Well, today I have been away from home for sixty days.  In some ways it seems like I’ve been
gone forever, but others it feels like I left just yesterday.  Life is good here.  I have 
made many friends and met several others that have put a mark on my life.  Today we had a 
patient that walked right into an IED (improvised explosion device).  His whole face and 
hands were covered in raspberries.  It was like he was peppered.  It also did damage to his
eyes.  He had to keep eye patches over them and sit up at a 30 degree angle so that the 
blood wouldn’t pool at the back of his eyes.  He could possibly lose his vision 
permanently.  He was however able to walk around.  I felt so bad for him.  His face looked 
like someone gooped raspberry jam all over it.  Plus when we put the medicine on his face 
it looks even worse because it is all shiny.  I can only pray and hope his vision is 
returned to normal.  Could you imagine, one day you leave your wife and kids and their 
tearful faces and then return to only a memory of their faces?  

The majority of our INJURED patients are awarded the Purple Heart.  If you get a chance go 
to the Purple Heart website.  It’s at www.purpleheart.org under the FAQ tab.  It’s amazing 
what benefits these Purple Heart recipients are given.  Not to say that it could ever 
replace the damage that has been done, but it does help a bit.  One of my patients was 
telling me that he will get free licensing done on his vehicle for the rest of his life 
and free college for getting a Purple Heart.  I thought that was really neat.  So the next 
time you see a vehicle with a Purple Heart license plate think about the price they have 
paid for our freedom.

On the lighter side, I am Dandy and I am a Scrabbleaholic.  I think I have played everyday 
for the past two weeks.  Sometimes I have played even twice in one day.  I get my butt 
stomped some days, but others I do the butt stomping.  I would even consider challenging 
the Scrabble champion, Aunt Joann.  I certainly wouldn’t talk smack to her until I beat 
her though.  Again, it’s something to pass the time away and it really makes me think.  We 
have to take the batteries out of the smoke detectors when I play though.   All of that 
smoke from my brain causes the detectors to off and wakes the patients.

And on to today’s movie review:  Cinderella Man staring Russel Crowe and Renee Zelweger (sp)
A true story about a boxer who makes a come back during the depression and his wife who 
stands behind him through it all.  If you enjoy Rocky or Million Dollar Baby, you will 
enjoy Cinderella Man.  Crowe and Zelweger (sp) have such a convincing on screen love for 
one another.  Crowe goes the extra mile in his fighting scenes with his built up body.  
The New Jersey accents are great.  I would recommend renting the movie for sure.  I give 
it three stars.

Good night for now family and friends and until next time….

Now it’s time to say goodbye

To all our company
M – I – C 

See ya real soon
K – E - Y

Why?  Beacause we like you
M – O – U – S – E!!!!

Dandy Super Duper Smiley Face Peanut Buster Parfait with extra hot fudge Aaron