Home for the Holidays
College freshman Jackie Lithgow, severely beaten at a party, leaves the hospital after 9 months in time for Thanksgiving.
The parade of goodbyes lasted all morning. The chef baked a farewell strawberry shortcake. Housekeepers, kitchen staff, therapists, doctors, nurses all stopped in room 442 at Magee Rehab for clenching hugs and tearful farewells.
Erin Trudell, his physical therapist, made Jackie stand up to hug her goodbye.
"I'm so proud of you," she said.
Dan Ryan, a physician, came in with two last words, "Cole Haan," which Jackie repeated, their little bond. When Jackie walks again the doctor wants him wearing stylish shoes.
"Jackie, I am honored to have been the one to hear your first words," speech therapist Aimee Aranguren wrote on a goodbye blanket hanging on his wall, the last thing to come down. "You are a rock star."
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