The Early Years....

We have received so many requests for pictures of Mikey, his horses, and his early life. Mother has an old blue footlocker full of pictures and momentoes she has cherished forever! We have all been told once or maybe a million times, that if there was ever a fire not to worry about anything else in her home but that blue footlocker! Mom went home for a few days recently to pick up Dryefuss, her dog. The first and only time she has left Mikey since the accident. During that short time at home, she went through that footlocker and sent me a number of pictures to scan, save and post. Waiting for snailmail - ugh! Scanning, cropping and saving each picture - Ugh! Catching Mom at a time when we both have time to chronologically sort and correctly caption each photo - UGh! Trying to speak to Mom and get everything just right while she is at the hotel in Maryland with a tornado warning (which she is very afraid of) in effect - UGH! Listening to Mom as she gets on line with Cathy's laptop and views each photo for the first time (enlarged, enhanced, etc) - ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS! The new pictures are on the left side under Photo Album or right here The Early Years. I love you Mikey! And...

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
I BELIEVE IN BARBARO!
I BELIEVE IN MIKE REA!

More Pictures to Come

Hello everyone. Well Nancy has scanned all the pictures of Mike in his earlier days with the horses and the rest of the birthday party pictures that were on Mother's camera. So here shortly ya'll will have a bunch of pictures to look at. I love the ones of Mike when he was a jockey. He trained and raced some of his horses. I especially remember one of the races that was 20 to 1 and the horse won. Wow!! All of the family was so excited.

Mike is doing extremely well in physical therapy. A physical therapist named Cindy who just started working with Mikey this week is trying to do P.T. with him twice a day. Now here is another coincidence. She used to run a deli right outside of Fair Hill and when she saw Mike she knew she had seen him somewhere before. She said a lot of the owners, trainers, and riders would come there and eat and that is where she had seen Mike before. God does work in mysterious ways. Everything that has been happening since Mike's accident makes you (me) really think. BELIEVE!!!!!

Mike is already getting excited about his home visit again this weekend. He gets to leave on Saturday morning and then return on Sunday afternoon. I think it is good all around. He gets to spend quality time with his family, get used to being at home 24/7, and see what he really needs at the home for him to be able to get around better. I just want Extreme Home Makeover to go through for him. Then I'll know before Mother and I go home that he will be safe and we won't have to worry about him falling or something. Nancy was thinking about doing a petition where people sign to add to the Home Makeover package. What gave her the idea was when the show premiered last week, one of the family's had 50,000 signatures to their nomination. She is still thinking or working on it as far as I know. We're also trying to think of another fund raiser for his recovery fund. We know for sure he won't be able to work for a full year right now. So his family and he will need support.

Well I have to finish washing Mike's and our clothes, get a shower and get to Sunbridge. Everyone have a wonderful day and JUST BELIEVE. God bless everyone and especially those in need.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

Good Afternoon Everyone

Mike continues to do all of his therapies daily at Sunbridge. His side is all healed now from the pulled or strained muscles he had. So now he is giving it his all as usual. The past weekend showed that Mike's house couldn't accommodate his needs. He wanted to go upstairs so bad to take a shower and sleep in his bed which he hasn't been able to do for over 3 months. To prove to Mike that he just wasn't able to do the stairs we tried about four or five steps. He was way off balance and really just couldn't do it. He had to take a sponge bath in their half bath on the first floor. The bath being so small it was very hard to maneuver in there to really do anything. Especially with the wheel chair right there. Just to get undressed and put on night clothes was hard also. We are hoping that he will get the home make over and all of this will be fixed. Since Mike's injury we have to constantly keep reminding him how far he has come. With his memory loss from the brain injury he can't remember himself how far he has come and needs pictures to remind him of how he was in the beginning. The staff, nurses and visitors remind him how he was and give him so much reassurance. Of course we (the family) constantly tell him how well he is doing and how far he has come in such a short time, but he doesn't take our word because he knows we love him so much and thinks we are just trying to keep him pumped up. It really helps with the pictures and everyone telling him even though he still does have a long race to recovery. But I know Mike will make it to the finish line and be a inspiration for all.

Jesse loves his new school but apparently is having trouble adjusting from home school to his school which was expected some. Today Jesse is going to have dinner with Mike and then they are going to do homework together and have that time alone. Just the two of them. Mother and I are going to go get them Chinese food that they love and then we are going to go out to eat us a good meal ourselves. Steak.

How uncanny it is that people leave us messages and comments on Mike's blog site about their own experiences and we realize that some of Mike's problems will pass and how much strength it gives us. Also knowing all the support and prayers we have from everyone gives all of us so much more strength that anyone could even know.

Well I'm off to the shower and then to Mike's. I will give him all the hello's, hugs, kisses and well wishes that everyone sends for me to do. God bless everyone including Barbaro who is also doing so well with his battle.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

Back At Sunbridge This Evening

Hello everyone. Mike had a wonderful time home with his family. Rochelle picked him up early from Sunbridge Saturday. She had errands to run first and Mike stayed in the car with the children. Then it was off to home. Mother and I did do some needed shopping but Rochelle insisted that we come and eat dinner with them. So we went over that evening and when I saw Mike sitting in the family room with everyone around him it just looked so picture perfect. Some visitors had come to visit him at Sunbridge but they were told he had gone home for the weekend. So they came by the house to visit. Gary, Sue Ellen, and Margie. Dinner was wonderful as usual. Rochelle enjoys cooking and making special dishes. Then off we went. Mike says they watched some movies and had good family time together. Today they went to church and had lunch. Then Mother and I went to pick him up and bring him back. He also says he never knew all that Rochelle had to do daily with the children and how much work it was. He says he respects her so much more now than he ever did and didn't realize how much work is involved with the care of three children. I bet you ladies would love for your husbands to see what you really do everyday 24/7. Remember Mike would wake up at 4 am and would be gone most of the day and return in the evenings unless he had a horse racing or something, then he didn't returned until late at night. Also Mike home schooled Jesse and Jesse was with him mostly. So it was kind of new for Jesse and Rochelle to be with each other 24/7. So like most men who work they really never know what it is truly like. Mike's more in love now than ever before and he keeps thanking Rochelle and telling her how proud he is of her. How sweet. But all in all it turned out to be a good weekend and he will probably continue to go home one night a week until he is discharged. Monday through Friday at Sunbridge are good but Mike gets very bored, home sick, family sick on Saturdays and Sundays. And no it doesn't matter if you keep him very busy and occupied it all still seeps in. Well enough for tonight. I see that everyone is doing pretty much okay and Barbaro is still kicking and grazing in the grass. God bless all.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

Wall of B'day Cards!

Cathy received Mom's camera yesterday and sent me these pictures last night! What an incredible display of love and support! Thank you everyone for taking the time out of your busy lives to send him these birthday greetings. Not only for giving Mikey a very special birthday to remember but for providing him with a constant reminder that he is blessed and in the hearts and minds of so many caring people!
WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO!
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA!

One Tired Man

Good evening everyone. Mike had a wonderful time with Rochelle and Baby Gracie today. They didn't get to have lunch with their dear friend but scheduled another lunch date for later. So they ran errands, ate lunch, and had special coffee's. Then it was time for them to go get the other children at school. Mike got to meet classmates, teachers, and the principle. He said they all had nice things to say about the children. Jesse's soccer game was at 4pm. Mike was sitting on the side lines in his wheelchair. He told me he wanted to stand up and show everyone that he could stand. Rochelle was with the two little ones in the grass and saw what Mike was fixing to do and rushed over to him and told him he couldn't do that right now, especially when she wasn't right there. Just call him Speedy Gonzales. He is always in a hurry to do everything. Mike enjoyed the game but said the field is so much bigger than Hunter's. So much running back and forth. After the game they had dinner in a restaurant. Mike said Jesse fell asleep on the way back. I was there to meet them to help Mike with his shower. He just wanted to lay down and rest awhile before his shower. He was very tired but would do it all again tomorrow if he could. Finally I told him it was getting late and it was time for his shower. I left him sleeping like a baby. He'll probably sleep all night tonight. He wants to go to Hunter's karate class tomorrow evening, but I told him we'll just have to wait and see how he is doing from being out all day today.

Now the camera arrived but I didn't know that it was not coming to the hotel. Nancy mailed it to Sunbrigde. With us not being there all day the office was locked tonight. So it will be tomorrow when I take that picture of the wall of cards. Nancy put the birthday video on the photo album but I can't get it to play and it's to late to call her about it. She had told me it kept locking up on her and to see what I got. Hey, I didn't get anything to show. So all will be fixed tomorrow I'm sure.

Well it is time to close for the evening. Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. God bless everyone.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

BARBAROMANIACS ARE AWESOME

Good Morning Everyone

Mike is doing a lot better with his strained muscles. The pain is nearly gone. We did decide for sure now that it was when he was in his wheelchair and was bending way down reaching out for a small ball on the floor several times that did it. He is doing his therapies this morning and then Rochelle and Mike will go have lunch with a very dear friend, Jessie Allred. Then this afternoon he will get to watch his oldest son's (Jesse) soccer game at his new school that he is attending this year. He has seen Hunter play but not Jesse yet. Also this weekend Mike gets to go home for an overnight visit. He'll have to stay downstairs to sleep but Rochelle said the boys (Jesse and Hunter) will act like their having a sleep over and stay down stairs with Mike. He will be able to go out on their deck and get fresh air and sunshine. Rochelle said she wanted Mother and I to come over and have dinner Saturday night with them, but I told her she was going to have her hands full and I didn't want to put that on her too. But I let them both know we will only be a phone call away. Mother and I are planning to wash and clean our cars today and Saturday we'll go sight seeing and maybe walk the mall. I really need to have my car serviced but the VW place is in Wilmington. That's not far from us I hear and I'm going to give them a call today.

I am sitting here awaiting the mail so I can get that famous camera and go take a picture of Mike's wall of cards. I want everyone to see how amazing the BarbaroManiacs are. When I get this done it will be posted right away. I'm going to go for now. God bless everyone.

New Pictures Added to Photo Album and There will be More to Come

Good evening everyone. Nancy has added a couple of new pictures to Mike's photo album. She wanted to make sure it was alright with Dottie first. Now if you want to talk about God working in mysterious ways or just a coincidence listen to this. Kernan Rehab checked out several places for Mike to be transferred to that would be closer to his home in Elkton. They chose Sunbridge Care and Rehab. When the Director of Admissions confirmed with the Director of Nursing that they would be able to take Mike, the Director of Nursing already new all about Mike, his accident, his family, and just everything. You know how?? She is one of the many BarbaroManiacs of Tim Woolley's Racing Web Site. She told me she said of course she would take this fine young man. He is someone that is very special. She just happened to be on vacation at the time of Mike's admission that Friday evening and was gone for almost 3 weeks. When she returned she introduced herself to Mike and gave him a framed beautiful picture of Barbaro. He was in awe. So she popped in Mikey's birthday party and we had taken pictures of her. But we didn't know whether to post them or this story until she gave us permission. Dottie is a true BarbaroManiac and at times when we talk about everything and the Barbaro Effect the tears are flowing. I could tell she felt so honored to meet Mike, Alex, Alie, Rachel, and just everyone connected. So thank you Dottie for accepting Mikey to Sunbridge and for being one of the amazing, awesome, inspiring BarbaroManiacs.

Mike is not as sore today and did go to his therapies this morning. Rochelle also went with him so they could show her how to work with Mike on steps and daily things. Rochelle has scheduled a date with Mike to take him out for lunch. They are so cute at times like a newly married couple. Especially at night when they tell each other good night. So God is good and our race for recovery continues. We think Mike may have pulled some chest muscles by bending down from his wheel chair trying to get a small ball that he was throwing up and trying to catch with his weak arm and hand. Sometimes he would drop it and it would roll and he then he would go after it stretching out real far to try and get it. P.T. told him it would work itself out soon which made Mike very happy.

Mother was so excited to see Mike today and spent most of the day with him. Then it was back to the hotel to her second love, Dreyfuss. He is sleeping right beside her bed and watches her every move. I was with him this morning and we walked all around the hotel in the nice green grass. He appears happy and not bothered by anything. Mother brought back a lot of pictures of Mike's early years. I just love them. We are overnighting them to Nancy for her to put in the photo album. Ya'll are just going to love them. I love the ones of him being a jockey. Just wait until you see them. Then you will see the reason why all these horses and people just love him. Well enough for tonight. I have some people to thank for special things but I will get it together and do it tomorrow. Especially the CARROT POSSE. God bless everyone.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

The Weekend is Over and Mother is on Her Way Back

Good evening everyone. What a weekend. Mother is on I95-North as I type traveling this way. She has her dog, Dreyfuss and says he's sleeping and taking the trip well. The car is packed full Mother says, so I am going to stay up to help unload. I left Mike late but he was sleeping peacefully. You know Mike pushes himself so hard because he wants to recover so quickly and be able to get home with his wife and children. Well he pushed a little to hard Saturday. We really don't know what he did, or how it happened, or even if he might of fallen at sometime nobody was around. But sometime Saturday he was complaining of his legs, arms, and left rib cage area just hurting so bad. I asked him if he had fallen and just didn't want to tell me or had he done something in Physical Therapy to pull or strain muscles. See you have to remember Mikey has short term memory loss so sometimes he doesn't remember something that might have happened an hour ago or something you might have said an hour ago. He also gets real confused or mixed up at times about things. But anyways remember they did lower his chair for him to start using his legs walking the chair, which he has done a lot since then. He also went down to P.T. Saturday morning on his own to work out a little bit (which he now knows he's not suppose to do). He said he did the stationary bike and made it the tightest(hardest) it would go, so this might have been it also. Well I took him to the hotel anyways that afternoon and there is a hand rail in this hall that wouldn't fit the wheel chair so I let him hold on to it with me on the other side of him. His hand slipped and his under arm area caught him. So I thought now that area was going to be really sore but Mike said his left side rib area caught him. So when we got back to Sunbridge that evening he was really hurting still. They gave him some pain medicine and ordered an xray for the morning. Well thank God, no ribs fractured nor lungs punctured. So we have come to the conclusion that Mike has pulled some muscles bad in that area. Today it was still killing him but they continued the pain medicines. He keeps saying he has set himself back by pushing himself to much and doing to much. I told him we would continue to do as they told us and everything would be just fine. I felt so sorry for his thoughts and him. It hurts him so bad it is hard for him to take a deep breath or cough. And he's just not able to move in the bed like he was. I had to keep reassuring him it would all pass in days and he would be right back to where he was before he hurt hisself.

So Mike still has continued to receive birthday cards and he also received his tee shirt from Ernie. It is beautiful and his emotions rolled. He has had some new visitors also. Billy, a jockey that rode for him a lot and won some races, Paul and his two children came by to visit, and of course Rochelle and the children. Angel called last night and they talked for a long time. I am going to take Mike out to Fair Hill soon to see Angel and a lot of his friends. He still is today talking about his birthday party and all of the cards. He said, "Those BarbaroManiacs are awesome aren't they Cathy?" Ya'll know I said they sure are Mikey and they are helping a lot of people, animals, and Barbaro. God is blessing them over and over.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

Mike Still Talking About His Party

Hello everyone. Yes, Mike is still talking about his surprise birthday party. He just can't get over all the people, gifts, cards, and that everyone told him how good he looks. Hey, I told him, "Your one good-looking guy who is amazing everyone with your recovery!!" We have continued to receive cards. You Barbaromaniacs have it going on. Really ya'll do. If you really only knew the good, positive, and just influences you have had on everyone. In every shape and form. The Carrot Posse is awesome too. We have the secret letter. So Nancy wanted me to let everyone know Alie and Rachel sent their pictures too and they are now up here on the photo album. We still have Mother's camera to download but we will have to wait until I get it back from Nancy. Also the DVD (video) will be on here soon. Then also I will be able to take a picture of Mikey's room wall that now has three long strings of cards and I am starting on the fourth. I would have to say there is over 100 cards ya'll. Life is just great and so are each and everyone of you.

Mike is missing Mother a lot. But he is doing well. Still trying to walk real hard. He has had his wheelchair adjusted where the seat is lower and he can use his legs more. Like walking while sitting. He has had some more visitors that came today. Jimmy Connors and Terry visited at lunch time for awhile. And Tim Woolley came today. Mike was very excited to see all. A lot of people stopped by after the party also. You know now I can't remember them all but a real good friend Jan that works at the tack shop at Delaware Park. Their Buds. Cathy Anderson, Sally Goswell, a real nice lady with blonde hair that a think is a vet. Boy somebody is going to kill me. But since Mother has been gone I'm with Mike all day and evening. Before, Mother and I took shifts. So I am kinda tired you know. But it's way worth it. Tonight I took Rochelle, kids, and Mike all out to eat. I wanted steak, but so did Mikey. It was so good and Mike did very well out and about in a wheel chair and in a crowded steak house. Oh, it was Lone Star. We all hated the rain today. It is suppose to clear up by the afternoon. Well I am going to bed now. Again, everyone, words just can not express how Mike feels and we feel. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God Bless Everyone. I know you Barbaromanics have helped Barbaro. Just look at him and hear about him. Just like Mike.

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

Birthday Pics!

Hi guys! Just wanted everyone to know I uploaded the b'day pictures to Mike's Album on Snapfish. It was a HUGE success! Cathy says she has three rows of cards on the wall in Mikey's room! Silly me - I accidentally left with Mom's camera in my purse. Have to mail it back so they can download from the camera and send them to me for posting. She'll be taking pictures of Mikey's room for all to see! It is one of those camera's with a docking station which of course is in Maryland with them! And...Sheilagh is transferring the video to DVD to send to me for posting too. And...Allie and Rachel will be sending their photos too! Lots to look forward to!

As soon as I get the DVD, I'll be sending the Extreme Home Makeover application out! Alex, Allie, Rachel and other friends of Mikeys were kind enough to let me record their nominations on camera! Mercy has done an awesome job of rallying the troops and made my job really easy. I haven't even counted the number of nomination letters that will be sent along with the application! We'll definitely keep everyone posted!

Mom is in Fayetteville. The first time since the accident. She is already counting the days (day!?!) until she returns. No amount of coaching from me, Mikey or Cathy will convince her to stay for any length of time! And Cathy has Mikey all to herself! Except when Rochelle and the children visit of course. I'm so jealous!

Mikey keeps talking about the party and seeing his friends from Fair Hill! I can honestly say Mikey's eyes had a special light in them not seen since the accident. That same light someone mentioned from TWR's site about the picture Alex has up:

"Beautiful. The look on Mike's face says it all. Why he trains. Why MM trains. Why Alex rides and blogs for Bobby. Why Edgar risked his life to save Bobby....Why the Jacksons, and Peter, and Mike, and Dr. Anderson spend so much of their personal time at NBC..Why Dr. Dean went to vet school instead of acting!" Posted by: Susan E. at September 14, 2006 12:42 AM

WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES! WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO! WE BELIEVE IN MIKE! Love to all!

Mike's Birthday Party A Perfect Success

Hello everyone. Words can't express the look on Mike's face and the success of this surprise party that was given by Kennett's Florist (Allie and Rachel) and the Barbaromaniacs. Hopefully tomorrow or the next day we will have pictures and possibly the video that was taken. Friends from Fair Hill made Mike's day and everyone was so overwhelmed. I am going to paste the note from his dear friends that posted on TWR's forum site to sum it all up until tomorrow. There is no possible way we (Mother, Nancy, and I) could ever thank everybody so much for all they contributed except to say that we know God will bless them all.


Mike Rea - Mike's Birthday surprise! Subscribe
From: pinkwellies Sep-12 5:14 pm
To: ALL (1 of 5)

Happy Birthday Mike! It was soooo wonderful to see you today! You look fabulous. I was very honored to meet your sisters and your mother- you are very blessed to have such a great, caring family! It was great to see Rochelle and baby Gracie and some other familiar faces from Fairhill too. The Saratoga t-shirt looks great on you- nice work Keith and Joy!

Kennett Florist done a fantastic job organizing this event, the cake, flowers and gifts were beautiful and I cannot believe the amount of mail you received from all over the USA- that shall keep you busy for a while! And all the gift baskets with starbucks coffee, magazines and goodies- wow!

I was so touched when I spoke to your sister Cathy and your Mother and they told me how they hadn't been home since your accident and how your mom's dog is now moving up here too! Your sister Nancy took a flight up to be here at your surprise birthday party! These ladies are worth their weight in gold!

Your face was a picture when you came into the room- and we yelled "surprise!!" You had the biggest smile on your face as you looked around at the people you hadn't seen since before your accident, then smiles became tears as you were overcome by emotion as we sang Happy Birthday to you. It was priceless.

We were all so proud of you when you blew out your candles and then insisted on showing everyone you could take some steps! We were blown away and even your sister Nancy couldn't believe her eyes! She said, "he couldn't do that the last time I saw him two weeks ago!" You have such amazing courage and desire, you are a phenomenon!

Your Mom told me how she and your sister Cathy have been really pampering you! I was laughing when she said that they have been giving you facials and pedicures and even bought you a nose hair trimmer! And boy, it shows- you look amazing. I asked if they had been using Olay products on you because you look younger than the last time I saw you!

Well, Mike we shall come and see you again for sure- hey, you only live a mile away from my house now- we are almost neighbors again! Next time instead of bringing you more to eat, I will bring you some pampering goodies for Cathy and your Mom to use- but don't worry, I won't put any Tag or Axe products in there- you never know what effect that would have on all those nurses in there!!!

Take Care Mike and enjoy the rest of your day!



Lots of Love

Michelle and Allan

xoxoxo


WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO
WE BELIEVE IN MIKE REA

GOD BLESS EVERYONE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON-BABY BROTHER-HUSBAND-FATHER

Hello everyone. Well today is the great day we all have been waiting for and praying for also. Thank God and everyone for all your prayers, faith, and just everything that we can even celebrate our brother's birthday. We are so very thankful that we are even able to celebrate this. Tears are just flowing now. Mike was so lucky and he is so blessed to even be alive.

I just got back from the Philadelphia airport with Nancy. She is so excited about today and Mother and I are so excited that she was able to be here. Mike is going to be so surprised also and everyone is going to be so overwhelmed with emotion. We have plenty of Kleenex guys. Just to let everyone know, YOU are invited to attend Mike's party tomorrow at Sunbridge Care. It is to start around 1pm. If your able to come, please do. We would love to see and meet everyone.

Mike is doing well. His brain is healing because Mike is now realizing his limitations and is fighting depression daily. It is so sad to see but love, care, and a lot of hard work from and for Mikey is helping daily. My sister, Nancy has this wonderful book for Mike to read that someone told her about in a note with a donation. It is called Fighting Back by: Georgina Colthurst. She was injured much like Mikey in June of 1977 and wrote the book about her recovery with the help of family, doctors, and friends in 1990. She showed horses like dressage and hunter. Nancy is reading, highlighting parts for Mikey and Mother, and listening to Joel Olsteen all at the same time. Ever the multitasker. But anyways Cathy is now going to bed for the Big Day Tomorrow with Kennett Florist and everyone. And yes please continue your prayers for 6 yr. old Erin, Barbaro, and everyone in need. We Believe in Miracles, We Believe in Barbaro, We Believe in Mike Rea. God bless everyone.

What a Busy Weekend for All

Mike has been doing very well. Visitors continue coming with love, hugs, kisses, and prayers for all. Keith and Joy Cooper visited Mike and gave him a beautiful tee shirt with Saratoga on it. Meryl also visited and prayed with Mike. Meryl's father married Saturday at Mike's church. Rochelle and Mike attended while I watched the children and washed up all of Mike's and our clothes. And yes Mike loved every minute of the wedding and being able to see everyone. Then Rochelle and Mike went and had one of their favorite coffee's. They are coffee drinkers but love special coffee's like from Starbucks. Well the other day a friend of Mike's and Rochelle's, named Ed, told me to just call the hotel Crystal Inn and check on staying there because someone he knew had had a house fire and they had stayed there for awhile at a discount. So Mother called them and Yes, Yes, Yes!!! We have now found a place to stay that will give us a discount and take Mother's dog, Dreyfuss. We are so happy to have finally found somewhere to stay that takes her dog. Mother will be leaving Wednesday to get Dreyfuss and some needed clothes and things. I will stay and be more at ease knowing that I am in a safe nice place and still near Mikey to help with his recovery. The Crystal Inn also has a heated pool and whirlpool that I am going to talk to the physical therapists about that will also help with Mike's recovery. Thank everyone for all their help and prayers for us. If you want to talk about the power of prayers and miracles listen to this. Mike attended his church (First Assembly Church of God) today with his family. He said they even prayed for Mother, I and Nancy for financial reasons and finding a place to stay. So within hours of the church's prayers we had found The Crystal Inn. Also the lady Leslie, that Mother was speaking with at the front desk about her son who had a horse accident and brain injury asked if Mother was talking about Mike Rea. She new of Mike's accident and I think her sister knows Rochelle. This makes me feel so good and I know now things are looking up more and more. I think the hotel is right off I95, exit 100 area. We will be moving there tomorrow. Mike's big surprise party by Kennet's Florist is Tuesday, Sept. 12th at Sunbridge Care. He is going to have another big surprise also. My sister Nancy is flying in for this special occasion. At first she couldn't find a reasonable ticket and now she has. So thank you God and everyone for everything. Rochelle's older brother, Brian visited with Mike today also. Mike talked to his oldest son Matthew who works at Delaware Park with the horses. Mike told Matthew how proud of him he is and to continue to help his mother when he can. So all in all today has been a wonderful day and we expect many, many more. We Believe in Miracles, We Believe in Barbaro, and We Believe in Mike Rea. God bless everyone.

Almost the Weekend

Good morning everyone. What a day yesterday. When I arrived to Sunbridge yesterday, Mother and Mike had started moving his room around. It looks good and gives him more room to maneuver his wheelchair around and about. Mike continues to work so very hard with his therapies. Especially the walking part. Again he will question me about why he can't get his feet to do what he wants them to do. So I will explain to him about the brain having to heal and send that signal to him. Then jokenly say remember what Nancy said? Your feet are the furthest from your brain and that is why it is taking longer and we all laugh. Mike continues to have a lot of visitors. Cindy Weymouth from Fair Hill came with lots of hugs and encouragement Wednesday. Then yesterday her husband Gene came with Terry and Jimmy. They brought M & M's. These are all horse people I think. The pastor from his church who is now retired came and prayed with Mike. His name is Pastor Murphy. He helped Mike understand that God heals in his own time and has reasons for everything. A friend name Ed came last evening before we were leaving to go to Mike's son, Hunter's soccer game. Boy if it wasn't for Ed I would have had a hard time putting that darn wheelchair in my VW Bug trunk. Ed got it in there and off we went to the game. Everyone was so excited to see Mike. Rochelle and all the children were there and their friends Sue Ellen and Margie . Margie helped me with the wheelchair and through the grass we pushed to the field. Great big mosquitoes were out. I kept swatting at them on us. Finally they left us alone. Hunter's team won of course and Hunter made a goal to help his team win. After we got everything packed up and back in the car we rode by the hotel room so Mike could actually see where Mother and I are staying for now. We have been trying hopelessly to find an efficiency apartment or something to live in until Mike is able to go home. We are still working on it. My mother has a black lab that is about 14 years old. She has been paying a dog sitter since June 16th to care for her beloved dog. But the dog sitter now has to have major surgery for an aneurysm and Mother doesn't want anybody else to care for Dreyfuss. Please pray for Kim who has taken such good care of her dog and help Kim to recover at God speed. Kim has taken care of Mother's house, yard, and dog. When I go home for a visit everything is immaculate and Dreyfuss looks so good that you can tell Kim has taken such good care of him. Mike still has a lot of visitors coming daily and we are going to have to get a visitor book because I am not good remembering names. Today an old friend from Mikes's early horse days came to visit. Lisa Berry and Kevin Willey. This is when Mike had a horse named Miresgo. She even brought a picture of my daughter on Miresgo at about 3 years old. My daughter, Nicole is now almost 24 years old and teaching elementary school in N.C. Well Tuesday is going to be a big day and a big surprise for Mike. I will write about this more later. By the way that is his birthday day, Sept. 12th. Great news on the anti-slaughter bill and Barbaro is doing as well as Mike. They are both Champions and hero's. WE BELIEVE IN BARBARO - WE BELIEVE IN MIKE - WE BELIEVE IN MIRACLES. God bless everyone.

Outings, outings, and more outings

Hello everyone. I arrived back in Elkton, MD last evening. What I hear from Nancy and Mother, Mike has been doing very well. He attended Sunday school and worship on Sunday with Rochelle, children, and Nancy. Monday he went to a picnic with Rochelle and family. Tuesday he rode to the airport with Mother and Nancy to drop Nancy off for her flight back home. Wednesday Mike and Rochelle went out for lunch. So tonight he is kind of tired but all is well. All of his therapies have continued and he is doing good and working hard at everything. He misses Nancy already but gets to talk to her on the phone a lot. Mike will have a phone in his room soon. They have to turn on the line. I will keep you updated on this.

Mike had a visit from Marty and his wife, Sandy from J.P. Animal Supply Feed Company. Mike says their the dealers of Purina Ultium Feed which he has used for his horses for a couple of years and wouldn't use anything else because it is the best. They gave Mike a very nice jacket and cap which he says that he has always wanted.

Mike couldn't believe that Barbaro wrote him again. He asked me if he could dictate me another letter soon. I told him to just let me know when and the writing would begin. So as soon as this happens I'll send it on to Barbaro. Prayers are also helping Barbaro as they do Mike. I've always said the power of prayer is an amazing thing. They both are healing so well.

I am really tired from all the driving yesterday so this is short. I will continue to give you more updates tomorrow. Remember to pray for Mike and his buddy Barbaro. Good-night everyone. God bless.

I'm Still in Fayetteville, North Carolina

Hello everyone. My sister, Nancy asked me to post because she is so very tired. She just doesn't understand how Mother and I do it. I told her we just do it and really don't think about the tiredness or stress. We try to think about how far Mike has come so fast and all the wonderful people who support Mike and keep praying, messaging, lighting candles, and doing just everything for him that inspire us so much to keep on going. Mike had a very good day. Nancy got him ready for church today and Rochelle with the children picked him up. Nancy said it was very easy to put him in the car and also the wheelchair was easy to load in the car. He went to Sunday school and preaching. Everyone was excited to see him and there was hugs and emotions everywhere. I think his therapies start back up on Monday. I'm not sure if they get Labor Day off. I will be back Tuesday evening and Nancy is flying out Tuesday afternoon. I usually do Mike's laundry but Mother had to do it today. She has enjoyed Nancy's visit and was able to get a little bit of rest in also. We are so overwhelmed with all the response for the Extreme Home Makeover. Mercy and Nancy are putting everything together. Again Melissa Harden has now made a video that she will be sending to them. Of course it was fantastic as usual. I don't know what she does for a living but she sure could be an author or T.V. person. She is so talented. I read the TWR's site daily and the Discussion Forum site also. There are a lot of people wanting to know about certain facts of Mike's life. I told Nancy to get on there and tell them, but I think I have too. Remember Nancy is in real estate and I am in nursing. I am use to taking care of people. I love taking care of my brother and helping him with his recovery. I really think God has let me be in the position I am in so I can do this. So enough about me. Mike talked to Mercy from Florida today and they both loved it. He knows about everything everyone is doing for him and he is just so inspired by it all. I really think all of this has helped him though this period in his life and also with his speedy recovering that is going on. Well it is time for me to go. Believe in Miracles, Believe in Mike, and Believe in Barbaro. They are both in this recovery together. There is a reason for everything and for both of them they are Champions. God bless everyone.

Barbaro's Response to Mike's Letter

Barbaro’s Reponse to Mike Rea’s Letter

By

Bobby J. (AKA “Barbaro”)

Don’t mention it my friend, we are in this together,
The best we can do is to support one another.

I heard you have moved closer to home, boy that is grand,
You and I both know that it is the best in the land.

Just gave Alex a message from me to the Bullet,
I told him to tell him, I thought he was full of it!

I know we both just must keep healing from day to day,
You in the hospital, while I am here in the hay.

I just wish you could visit me out here in my stall,
All of our fans would be thrilled, and would not that beat all!

Because we both are survivors, known that from the start,
And I know you will be back soon from deep in my heart.

Do not be discouraged when things don’t go as you plan,
Remember we’re in God’s keeping, He has things in hand.


Hello everyone. I am in Fayetteville, NC and Nancy had told me about Barbaro's Response to Mike's letter and I wanted to share it with everyone to see. Melissa Harden, who is so talented really wrote this and Mike gets so delighted when he sees things like this. It also helps him to be so strong and he tries so much harder at healing. We love everything everyone has done for Mike. Will be back later.

Hello Again from Mike and Family!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone. Please bare with me because it takes very long for me to post. I am using a land line and it is sooooooooo slow. Mike is doing very well. He loves Sunbridge and gets a kick out of the fact that he is the youngest patient there by many many years. Sunbridge has one wing that is dedicated to rehabilitation. All of his therapists are working very hard with Mike because his will to fully recover, his positive attitude, and faith are contagious. He told Nancy tonight that he has faith and knows that it is God’s plan to heal him but that he must plant the seeds and work hard with the therapists so in God’s time he will reap what he sows. They talked for hours because they both missed each other so much. Yes, Nancy is here. She actually left last night and drove to Raleigh for fear the weather coming in might keep her from flying out. I went to the BWI airport to pick her up today and they are so strict for arriving flights that the police women wouldn’t let anybody wait to pick up passengers. I had to drive around the loop about ten times until Nancy could get her luggage and come out. Finally she did and I pulled right up and then had no problems. As you can see, the weather has kept me from leaving yet. Maybe tomorrow sometime I’ll take rent a row boat to get back to NC! Mike was so excited and overwhelmed to see Nancy and to hear that I wasn’t leaving. We’re a family together again even if for a few days. Bruce Miller was there visiting when we arrived. He is such a good friend of Mike’s. Rochelle and the children have enjoyed visiting also. The other patients enjoy the children, especially baby Gracie. Rochelle was holding her going down the hall and stopped because an elderly lady was admiring her. Gracie bent right down and gave her a kiss. It was so positively sweet. The children are in school during the week but try to come every evening. They love their daddy so much.

Mike’s sense of humor and quick wit are coming back. He had us in stitches again tonight making jokes about nearly everything. We all laughed so hard our sides really hurt. He stated to me as I was transferring him from his wheelchair to his bed, “Cathy I just don’t understand why I can’t walk or get my feet to do right.” Then Nancy said, “Maybe because they’re the farthest from your brain.” Then he said, “Maybe I’m getting better from the top then down.” Seriously since he has become used to Sunbridge and settled in there has been a lot of laughter.

When Mike was at Kernan and during his agitation state, Nancy was the only one who could calm him down. She would rub his head and tell him to think of a beautiful relaxing place. They would close their eyes and together describe a grassy meadow with a Carolina blue sky and white fluffy clouds. Mike would say “and the grass is thick and green” and then Nancy would say “there is a soft breeze blowing again your face” and Mike would say “there are horses running in the distance” and so on and before you knew it, he would forget about being upset. Tonight, Nancy asked Mike what he wanted to do tomorrow. He said, “walk barefoot in the grass.” We all fell silent and felt his sadness of missing the simple things in life. Nancy wants to take Mike outside tomorrow weather permitting and let him take off his shoes and let him feel the grass. I hope it does not rain!

I know this post is already long but there are so many things I want to let everyone know about. Just one more for tonight guys. Mercy you are angel sent from God to help us help Mike in anyway we can. What you and the Barbaromaniacs are doing on TWR’s site is awesome. For those of you who haven’t seen Mercy’s proposal for Mike’s nomination to Extreme Home Makeover, please visit Tim Woolley's Racing and look under Discussions and Chats, then under Barbaro for A Barbarion’s Response to Mike Rea or under Mike Rea and Extreme Home Makeover Nominations. Here is part of her email that she sent to Nancy and what made us all realize this could happen: “I first saw about Mike’s unfortunate accident (which occurred on my birthday) on TWR’s site while checking for Barbaro’s updates. As a result, I wanted to read more about Mike and went on your site where I found out his favorite song was “I can only Imagine from Mercyme, another coincidence. While attending Mass, the sermon was about the fish and the loaves, giving and sharing, & we should do the same - give something to someone that you don’t expect anything in return….so I sent my donation. I dropped it in the mail box, got in my car & turned the key, immediately Mercyme came on – “I can Only Imagine”….I took it as God’s way of saying He noticed a small good deed. The following Sunday night my daughter & her family came over for dinner & she turned the TV on to Extreme Home Makeover – and then I knew…..your brother immediately came to my mind. I told Danah (my daughter) then, “This is it – this is what Mike Rea needs and I have to get involved and the reason why I became entranced with Barbaro in the first place”. We’re working on the application this weekend to go with the letters from everyone! Will keep everyone posted of our process. Believe in Miracles- Believe in Barbaro- Believe in Mike’s Recovery. God bless everyone and thank you for your patience with the lack of postings lately. Good night and continue your prayers for Mike and Barbaro on their recoveries.