REFLECTIONS

It was time to reboot.

After surviving a nasty fall at the site of the Blooming Prairie Veterans Memorial in mid-June, I realized it was time to refocus.

“Slow down,” advised the physical therapist working at a local nursing home. That advice was given when I first began therapy and when I departed the nursing home.

“If you take that advice, you will have more time to react,” my therapist said.

Work, work, work, and work some more was the objective of the rehabilitation sessions.

My wife, Judy, was a giant-sized support system by coming to the rehab facility every day. She laughed when we got home in Blooming Prairie, and I told her I was missing something.

“What’s that?” she asked. 

“My call light,” I answered. I used it often, and it got to be my best friend.

“That was left at the rehab facility,” Judy remarked.

There were many more escapades from my time in rehab. “Ra-Ra” got to be my best friend. He is a Husky who loved to greet all of the residents. He also loved the treats he received, including ice cream, beef sticks, and Cheetos.

Meals were outstanding, and I very seldom missed a meal. Breakfast started at 7 a.m., the noon lunch started at 11 a.m., and the evening meal came at 5 p.m.

Field trips

As a resident, I got to be a part of two field trips, one to the Steele County Fair and the other to the Union Coffee Cafe. Our wheelchairs went with us.

It was at the Steele County Fair where Betty Qualls began working on her Bucket List. Betty is 95 and one determined woman.

She was convinced to ride on a Ferris wheel with Aric Christopherson.

“It was a great ride, and I had never been on one,” Betty said.

Next on her Bucket List was a ride on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Number 3 on Betty’s Bucket List was a desire to jump out of a airplane. I still didn’t believe Betty was going to do it. I called Betty’s daughter, Pam Lujan, who confirmed that she, her mother, and her daughter, Denise Lujan, were making the jumps, which were set for the morning of Oct. 19 at the Waseca airport.

Dan Geiser helped Betty get ready for the jump.

Temperatures cooled as Betty got ready for her BIG DAY. Dan hunted up some warm clothing and gloves.

As the Cesna 182 taxied down the runway, Dan asked, "Are you nervous Betty?”

She quickly answered, “No.”

“I am kind of nervous,” Dan joked.

Betty’s three partners in sky diving were also first timers. Aric made his second jump. He also prayed for safe jumps. Aric learned that the airplane pilot was named Joshua. Aric recited a Bible verse from Joshua.

Betty was asked if she would jump again. She again answered with a quick, “No.” The other three jumpers all said they would do it again.

There were a couple of skydivers waiting to jump, who were unfortunately turned away by the wind, which got stronger. That last jump signaled the final action for the season.

Betty now hopes to make her Bucket List “4 for 4.” What’s fourth on her Bucket List? She wants to drive a stock car.

Negotiations have started with noted race driver Mark Noble trying to line up such a wish.