Photo Project and a Late Update

I wrote this last night, but was not able to post here to the blog until today. The photo project is NOT for his birthday. It would have been nice to have it for that, but I didn't think of it in time. One thing I have learned by watching Chester recover is to take things one step at a time. So first step is to get those photos to me... please. Here is my writing from yesterday:

The Project

First of all - my project. I want to talk about this first so that the information regarding Cheeky One does not put it out of your mind. I'd like to do a collage of photos of those of you who are supporting him 'out there.' Those of us 'in here' will also be on it, but I would like to give him a visual of all the folks praying/thinking/sending healing energy/and doing all kinds of wuwu for him. It would also give you a way of 'being here' with him. I'm going to give you a week to get your photos to me. Send cyberspace or snail-mail. I have specific needs:

• It must be a close up so he can see your face: see his photo from '96 at the top of the blog to give you and idea of what I need. If it's too small, he won't be able to see it, and I won't be able to enlarge it, unless it's digital which can be enlarged (and sufficient resolution). If it's too small I will not use it.


• I will not be able to return any photos.


• Please put your name with the photo: either on the back if you mail it, or in the e-mail when you cyber it.


• If you email it, please send as an attachment: my server has a difficult time with some pictures that are sent in the body of the text. I want to get it, and I will if its an attachment.

The photos in the collage will encircle him. The size of the collage will depend on the size of a room he will have at Herrick Hospital, where he will be doing his rehabilitation.

I'm going to have him in the middle, and I'm going to only change his photo.... I'll use the one I took today, and then take one next week, etc., as he gets better, his photo will change. So that is my project.

My address is:

Marilyn Gugel
1710 6th Ave, Apt. #1
Oakland, CA 94606

You can email me here.

The Update

Now for a quick update:

Members of Chester's "Primary Team": (L-R) Marilyn, Chrys, Xo, & Jaime; plus Chester, of course.

Here in the US it's a national holiday.... Labor Day... and boy did I see 'our boy' labor today. As I walked in the room to visit this afternoon, he was moving himself around in a wheelchair, and promptly got himself into bed (with very slight help from Xo..) I saw him get himself into bed last Friday, and the difference in just the weekend was astounding. I told him so, and he did not believe me at first, thought I was joking. On Friday, he needed someone to help hold his body as he maneuvered his feet and legs into a sitting position. Today Xo only held his arm... I think... he was there and it was mostly moral support rather than physical support. He moved a lot more quickly, and was able to twist his body gracefully into a sitting position. He did kind of plop when he sat down, but hey, so do I!

Two beautiful bouquets: the purple on the left from Paul Frantz, and the lighter on the right from Chester's sister, Misty.

He is much more in charge of his own care now also... I noticed some of that on Friday, but really noticed it more today. He did dictate the visiting policy... he was very clear on what he wanted to say regarding people coming to visit. Please read carefully when it is posted on the blog (it's posted below, and there's a link at right). He will be moved soon, they say, and he is calling it Boot Camp, but Chrys said "Butt Camp," I think because he will be working his butt off (so to speak).

More later, I'm sure. Thanks for any help with the project. Jay, this does not supersede your request for photos and I'll work on that tomorrow. I don't have my camera hook-up for the computer with me, or I'd show you how he looked today. More tomorrow.

Love, laughter, and a bunch of wuwu back to you. I do feel your support for those of us who are in closer proximity to Chester.

Love, Marilyn

P.S. from Jay: I added a new photo to Marilyn's post from Friday. Check it out!