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A Special
'Thank You' From Cooper's Family
Throughout our lives we have treasured our personal relationships with friends and family. Now, in the midst of this tragedy these same individuals have shown us what true caring is all about! We've been introduced to a whole new world of wonderful people as well!
First to our families. Our parents were immediately by our sides and have continued to be a strong support! Bridget's dad Pat, stepmother Susan, and her sisters, Aubrey and Caitlin, flew instantly from New Jersey. They helped us talk to doctors, helped look after Cody, and reminded us to eat. Bridget's mother, Lisa, was right there and organized numbers of prayer groups in the waiting room! She continues to always be there in many ways and has learned how to help take care of Cooper's special needs so that she can sometimes baby-sit. Jeff's mother, Ruth, drove straight through from Michigan with Jeff's brother Beau, his brother Bud, his sister Kathy and her husband Charlie, to be by her son's side. Without a word she stayed with us helping get done the things that needed to get done. Jeff's sisters Jaci and Debi were also by Jeff's side. Debi has been a wonderful support and Jaci is just so positive! We love it!
Bridget's grandmother Sharon, along with Eva, drove quickly in from Palm Springs to be there too. Her heart felt hugs and concern continue to be a huge support, on top of helping out with Cooper's needs as well. Thank you Grandmother!
Bridget's Uncle Ron and Aunt Kathi got to the hospital instantly to be there for us. Thank you for your loving support and understanding! Thank you, too, Auntie Sherrie for not only being there for us, but also for Cooper's Grammy Lisa.
Thank you to all of Bridget's family who represented her at her grandfather's, (George Shaheen), funeral that she had to miss to stay by Cooper's side. Thank you for also being there at the hospital and offering your encouragement.
We have so many wonderful friends to thank. First, to John and Linda Ivers. Thank you for being true friends when we needed you most. We'll never forget how you were there for us, understanding the enormous trauma involved in this tragedy! George and Brenda Hager took turns flying in from Oregon to be by our sides. Brenda also made sure we always had yummy food if our appetites permitted. George did a wonderful job, along with Beau, of helping include Cody and putting together a terrific song for Coop! To Mike and Julianne Haslett - your care and concern mean so much, along with the concern of your families. Julianne made sure Bridget had comfortable clothes and reading material to keep her mind off of things in the hospital. She was, and continues to be, a special support to Bridget. Thanks Juli! :o) Elise Poulain has also been very special to our family throughout this ordeal! She always has a positive outlook and an ear to lend. We'll never forget the flowers she sent on the year anniversary of Cooper's accident. The card attached read
"Today is a GOOD day because Cooper is here and he is laughing!"
We repeat that to ourselves on those bad days. Thank you for always being there, Elise!
To all of the friends that came to the hospital - just your being there says it all! Thanks for the dry shoulders to lean on and words of encouragement.
To Vikki Lister and her daughter, Shanika. Having a mom in the same situation with such a positive attitude truly helped us to survive! We'll never forget the hopeful words you shared with us,
"Where There's Life, There's Hope!"
A special thanks to Margaret and John Reid for opening their home to us. To Mike and Tammy Spates, for their true understanding and caring support. We're here for you guys too!
Those we worked with, the Indio High School Staff, the Motor Cargo team and our friends
from Con-Way Western Express, helped us through all of this too. The cards, letters, money, and weeks off were greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten!
We would like to thank all involved in Cooper's rehabilitation. There have been numerous people that have lovingly helped Cooper continue to progress. First, Mike and Tamara Hildebrande, who gave us guidance, support, ideas, direction and most importantly HOPE! The Desert Rehab Gang: Patricia, Jenny, Mike, Sheila, and Terri. Dr. Craig and his staff, Dr. Huf and Danine Mele-Hayes, Sharon Grady, Cindy Seidler, Dr. Reller, Dr. Wen, Sam Raei, CORE, Esther Ewing, Lynn Conklin, Katie McCoy,
Dr. Wolff and his staff, and Sandy Schneider.
Cooper's nurse Cis has been an amazing support! Her loving care of Cooper helps us to get those much needed breaks and feel safe doing so! In addition to her top notch care of Cooper, she is a true friend to Bridget. Thank you for your caring wisdom and special friendship, Cis! Thanks, too, to Roxanne Hockensmith for nuturing Cooper for his 19 months before this terrible accident.
A very special THANK YOU goes out to Chris Hipsher. He put together this web site for Cooper and did a fabulous job! His encouragement, sensitivity and tenacity continue to help us, and Cooper, keep up the fight! Thank you so much, Chris!
Lastly, we would like to thank our son Cody. His amazing attitude, intelligence and love helps to remind us daily just what it is were fighting for.
It is impossible to thank everyone, but through this site we hope to have done so! Your continued support through cards, phone calls, emails, and prayer means the world to us! You've all taught us what friends and families are truly for!
From Our Hearts,
Jeff and Bridget Somerville
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