One Man's Dream is Now Reality

This was amazing, it is one of those things where you had to be there to really experience the inspiration and the feeling of the whole thing.  I will try with my words to share what we experienced.  First of all Stephen.  God created a wonderful, inspirational person when he created Stephen.  He never ceases to amaze Mike and I with the spirit God gave him.  He is living with ALS but his wonderful spirit has never changed.  "From adversity heroes are born!" SG Steve went and visited a ALS facility a few months ago.  It was a place where ALS patients could live with all the modern technology and have fellowship with other people that have ALS.  Their own rooms, a large community living space, a kitchen that is wheelchair accessible gardens for viewing and more.  Steve approached the company that had purchased a large hospital that they were beginning to remodel as a nursing home.  He asked if the bottom of the nursing home could be an ALS facility just like the one he had visited. The answer was yes but Team Gleason has to come up with the dollars for the technology. Not sure if they have to finance more than technology!  The process started and we were able to tour the facility.  I just cried it was so darn wonderful.  Steve had a vision and dream it is now a reality.  I kept thinking about the time in the Seattle hospital that I pulled myself up in my bed and said, "Never Give Up!" and then fell back in my bed.  So true to never give up!  

This tent is for a public announcement outside the facility.  JP Morgan Chase announced that they were contributing $350,000 for the facility at the public announcement.  Wow! These pictures are of a work in process.  They were taken on Tuesday and the public announcement was on Thursday.   They did finish off a room to show off!  I probably won't remember what all the different rooms are but I will try.  

This is the outside of the building that is being remodeled.  You can see all the people working like crazy to get things done before Thursday.

Wow!

Closer shot of the front!

This is Michael getting Steve ready for the tour of the building.

A bunch of Gleasons!

This is why Steve had to wear a face mask.  I sort of wanted one too but it got better.

Here we go down the main hallway.

Fireplace in the main community area.

Gardens all over the place!

I believe the fireplace is to the right of this picture and this is the large community room.  Does not feel like a medical facility, it feels like a home.  The nursing home will be the same way.   No medical supplies in view and the nurse's station is in an inconspicuous space.

Beautiful paint colors!

This is the kitchen it will have normal appliances in it not commercial ones!  Just like home.

This fireplace is a bit more finished.

Another view.

These are our tour guides.  Sometimes when you meet people you can just feel that they are good people.  These are good people!

Another garden!

This is one of the restroom areas of the private rooms that people will stay in.

Nice view outside!

This is a better view of the rooms.

This is a picture of a different floor that is more finished.

Another garden!

Kitchen

Mike was pretty fascinated with how they did the seams on the flooring  He got all of it explained to him.  I would repeat it but I only half listened to it.

This is the material that was used to fill the seams.  The flooring was made out of a unique material but again, can't remember but maybe Mike will.  If so I will be back and add it if he does.

This is part of the hospital.  The old hospital.  Quite a difference isn't it!  There will be a path from the nursing home area all the way to the French Quarter that will be wheelchair friendly.

The man that was telling Mike how they seamed the flooring earlier grabbed Mike because he was actually doing a seam.  Mike jumped right in to listen and learn.

This is a chapel and it was dark so the picture had to be lightened a bit but you get the idea!

The hospital that has not been remodeled.

All throughout the tour we just kept saying how wonderful this all was.  Wonderful isn't the best word.  Maybe inspirational.  No words to describe how it felt to see what Steve got started.  How many times do we want something and never ask because we think it won't be possible.  Or we don't try something because we won't be successful.  Don't do it!  Go after your dreams no matter what.  Help each other and love each other.  God can do anything with your life.  Believe it! I do!  Steve, NO White Flags!  What a great motto.  Never Give Up.  I also want mention Michel and her family who are so gracious, loving and caring!  Michel and Steve have such love for each other and Michel takes good care of Steve.  Thank you!  Also all the people that help Michel, Steve, and Rivers daily.  You are angels and a blessed gift from God!  Inspiring!