I really don't know how to express my thoughts on paper, let alone
over this e-mail. Myself as well as Joe's mother (Colleen), want to
give everyone a big, sincere, and heatfelt HUG, for all the support
that everyone has given Joe and his family. We are lucky to be a
part of such a wonderful group of people (cyclist). I saw first
hand the sincere emotions that came from people I thought only cared
about what place they finished in a race. To paraphrase what Mike
Hernandez said, "it is all about blood and guts and competition
during the race, but let's have a beer afterwards and treat each
other with respect".
Joe has had so much fun racing this year. It is such a rush to
watch my son's eyes light up when talking about what he felt like in
a race and who worked with him and how he felt during the sprint. I
know my son, and he will always remember what all of you have done
for him in this crazy time of his life, from Kurt Bickel's blurb in
cycling news to Dave Eastwood, Mike Damon and the Reno wheelmen who
have gone above and beyond. There are so many other people we have
to thank and we know that your thoughts and prayers have been with
us and I wish there was a way to repay each and everyone one of you.
In the future I will be more involved and give my support to all of
our Jr cyclist and to the sport of cycling. Joe and I really love
all of you from our closest friends to the ones that we have come to
know in this last week. Joe has a long recovery but is already
talking about cyclo cross and putting some miles on the trainer.
Here is an update:
bruised right lung will heal on its own
skull fracture and fractures to the cheek will heal eventually
we are waiting on a second opinion on the wrist, that may need
another surgery.
Liver is healing nicely
Jaw is broken, but we are waiting for swelling to subside and will
determine by next Wednesday if we have to wire shut.
shoulder sprain will heal.
besides the headaches and soreness he is on his road to recovery.
He may be going home Friday evening, but no later than Saturday.
Thanks again from Joe and his family for all of your support and
kindness and all of the great e-mails, cards and gifts. We love
this sport!!! Thanks for confirming why this sport is so great.
Sincerely,
Joe, Mark, Colleen (Joe's mom), and our whole family.