Leo and Cleesia

Meet Leo and Cleesia...they opened their home to a complete stranger (me!) for what they thought was going to be a weekend guest over Valentine's Day. Erwin became extremely ill that weekend and they have made it possible for me to stay in Curacao indefinitely and be with Erwin. A huge thank you to them for all of their help.

Erwin and Leo at Boca Sami on one of our excursions...03/29/09

We're Grandparents!

Our first grandchild, Molly Muller, was born Friday, March 27th at 7am. Molly is my mother's name and it's her first great granddaughter after 10 grandsons and one great grandson! It is also my sister's birthday! More info and photos will follow later, since, unfortunately, I am not in Bonaire! Congratulations to the proud parents, Marlen and Jason!

Windsurf Challenge

The photo shows Prime Minister Emily de Jongh-Elhage and Taty Frans with Erwin Muller just after Taty completed his sail from Bonaire to Curacao in 2 hours and 14 minutes. Taty broke Erwin's record of 4 hours that stood for 20 years! There was a very nice tribute to Erwin and a great day was had by all. It was wonderful to see Erwin surrounded by so many friends and supporters. Thanks to everyone who organized and participated in this event and congratulations to Taty!

Big News

Mark this day on your calander. Saturday April 11th. Richard.......from Richard's resturant will be donating 100% of the money taken in that day to Ewrin. Erwin will be there from about 6:30 pm....till he can no longer stay awake. Drop by to say Hello to Erwin and have a drink or even dinner. The best advertising for this is word of mouth so please.....pass the word around.

Thanks Richard.

Back to the Sea

We got Erwin back into the ocean last Sunday, at Baya Beach, where he thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the waters of the Caribbean Sea for an hour and twenty five minutes. Thanks to some good friends who made this possible.

Whoo Hoo!!!

Excuse my shouting but Erwin is making fantastic progress. This week saw his first steps taken with the aid of a quad cane. He is doing so very well.

Erwin More Popular Than Fish!

I told Erwin last weekend that his birthday photos were much more popular than my underwater photos..he got a big kick out of that!!

Excellent News!

Erwin had a doctor's appointment today with his surgeon to see if he needed to have his gall bladder removed and he is doing so well with his diet and has been pain free since leaving the hospital that the doctor gave him a clean bill of health and told him to return in 3 months! What a relief!

Tourists!

As mentioned earlier, Erwin can leave the rehabilitation center on the weekends. Being bound to places that are wheelchair accessible, Saturday we decided to go to the Curacao Seaquarium. Not a place that we would normally go but we spent an enjoyable few hours there. Afterwards, we went to the movie theatre to see one of Erwin's favorite comedies. The end of the day was spent strolling Brionplein and Rif Fort in Otrobanda and enjoying a bite to eat along with Erwin's favorite treat a watermelon batido (shake) made with only fruit..very healthy! It was a picture perfect day.

On Sunday morning it was raining, so we all slept late! In the afternoon we went for a long drive to the northern end of the island, up to Westpunt. On the way back we stopped at Sunset Waters for a late lunch. Our final destination was Boca Sami where Erwin had a delicious dinner while watching the sunset over the ocean.

Windsurfing Oldies!

This photo appeared in the Extra newspaper last week in connection with the Windsurfing Event that has been rescheduled for March 22nd. The photo was taken at Captain Don's Habitat in 1987 and shows from left to right, Erwin Muller, Naro Thode and Elvis Martinus (with Roy Bottse) receiving their prizes after sailing from Curacao to Venezuela by windsurf.

Verriet

A few people have asked to see some photos of the Verriet Rehabilitation Center in Curacao, where Erwin is currently a resident for his recovery and therapy, after suffering a major stroke. At the entrance you are welcomed by water lilies and bright murals on the walls. One half of the facility is for children, the other for adults...
http://www.pbase.com/imagine/verriet

Outings!

The windsurfing event planned for Sunday, March 8th, unfortunately was cancelled due to dangerous seas and high winds but even so, Erwin had a fabulous weekend. This was the first time, other than the car ride from the hospital to the rehabilitation center, that Erwin has been out and about since January 10, when he became ill.

Saturday, some friends picked him up and we toured around to a few scenic spots and ended up stopping at a beach where we ran into Erwin's niece and her husband and kids. He had a great time chatting with them and being out in the sun and near the ocean.

On Sunday, an old friend from his windsurfing days picked us up and this time we were looking specifically for places that are wheelchair accessible. We headed out to Caracasbaai where there are some nice walkways and stopped in at Windsurfing Curacao and said hello to Ingmar. We decided on a late lunch at Papagayos that was delicious and once again Erwin got to spend a nice amount of time relaxing by the ocean. On the way back to his friends house we stopped by to see another old windsurfing acquaintance and things got very emotional. We then went over to his friends house where Erwin decided he wanted to try and negotiate some tricky stairs to get up to the living level of the house. Erwin got in some good physical therapy, carefully and slowly, getting up and down those stairs. After enjoying the gorgeous view and great company, we headed back to the center. The ride back was filled with conversation and excitement, discussing plans for next weekend's outings!

Erwin's Birthday...Thanks!!

A big thank you to everyone who made Erwin's birthday so special. To all his friends and family who made the trip over to Curacao by boat and plane and those who sent cards, donations and words of support, our warmest thanks. Erwin's spirits were really lifted being surrounded by so many loving friends and family. It was a wonderful day. Erwin needed this celebration after the trying 12 days he spent in the hospital last month...it was just what the doctor ordered! Masha, Masha Danki!!

Happy Birthday Erwin

(posted by Linda)
This is just an update on the birthday party. Unfortunately I could not attend it so I have to get all my info from someone who was there. There are way to many photo's to post so bear with me till I can figure out how to post them elsewhere.

My short report: It was a blast and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, all in one day. Erwin Muller celebrated his birthday and boy, Curaçao will remember this a longtime from now. An impressive group of family and friends took the opportunity to sail and fly over to give the big man the celebration he deserved.

Erwin was at first overwhelmed by emotions because he realized how many people love him and care for him, not only by showing up in person but also the amount of cards (the majority with very generous donations), presents and of course Bonairean 'Bolo' (birthday cake) touched him deeply. His long time friend Benny celebrated his birthday as well so we had twice the fun. After the initial stroke and the many problems in the weeks after, it is amazing to see how he is doing.

To start with; Erwin is on a strict diet and it shows. He lost around 30 pounds in a month. Erwin does not like to be on a diet as everyone knows how much he likes to eat well. He is already able, with some help, to move from a wheel chair to a comfy lounge chair from where he welcomes his guests. The best news is that he can move his left leg better and better, he also has started to notice sensations and involuntary muscle movements in his left arm. This could indicate that his body is starting up again. The PT sessions (three times a day) will push him forward. It is still a long and hard road ahead but all signals are positive.

Other good news is that Erwin is allowed to leave the therapy center during the day time on the weekends so family and friends can take him for a ride.

More birthday party photos here...
http://www.pbase.com/imagine/erwins_birthday