Long Recovery from Winter Fall

Last year's severe winter weather led to a sudden change in the lives of a Minot couple. Al and J...  More »

Last year's severe winter weather led to a sudden change in the lives of a Minot couple. Al and Joanne Larson are dealing with the effects of a terrible accident that happened as they were clearing snow from the roof of their home. Carla Burbidge explains. We'll never forget the sights and sounds of last winter. It was a record setting winter for snow amounts, and many of us spent a great deal of time behind a snow shovel. One day in January, Al Larson and his wife went to shovel the roof of their NW Minot home. Joanne was already up there.. Al was climbing the ladder and was stepping on the roof, when he and the ladder crashed onto the cement driveway. (Joanne Larson) "I was stranded up on the roof, and but someone came along in minutes, and than we began this journey." The journey which includes helping Al with therapy, and taking care of his day to day needs. After hitting his head on the cement that day, he was in a Minnesota hospital for weeks. Then, he suffered a stroke and was in a nursing home for weeks. (Joanne Larson) "When you break you're arm it takes six weeks, when you have a brain injury you don't know how long it will take." Because Al's legs aren't working, Joanne has installed a lift in the bedroom ...purchased a handicapped van, and had a ramp installed. (Joanne Larson) "Al was always busy and active, and now he can't do much of anything, its quite the change." The web site, Caring Bridge, tells all about Al's injury, and friends and family can leave messages. She hopes her story can remind us all, never take your life or health for granted, it can all change in minutes. In Minot, Carla Burbidge KX News A benefit pancake breakfast will be held for the Larsons this Sunday from 9-1 at the Minot Moose Lodge to help them pay expenses related to Al's recovery. A free will offering will be taken.  « Less