more and more everyday. He still has a long way to go but is doing better everyday. We are now working with the Boston Center for Independent Living to get Ross ready to come home. He will be coming out of the Nursing Home somewhere around the first week of March if everything works out. His new address will be: 195 Webster St. Apt #1, East Boston, MA 02128.
We have had such wonderful help from all of our friends and colleagues over that last few months. It really been amazing – everyone has pitched in to help get Ross (and his stuff) ready. We have a few more hills to climb but I’m sure we’ll make it. We will have to set up Personal Care Assistance to help Ross during the day when he is not in therapy, and will at some point need to figure out something for a motorized wheelchair for city use. So thank all of you for your donations. It really will mean that Ross will be able to get back to his life’s work sooner. You have all been wonderful.
Thanks,
Care
Ross:
I hope you saw the acknowledgment in the recent Clearinghouse Article on Framing in Legal Services Advocacy. Please know that it is heartfelt.
You will be going home soon! That will be a glorious day. As someone much wiser than I said so eloquently.
“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”
Maya Angelou
Can you imagine now listening to your own music in the privacy of your home? Of sleeping in until your body is ready to wake up and not when the orderly comes to wake you? Transitions must be celebrated. Recovery is now in your hands. Please persevere and come back to us soon.
During my recovery, my wife Arlene was my rock, just as I am sure that Care is for you. I think you will agree that it would take several more lifetimes to repay our respective spouses for the crushing weight they bore for us. Much love to Care.
Bill
Hi Folks –
A quick update that Ross is really looking forward to going home in the next 10 days or so. YEAH!! We are now interviewing for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs if you want the lingo) to help with Ross when he comes home (anyone know anyone in the Boston area interested in this?) Next we’ll be working on setting up his transitional therapy until he is ready to go to outpatient therapy. Much to do before he arrives home including getting the home equipment ready.
Ross is walking more and more everyday and is working on his speech therapy to assist with his writing and computer skills. He is trying so hard to do everything he can to get the most out of therapy. It a struggle for him sometimes but he keeps at it.
In the meantime, Caitlin and I are getting the apartment ready for Ross and also working hard on the house in Exeter. We’ve been so busy but could not have done everything without the help from some of you! So thanks to everyone for all the help during this time. You can’t imagine how much it means to all of us.
As they say, keep those cards and letters coming! Ross loves hearing from all of you even if it’s just a short story!!
Care
Dear Ross,
I was up in New Hampshire this weekend and thinking of you. We miss your daily presence — your spot-on insights and sardonic wit. I’m thrilled you’re coming home. Did you know that in your absence, Bres has had to train with me? He’s suffering, and we all need you back. Love, Patti
Hi Ross,
I saw our dear friend Bres on Friday and was thrilled to hear from him how hard you are working and the awesome news that you will be going home soon!
Keep at it!
Valerie
ROSS IS HOME!!!!
I spoke to Ross yesterday from his new apartment in E. Boston. He sounded great (albiet tired). He will be getting PCA services at home to continue his recovery.
The PCA services will be expensive so please keep those donations coming.
Ross:
Great news. Home at Last. I checked out your new address on google maps and it has a street level picture of your front door and the 360 feature lets one see a great park across the street.
Healing rest will come much easier now that you are home.
Bill
Hi All!
Ross and Caitlin have settled into the apartment in East Boston and are doing well. I am still in NH and visiting often. This last weekend Ross went for a walk on the pier in East Boston. I’ll put a picture up on the blog in the next few days.
Ross has been working steadily on his therapies and is doing well. He is now participating in a stroke study at BU along with his other therapies. The VNA services have been great, we feel very lucky. Next is the search for outpatient therapy programs!
Look for another update soon with Ross’s picture on the pier!
Care
Hope everyone had a good holiday last week.
Hi Ross,
I am very happy to hear that you are at home and getting better with therapies. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
When I think about you, I am reminded that a community is only as good as the people that it is comprised of. You bring wonderful positivity, wisdom, and hope to a large community of personal and professional contacts. Simply put, you make us better. Thank you…
Well wishes,
Vi
Hi All,
I’m home now, and home is a new place we got in East Boston. It is gorgeous here, we live right on the waterfront across from seaport on Boston Harbor. It’s been fun being out of hospitals and nursing homes and being home, this is a great place.
I’ve started to get back to doing some work with CLAE along with my serious therapy. In therapy I am doing Physical therapy, learning how to walk again and get around the house and my surroundings. My Occupational therapy is focusing on getting my arm to work again and living independently. I also have Speech therapy, which involves lots of exercises concerning the ability to talk and the ability to improve my cognition. Most of my time is still spent on therapy, and starting in about a week I will begin outpatient therapy at Braintree Rehab Hospital.
As a result of this Fund I have been able to hire the people I need to be able to live here. I have two Personal Care Attendants who spend 50-60 hours a week with me. This has been a tremendous help to me and allowed Care and Caitlin to do their work as well.
For those of you who haven’t been able to come and see where we live yet we would love to have you visit! There is a gorgeous park at the end of the street where some of the pictures we just posted were taken.
I’ve started using the computer again, so will try to post more frequently. Thanks for all of your support, it means a lot to me and is what allows me to be at home and not in an institution. Looking forward to a fun summer on the water.
Thanks!!
Ross
Ross:
How great it is to hear your voice!!! Though I cannot visit you from 3000 miles away, it is possible to see a street view of your home on Google Earth. With Spring in the air I hope you are enjoying your escape from institutional care.
Are you using a one handed computer technique? I had to learn this during my recovery. I had a strange condition. I could not lift my right arm at all, but my hand and fingers could move and grip fairly well. Didn’t help with the keyboard so the one handed technique was required.
I am happy that you are doing some work for CLAE. I don’t want to say the your community has been impatient for your return….. so I won’t. There is much that you can do now that you have the keyboard and can provide the input and guidance that we hunger for. I suppose it is out of the question that you could attend the Sub Law conference in Chicago in July. But soon.
Once again, I am thrilled to hear your voice. Keep building those neural connections.
Bill
Hi Bill!
Great to hear from you. Thanks so much for your message. I’m working hard to get my therapies together as I move to the Outpatient Therapy from Visiting Nursing. Caitlin has been helping me with this website and the typing. I’m again trying to learn Dragon Naturally Speaking instead of typing but it is all a struggle.
Hope you’re doing well and can come visit us sometime. Boston is certainly nice in the summer!
Ross
Hi Ross! It’s wonderful to hear directly from you. Your new home sounds wonderful! I keep up-to-date through Jo. You are blessed with a wonderful wife who has done so much during this trying time. Keep up the good work! Cousin Pi in Seattle
Ross:
So glad that you are in a beautiful place and feeling so much better. Neil has been keeping us posted of your progress. We had a great 40th reunion and you were missed. I promise that you will get some photos so you will be current with your classmates!
Keep up the great work!
Alex
Hello Ross!
Too long – Just heard your news me being way too out of the mt hermon /tufts loop. Reunion was great and we all missed you.
Take no Prisoners!!
Bob Horne
Ross,
It is wonderful news that you are home again. There is Nothing like sleeping in your own bed, being on your own coach, being in familiar surroundings, or the joy you feel when a family member or dear friends stops by to chat for awhile. I will continue to pray for your recovery and you are truly missed. I still see your smile and hear your jolly chuckle. It is rare to find someone who truly lives a peace filled life and is happy to share his life experience with others.
Miss you,
Lizzie Johnson
Hi there Ross,
Just got the email from Mark K, I hadn’t heard about the stroke. I have just been reading through some posts and MOSTLY looking at the photos, I especially love the one entitled simply “Beach.” Anyway, just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am cheering you on here from Central Square in Lynn.
I hope you may get to take in some of the music/work of Zumix in East Boston, a great group that does youth and music work. They also put on the free summer concerts on Sunday and Tuesday afternoon/evenings. I know what a music lover you are, as well as an afficiando of good work in the community, just wanted to let you know that you are now in their neighborhood. Please let me know if there is something that I can do to help. My 6 year old twins are always up for a new adventure, if we can pitch in!
All best,
Kit from RAW
hey Ross….whenver i start some trouble, i think of you. so far i’ve managed to survive 6 years in Lynn in large part due to your early tutelage and some good running legs….winks.
i often think of you and how you stood for the clients and try to do the same. though i had no idea of your stroke, it isn’t a surprise, a heart like yours must be ready to bust nearly all the time…it’s just that full.
allow yourself some time for yourself.. and those who love you. and remember there are plenty of us out here who love you too.
Hi Folks,
It seems I never have time to write here and update all of you so I’ll try to get better at that. I am writing now to let you all know that Ross had a set back three weeks ago when he had a major seizure. It scared the heck out of me as it looked just like he was having another stroke. So the good news is it wasn’t a stroke!
He was in the hospital and they conducted a ton of tests to check for a brain tumor, bleeding in the brain etc. Fortunately the tests seem to have all come out well so the Neurologist believes it was due to the scar tissue from the stroke. We have been told to monitor his temperature, eating, tiredness, fluid intake and beware of any infection as any of those things could set off another seizure.
Ross is now on seizure medication and is struggling to regain his momentum that he had in his therapy. The medication makes him “out of sorts” as he says and he has lost many of the gains that he made in his therapy. He’s having a bit of a hard time as he had come so far only to be thrown back months in his progress and in his ability to clearly understand some of the tasks he was doing so well. So now the real recuperating work begins again.
I wanted to let you all know and to also say that I’m sure he would love to hear from you. We are trying to keep his spirits up so I’m sure any call or message would help! He’s trying so hard to make progress again so wish him luck!
Thanks so all of you for your support, and I hope this finds you all well.
Care (Ross’s Wife)
Well, sorry if this is a rerun, Ross, I think my last comment got evaporated.
Glad to hear from Care that your tests came back ruling out another stroke. I am sorry that you have to re-walk several steps of your recovery journey, it is a tough job you have.
But you are tough, even though we all know that the tough guy thing is just a layer thinly covering the sweetheart that you are.
Sending love and a hug from Kit at RAW
Ross:
I shall never forget three words that still bring on terror sweats in the night. They are: “Infected skull flap”
During my recovery when I thought all was going well, my neurosurgeon found an infection in my skull flap, that door they cut into my cranium to get to my tumors. I began to get sick and relapse and the doctor told me that he might have to re open my skull and put a prosthetic panel where my skull flap was.
We tried an alternative first. He put me on a megaton of antibiotics to kill the infection. Of course it also nearly killed the connective tissue in all of my joints making any movement quite painful and made me generally pretty stupid, (No cheap shots here!!!).
I was never as disheartened as I imagine that you are now. I am so sorry that you are going through this.
Sometimes you don’t need to hear cheerleaders saying, “all things will pass” as this will. Recovery can be so difficult. Just know that we are with you in thought and wishing you the best. Heal my friend. Heal!!!
Bill
Ross:
My family and I are thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you struggle with this tempoarry impediment. May God give you the strength to keep up the good fight with the support of your family and friends.
Cheers,
Alex (Lotocki)
MH 1970
Hi Folks –
We have some exciting news! Last week Ross was able to move his right arm by himself for the first time! One of Ross’s Aides, Tom, was with Ross at the rehabilitation hospital when it happened and he took a video of it! Very cool! So we are all excited and wanted to share the good news with all of you.
Ross also wants to thank you for all your good wishes as they have meant a great deal to him. He plans to continue to work hard at his rehab and see you all again sometime.
So thanks from Caitlin and me too!
Care (Ross’s wife)
Ross:
Today’s news is truly wonderful. It means that your brain’s rewiring has reached a new level.
Those synaptic signals from your brain have found their way to your arm and, viola! Your arm moves.
It is not just a simple signal down one pathway to your arm but scores of pathways to muscles large and small that results in the movement. The plasticity of the brain is an amazing thing and apparently, that capacity does not diminish with age.
Now you’ve got to overcome a year of atrophy and get some strength back but you are on your way.
Thank you, Care, for this news. It is something worth celebrating. Think I’ll have a beer. You may want to do the same.
Bill
WOW Ross! We are so excited for you! Keep up the good work! Your Seattle cousins – Pi and crew.
That is realy work saving.please dwell on writing latitude posts considering the bevefit of the society useful scoop launched by you fame a workaday way..
You seem to know a lot about this,like you are writing a book in it or something.
I delight in, lead to I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye