From Ron Prestidge (Contact Ron, see below)

December 13, 2003
Just got home for the holidays in wheelchair accompanied by CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machine for my leg and a porta-pottie, (Ha!). I'll be transported to out-patient therapy until my leg is in a condition to successfully accept a "bionic" knee.

Thank you for all ya did. I'll be slowly sending greetings and thanks to those who wished me well. I'll write ya and let ya know when I've recovered from the knee replacement.

Friday, November 28, 2003
Update from Betsy:
Received a letter from Ron Prestidge today 11-28-03. Ron states he is O.K. and remains in a nursing facility, progressing slower than he would like because of the severity of his injury. He has had three surgeries so far and will have to have one more - a total knee. He asked me to express to you his sincere appreciation for all the cards and letters he has received from classmates since his accident. He says he will respond to everyone who wrote to him, but it might be a little while.

He thanks y'all.

Sunday, October 19, 2003
Dear Betsy,

Funny how things sometimes workout. It's a good thing that I did not commit ourselves to attending the 45th Reunion. We would not have made it anyway.

On 23 September, I was involved in an accident at work in which a large wheelchair transport van ran over my right leg, smashing it from foot/ankle to hip. I've had a couple of surgeries (to ankle and thigh), so, we've been waiting for the wounds to heal with lots of Physical Therapy ahead. Doctors tell me I was lucky it is not worse than it is and in time, I will be up and about.

The paramedics took me to the closest trauma unit and not the Navy Hospital. I stayed for one week before transferring to this convalescent facility I am in now. My wife, Masako, brought me the Reunion Booklet you sent which I really enjoy. It's presently in my bedside table. Thank you. I am confident Masako and I will attend the 50th Reunion!

Tuesday, Oct. 21

P.S. It's now Tues. afternoon. Masako just brought me the Group Picture from the 45th Reunion. Thank you so much. Amazing!!! I must be honest, I would not have been able to name anyone without your identifying paper you enclosed. That's attributable, I'm sure, a great deal to my poor memory. Thanks so much! It's a good looking group who look like they were having a good time.
Sincerely,
Ron

I thought it would be nice to send Ron some cards, letters, pictures to cheer him up and to know we wish him a speedy recovery. He wanted to attend the 45th Reunion - (after I located him this year after 35 yrs. being on the lost list!) - but since he drives the Veterans Van to take veterans to medical appointments, he couldn't take time off. (Discharged from the Navy after 30 yrs. of service and has driven the van ever since.)

Ron doesn't have a computer and doesn't know how to operate one. Thanks for your cooperation.

Betsy Wegner Molson

Ron Prestidge
324 Pearlwood St.
Chula Vista, California 91911-4528.