A letter of thanks does not seem to be adequate in expressing our deep appreciation for the donations that have been so freely given by those who responded to our need of a porch deck and ramp for our son, Joseph. Nevertheless, these few words will have to suffice for now, for that is all we have to offer in return for your sacrifices. Hopefully, I am able to convey in a few words the happiness and joy that your generosity has brought to a very thankful and blessed family.

As some of you know, Joseph Daniel Koelbl (Roach) was given to us with a variation of afflictions. These afflictions to his little body have been numerous and painful. This has been a long road for the family to endure, but most of all, for Joseph to live with. Elwin (Grandpa), Margit (Grandma), Jerry (Dad), Jackie (Mom) and many others have met this head on with everything in us and continue to strive to provide as good a life as we can for him. We also pursue a rich life for ourselves while we have Joseph with us. Surely we have been tested and our faith challenged; for we cannot see all things to be within the scope of our understanding. There is still a long road ahead, and once again, I am sure our faith will be tested.

Over the summer vacation, several surgeries may be performed to fix Joseph’s dislocated hip, straighten his knees and ankles, and possibly a bladder procedure. This will be a great strain on his body and our souls as we bear witness to his pain and discomfort and aid the best we can in his recovery and therapy.

As for now, your gift has brought a new freedom to Joseph. For the first time, the this porch deck and wheelchair ramp has opened a new joy in his daily life and a great relief to Jackie’s (Mother) ability to get him in and out of the home. You probably didn’t know this, but Joseph’s life in a wheelchair and his limited mental abilities has made him somewhat a partial prisoner to a life of semi-confinement by limited movement within the home. This has been a sorrow for us as we wish he could safely come and go like others. Now, with your gift, we have a new way to free up some of Joseph’s restrictions. The porch deck was designed and built in a way that we can place Joseph on the deck and he can safely roam freely back and forth outside in the fresh air among others with a great view of the family outside living areas. This includes Grandma and Grandpa’s house as well. Most of all, his smile, the few noises of contentment and the overall look of happiness on little Joseph’s face when he is using your gift, is priceless. As an added benefit, the therapy of migration into a more normal life has helped to make Joseph more whole, and I’m sure he has a feeling of independence and active participation with the family.

Although there will be more he and we will endure, your gift will play a very important role in the coming days in our lives with helping Joseph overcome the things that are to come in making whole his body and soul. We will continue to do our part, as we wholeheartedly thank all of you for coming to our table with your gift.

Jerry, Jackie, Joseph and sisters Jennifer, Jessica & Jacqueline

P.S. We have taken pictures of the construction, some with Joseph which shows the sheer joy of a very content and happy little boy by being on the deck. My dad will be posting some of them on his web site (http://godfire.net/ramp.html) , which will give you the opportunity to see what your gift to us has produced.