Hikin Mike Update

“Spoke to Mike recently and he's been on my mind. He's been having a rough go of it since getting Lyme disease. That guy's got grit. He has had knee replacement surgery since then only to have it removed again. During that last operation, he also suffered a stroke. He's come out of it, but there are after affects.

He's home and in recovery, but he's not really able to get to his computer as of yet.

So, I set up an REI registry for him that mostly consists of wilderness and photography books. If you'd like to send him a few words with maybe a gift card or one of the registry gifts, I'm sure it could really mean something to him.

The registry code is GR1450194 at(www.rei.com). Search by registry code and follow the links and prompts, if you'd like. The book, "Thoughts On Walden Pond" looks really warm and inspiring.

I guess I'm doing this to see if others want in on sending a gift and encouragement his way. I guess this is as a larger reminder for him to keep it going and to never give up.

Your prayers on his behalf would mean the most.”

“I don't know Mike, but I can certainly pray for him!

What kind of stroke? I ask because my husband had a stroke 3 1/2 years ago; his bad heart blew a clot to the right brain so his left side is affected. He's mostly better now. It is possible to recover some or even most of your functions depending on how big the clot was, where it went and how quickly you were treated.”

“James - Thanks. Appreciate the update. Will definitely send prayers his way again. Sorry to hear about the complications.”

“Hi Pamela, you can see more about Mike here: www.thebackcountry.org. He's spent some time here from way back.

Unsure about about what kind of stroke. Didn't think to ask him about that. We spoke about random stuff and it was just hard to figure out what to say. I'd expect that he's going to fully recover.

Glad to hear your husband is well and that he's got a new start.”

“Thanks for the update Tek. I'll be hoping for Mike's quick and full recovery.”

“One of the best hugs I ever got was from Mike who drove down after hiking in T. Meadow to meet me when I was camping in Yosemite. I have been following his progress both here and by emails and have been concerned at his absense...thank you so much for the update...I shall definitely be sending him a gift card...Mata”

“Thanks for the update.”

“tekdude - I went to the REI registry. Do you know how that works? If we order something, will he get it on Jan 19th? Or do we receive it and then have to send it too him? Thanks!”

“Thanks for the update. Prayers for Mike and family. I can't imagine what they're going through.”

“You can do a bill to-ship-to option. Send it as a gift.”

““James - Thanks. Appreciate the update. Will definitely send prayers his way again. Sorry to hear about the complications.”
Phil
1:50:22 AM
1/09/07

Amen!”

“Any other books that he might be interested in? Ed Abbey or others?”

“Phil, he would get the gift on or before the 19th. ChicagoMark has it right. During check out, you're given a message that the item is a registry piece and you can pick Mike's address, or have it sent to you instead and forward it thereafter if you want. The registry leaves that up to you. You just have to search by the registry number to get to the list.

I don't see details in terms of any transactions, but I tested it and the registry works as it should.

Your thoughts, hope and prayers can only help bring him comfort and recovery.”

“dayhiker - Dunno about Ed Abbey. That sounds like someone I'd enjoy, though! lolol.

For Mike, I picked out a modest number of Sierra and Yosemite photo essays and books. I'm thinking he'd be inspired by Art Wolfe, Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell, etc. with narrative and educational material that pulls on his curiosity.”

“Rockman - thanks. Imagine having to carry what he's had to all this time. I hope he comes out of it also. Sooner the better if not just to be able to move onto a better chapter in life.”

“Matahari - good story. That sure sounds like Mike. Always willing to offer a helping hand. Hugs even. =)”

“Bumped this up. See the original post. Looks like a Get Well Party coming up on the 19th.”

“Nope. No party. Or at least that I'm aware of. LOL! I set the registry up as a way for peeps to get in on giving to a hiking friend and a regular at TT. This is all happening up to and before the 19th. I sent his way the "Thoughts on Walden Pond" book by Thoreau. Some thoughts there for anyone to ponder. Pondering at the pond, I guess. =P

Excerpt:
"I went to the woods," Thoreau tells us, "because I wanted to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life and see if I could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die, discovered I had not lived."

So you see? So fitting.”

“tekdude - OK. I misunderstood what the registry said.
last edited: 1/14/07 3:12:01 AM”

“tekdude, you got mail.”