Jimbo Rooks - Let the Healing Begin
Donation protected
July 24, 2019. This is a date we won't soon forget! Just two short weeks ago, Jimbo went for a bike ride on the Elk Refuge Road to enjoy the views and get some exercise. As you all know, this wasn't the outcome. Two weeks later, he's had surgery for a broken back, a 10-day hospital stay, and many physical therapy sessions to learn to simply stand, walk, and get dressed. He's also had many sleepless nights due to pain and the psychological trauma of living through an accident like this. Needless to say, his life changed. And with it, his family members' lives as well.
These kinds of events are never completely without silver linings. We have all been buoyed by your outpouring of love. Your texts, Facebook posts, cards, calls, visits, prayers, and meals have served as catalysts to shift our energy and focus from the pain, worry, and heartbreak to love, assurance, and hope. Thank you!
Many of you continue to say, "Please, let me help!" A GoFundMe has come up in many conversations. We waited to get a sense of what was needed and finally have come to understand some of the needs moving forward. Obviously, Jimbo will require ongoing medical and supplemental care. Time away from work for both Jimbo and Ruthie has been and will be required and creates a sort of uncertainty about their future that is stressful. Author and fisherman GMW Wemyss wrote, "The true angler can welcome even a low river and a dry year, and learn from it, and be the better for it, in mind and in spirit." Our goal is that Jimbo receives the best care possible so that he is able to overcome the neurological and physical pain and return to "real life" healthier, stronger, and happier than before.
Since you are reading this, you know Jimbo! You've experienced his passion for life - for family, friends, fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and, of course, teaching. Even in those first nights in the hospital, we talked about We The People! This accident is requiring him to receive instead of give. That's not always a comfortable position for someone like Jimbo. But your support has already helped him to face in the right direction and your generosity is blowing in his sails. When the community is involved, healing happens!
These kinds of events are never completely without silver linings. We have all been buoyed by your outpouring of love. Your texts, Facebook posts, cards, calls, visits, prayers, and meals have served as catalysts to shift our energy and focus from the pain, worry, and heartbreak to love, assurance, and hope. Thank you!
Many of you continue to say, "Please, let me help!" A GoFundMe has come up in many conversations. We waited to get a sense of what was needed and finally have come to understand some of the needs moving forward. Obviously, Jimbo will require ongoing medical and supplemental care. Time away from work for both Jimbo and Ruthie has been and will be required and creates a sort of uncertainty about their future that is stressful. Author and fisherman GMW Wemyss wrote, "The true angler can welcome even a low river and a dry year, and learn from it, and be the better for it, in mind and in spirit." Our goal is that Jimbo receives the best care possible so that he is able to overcome the neurological and physical pain and return to "real life" healthier, stronger, and happier than before.
Since you are reading this, you know Jimbo! You've experienced his passion for life - for family, friends, fishing, hunting, the outdoors, and, of course, teaching. Even in those first nights in the hospital, we talked about We The People! This accident is requiring him to receive instead of give. That's not always a comfortable position for someone like Jimbo. But your support has already helped him to face in the right direction and your generosity is blowing in his sails. When the community is involved, healing happens!
Organizer and beneficiary
Michelle Rooks
Organizer
Jackson, WY
Ruth Moran
Beneficiary
