LIFE CELEBRATIONS
We had 2 celebrations
in 2013 with the 29th annual Life Celebration being hosted June 1, & June
8, 2013
The 28th annual Life
Celebration was June 9, 2012
The 27th annual Life
Celebration was Saturday, June 4th
The 25th annual Life Celebration was held Saturday, June 6, 2009
29 of us celebrated Laura surviving the accident of June 8, 1984, 25 years of life afterwards, and her entering her 26th year.
The 24th annual Life Celebration was held Saturday, June 7th, 2008
We celebrated Laura surviving the accident of June 8, 1984, 24 years of life afterwards, and her entering her 25th year.
Special congratualtions was received from Congressman Roy Blunt
Tammy Folvarcik, Editor of The Richmond Daily News, Richmond, Missouri, wrote an article on the event published 06-05-08 (Posted with permission)
The 23rd annual Life Celebration was held Saturday, June 9, 2007. 21 of us celebrated Laura surviving the accident of June 8, 1984, and 23 years of life afterwards.
LC 2006
We hosted Laura's 22nd Annual Life Celebration on Saturday, June 10th. The LC is to celebrate her surviving the accident of June 8, 1984, and celebrate her life afterwards. Laura had a special surprise when her sister, Penny, was here to attend the event.
LC 2005
Laura's '21st' annual Life Celebration was held Saturday, June 11th. Unlike the previous 20 LCs we did not set up displays this year, it was not an Open House, and it was invitation only. Below is a few of the photos taken at this year's event (sorry that most are not very well focused).
LC 2004:
The 20th Annual Life Celebration and Open House was held Saturday, June 5, 2004. Special guest was former State Representative Norwood Creason; he was honored for the 20 years of assistance and friendship he has gave us.
(More photos will be added after 35mm film is developed)
Letters of Congratuations Received From
Bob & Marie Gorman (Dr Marie Bickett, Ph.D)
Professor Art Dell Orto, Ph.D., Boston University
Dr. Clint Gortney, Ph.D.
Dr. Wu, Ting, MD
Gary Patton, Attorney, Estate Conservator
Matt Blunt, Missouri Secretary of State (Candidate for Governor)
Bro & Sis Rick & Pat Holmes, Ivy Bend Land Office & Holmes Carpenty
Bob McCorkendale, Mayor of Hardin, Manager Ideal Ind Workshop
Barbara Shelly, Kansas City Star columnist
Sue Pierce
20 Years
It is hard to believe 20 years has passed. Too many people to thank, but I do want to single out a few. Because we could not have accomplished what we have done without you. Through some very tough times Dr Bickett (Marie Gorman) was always there when she was needed. Be it to give us counseling as we accepted our lifestyle changes, to give us advice, or to testify in legal matters. Dr Clint Gortney taught me how politics works, be it the politics at a State or Federal level, or within an Association. My term as president of the MHIA and all my success with associations and lobbying and with legislation can be attributed to what he taught me. Dr Dell Orto entered our lives at the perfect moment, and Dr Power and him publishing our story in their book was one of many turning points in my life. My late bro Doc Johnson, was the person whom got me to write the story that was published. Farrell Hockemeier and Jack Gorham have been two attornies we could always count on to protect our interests. Dr John Scowley has always been there for us as not just a doctor, but a friend. Estate Conservator Gary Patton and I got off to a rocky start when he first entered the estate matters, but over the years we have became close friends, and he is someone I fully trust to care for Laura. Norwood Creason and Rodger Fitzwater who as State Representatives assisted me with anything I asked of them. They are also friends. My bro Bob McCorkendale was there the day of the accident, and when truly needed he's been there since. As has Laura's sister and co-guardian Penny Heckerman. If not for the support of Laura's father, the late Russell Wilson, and The Rehab Institute, the program would have never been started. My bro & sis Rick and Pat Holmes pulled me through some dark days, and my bro TJ Curtis is someone always here. And a special thank you to my staff employee, and sister, Debbie Bales, who has been there every day of the 20 years. Just too many to thank who have been with us these 20 years,....... my nephew Jason, my niece Tracy, my father W.E. Bales, Lee, Marie, Stan, my ex semi sorta stepdaughters Amber & Stacey, and the Napiers, and everyone who worked here as a staff member, and every one my girlfriends... well, there is just too many that I cannot name you all. Whether I named you or not, please know I thank each of you, and that God blessed us with you being a part of our lives. God bless you all.
Michael W. Bales, Sr. June 7, 2004
