Monday, September 29, 2008

9-29-08

Hello,
Man, what a chilly morning. It is good to see the leaves changing and winter setting in. The biker in me hates the winter, but the Vermonter in me can only love it. Time is passing and I am only getting better.
Today I am attempting something I never did when I was well. I am going to try to walk up the hill Burlington is built on. It is actually harder than it sounds.
This past weekend, I went up to the cross races in Williston. To think that the Verge season opener took place twenty minutes from my house! I was surprised more people didn't turn out. There wasn't much publicity about it. Jamey gave us a pretty exciting race on Sunday with a lethal attack in the last lap. I got wickedly jealous of the racers but it was awesome to be out there and not in my living room.
The most exciting thing that happened this weekend was a matter of the palate. I was able to eat a little bit of steak which was cut up very very tiny. It was delicious. Man, I have learned that you appreciate things a lot more when they are taken away. That is why I can't wait to get back on the bike.
I want to thank you for reading this blog,
Rose

Friday, September 26, 2008

Update 9-26-08

well well well,
Yesterday's glorious Indian summer day found me asleep on the couch for three hours. Man, recovering is tough work. I have gotten my stitches out so my face is no longer blue. My eye is beginning to open more and more. Everyday, I go to PT to get my legs stretched out and loose from being in the hospital for so long. I am also stomaching *delicious* protein drinks to get jacked and tan.
again, thanks for all the notes,
Rose

Monday, September 22, 2008

September 22, 2008 Update

Hello,
I am doing better and better everyday. Today I cooked oatmeal and took the bus to UVM. It is weird riding the bus because I used to just bike everywhere. On the bus, a man came up to me and started talking to me. He had heard about the accident and had sent me a card even though I didn't know him. I really appreciate everyone's support. You know I am a very social person so it helps a lot. I like to read all the posts and email and really appreciate getting news about anything.
Rose

Thursday, September 18, 2008

THE UPDATE

Hello,

I am improving with leaps and bounds everyday. On Wednesday morning (after getting the biggest blood boogers pulled out of my nose) I managed to escape from the hospital. I took a trip through campus to the Davis Center to send a few emails and drink some orange juice. As I was walking through the Davis Center wearing a hospital gown it was a little drafty but I managed to conquer three flights of stairs. Some students going to classes were a little scared I think.

Once I got back to the hospital they realized that I was able to leave the hospital and was discharged. I am currently at my house in Burlington and really appreciate all visitors. I read all the posts. Thank you.

Rose

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

From Rose's Sister Amie

Fun, energetic, exciting, adventurous, funny, good, best, satisfied, fast, determined, driven, and a great sister. Rose has grown up to be a wonderful sister. At her races I watch her drive to be the front of the pack, I watch her eyes stay on the competitor, and I watch her smile when she crosses the finish line. It's sad for me to see Rose in the hospital but I am confident that she is getting the care and the attention that she needs to make a full recovery. I can not wait to see Rose out on her bike again!

I want to take this time to thank EVERYONE for EVERYTHING. Me, my family, and Rose can not thank people enough. Please feel free to contact me at aae3@unh.edu, or 802-779-4038. I love each and every one of you.

-Amie Long

Someone stop her!

The day before yesterday, the 15th, Rose was stuck in bed and we were doing all we could to keep Rose's pain manageable. I just got off the phone with her! It's 10:30pm! What is going on you might ask? Well, I'll tell you: Rose is holding onto Slim's hand going for her 4th or 5th jaunt around the hospital. She's moving safely around the hospital on her own two feet! This girl is unbelievable. I was there from 10-5 today and kept some visitors at bay whilst the little one slept and then gave her a leg massage to prep the legs for some grueling training sessions -a foot massage, too because she walked about 300m to "the view" at the end of an adjacent building. Rose is doing well. I even had the pleasure of feeding her some of her first "food" (pureed chops and some mashed potates). She drinks from small cups and could lift herself from the bed and navigate to the exit in the case of a fire if she wanted to (yeah, I'd put money on it). She doesn't like going fast in the wheelchair yet, but we'll see what tomorrow brings.

I'd like to post my mother's wishes:

"Dear Rose,
When Will called me to "update" me about his life at UVM, I was stunned to tears at hearing your story. It's something us Mothers (and Fathers) desperately hope as "never" happening to our children. So, I just want to tell you (because Will might forget) that I'm very much on your team with Will, I feel for your parents and I'm cheering for your full and rapid recovery because I know how much you (must) love the bike...and will be right back on it, racing to great victories! Love, Louisa (Dugan)"

Another kind fellow said:

"The web site is quite touching. I have sent a little something along and am going to share it with my sister who lives in Hartland, VT as it may be of interest to her also." Karl Volkman

The pain is worse at night and she gets startled from bad dreams but she's a real trooper. Even I, on occasion wake in the middle of the night thinking about Rose and the pain she's been enduring. I can't say I know someone as tough as she is. I'm in the library trying to catch up on some homework now so I must get back to it, but Rose, keep up the unbelievably fast progress! You have the support of thousands.

We're all watching you.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Update on Rose, Website, & The Rally for Safe Streets

Earlier I visited Rose with Vinnie, Will, and Slim. Rose is looking a lot better and is still herself, busting on us and making jokes. She told us how one of the nurses told her she should get up because she had been in bed for too long and Rose said, "Uhh, yeaaah.... I got hit by a car." We all know how tough Rose is but your support has kept her going strong.  While we were there, Kevin and Tom from GMBC told Rose that they were going to buy her a new bike!! The way that friends, local cyclists, and complete strangers have come together to help Rose is awesome.


The 'About Rose' section of the website will be finished tonight or tomorrow morning and I will add photos as people send them to me. (mfemia@uvm.edu) Already, people from all over the country have visited the site and made donations. Post links to the website anyplace you can think of. 


Tomorrow, the UVM Cycling Team, Local Motion, and GMBC will be holding a Rally for Safe Streets from 12:15 to 12:45 on the steps of City Hall to raise awareness about Rose's accident and promote initiatives to improve cycling and pedestrian safety. The media will be there and the mayor might make a statement. Please come down if you are available. If you ride, make sure you wear a helmet.


-Mike







Rose

Rose is totally smoking everyone in the race to recovery. Another visit to the Fletcher Allen Hospital for me (classes just ended). I went earlier and was happy to see her talking, looking around with the eye that is easier to open, and I even saw her sit in a chair next to her bed. She's been resting well. There have been fewer visitors (partially we've been pushing them out of the room to let her rest (God bless her fans, there are zillions) so she's been able to get some good shut-eye lately. See you soon, to the hospital it is! Away!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to Rose's message board. Friends and family will post regular updates. Anybody can respond to posts or send get-well wishes to Rose.