The Mothers of Marco
There was a bit of a delay in her arrival, but we were there.
There were balloons, flags, signs and lots of honking, waving, whistling, yelling people to welcome Miss Amanda back home! Even her sisters wanted to be at the bridge instead of waiting at home!
When the call came that they were about 10 minutes out, the police left to meet the white Durango driven by Mike Buddemeyer about three miles up the road. The cops ran in front and behind with lights flashing .... it was just way too cool to see them come around the corner and have everyone start hollering and making noise, waving flags and jumping around. Amanda, sitting up in the back seat with her mother Monica, smiled and waved as they passed slowly by. Then they went up and over the big Jolley Bridge and on to Marco. As they descended onto the island, the Marco Island Fire Department had the huge ladder truck positioned with the ladder up and a large WELCOME HOME AMANDA banner hanging over the road. Mike later said this was an amazing sight!!! (DID *ANYONE* GET A PICTURE OF THIS???? PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU DID!!!!) ... From here, the police escorted the Buddemeyers' to their very decorated home.
Amanda looked good. She certainly has a long road ahead, but wow, how encouraging to see the family all together again in their own home.
Thank you all for such wonderful support. For those of you that came and hung out for a couple hours and visited ... and for those that had to leave before she arrived ... and for those that helped keep little kids off of the busy street ... and for those that watched them near the water ... and for those that shared your bug spray ... and for all of those that shared in such a special event as we waited and watched for Amanda to finally come home.... almost 5 months to the day. [surgery was Jan 27th!]
Thanks for making this such a special day for such a special family.
There will be a story in tomorrow's Naples Daily News:
http://www.naplesnews.com I'll send the specific link to the story when I get it. That will be the last message I'll send to this entire group. For further regular updates on Amanda's progress, please send a blank email message to:
amandabuddemeyer-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Thank you,
~Michelle Hurtley
President, Mothers of Marco