From Elkton, Maryland

Hello everyone. I am very limited to internet access but between Nancy and I (Cathy) we are going to keep the posts and updates coming. First the most important thing I want to let everyone know is that Mike is doing great. He has settled in now and is really enjoying his room. It has a big window that he can look out and see the green grass, trees, and cars going by. The room is also almost at the end of a hall so he can't hear all the noise up the hall. Very nice and quiet like he likes it. His therapies started Monday and Mike says they are good and have been working him hard. He is allowed visitors practically anytime. But he does his P.T. and Occupational therapies in the mornings around 10am or so, then his lunch is around 12n or so, and his Speech therapy is around 1pm. Dinner is served around 5pm. Mike is allowed outings. Like to dinner, church, visits with friends, and soccer games. We were just going to let him settle in this week before any outings yet. And yes that means you can take him for outings also. Nancy has called and told me and read to me all the wonderful comments and messages from every where. Especially from TWR's site and forum. We are so grateful for Mercy and everyone else who are helping Mike anyway they can. So for right now Mike is good and has already had a lot of visitors. Friends, family, Fair Hill horse people, and church members, and more horse people from everywhere. I will be going home to Fayetteville, NC this weekend and my sister, Nancy will be coming Thursday. We are working on getting some Net Magic for the internet. One of us will be back and give you updates. God is good and God bless everyone including Barbaro. No we haven't forgot Barbaro. Believe in Miracles!!

Oh the address for where Mike is: Sunbridge Care and Rehabilation
1 Price Drive
Elkton, MD 21921

Price Dr. is located off of Whitehall Road in Elkton. Very near Mike's home and Fair Hill Training Center.

We're Back!

The past few days have been absolutely full of miracles and surprises! The biggest news of all is that Mike was released from Kernan yesterday afternoon and has been transferred to SunBridge Care and Rehabilitation Center located only minutes from his home and Fair Hill Training Center! We found out only several hours before the move took place. Apparently Kernan had been working towards this for some time but did not want the family to get their hopes up in case it didn't happen. Of course, as we have learned, once the "yes" comes in, everything happens very quickly. Although I was not there, I understand that there were a lot of tearful goodbyes between Mike and his nurses and therapists. I was on the phone with Cathy and Mom during the ride to SunBridge and it was your typical 5:00 stop and go backed up traffic for hours. We all were so concerned for Mike who was in a transport vehicle in a wheelchair and not really sure of what was happening. Still, after a three hour trip that should have taken an hour, Mike, Mom and Cathy arrived safely. Rochelle and the children were there to greet them and you can imagine how exciting and hectic this transition was. Just like transferring from the University of Maryland Shock Trauma to Kernan was for all of us, this will take a few days to get used to. New nurses, new therapists, new motels, new routines. Yes, change is good, but change is difficult!

Cathy says Mike has adapted well and was in good spirits today. He is a bit confused about being "so close, but so far away" to his home and thankfully does not have therapies until Monday. Mike, Mom, Cathy, Rochelle and the kids have the weekend to get familiar with the change. The fact that Mike's caseworker told us the most important aspect of Mike's recovery at this point is physical therapy and being close to family and friends is extremely encouraging to all! Cathy and Mom found a hotel about 10:00 last night and although it is close and comfortable, it does not have internet access. Knowing my sister like I do, she will find a way to continue her daily updates in no time. As soon as we learn the visiting hours, address, etc., Cathy or I will let everyone know.

Becky Witzman, the winner of the 2006 Ford Mustang, sent me the DVD recorded by her mother and I have added it to the Raffle Results. Click Mike Rea Recovery Relief Fund Race to see the video.

There is so much more to share! I've brought the family up to date on TWR's postings and the personal emails I have been receiving since Friday. We are all completely at a loss for words right now. Bless you all! We do Believe in Miracles - We do Believe in the Power of Prayer - and we all feel the Favor of God Shining Down on each and every one of us!

Mike's Message to Barbaro - Surprise visit from Jesse

Hello everyone. When I arrived at Kernan today Mike had Barbaro's letter ready and asked would I send it to Barbaro. So here it is:

Dear Barbaro,

Thank you for being a super star and thinking of me. People write on your web site and talk to me. There is no other way they would have talked to me because they talked to you first. Your trainer and owners are so famous and that way I get mentioned on a equal basis as you do. I feel like there is no other way those people would have considered me in their thoughts if they hadn't considered you first. It is very touching that I am considered by the same caliber of people who considered you. I feel privledged because of all this. I just want the story to show people what my life is about and how much my family loves me and how much I love them. Thank you Barbaro so much. My prayers and dreams are with you.

Mike Rea


As you can tell, I didn't edit any of his words. Mike is so overwhelmed with everyone caring so much about him. I've also posted his letter on the Tim Woolley's Racing site and on the new message/chat board for everyone to see. I hope everyone sees it and again thanks to everyone for helping my brother with his recovery.

Today was a good day for Mike. He called mother and I this morning. He was worried about Rochelle and the children. He gets thoughts in his head sometimes and we try to help him. As soon as he hung up the phone Rochelle, Gracie, and Jesse walked in. Yes I said Jesse, Mike's 12 year old son who he hasn't seen since the accident. They embraced, hugged and cried. The visit went great. After they left is when Mike started his letter to Barbaro. Tonight when I was talking to Rochelle I had told her about his call to us this morning and then told her Mike said that as soon as he hung up she walked in. She was touched because at that moment she knew she had completely stopped his thoughts or worrying when she and the children arrived. She surprised Mike with Jesse's visit. Good night to everyone. All is good.

My Brother Just Amazes Me

Hello everyone. Today has been great and Mike is still so determined to beat this thing. He works so hard at all of his therapies and tries so hard at mastering his wheelchair. What really amazes me so much is him telling me that he is confused and his brain is not letting him think straight or knowing that his brain is not letting him remember what he was just about to ask me. He will sit there and say, "Okay brain, lets get it together now."

Rochelle called on her way home from soccer practice tonight with the boys. My mistake, but Jesse, the 12 year old is also playing soccer. I had wrote about Hunter, the 5 year old being a natural at soccer but didn't realize Jesse was playing also. Mike gets so emotional when he talks to them on the phone. But at the same time if you could see that look on his face of such pride and love for them. He told Rochelle that he loves and misses her so much and that he couldn't wait until they lived together again. Mike really wants to go home so bad. To look at Mike you can't tell that there is anything wrong. Most of the time when you are talking with him you can't tell either. He has a lot of physical therapy to do. The legs, arms, and whole body have got to get the right signals from the brain to work properly. He gets to do his walking in physical therapy. Soon I hope we will get to help him walk around the halls. I see parents like on each side of their child holding their arms and walking them for hours. I know this has got to help them get stronger and stronger quicker. So when that time comes I will let you know about it for sure. His children will be starting school soon. Then comes the homework in the evenings. I heard Mike tell Rochelle he would help her with their homework. Like I said he just amazes me.

I see that Barbaro is doing well also. Such hero's and champions these two are. Since Mike has been with horses all his life I figure he must have some of that strong horse blood running through him. From what I understand one of Mike's horses ran a race the other day and WON. A friend of his is taking care of his horses. I think his name is Jimmy Connors. Of course our sister, Nancy would know the details, but it is too late to call her right now. I'll find out and let ya'll know. Mike has started on his journal and has also started on his message to Barbaro. He wants me to help him so he can get the message to Barbaro soon. I told him to think of some more thoughts tonight and we would work on it tomorrow. So with that good night to everyone and keep up all the messages, prayers, and candles to our boys. I know all of this is really helping both of them. God bless you all.

Hair Trim Today

Mike continues to do very well. Healing of his brain will take some time but he is so determined to beat this thing. He did have some confusion off and on today. But the great thing about Mike is he will tell you that he feels weird and knows he is confused at that point. The sad part is seeing his face worried, scared, and lost. Of course we explain to him anything he asks. Even if it is the millionth time we have told him. Rochelle is working on getting him passes to church, outings, and his son's soccer games. I think this would be great for him and his children. I hope they approve it. Therapies continue daily and Mike does so well in all. We realized that he is still on what they call a mechanical diet (chopped food) tonight. I told him to ask his speech therapist (she is the one who determines the changes to his diet) tomorrow about a regular diet. When he does get on a regular diet he will be able to pick from a menu the next days meal. The food is very good at Kernan and Mike eats three meals a day. He leaves nothing on the tray.

As I was walking in to Kernan today I ran into the hair dresser that had cut his hair the first time. Her name is Teresa and she was there to do some other patients hair. She remembered my southern accent and remembered Mike. I told her he really did need a trim. So when she finished with her other scheduled hair cuts she came and trimmed Mike's hair. He didn't remember her but he enjoyed his hair trim.

My sister Nancy will be arriving August 31st. Mike and I can't wait for her visit. Mike talks to her everyday and tells her to hurry up and get here. I am trying to talk her into staying a little longer this time but she says she has to get back to work. The real estate business just isn't booming right now which makes her have to work harder. So all of you have a good night and a wonderful tomorrow. Remember Barbaro and Mike in your prayers and may God bless you all.

That Darn Wheelchair

Mother and Mike had a nice Sunday visit. Mike spent most of the day trying to master his wheelchair. With one weak arm and one strong arm it is difficult to keep it going in a straight line. But Mike is very determined to get it to go straight. His urological problems seem to be improving and we are hoping for a good report when he sees the urologist Thursday. Mikey loved the message from Bobby J. - (AKA "Barbaro") He was so touched and inspired by the message that he says he wants to send one to Barbaro. Mother bought him a notebook so he could start working on it. He also told Mother that he wanted to start keeping a journal. He used to keep one in his younger days. So as soon as he composes his message, I'll post it. I can't wait for that. Gary Katz, a long time friend and fellow horseman had a nice visit with Mike. They strolled through the healing gardens. Mike was showing off his wheelchair expertise. Mother took pictures of Mike's visitors and favorite nurses. Since some of the nurses weren't working over the weekend, we will get the rest this week and post them all in the photo album. Well have to get ready to go be with Mike today. I will post more this evening. May God bless each and everyone.

Message to Mike from Bobby J. (AKA "Barbaro")

Mike, you are healing, be patient and still
Soon you’ll recover, I know that you will.

Keep doing as I do and; go with the flow.
Just do what they say even though it seems slow.

Eat all your carrots, good food for the brain.
Without all my carrots, I would go insane.

See if your doctors will let you have some fresh air.
There is nothing like it, now that I am out there.

We will win our races at the end of the day,
And if we don’t I guess I’ll eat hay.

Maybe we will get to go home together
We’ll have a good neigh, while enjoying the weather.

Just look at me, I am out of my sling,
The day will soon come when we both will sing.

(Did I say that? Have you heard the story about “Perhaps the horse will learn to sing?”) Maybe I will at that since people are talking about me running for President as a dark horse candidate! Big Horse Laugh!

Your Friend,

Bobby J. (AKA “Barbaro”)

Written by: Melissa Harden from Tim Woolley's website (TWR)


Melissa is a very talented and has written several poems, messages to Mike and for Mike. He loves each and every one and it really does help him in his recovery. Rochelle, Baby Gracie, and Trish her sister are visiting today. Mother ran errands and I caught up on everything. Thanks so much for all your comments, messages here and on TWR's site. I light candles for everyone and prayer for everyone also. There is so much healing and recovering going on. It amazes me what each and every one of us can do for that person or horse. God bless you all. I will write again later. Getting ready to go visit Mikey now.

An update from the other sister...

I'm filling in for Cathy because she has friends visiting tonight. Still, she wouldn't leave Mike until 8:30 and called me from her car to tell me about Mike's day. He had two visitors today and I'm told they were great. One was Bobby Witham, Mike's friend from many years ago (those Camden, SC days!) and J. B. Secor, a fellow trainer that he sees at Penn National often and a good friend. Mom took pictures and now that I have figured out how to share these with everyone, they will be posted soon. Mike's "good night" phone call to Rochelle was touching as always and if weather permits, she and the children will visit tomorrow. Cathy said Mike's therapies went well today too. He spent a good 5 minutes on the stationary bike and even lifted a few weights. Mike's agitation has been replaced with confusion and I don't know which is worse. This is hard for him and for all of us because we see how it worries him so. We all find comfort from those of you who share your experiences with us and know that this too shall pass and as Cathy said, is part of the healing process. Mike's "Recovery Book" is getting thicker and thicker from all the well wishes! Sometimes when he and I are talking, I'll read a bit to him. He loves to hear the encouraging words but I can only read a few at a time because he will get so emotional (the good kind of of course). I'm planning to bring the book with me the end of the month when I visit and will call it Part One. Tonight, I asked Mike if there was anything he wanted me to say since I was blogging for Cathy and I know I don't possess Cathy's gift of expression. He said, with a great deal of emotion, "Tell everyone I thank them for their interest in me and my family and for their prayers. I am looking forward to the future." Good night new friends....

What a Good Day for All

First to let everyone know that my sister, Nancy has finally found the time to update the blog site and tell you about the raffle. She is self employed and works very hard in real estate. She is also the one behind all the administrative stuff for Mike and spends hours each day on so many different things. So if you look at the left hand side of this posting and scroll down to Photo Album, Nancy has posted 20 pictures for everyone to see. It doesn't cost anything to join and see the pictures. If you click slide show and then go to the first picture it will start the show. To slow it down, there is a slide bar at the top, move it to the left. Nancy did good. Then if you scroll down further you will see what she posted about the raffle and the results. She mentions everyone that was involved and helped her tremendously. Mike has done a lot better today. Remember Hunter's soccer game was this evening. Well he scored a goal. Mike talked to him on the phone and it was filled with joy. Mike also talked to Jesse and asked him to be a good boy for his mother and told him he was getting better and that they would be able to hang out together very soon. He told Jesse they would do something together, like fishing. Mike talks about the out pouring of comments, messages, prayers, candles, donations, and of course Barbaro. He is still very emotional and can't understand why people would want to read about him. He cries when we tell him the number of people who have visited his blog, or left messages and poems, or lit candles for him. He so appreciates everything with such emotion and disbelief. Again, thank you so much for all the encouragement and just everything. I told Mike that God had a plan for him and it must be something really good because so many people must feel this and are interested in following him on his race to recovery. I asked him if he remembered saving those horses from that terrible fire at Fair Hill. He looked at me like he didn't remember and then burst into tears and said, "Yes, no one knew those horses were in the back of the barn and I was the only one there to get them out." "But Tammy came and helped me." He saved four horses and there were a couple of articles written about Mike and Tammy Burlin and the fire. So I said to him that he had risked his life to save those horses and did he remember what Mr. Bruce Jackson had said to him? To quote a paragraph from the Delaware News Journal dated Nov. 4, 2005: "To risk injury in order to save horses from a burning barn is a testament to their devotion, and a statement about their friendship and integrity found among fellow members of the horse community here at Fair Hill." So now Mikey do you understand why people are so interested in you? Yes, Cathy. Good night to all and God Bless Everyone, Mike, and Barbaro.

They Say the Brain Healing has Started

Hello everyone. When Mother and I arrived at Kernan today we found Mike to be so disturbed and scared. He woke up last evening at 3:30 AM and saw that we weren't there. He thought we had left and gone back to North Carolina. He couldn't remember that we had been there earlier. Matter of fact he couldn't remember us being with him or that anybody had been there at all including his wife and children. Mike thought we had abandoned him. Two of the therapists were there with him and were explaining things to him. It was so sad to see him so distraught. Their telling him and us that this is part of the brain healing. Some days are great and now some days are the steps back. See we go there every day at 3:30 PM. This is the type of confusion they go through. By the evening hours we usually have him straight and he's talking and communicating okay. We think this happens during the night by dreams, the TV, or over hearing the staff talking, and who knows. The therapist explained his brain is healing and making him more aware that he does have a problem and that he is confused. By the time we arrive he is terrified and feels totally abandoned. Mike's realizing that this confusion frightens him especially when he has no memory of us being there the night before. Mother left him a note tonight for him to see if he wakes up during the night. It says, Rochelle, children, Mom, Cathy, and Nancy love him and will never leave him. It also says that Mom and Cathy are there every afternoon at 3:30pm and if he wakes up and it is dark outside and the clock says 3:30 that is sleeping time. When the clock says 3:30 and it's light outside that means we will be there. Hopefully this phase will pass as other phases have passed. Mother would camp out in his room on a chair if she could but the staff wants us and him to get the rest that all of us need. This very nice nurse named Jane tells us that Mike is actually doing very well compared to other patients there who have brain injuries who have no family that visit them. She says they have to be placed on a lot of medications, and especially meds for depression and they lay in their beds and cry and don't participate in their therapies well. She told Mike he was very lucky to have family there everyday and that his wife,children, sisters, and mom love him and that they are there for him. This period of his healing is so heart wrenching but we really do believe that God saved him and has better plans for him. Please pray that God will give him peace in his heart during the nights and that he will soon pass this period of healing.

Mike says HELLO to Each and Everyone

Today has been another good day. Mike's wife came and visited earlier today with Baby Gracie and good friend Sue Ellen. Rochelle was told Mike was dressing himself with the help of one of the therapists and slid right off the bed onto his bottom. No harm done and he said he laughed. The doctor checked him out from what I understand and he was fine. All of his therapies went well today. They say Mike is doing so well. That he is so determined to beat this brain injury. He is now aware of the fact that he does have a traumatic brain injury and that it takes time to heal. What he doesn't like is knowing that sometimes he doesn't say the right things or that he mixes thoughts up and they come out backwards or not making any sense at all. He says he is also scared to answer a question or comment on something in fear that is really not what he meant to say. Of course we told him not to worry himself about things like that. We understand it all. Also not to be worried, that everyone knows he has a brain injury and this is what brain injured patients do. We don't want Mike to have to worry about anything. Nothing at all. We want him to concentrate on just himself and to get the best care possible. He asked me was I going to write on the blog tonight. I told him yes. Why? He said, "Would I please tell everyone hello for him and thank everyone for everything that they had done for him." Then he asked me was he and Barbaro still in a race to see who was going to finish first. Where he got this thought from was from us telling him when TWR's site mentions him, they say that ya'll are neck and neck in recovering or doing about the same in the recovery steps. There are a lot of times Mike makes complete sense for hours though. He was so excited this evening when his wife called to tell him Hunter, his 5 year old son was a natural at soccer. She said everyone had been telling her that during all the practices but she didn't really make anything out of it until tonight when he acted like a pro on the field. She can't wait until Thursdays game to really see what he does. He wants to make a goal. Well it's again time for me to go and get some rest. I'll be back tomorrow night. Keep your prayers coming. We still have a long road to go. God bless you all.

Here I am with Sunday's News

Sorry I didn't post last evening but I was just so tired. Everything was great Sunday for Mike. Rochelle and Baby Gracie arrived with Angel, Mike's top groom for almost 20 years and his blacksmith. Ya'll are going to kill me. I just can't remember his name right now. Rochelle also had her friends Doris and her husband with her. But things went just like I had thought. Mike was so surprised to see Angel. They both hugged and held each other so tight and cried with such emotion. Mike said Angel and him were brothers. Everyone talked for a while and then his good friend Will and his wife Kelly came in. They had driven from Richmond, Virginia. Will brought Mike a giant bag of peanut M & M's and some very nice slippers with traction on the bottom so every time he gets up his feet won't slide out from under him. All and all everything was good. You could tell Mike was getting very tired though. Later that evening two men from their church came to visit also. At the beginning of the day Mike was excited that he had gone to church that morning with other patient. There is a small chapel there that they attended. He said the sermon was very good. As each day goes by I can tell Mike is getting stronger and stronger. Transferring him from the bed to the wheelchair has become so much more easy. When we arrived at Kernan this afternoon to visit Mike you could tell he was wore out from all his therapies today. Tonight he wheeled himself right up to the sink and washed his face, brushed his teeth and shaved. Yes he shaved himself. He was doing it so fast I said to him did he always shave that fast. You know this is not a race or anything. He said he always had. Before he goes to bed at night he calls Rochelle and tells her good night. So I just had to ask her if he always shaves like that and she said yes also. Now when I was doing it I would go slow and easy. Maybe that's why it appeared so fast to me. Oh and about Mike's son Jesse. He didn't make it to see his dad. Hopefully he will soon. Again, no harm done because Mike didn't know he was going to come. Things will work out when the time is right. So I see Barbaro is also doing very well. I know it is everyone's prayers and well wishes to both of these great champions. I'll be back tomorrow night. Thank everyone again from all across the world and all of Tim Woolley's sites and Barbaro's. God bless everyone.

Tomorrow is the Big Day

Hello everyone. Today has been good for Mike. Of course he had all his therapies today and tomorrow is Sunday, the day of rest and visitors. Yes, as far as it stands right now, Jesse, his 12 year old son and Angel, his top groom are coming to visit. Rochelle will be bringing them. Mike doesn't know this so he is going to be so surprised. Some other people that worked with him at Fair Hill are coming also. I will let all of you know who and all about the visit. Mike enjoys Sunday's because it is a day of rest for him and his family comes for longer visits with him. He is getting pretty good at maneuvering his wheel chair. Hey, I can't even drive (push) it good sometimes. Now that he can stand for longer periods of time he wants to take showers twice a day. It's a huge shower area with a bench to sit on if you have to. I have to tell Mike to stop scrubbing so hard when he is washing his hair and also his body. I tell him he is going to make his skin raw and he can't be that dirty. He said it just feels so good to finally get to wash in a real shower instead of the bed. Then I have to think how long it has been, almost two months since his accident. I was working on his toe nails this evening while he was watching horse racing on the T.V. I looked up at the T.V. and was watching myself and Mike said, "Hey Cathy do you think you could keep doing my toes?" I said, oh aren't we spoiled. I guess he deserves a little spoiling. Hey, he's my brother and he's alive and kicking. Mike still gets confused at times, tires easily, and gets agitated when a lot of people are around talking. He looks so good and acts well that you have to remember that he does have a severe traumatic brain injury and it is still healing. My sister is returning August 31st. Boy is she going to have a time at the airport upon leaving. Sorry got side tracked. Anyways she and some of the girls are thinking of another good fund raiser for Mike's recovery relief fund. I know of one that everyone is going to love but I can't say anything about it yet until she gets the okay from some of the key people. She thought it up and it is so cool. If you are a horse race fan your going to enjoy this one. Well enough for tonight. I'll be writing more tomorrow night. Good night everyone and God Bless.

Hello Everyone

Today has been good for Mike. He did well in all his therapies and had a lot of visitors through out the day. Tonight he gave himself a shower and he had the water sprayer going everywhere. I don't mind getting wet at the end of the evening though. But he is doing his self care very well. Again I am not positively sure but Angel is coming this Sunday. It will probably turn into a very emotional day. Also his 12 year old son, Jesse is suppose to be coming with his mother and Mike's wife, Rochelle. He was at Fair Hill with Mike that morning of the accident and saw his father being intubated and flown off in a helicopter. That is the last time he has seen his father. He came to Kernan and peeped at him from the door and accidentally saw him twice, once on a stretcher going to the xray department and sitting in a wheelchair in the hall. Jesse told me he didn't want to see his dad sick and wanted to wait until he was better to see him. Now he has talked to him on the phone some. Mike home schooled Jesse last year and they were always together going to races with their horses or at races and at the barn at Fair Hill. They were inseparable. Jesse is having to go to regular school this year. So Sunday is going to be something. Of course I will let you know all about it. Everyday Mike is getting stronger and stronger. He is so determined to beat this brain injury. He tries so hard at everything he does. I am so proud of him. All the nurses come by his room and talk to him. They tell him how far he has come since he first got there. It makes Mike feel so good. They are very encouraging. The TWR site pumps him up too. If ya'll could see his face when Mother and I tell him some of the comments people write about him and oh when we read the poems to him. It would make you smile and give you goose bumps all over. But he did smile real big and even laughed about the crazy glue to the saddle. Everyone has been so uplifting to us all. We thank you so very much for everything. Well it's time to go now. God bless everyone and keep those prayers coming and those candles lit for Mike and Barbaro.

Good Morning - Sorry I'm Late In Posting

Mike didn't want us to leave him last evening and he wanted us to stay longer. Remember we're not allowed to stay late. He hasn't slept well the past couple of nights because of his room mate who was discharged yesterday. The room mate would stay up most of the night on the phone talking to his girlfriend. A lot of his conversations were XXX rated. The night before, Mike tried to get out of bed. His wheel chair was right next to his bed and he thought he could do it by himself and fell. He didn't get hurt, thank God. Mike said he was trying to get up and away from the guy so he wouldn't have to listen to all the trashy talk. So we had to do a lot of comforting last night. On a lighter note, Mike walked with a walker across the physical therapy room with the therapist behind him to keep him steady. Yeah!!! Mother, Rochelle, and his two youngest children were able to watch. They all beamed with joy. So all in all yesterday was good and today will be better. I will be so glad when he will be able to look at this site and TWR's site. We have hand copied some of the poems to read to him today and we're trying to arrange it so we can hook up somewhere there so he can start reading it all. Time to go now but I will be back tonight. Love, prayers, and well wishes to all.

From Tim Woolley's Racing Site

Just wanted everyone to see this from TWR site. I was checking on Barbaro and saw this. Hope you enjoy. God bless.


Horse Angels Speaking
By
Melissa Harden

Barbaro must be listening a minute or two
To Horse Angels Secretariat and Seattle Slew
It is too soon to join us Secretariat said
Therefore you need now to listen instead.

Continue your healing and being patiently calm
Your positive attitude is the best healing balm
They're are saying you're smart and we have to agree
But what else should we expect with your great pedigree.

We have races in heaven and a whole lot of fun
But it is too soon to join us; your job is not done.
You will see that we all must have our own Triple Crown
Yours might be through your foals or even greater renown.

You have made safety in racing a cause celebrate
That might be your achievement at the end of your day
Or there might be another Triple Crown with you son
So even not on a course there're still races to run.

But whatever your job is, your success is confirmed
Because we know you are one of us chimed in Affirmed.
For you see we know that you are one of us and great
Even though your own Triple Crown was stolen by fate.

We'll be watching you closely to see you don't falter
While hearing the prayers offered here at our altar
For there are so many more legends with us up here
With us watching over you, you have nothing to fear.

You can also tell Mike Rea that we are all praying
So he will recover soon and restart his training
Cause we know that he loves horses and misses them too
Tell him that next time in the saddle to use crazy glue.

Resting Well Tonight

They removed Mike's stomach tube this morning and he is doing very well. I checked out his wheel chair and it is very sensitive, like a steering wheel when it is real tight. Mike gets emotional every time we tell him how many people go to his site and also when we tell him about all the messages left for him. It's like he just can't believe it and is so happy that so many people are caring about him and praying for him. He has received a lot of cards and they are on a bulletin board in his room. We are going to try and get Kernan to let us hook up and go on line so Mike can see everything. Yeah, can you believe they don't have a hook up in their rooms or even wireless network. Since I wrote this morning there's not a lot to say. Will, one of his good friends since his teen years plans to visit Sunday if possible. We decided to let it be a surprise for Mike. We are going to make an effort to find the pictures of Mike from his first fox hunt at nine years old to his show days on the circuit jumping and showing, and his first race on the flat at Camden, S.C. and try to fine a few of his steeple chase races and win pictures of him being a jockey and of some of the horses he trained and won. Since these pictures are scattered from North Carolina to Maryland it may take a while. You know Mother, she kept every picture from the day he was born. So hopefully soon you can see why he is loved and cared for by so many people just like Barbaro is. We saw Barbaro on the news this evening and Mike was very interested in everything the T.V. had to say about Barbaro. Everyone have a good night and next day and I'll be back tomorrow night.

To All You Wonderful People

If you only knew what hope and inspiration you give to us. Mother and I have been reading all the comments and messages this morning before we go to be with Mike this afternoon. We have talked to Mike on the phone and the stomach tube has been removed and he is doing great. His wife, Gracie, and Hunter are there with him right now having lunch before his afternoon therapies start. The main reason for my post this morning is to give a BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who have commented on this site. Your stories, prayers, lighted candles and best wishes are invaluable to us and there are times they are just what we needed to get through the day. How can we ever thank you for sharing your hearts with us? For example here is another poem here is another poem that was sent to us.

Mike, Hope Monday and the rest of this week continues to bring you a bit closer to home: Mary Somano, a healing therapist inspired us to write a special poem for you:

Mike's Prayer
by Wm & C Shaw

Loving husband, horsetrainer, father, family man-
Getting stronger improving as you can!

The Lord's light surrounds you
easing your family's mind-
The Lord's love protects you-
helping you and friends unwind.

The Lord's miracle continue your healing-
His arms wrap around you whatever you're feeling!

Under His protection, you always will be-
While His Miracles continue in you to see.

Another good day closer coming back home-
Therapy allows you to walk better to roam!

Lord's and His Angels presence watch over thee-
Your family's updates bring joyful news about ye.

God's Love, Light, Protection stay here-
Rest now, enjoy His Power erasing all fear!

May each day bring forth joyfully great news-
Keep walking stronger after putting on shoes!

May our Lord's miraculous grace-
Allow coming home to your family's place!
Heal Mike - pulling for you to win your own race.


Again thank you for sharing your hearts with Mike and our family.

A Good Day of Therapies

Well I am back in Baltimore, MD but returned late because of the traffic and weather. Mike was okay with it, but made me promise to be right there tomorrow. Mother says he had a very good day of all his therapies. The physical therapist said he did extra good today and that he was a very hard worker. His friend from Fayetteville, Mike Osbourne called him tonight and they talked for awhile. Mike Os. told mother he was amazed at the difference in their conversation tonight than last time he had talked to Mike. Mother takes him out in the evening to enjoy some fresh air. Mike is trying to steer himself still but is working on getting the chair to go straight. I am going to have to check that chair out tomorrow. The last we heard about the removal of his stomach tube is that it is coming out tomorrow. You know I'll let you know tomorrow night. Thank you for the messages from TWR site and I hope all of you get to get back on there and leave Barbaro messages. I really enjoyed reading it. We have lit candles also for Barbaro and Mike. We tell Mike about all the messages and what they say and about TWR's site too. Well it's been a long day and drive so I am going to go for now. God bless you all and I'll be back tomorrow night.

A Nice Day of Rest and Family

Mike's groom, Angel was unable to come to visit him today. There was nobody to relieve him of his afternoon duties from what I hear. Hopefully next Sunday he will be able to come. Mike was unaware of Angel's pending visit so no harm done. Rochelle, Hunter, Gracie, and Rochelle's sister, Trish came today. Of course Mike enjoyed every minute of the visit. Mother played with the children and pushed Gracie around in her stroller. Mother and Trish went to Subway and brought sandwiches back for everyone to eat together. Mike is trying to steer his new wheelchair so he can roll around the halls. I will be leaving Fayetteville, N.C. tomorrow morning to return to Baltimore, Maryland. I can't wait to see Mike. Hopefully my sister will have some new pictures to post on this site soon. Well it's been a long day trying to get things together to return so I will bid you a good night. Please continue to prayer for my brother. Thank you again for everything ya'll have done.

A Busy Day

I have to make a correction from yesterday's post. I said Rochelle, Mike's wife and children were coming to visit this weekend and also his top groom, Angel. See I didn't know which day it would be (Saturday or Sunday) so that is why I said this weekend. Rochelle called Mike today (Saturday) and it will be tomorrow that she is coming with Angel. Mike still doesn't know that part. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Especially to the TWR site. I just love reading all your comments about Mike. We tell him everyday how Barbaro is doing and we pray for Barbaro with Mike. So Mother was with Mike today. He had his therapies this morning and into this afternoon. He had Mother take him outside several times today. Mother says he keeps asking when I will be back and she tells him early Monday. His progress is still coming along fine. He really wants to recover quickly so he can get home to his family. Yes he talks about all the time. Well guys it late and I am going to go light a candle for Mike and for Barbaro. God bless everyone.

In Fayetteville, N.C. for weekend

Hello everyone. I ran home for a short weekend. Mother calls me and tells me how Mike is doing. Today was another good day for him. He is really progressing well. He wants to be back home so bad. His family will be visiting this weekend and Rochelle is going to have a surprise for him. Mike's top groom, Angel will be coming with Rochelle and the children. He hasn't seen him since the accident. If I am not mistaken Angel has been with him a very long time and I know Mike is going to be so over joyed. As it stands right now the stomach tube is scheduled to come out Tuesday. Great progress is just pouring his way. I know it is from all the prayers and well wishes. Also the determination from Mike to recover from this and get home. Mother is all by herself the weekend but we talk a lot. Nancy is back home in S.C. for about three weeks and has already been selling homes since she returned. I'll be back Sunday night or Monday before visiting hours. Everyone from TWR/Barbaro's site thank you so much over and over again for everything. The messages really lift all of us up so much. The caring and love just pours out of every message. Good night Barbaro and we all wish you the best.

Good Evening Everyone

Mike has done well today. He eats all of his meals and wants more. Especially ice cream with M & M's. Mother arrives daily at 3:30 pm after all his therapies are completed bringing the above. Mike expects this and recognizes mothers foot steps coming down the hall. He'll say, "Did you bring my ice cream and M & M's?" The doctor and nurses have told Mike that they will be removing his gastro tube from his stomach Monday or Tuesday. This is called a peg tube where he was getting liquid feedings and his medicines. He eats so well now and has continued to eat well they are going to take it out. Mike's main motivation is to work hard in his therapies so that he can return home to his wife and children. He talks about it all the time. Mike knows that if he does really well in all three of his therapies and progresses fast, he will get to go home. He even asked me if I would come early Monday for the peg removal so I could take him home. I had to explain to him there was more to his recovery than that. Also he saw his doctor in the hall and motioned for him to come in his room. Mike asked, "Hey doc if I get on my knees, will you let me go home to my family?" The doctor said, "No, that won't help. If you continue to improve you won't be here forever." So Mike is really missing his family, Rochelle and children. He just wants to be there so badly with them. Hunter had his first day of soccer today and Mike was emotional about missing this. Jesse had an overnight friend tonight which is good for him at this point and time. Mike asks Mother and I if we could just take him home and he would ask Rochelle if we could take care of him there at his house. We explained to Mike he needed more than just us at this time. This is the kicker though. He said, "Cathy, your a nurse, you know what to do for me, you can take my blood pressure and temperature." So some more explaining had to be done. Sheila Barndollar from Fair Hill came to visit Mike today. They had a wonderful visit. A long ago friend from steeple chase days in Camden, S.C. and Maryland, Bob also visited. So it is time for bed now. Thank you all again for all of your prayers, messages, and comments. I will write more tomorrow. God Bless.

So Unbelievable

Thank you so much to everyone at Tim Woolley's Site. All of you are undoubtedly one in a million. We received so many messages, comments, and candle lightings it has taken me all day to read each and every one. I loved them all. So many thanks to Alex and Tim for keeping things afloat for us. I am sure as soon as my sister, Nancy gets settled back in today and goes over everything tonight she will have a lot to post about also. For the dear people on Tim's site, I don't no where to begin to thank all of you. Mike will love reading all of the messages so much. The poem that Wm and Cl Jackson shared with us is so perfect also. Mother has left to go be with Mike now and I'm getting to go also. He has two sets of each therapy everyday except Sunday. He really is doing so much better these days. Hopefully my sister will have new pictures to post soon. Also just an update: the nurse is no where to be found and no one really knows what happened to her. I'm not digging into that one. Better left alone. Mike had visitors while we were down. Especially from Delaware Park. Jan had a wonderful visit. Rochelle visited at lunch with the baby the other day and I think it was Sally that was with her. So I am going to go for now. Mother just called and said Mike is wanting me to get up there so I have to go. Here is the poem they sent us.

~~~~~~~~~BARBARO's RECOVERY ROAD II~~~~~~~~~~
written by WM, CL, & Barbaro Jackson's Insight

Two hundred thousand plus travel page views-
as Tim Woolley Racing keeps spreading good news!

Barbaro's Recovery Road may be long-
with adoring fans keeping Barbaro strong.
Beyond the prayers must our pensmanship speak-
Help make our horse athletes safer every week!

Thousands can make all the difference today-
Sign the petiton while Barbaro munches top hay!
He thanks you with nods, bows, and a wink-
For making his day while all of you think!

What if I had to travel recovery's road too?
How would I make things better for you?
Remember Michael's Miracle as all of us pray-
Keep lighting those candles each night and day!

Whispering Barbaro to heal better than ever!
Reminding Team Barbaro 'Never Say Never.'
Listen, there's whispers 'Don't You Quit!'
Not on our watch while all of us sit!

Watch Miracles happen on Recovery's Road
Let Mike Rea's and Barbaro's stories be told!
Lightens our spirits, we breathe easier now-
while GOOD NEWS spreads like wildfire, WOW!

Raise up your voices and sing us a song-
as Barbaro's & Mike's Recovery Road is long!
Send your GOOD WISHES and special gifts today-
While Barbaro eats special Lael grass and hay!

More than prayer, we now must all think-
Save our horse racing athletes from the brink!
Of broken down horses, we will talk no more-
as it's time for "Bobby" to snooze and snore!

YOU CAN MAKE the greatest difference for him-
Sign that petition Online helps Barbaro win!
A new kind of race so pick up your pace-
Come in and visit and show us your face!

Stop "Oh No's" and "Uh Oh's" before they begin-
Barbaro's campaign travels where noone has been!
Small step for horses, one giant step for men-
Start today with a click of a key instead of when?

Change Recovery's Road name to Better Road soon-
Time is of essence as this day approaches noon!
Takes but a moment, a flashback in time-
Moments keep passing, hearing Barbaro's chime!

Go if you must, but remember these words-
Make Racing Tracks safer for thoroughbred herds!
Todays Hopes are Tomorrow's Can Dos-
Jockeys and Horses need to hear the good news!

America cares, how much will that be?
Putting words into action for citizens to see-
Campaign for Barbaro until we make a difference!
Recovery Road is our Better Road with reverence!

WE ARE BACK AND UP LIVE!!!!!

We finally have the internet back after so many days of worrying that we were so out of touch with all of you. I haven't read your messages yet or comments. I wanted to let everyone know Mike is doing wonderful with his recovery and making progress everyday. I took my sister, Nancy back to the airport yesterday and we are all sad she is gone. She should be back in about three weeks though. The horse race and Mustang raffle for Mike all went well. The lady who won the Mustang is from California and is on T.V. with the news or something. Nancy will be able to tell you more about that. I just know she has been putting Mike all over their news channel. Her name is Rebecca Witzman. Now back to Mike. He continues to make progress with standing and taking many steps (walking). He received a new wheel chair yesterday so he can start working on rolling himself around. He misses his family a lot and tells us constantly that he loves his wife, Rochelle. He wants to call her on the phone most of the evening and when he talks to her he is just bubbling and grinning from ear to ear. Mother did get a little bit of rest when Nancy was here. We made her stay in the hotel room and rest and assured her we would call if there was anything to let her know about Mike. So....Now I am going to go and read all of the comments and messages and I will be back to write more later. Thank you again for everything.

No Internet Access

Just a quick FYI, Mike's sisters are without internet access at the moment, and apologise for a lack of recent updates. I (Alex at timwoolleyracing) saw them at Delaware Park yesterday (along with Rochelle) and they said that Mike was continuing to progress. The raffle for the Mustang was held after the fourth race. Becky from HRTV won! All four hundred tickets were sold, great job Sheila for putting everything together.