Memories my post the day I graduated with Emmam -Oct 2005

My Graduation Commments


Graduation was emotional and wonderful. Tonight I will simply share the comments I shared at this event. I will write more about the graduation tomorrow.

October 28, 2005
Some of the people in this room tonight know that I once was a teacher. I loved being a teacher. Tonight however, I stand before you as a very very humble student. I am here to thank your for what you have all taught me.

• When I look around the room and see first all the Michurski’s Emma’s foster family,
• the instructors of Team training,
• the staff of helping paws
• Those of you who are foster parents
• Sponsors and donors
• Helpers at the various classes
• The board of directors
• Families and friends of graduates
• The graduates from my class and others
• And of course the wonderful dogs

I recognize how much you have taught me about what people can accomplish when people work together - they combine their unique gifts and talents to work towards a common goal. Certainly tonight celebrates that unity of purpose!!

You also have taught me about persistence and patience and commitment. I especially thank the Michurskis and all the foster families and instructors. Every day I marvel at how these dogs can help others. I learned about helping paws long before I had a disability. I have learned through the process of becoming a graduate. Now I have wonderful Emma in my home and have had a chance to work with her in public. It is impossible to list for you all ways she is assisting me in my daily life. Your patience, your persistence and commitment -
All those days weeks, months and years you trained and nurtured this intelligent dogs – is certainly something we celebrate tonight.

Finally - being involved in this organization and process has taught me a great deal about THE DEPTH OF HUMAN GENEROSITY.

I was fortunate to be a teacher for jack and Michael Michurski. I met Judy and Steve there and you won’t be surprised to hear Judy was an active volunteer.
When I had to leave that position due to my life began to change dramatically. I did not see them as our paths went different ways. I did not know she had a puppy to train or that she became a staff member. I did not find out until it was decided the Emma would be placed in my home of their roles as Emma’s foster family.

I have wrestled with how do I ever say thank you to Judy, Steve, jack, Michael, Katie Michurskis for all they have done.

LOOK AT THIS ROOM - filled with people who have open their homes to puppies that have become service dogs. All of you who have supported helping paws in various ways. I salute your generosity!!!
Thank you for showing me the depth of human generosity.

I WANT IT TO BE VERY VERY CLEAR TO ALL OF YOU that the investment you have made to helping paws has made a difference in my life. WHATEVER YOUR DONATION HAS BEEN TO HELPING PAWS = YOU CAN BE VERY VERY CERTAIN

THAT EVER DOLLAR YOU SPENT SUPPORTING EMMA AND HELPING PAWS
ALL YOUR EVENTS YOU HELPED WITH
EVERY HOUR YOU SPENT IN TRAINING CLASSES
EVERY MTG YOU ATTENDED
EVERY SECOND YOU SPENT AS FOSTER PARENT

ALL THAT TIME AND ENERGY HAS PAID OFF. YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. Thank you to all of you for that.

On a closing note, since we are in tears here anyway, I have one final comment to make to the JUDY MICHURSKI. YOU are so kind hearted – that I doubt she recall this. When I left teaching due to MS there were some teary moments. On one occasion you said to me “Someday I am going to think of way to help you with the MS”. Well Judy, you sure did.

from Emma

Hi from Emma

We went to water exercise though Mary couldn't do too much
Just exercise her legs mostly walking and some marching gently
Then light things - nothing with the arms.

Then we slept for a long long time
Some time outdoors, a bit of tv

We have tickets for almost the whole family to go to the Twins Fri night
Our last time to see them at the Dome
They have a new outdoor stadium coming next year
Mary will go if she feels okay
We will see how she feels

I am glad to see her better
Also I kind of "snuggled" with her Judy!!!
Yesterday I really did it!!!!!!!
Then I got so excited at her praise
I did my puppy scoot/dance
JUDY knows what I mean
We have our own way of hugging
Then I dance

At night I like to wrap my paw around her arm
Greg says it is amazing
I do it at nap time often too
Somehow I always like to be as close to her as I can
Do you know it has almost been 4 years?

We are a good team

Emma

Feeling Better

Dear Readers,

Thanks so much for the kind thoughts and emails and prayers.
They mean more to me than you could imagine.
I am finally feeling a little better.
I went out to get my hair cut which helps too.
Good for my morale.

Emma has been super and I will keep needing some rest.
Drs. okayed that I go to water exercise tomorrow
IF I feel okay and can handle the pain I still have
IF I only work on legs not arm exercises and if it doesn't make it worse
It will be good for me even if I walk some and float some and exercise my legs
It will be good to see my friends.
But it will depend on how the night goes and how I feel in the morning.

So one day at a time
Emma and I were outdoors (me just sitting) for long periods of time today
We both enjoyed it.
I still had to nap a lot but not as much as past days (yipee)

Off to bed...Emma will take off my socks, get me the blanket, pick up anything I drop on the way and then snuggle in with me. I just love my Emma. She is so good for me.

Mary and Emma

Taking IT Slow

Resting and sleepy a lot. Emma is being great. Our house was cleaned today so that helps my spirits.

Thanks for the get well wishes....Mary and Emma

Sunday

Nothing new
Mary did sit outside with me a few times
Otherwise mostly resting or sleeping

Saturday - At Home

Resting all day...

One Day at A Time to Feel Better

From Emma

I am glad it doesn't hurt me to breathe like Mary.

Pain pills and rest are helping or will help we hope.

We have been outside but mostly sleeping or resting.

One day at a time.

Thanks for the nice notes in the email and ecards.

Thinking of Judy, Brenda, Pam, Eileen and all those working on the Helping Paws Dinner tomorrow night. Today is a busy day for them also. Hope all goes well.

We weren't going to be there due to a schedule conflict but now had to cancel those plans too.
We will be there next year and hope all goes well. It is such fun and exciting.

Things I am doing for Mary

-getting the blanket
-getting the phone
- cuddling up next to her
-picking up anything she drops (does she do this on purpose?)
- helping her take off her socks, retrieving her shoes
- moral support
- making her smile with my kisses
- cuddling up next to her (doing that a lot)

Mary reminded me it is 9/11 and to pray for those who lost loved ones. She was teaching Judy's kids on that day. The principal asked she not tell students and let their parents explain. So hard to act like nothing was happening and to not know what was going on.

Oops time for Mary to lay down some more. Emma