Please read my most important message to-date

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 9:03 pm

The subject line may be strange but it is also true.

Some of you have probably worked out with one of my teachers,
Sensei Charles Blackmon.

This is an important message about Charlie.
This message has been authorized by his daughter Dionne.

One of my instructors, someone a great many of us love deeply,
Charlie Blackmon,
has had a horrible turn of events.

Near the end of August, 2003, Charlie suffered a couple of strokes and has been in the hospital. He has now been relocated to the Orlando area for rehab. The Orlando area is where many of his family are located.

The favor I hope that you will consent to is for you to write, email, or video tape a few messages to Charlie...
words of encouragement....

I am hoping that Charlie will take your words of encouragement and strive to recover beyond what the doctors are leading us to expect (about 30% recovery)

My most recent contact with Charlie was Tuesday, September 16th,
while he was still in the hospital in Tampa.
(as I mentioned he's now in a rehab in Orlando)
At that time they managed to get Charlie to sit up. He was able to maintain his balance after a few seconds. Then they managed to get him to stand!!
Charlie has had difficulty communicating but he understands what you say when you talk with him.

Since that time he has continued to progress!!
Below is the address for the rehab Charlie is at....
At this time messages on Tape or CD or Video would be a better choice than email.
As time goes on I'm sure the email option will be possible as well...as Charlie's recovery continues...

Florida Hospital South
Rehabilitation Center.
601 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803
room 1409 Bed 2

Thank you.

Deep Sea · Post by **Deep Sea** » Sun Sep 28, 2003 3:51 pm

Get me a plane ticket and transportation between the airport and the hospital in the next week or so and I'll drop everything and fly down there to be with your friend for a day for you if that is what you wish.

I'll prepare something, the early days of similar struggles and the results of successes even if only to move a toe, to speak, or to stand up, if that's also what you wish. But I may not be able to reach him unless I look into his eyes, if then.

Remember, Rich, I'm not only recovering from broken bones and a damaged spinal chord, but from head trauma and it's effects as well.

Been receiving your email but don't know if you have been receiving mine.

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 12:49 am

Allen,

Thank you for your compassion.
I will pass your offer along to the family and our dojo.

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Thu Oct 02, 2003 4:16 am

I've noticed that a lot of you have read my message about Charlie.
Thank you.
I though I'd post an update on how he's doing.

The follow are from an email sent to me by his daughter

Dionne Blackmon Dumas wrote:For those of you who may not know, last Thursday (Sept 18th), dad (Charlie) began slightly moving his left hand and foot, and over the weekend, was able to lift his foot and squeeze his hand on command (with a big smile!). This is a great accomplishment and it shows that things are healing in that brain of his just fine. (on Sept 22nd), he was moved to Florida Hospital South Rehabilitation Center....He's in room 1409 Bed 2.

Charlie had a great week this week (the week of Sept 26). Tuesday morning (Sept 23), the therapists started with him bright and early. He told the physical therapist that he wanted to get out of his room so she ordered a wheelchair and he sat up for the first time in almost a month - grinning from ear to ear I might add. He has progressed a lot in just a week. His speech is much clearer, he's able to move a lot better, and today (Friday Sept 26th), they did a swallow study and decided he could swallow enough to begin eating puree foods. ...... It wasn't long ago that.... he could hardly lift one side of his body in the bed? Tonight (Friday Sept 26th), he actually turned on his left side, bent both his legs, and curled into his favorite sleeping position by himself.

Take care, continue the prayers and I'll keep the updates coming.

For those of you who may be interested in sending Charlie a word of encouragement (tape, cd, video, etc.) I'll arrange to get you the appropriate contact information.

Thank you.

chef · Post by **chef** » Fri Oct 03, 2003 4:42 am

Rick,
Your sensie and his family are in my prayers for a quick and lasting recovery. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. God speed.

Regards,
Vicki Scheffler

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Tue Oct 07, 2003 3:30 am

chef wrote:Rick,
Your sensie and his family are in my prayers for a quick and lasting recovery. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. God speed.

Vicki,
Thank you for your kind words. Many of us here, including Charlie, his daughter (actually most of his family), myself and others in our dojo, are also firm believers in prayer...and in the God who answers our prayers.

Many of our prayers are being answered... as is evidenced by one of our recent updates on Charlie's progress...

dionne blackmon dumas wrote:Hi. Dad (Charlie) is doing great! He is getting stronger every day, sitting up in his chair longer, speaking 100% better, and at the end of every day he says, "I'm ready to get back in the bed!" He's doing better and better every day. You are going to be so pleased when you see him.

For those of you who may be interested in sending Charlie a word of encouragement (tape, cd, video, etc.) I'll arrange to get you the appropriate contact information.

Thank you.

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Tue Oct 07, 2003 1:41 pm

Please tell Charlie I send my best, and I am thinking the most positive thoughts. I believe in him, and his ability to fight another battle.

- Bill

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Thu Oct 16, 2003 4:39 am

Severl of us are planning a road trip from Tampa to Orlando, to visit Charlie, either this Saturday or next...

I've heard his stay at the rehab facility is about over. When I know what his new contact information is, I'll post it for those of you interested in sending some encouragement to Charlie.

RickLiebespach · Post by **RickLiebespach** » Mon Oct 20, 2003 3:13 am

The following is a summary written by Tony,
of a visit Tony and I made to Charlie this passed Saturday 10/18/2003

Rick and I (Tony) visited Charlie Saturday, Oct. 18.
It was great to see Charlie so much improved. He was in good spirits, smiling a lot and even laughing out loud.
He was very alert. His speech was clear and he was able to carry on conversation with us.

Rick gave Charlie several large pictures of our karate students and instructors, including Master Gushi and Frank Gorman. Charlie remembered everyone. Charlie asked us to put a picture up on the bulletin board in front of his bed. He said to make believers out of his therapist and nurses. We put up a group picture with Charlie in the middle.

Charlie sends this message to all...
Carry on with our karate training.
Charlie also was very grateful for everyone who has been praying for him, He said this has meant a lot to him.

For those of you who may be interested in sending Charlie a word of encouragement (tape, cd, video, etc.)
Below is the address for the rehab Charlie is at....
At this time messages on Tape or CD or Video would be a better choice than email.

For those of you who would prefer to send him email, you may email me directly or you may post it here, and I will forward it to Charlie via his daughter, my email address is in my profile...

Charlie Blackmon
c/o
Florida Hospital South
Rehabilitation Center.
601 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803
room 1409 Bed 2

Thank you.

Please read my most important message to-date

Please read my most important message to-date

Concerning Sensei Charles Blackmon

Re: Concerning Sensei Charles Blackmon