If you have any words of specific encouragement for Joel, Erika or his family, please post a comment here or on subsequent postings so we can read them to Joel.
Comments from friends
14
Dec
Superstition Mtns
I am a Lumberjack
Ram Built
Andy Rooney Tribute
Joel's Recovery 
Aaron Ditlefsen
December 14, 2006 at 2:55 pm
To Yoeller;
Brotha, words can’t do your situation justice and there’s already enough profanity on the net to begin with so I’ll just say that I’ll be wishing you the best from afar. You’ll be out of surgery sometime today and then you better give ‘er hell or else I’m heading down to Phoenix to help you with rehab (and I know how much you love my company). All my best to you and Erika. Good luck.
To Joel’s Fam; Thanks for getting this site up and please keep the info coming.
MB
December 14, 2006 at 5:04 pm
Joel,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Attitude is everything so they say, and you are one person with an incredible attitude towards life!
Remember that lots of positive thoughts are being sent your way, and your Crestview family can’t wait to see your smile in person! We love you!
Ron, MB & Colin
Erin Carson
December 14, 2006 at 5:06 pm
I am praying for you Joel! I know the surgery is underway right now and I wish I was there to give you all my positive vibes. My students all wish you the best of luck too. Imagine 140 8th graders sending you happy thoughts! 🙂
We love you so much, and know you will get through this with flying colors. My heart and thoughts are with you!
Bill Wilhelm
December 14, 2006 at 5:16 pm
People from Indiana to Alaska are offering up prayers for your successful surgery and full recovery. I want to take you and Erika kayaking in the Last Frontier, like we talked about — and it’s going to happen!
Courtney McKercher
December 14, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Dear Joel & Erika,
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and will be praying for a fast recovery. The story below is from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, – a great source for information, inspiration, and hope an various levels. Much love!
http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-74-311-7543-2,00.html
Eric
December 14, 2006 at 6:57 pm
Joel – We’re with you in spirit and are sending good vibes every hour of every day. You have a tremendous support system with your family and friends…use them, lean on them, let them help you.
I’ve never met a person with a happier more friendly outlook on life…you are an inspiration to all…hang in there and good things will come.
We love you,
Eric, Amy, Brendan & Olivia
Clay
December 14, 2006 at 7:20 pm
To an old neighbor, a fellow Lumberjack, a mountain biking buddy, and most importantly a life long friend – you’re in our prayers Joel.
Clay
Kirk Cesari
December 14, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Joel,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you get through this. I hope you have a quick and full recovery. Bryan’s emails made my eyes water up while at work, but I was NOT crying! Men in TX don’t cry. 🙂 Best wishes.
Augie
December 14, 2006 at 8:50 pm
Hey Buddy,
Even though we aren’t there, in our minds and hearts we are right next to you. Believe! We all do.
We love ya pods.
Justin, Danelle, Tucker & The Bun
Just think, before ya know it we’ll all be tossin’ back rio’s celebrating your recovery.
Meri Oram
December 14, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Dear Erika and Joel,
Wishing you the best for a quick and complete recovery. Sending lots of love and positive energy your way.
Meri Oram
RPCV Guatemala
Waylund and Audrey
December 14, 2006 at 9:24 pm
Joel,
Positive thoughts to you from everyone that you touched while in Oregon. This was terrible news to hear and it just shows how life and limb is fragile to us all. This accident will be a eye opener to everyone touched by your unique personality. I hope we will all live life to the fullest as you have and will in the future. Good luck in the recovery process and we can’t wait to hear some postitive news that will come with your hard work.
Waylund and Audrey
Kim, Mike and Matilda
December 14, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Joel, Erika, Bryan, Jess, Phill, Rory,and Jamyeson~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of healing and recovery. I have seen the strength of your family in many ways and that love and power will see you through this challenge as well.
Bryan, thanks for the updates.
If there is anything you need help with back in CO let us know.
Mike’s Aunt June Slee is a nurse at the hospital in Flagstaff! We know you are in great hands.
Take care and be well.
Kim, Mike and Matilda
Russell
December 14, 2006 at 10:53 pm
Joel,
I know we don’t know each other that well, but I still think of you a friend! I wish you all the best in getting through this. Stay strong, and if there’s anything I can do to help you or Erika, I’m there.
-Russell
Shawn Whipple
December 15, 2006 at 1:00 am
Joel and Erika,
My thoughts are with you in this time of need. I wish you a quick and full recovery. Take care and if there is anything that I can do to help I would be happy to do anything that I can. You have a tremendous amount of people who are there to encourage and support you, I don’t know you but you must be a wonderful person, my thoughts are with you and with Erika.
Take Care
-Shawn
George and Elna
December 15, 2006 at 2:26 am
Joel and Family…
It was great to hear how well your surgery went and about “Dr. Smile” We are all praying for you and thinking about you constantly. Hope you get to watch the Broncos on Sunday…here in Rochester the Bills are blacked out! But Eric will be there in person. Maybe we can talk to you pretty soon. George remembers how hard it is to take phone calls when you’re not feeling well in the hospital. It’s so great your family and friends are gathered there with you.
P.S…great idea on the blog site to whoever set it up. We’ll stay in touch.
With love and gentle hugs, George and Elna…
Jessie Aufderheide
December 15, 2006 at 3:30 am
Joel,
I woke up this morning to a beautiful day, and I knew today would be a good day for you. I’m glad you’re surgery went well, and it’s just the start of a positive recovery. We are here for you and Erica if you need anything. I will be on the plane faster than you can say “Yoel is the most super cool, awesome, totally radical, halarious, generous, amazing friend in the entire universe!”
Bryan, thank you for being Joel’s personal assistant. The blog is a great idea. Thank you to whoever set it up.
We love you very much Joel!
Jessie and Ben
Beth
December 15, 2006 at 4:34 am
Hey Joel! I’m so glad to hear that your surgery went well. We’re thinking about you daily and hope to talk to you soon. Please let us know when you’re ready for the bombardment of phone calls.
Please ask me any questions you have about rehab in general. I will be more than happy to share my experiences with you from this end of things.
You are a strong fella with lots of love surrounding you. We are thinking about you here in Boston.
Love
Paul and Beth
Julie Scanio - ASU
December 15, 2006 at 6:15 am
Erika and Joel–Know that my husband Kurt and I are thinking of you both. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for either of you. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Fondly,
Kurt and Julie Scanio (ASU Class of 2007)
paul
December 15, 2006 at 7:22 am
Hey Joel,
I just wanted to say that I’ve been thinking about you non-stop since I heard the news and sending positive vibes from the East coast.
This may be corny, but I wanted to share this Alfred Tennyson poem with you. I’ve always felt that is the the most inspiring poem I’ve ever heard. Hang in there cuz, we’re with you.
And though we are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Ray Parks
December 15, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Joel,
I didn’t get Bryan’s email until late last night. My thoughts adn prayers are with you and your family.
Ray
Patti & Gary Wilhelm
December 15, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Dear Joel & Erica,
We have been thinking about you ever since we heard. You have been in our prayers. We know that you will come through this in flying colors. We’re planning on taking some hikes with you both, so get well soon!!!
Love,
Patti & Gary
Gil and Bernadette
December 15, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Joel,
We have been keeping you in our prayers. We were relieved to hear that the surgery went well. Keep up the spirits. Love to you, Erika and your family.
Bernadette and Gil
Cheryl Berzanskis
December 15, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Joel, all Phil’s friends here at the Amarillo Globe-News wish you the very best. Cheryl Berzanskis
Janice
December 15, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Hi Joel:
I’m so happy the surgery went well. I’ll be back up to Flag soon to visit, let me know if you need anything at all.
My whole family, some you have not met, send their prayers and positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.
I hope to see you Sunday night or Monday. I miss seeing you but I know you have family, friends and Erika to keep you company.
Much love,
Janice
Dyan, Rick & Kayla
December 15, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Joel,
We are thinking of you all the time and we are wishing, hoping and praying (anything we can think of) for your total recovery. Your upbeat and positive attitude will get you through this. From reading through your blog I know you have great friends and, even better, family support. If there is anything you need or want let us know and it will be done sooner or later(you know how on top of things I am)
Erika,
I know it must be hard for you as well but you have a great spirit too and we are grateful to have you by his side. Thank-you for working with Phillip to set up this blog.
Love,
Dyan, Rick and Kayla
Noel
December 16, 2006 at 3:15 am
Rockin Yoel,
I’m so glad to hear the surgery went well! I’ve been thinking about you & your family non-stop and know that with your amazing attitude and big heart you will see a speedy recovery. You never cease to amaze me with your passion for life and please know that your friends are eagerly awaiting to drink beers with you! I’ll be back to visit you soon, and maybe I’ll even bring back a little Costa Rican suuurrprise for you!
Love you,
Noel
John and Juli Begley
December 16, 2006 at 4:52 pm
Dear Joel and Erika,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers daily since your accident. Prayers have gone up for the Lord to work his miracles and I think some of those prayers have been answered. John and I are glad to hear about your progress on a daily basis from Jessica.
We will continue to keep those prayers going. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
John and Juli Begley
(Jessica’s mom)
Jennifer, Steven & Christopher Bishop
December 16, 2006 at 6:21 pm
Dearest Joel, Erika, and all the Yates family,
Please know that you are constantly in our hearts and prayers! Anything we can do for you we will. We know that Joel is amazingly strong and will endure! Again we are praying for miracles. All the best for a speedy recovery!
Blessings,
Jennifer, Steven and Christopher Bishop
JoAnn & Joe Augustaitus
December 17, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Mr. Joel,
Sorry about your accident, but glad to hear the surgery
went well and you are on the mend. Sounds like you have a
great support group and good care.
Know the cheese, cold cuts, milk and OJ are in our
fridge waiting for you.
Love,
JoAnn & Jo aka Queen & Bo
Bob & Holly
December 17, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Hey There Joey,
We’ll be watching the Bronco/Arizona Game this afternoon. You will be in our thoughts. Hopefully you won’t hear Bob yelling after the Broncos screw up. Obviously a must win situation for the Donkeys. Enough on the Broncos, we send you our love and lots of good energy. You will have alot of hard work ahead of you. We all know what tough guy you are. Hang in there. Any time you need us we will be there. All our Love, Holly & Bob
Shona Coelho
December 18, 2006 at 12:32 am
Hey there Joel!
You probably do not remember me by my name, but I was one of Jessica’s bridesmaids at the wedding. (The blonde one) Anyways, I just want you to be as stubborn as hell throughout your recovery process and put all of your energy into your healing. Hang in there!
Love Shona 🙂
Justin & Nancy Weier
December 18, 2006 at 12:55 am
Joel & family,
We just heard the news today from Bryan. Just wanted to let you know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Glad to hear your surgery went well. Wishing you the best in your recovery.
Love,
Justin and Nancy
Jesse and Melissa
December 18, 2006 at 5:04 am
Joel, Erika and Family,
you guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know what we can do to help! Donkeys won tonight (against the cards) and KC lost we still might have a shot at the playoffs, joel. get well
J & M
Alice Johnson
December 20, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Joel & Erika,
You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Don’t worry about Boo – we’re training him to be a watch-cat so he can help us keep an eye on the house for you! (Now if we could keep him from bringing little “presents” into the house, especially those of the live variety, we’d be set!). Emily will be doing her homework with Boo occasionally (he’s great at Algebra – who woulda thunk it??) and David & I will make sure everything is ok in general at the house for as long as you need. If there is anything you need from us please don’t hesitate to ask!
Alice, David & Emily