Visit with WAYNE!!!!!!!!

Don .....Wilson.....and Wayne

back row - Mike Gibson and Steve Gutendorf

middle row - Don Cox, Jody Marshall and Kathy Lauman

front row - Wayne Lauman

back row - Don Cox, Mark Foster and Mike Gibson

middle row - Jody Marshall and Kathy Lauman

front row - Wayne Lauman and Steve Gutendorf

Wayne Lauman and Mark Foster

back row - Don, Steve and Mike

front row - Wayne and Mark

Visit with Wayne....from Don (THOR) Cox

Mark Foster arranged a convenient time with Kathy and Wayne for a segment of our "ramp group" to pay a visit now that Wayne is recovered enough from his bout with pneumonia to enjoy company. So on Saturday, August 15 (2009...almost a year after our ramp/deck completion) at 2:00 p.m. Mark Foster, Steve Gutendorf, Jodie Marshall, Mike Gibson and Don Cox paid a visit. As I arrived at the same time as Mike, we were welcomed into the front room by Kathy and Wayne, and Steve, Jodie and Mark who had arrived a few moments before. The laughter was already occurring, and Mike and I gave Wayne a hug. Wayne told us of his recent experiences, that to me were demonstrations of his personal internal strength and courage. Such as the creativeness of an EMT figuring out how to make a C-PAP work like a Bi-Pap machine to enable Wayne to breath as they transported him to the hospital, and how the EMT would manually perform things to keep him breathing while they stared in each others eyes for communication of the breathing effectiveness. Obviously, this was successful. Wayne shared other stories of struggle and courage from this recent experience. Kathy conducted tours of the new bathroom arrangement that works great for Wayne. Jodie was impressed with the bun warmers, and Steve said he wanted to try them out too - but decided it best to wait for Jodie to finish. We gathered for several pictures with Wayne, and during the course of this - some in the group decided to test the stainmaster capabilities of the new carpet and also prove the super absorbancy of the paper towels (what are you thinking? It was just pop!!!) We laughed at Mike keeping the "Wilson" tradition going (see pics) and we enjoyed the sweet fragrance of sanitary soap baths we gave ourselves - you guys smelled sooooo good! (We used this sanitary soap to protect Wayne from any contaminants/germs). Wayne shared how much he enjoys receiving e-mails, letters and cards and that he e-mails as he is able, but it is much harder for him now as he needs to use the "single-finger" typing method so it takes him much longer to do so...and wants people to know that he appreciates all the communication and don't take his shorter replies as anything less than full appreciation of you all!!! Steve, Mike and Jodie said their goodbyes for the day around 3:00...and Mark and Don continued to visit with Wayne and shared many sports stories - some from our "glory days" and some current sports topics, as well. With a shared prayer by Mark, while the three of us held hands, we closed our visit with Wayne for this day at 4:00.

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Visit with Wayne....from Steve (Gutey-Stingo-Gute you brute-Stingoman) Gutendorf

It was great to see Wayne and Kathy Saturday.
Wayne looked so healthy.
The best way I could describe Wayne as I watched him interact with everyone is "New Life, and a LIGHT in that man's eyes!"
I think he even looked better than he did a year ago during the ramp project!
Mark Foster, Mike Gibson, Jodie Verhagae-Marshall and myself visited with Wayne and Kathy for a good amount of time.
Their new restroom is awesome! BIGGER, and new fixtures to accommodate Wayne better.
One thing Wayne shared, which was a bit humorous was about having a dream while he was in the hospital.
He was a character in an old Star Trek episode. I don't think I've ever had a dream like that...
;-))

It was just great getting to visit with him and Kathy in the setting of "HOME"... Not a facility...
If anyone plans a visit, please consider taking some waterless hand cleaner or wet wipes along for yourself to reduce the chance of germs, as Wayne's immune system may be a bit challenged with having had this bout of Pneumonia and infection. Also if you have a cold or other symptoms, you should consider waiting until you are over it.