Welcome friends and family of Alex and Dane!




This Blog has been created by friends and family of Alex and Dane as they make their way down the road to recovery, after being struck by lightning 10/5/2010. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as this road will likely be a long one. Feel free to check back often for status updates on both Alex and Dane, and be sure and leave your well-wishes when you visit. The boys will be shown this blog when they are awake.

We sincerely Thank You for your concern and friendship. Alex and Dane will always remember the support of friends and family like you.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

What are the Odds?

What are the odds of having 3 Lightning Victims in the same room?  Well, yesterday they were really good!
Alex and Dane had a special visitor Wednesday 10-13, Professor Richard Blankenbecler, who was struck by lightning in 1958 while hiking the Grand Tetons.  The Professor is now living in Vegas, after retiring from Princeton and Stanford as a physics Professor. He wrote Leslie and I  a letter and said "I read with both horror and sadness about the lightning strike on your two sons"..."If you would like to meet and if you feel that such a meeting could serve a useful purpose, please contact me......" He goes onto say "I read that you sons enjoy discussing physics with each other.  Of course, that is my favorite subject also".  Both boys wanted to visit with him and we felt it would be good to stimulate their brains.  We so appreciate him taking time to talk to the boys about lightning and the effects of it.  I think it eased their minds to see someone else that had been struck and that went onto having a very full and purposeful life.
We SO appreciate ALL the people that have taken time to make comments on this blog, that have made cards, letters and phone calls inquiring about the boys.  The saying  "Its The Thought That Counts" is true!  Your thoughts DO count and we are grateful for them.
Kaleen - aka Alex's Mom

7 comments:

  1. I don't know them personally, but I know people who do and they say they're great kids- I don't doubt it for a minute. I hope they're getting better fast! Keep it up, guys!

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  2. It's great to see so many people willing to help in any way they can. How cool of this man--especially a physics professor! I'm glad Alex and Dane were able to visit with him and glad their parents could see and meet the professor, too. I'll bet the professor loved talking to these two inspiring teens!

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  3. I've been following this amazing story since the day it happened. Such a miracle they are doing so well. My junior year in highschool a boy in my class was struck by lightning and didn't make it longer than thirty minutes. So sad. These boys have a purpose to fill on this earth that's for dang sure!! So glad to read of all of this good news and the progress they are making!! :D

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  4. Kaleen it is so great to hear about the progress the boys are making, it is such great news! What a neat experience for them to get to meet with the professor! I continue to pray for all of you! You are such a pillar of strength...hang in there! ;)

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  5. How COOL! I'm really curious what they talked about? Did he talk about his recovery from a lightning strike?

    I was privileged to have a moment with Alex yesterday as I drove through. I am constantly amazed by the wonderful people, Kaleen's optimism and strength through all of this, and Alex's own stamina. I said he had already beaten the odds, and he replied...well, if I beat the odds, then there are new odds. Right? I gave him the point. He mopped the floor with me and his logic. I'm certain I need to ask Kaleen to fix my account of the conversation...I didn't get it right. In any case, I left in shame...:)

    I am so blessed to be his Auntie. You are all the best! Arden is doing such a great job with the AMIQ. I LOVE them! I am thrilled to see the community's ability to support their own. It's the way communities should be! Is there a way we can take this energy and work toward communities that are supportive of our children like this regardless of tragic events?

    Lots of love to you all!~

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  6. Alex and Dane, you don't know me but my son Talon is friends with Parker and I was at the High School on the day of your accident! You two boys are so strong! I am so glad to hear that things are improving daily for you both. Keep strong! You have a lot of people sending prayers your way! Kaleen you are an amazingly strong women! What a great example you are to all mom's out there! Best Wishes to you all! Brittany Schick and family

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  7. From our family to Dane and Alex - you are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day. Take each day one step at a time - you both have made huge strides!!!

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Alex on Wednesday, Oct.6

Alex on Wednesday, Oct.6

Dane Thursday Oct 7th

Dane Thursday Oct 7th
Before Life Support was removed

Alex's Room

Alex's Room
Thanks for all the love