Addy Cemetery Event on July 21

On Sunday, July 21, seventeen Staeheli’s and Staly’s met at the Alpine Chalet restaurant in Chewelah for lunch before going to the Addy Cemetery.  This was the first time some of us had met.

Our purpose, after getting acquainted during lunch, was to place a grave marker for Casper Albert Staeheli who died at the Staeheli Homestead on June 8, 1912.  His grave has been unmarked for 101 years.

The weather was perfect as we prepared the ground and laid a bed of gravel to support the marker.  This was a team effort which resulted in completing the placement of a permanent gravestone.  Anyone visiting the site will know exactly where the patriarch who brought the Staeheli family to the United States is buried.

After the ceremony we drove to the former Staeheli homestead on Swiss Valley road where the foundation of the old family home is visible as well as the remains of a small barn built in the traditional Swiss way. 

The group posed for photos before going our separate ways.

Den Dempsey Update for July 28

Den has had a speaking valve on his trach for two days and is using his voice.  Today he sat up on the side of the bed unaided. Balance is a big thing at this point. 

In the gym he holds onto a bar and stands up and sits and stands and sits several times to strengthen leg and stomach muscles.  On some days he's kind of depressed and works less than others.  But who wouldn't be depressed?! 

All in all, he's doing well.  He'll be at Everett Care and Rehab for a few months, and welcomes visitors.  I won't send reports for a while as I know you're tired of them, and the news will be pretty much the same every day.

Thanks to all of you for your support and concern. I am more grateful than I can say. 

With love, Irene

Den Dempsey Update for July 24

Den goes every day to the rehab gym where he stands at the bar and then uses various machines. He seems to like it but gets very tired.

The speech therapist works with him for an hour, the OP for an hour and the PT for an hour, so he has a very full and tiring morning.  I spend every day all day with him and we watch TV or stroll around the place, me with his wheel chair. We are good company for each other.

He enjoys the cards and the good wishes from friends and family. I read them all to him and tell him about phone calls.  With so much love and friendship behind him, I know he'll make a good recovery. 

Thanks to all. With love, Irene