Henry Rafferty, a friend of mine who I work with at Johnston's, was hit by a car last week.
He sustained major injuries, and has a long, hard road ahead of him!
Some of you may know him from Union City School, others may know him from work.
He is known as the "Tree Man", or the "Tree Doctor", and others call him "Poncho" (as in the chief)
He is a landscape designer, who taught classes in the past, which I had the pleasure of attending. (and it was for free, he wouldn't take money from any of us at work who took the class )
He mainly works in the Wholesale office, but also helps us out at the Garden Center.
I swear, Henry knows every plant there is (and of course, by the latin name)!
Henry is, first & formost, a family man.
He has a lovely wife, (first year anniversary coming up!) and two beautiful children.
He is active in his church and the community, and is a very important part of the family buisness, you might have heard of it... Johnston's Evergreen Nursery.
He is also a talented guitar player, who has a wonderful singing voice.
He is a poet, an artist', and an all around good guy!
I have grown quite fond of this man, and his family, over the years!
Henry was at Sarah Reeds retirement home looking at a tree for a customer.
A woman lost control of her car, jumped a curb, and hit the tree, pinning Henry, and it to the building.
He will have to undergo many surgeries, and a long, and extensive recovery period.
As you can imagine, his family and friends are exhausted with worry!
Please keep the Rafferty's & Johnston's in your thoughts!
Please pray for Henry!
And also, this may sound absurd, but please pray for the woman who hit him.
From what I understand, the accident was caused by her being angry.
I don't think she did it on purpose, most likely she never even saw Henry. Her anger took over, she lost control, and devastation followed!
I guess if there is anything to be learned from this, it is:
It's ok to be angry, just don't let rage take over!!!!
It can ruin your life, and the lives of many others, a ripple effect of consequences.....
If you don't have is address, and you want to send cards of encouragement to Henry, mail them to the nursery.
His family will make sure he gets them.
Johnston't Evergreen Nursery
9865 Wales Rd.
Erie, Pa. 16510-5427
Love,
-Brenda
..........................
"UPDATE" August 4th 2010
Henry playing guitar at a work picnic
I look forward to hearing you play again Henry!!!
Henry has had over 12 surgeries now,
on Monday, they took out the wound vacs from his leg & elbow.
(I think those were the tubes they had in for drainage)
His left leg & right elbow were the areas where his skin was de-gloved.
The skin grafts are all done, they took them from his right leg, and hopefully they all take!
He has a stablizing bar connected to his pelvis in the front, so he still can't sit up very much.
(I think his pelvis was broke in four places, and they had to screw plates in the back)
(can you imagine, not just the pain, but having to lay in one position for over a month?)
He still has room on his walls for more cards!!!! So, keep them coming please!
(he says he is not worthy of all the attention, but we know better!!)
His family & friends are having a benefit in his honor;
"Save The Date, August 28th"
go to this website for more details & ticket information.
Henry's Recovery: Benefit
landscaperrecovery.blogspo
Henry's brother Dan started this blog site to keep everyone updated on his progress.
Thank you all for your prayers, kindness & support!!
Love,
-Brenda
