Greetings all. My journey to Colorado Springs went off almost without a hitch. I left my home in eastern Pennsylvania at 03:15 AM on the 21st. I stopped in Kansas City, Kansas 22 hours later for some rest.

I woke up the next morning to a very intense thunderstorm. I rolled over and went back to sleep for a while longer. Once the showers had passed, I saddled up and continued west. Early that afternoon in western Kansas the skies turned black and the wind came up. I turned on the weather radio to hear Tornado Warnings being posted along my route.

I was able to skirt two major storm cells unscathed to then run into something I have never come up against in all my trips across county. 45 to 60 mph cross winds and dust storms. I traveled the next 200 miles at a 45 degree angle to keep a semi-straight line.

I was on a mission however. I arrived at JD's house at 6:00 PM and was greeted immediately by two young Ross's. Jessi and Garrett came running out of the house and gave me a tremendous "hello".

It was so good to see my friends and their children living a NORMAL life again. Normal on the outside, however. They have so many challenges ahead of them, but with Gods strength, I know they will persevere.

My wife Lisa had flown into Denver the night before and now joined us for a fantastic evening of friendship and love.

Lisa and I not only brought a check for JD and Kathy, we brought two very special stuffed animals for the children. Lisa gave Jessi and stuffed rabbit that she has has since she was a little girl. I presented Garrett with a Pennsylvania State Police Bear ( in full uniform of course ). This bear I purchased when I had gotten out of the academy in 1987.

I continue to get emails and phone calls from people that want to still donate to the Garrett Ross Fund. I will continue my efforts to raise money to assist in Garrett's medical bill.

I can't begin to tell you how appreciative the Ross's are for the support that you all have shown them.

I also want to again thank all of you for your support.

It is getting late and this has been the first opportunity I have had to log on since I left PA. JD has a lot more information on Garrett and another young boy who tragically died last Friday. This young boy's parents donated his organs and have saved the lives of three others in doing so.

For all of these updates, go to JD's LINK to Garrett to get caught up.

Doug