Update on Jerry Den Herder

Jerry with Kirsten (l), current staff and Kathy (r), his former office manager for 26 years.

 

December 19, 2016

We have an update on Jerry! (If you haven’t heard, here is what happened.) He transferred from the main hospital to the rehabilitation unit up at Mayo. Jerry will be there until January 2nd.

He is making progress each day. His spirits are high and he remains determined. His eyes are still a bright, sparkling blue and they light up when he laughs. He is very much Jerry on the inside. And for that, we are all thankful.

Jerry is not one just to sit around. This is perfect as physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapy fill his days.

They have a wonderful facility and the coordinated care is top notch. The staff all remark how hard he is working and how focused he is. Are we surprised?

He mentioned several times how humbled he is from the outpouring of cards, emails, notes, and flowers. It really is touching (more than touching) to see how much you all love and care for him as we do. This support means so much to him and to his family.

Jerry is a teacher, a role model really, for his clients and those of us who work with him. We learn not only from his knowledge of veterinary medicine, but in how he lives his life. We learn from the example he sets.

And with this next chapter of his life, he still is teaching us. Teaching us how to be positive, stay focused, and keep working hard even though your body makes it difficult.

He has a lengthy recovery ahead of him. We ask that you continue to keep Jerry and his family in your thoughts and prayers. We will keep you posted on “what’s next” and any other info as we receive it. If you would like to drop him a note, you can drop cards off at the office or mail them to the office and we are delivering those to him. Same with an email: [email protected].

We know he wishes all of you a Merry Christmas and to spend time with those who matter most to you.