This past Saturday, James' brother, Roger, and his wife, Glenda, flew in from Charleston to spend some time with us and to visit James & Etta. It was an AMAZING visit!
You may recall that it was Roger and my husband, Mike, who first discovered the conditions that James & Etta were being subjected to. Roger saw the situation at its worse on July 24th. It was 4 days later that James & Etta were removed from their home, never to return there or to independent living. Needless to say, I've been anxious for Roger & Glenda to come back to VA so they could see how miraculously well they are now doing!
James recognized Roger right away... immediately recounting a five mile run the two men took many years ago. James recalled how they "crossed the nickel bridge" and the brothers were lost in time. It was precious...priceless...and unforgettable. It was also the only conversation they had. This memory was a gift shared between the two. James didn't contribute to the conversation beyond this point and I believe its because this was the only memory his mind could conjure up at the time.
Below are some photos taken during the visit. I will write more later but couldn't wait to post these snapshots.
You may recall that it was Roger and my husband, Mike, who first discovered the conditions that James & Etta were being subjected to. Roger saw the situation at its worse on July 24th. It was 4 days later that James & Etta were removed from their home, never to return there or to independent living. Needless to say, I've been anxious for Roger & Glenda to come back to VA so they could see how miraculously well they are now doing!
James recognized Roger right away... immediately recounting a five mile run the two men took many years ago. James recalled how they "crossed the nickel bridge" and the brothers were lost in time. It was precious...priceless...and unforgettable. It was also the only conversation they had. This memory was a gift shared between the two. James didn't contribute to the conversation beyond this point and I believe its because this was the only memory his mind could conjure up at the time.
Below are some photos taken during the visit. I will write more later but couldn't wait to post these snapshots.
This last picture is my FAVORITE!
Just before our visit was concluding, Roger met James in the hall.
Though James is no longer running, the brothers briefly joined hands and took a short walk down the hall...
I wouldn't have missed
this moment for the world!