Ring of Honor

On Friday, September 18, 2009, Don Scott became the recipient of the prestigious Ring of Honor from the National Tile Contractors Association at Total Solutions in San Antonio, Texas.

The Ring of Honor is a lifetime achievement award and was presented to Don who has served the association as 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President, and Chairman of the Board as well as Chairman of the NTCA Technical Committee. Additionally, until his illness, he served as Chairman of the ASC A108 Committee and Chairman of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC-189 and as a member of the Tile Council of North America Handbook Committee.

Don’s career spans 40 years at David Allen Company. He started as a part-time estimator in 1969 on summer vacation from teaching school. He decided to stay and through the years has been a project manager, department manager, vice president of operations, and, in 1999, became the president of David Allen Company, the nation’s premier tile, marble, and terrazzo contractor.

Don was unable to travel to San Antonio for this year’s meeting, and the award ceremony was videotaped at the David Allen Company headquarters in Raleigh. In addition to the presentation by NTCA Executive Director Emeritus, Joe Tarver, Don received a watch bearing the David Allen Company logo from Robert Roberson, Chairman—CEO of David Allen Company.

The presentations were made on Thursday morning, September 10, in Raleigh. The employees of the Raleigh office were there to applaud and participate. As can be imagined, there was not a “dry eye” in the crowd as Mr. Roberson and Mr. Tarver talked about Don Scott, “the man,” and the leader we all love and cherish.

Happy Birthday, Don!

Armed with good wishes from everyone, birthday ambassadors Cheryl and Terry went to see Mr. Scott at lunchtime on the occasion of his “36th” birthday! Samantha’s banner made a bright addition to the hospital dining room when it was hung on the windows for all to enjoy.

We presented him with the framed photograph taken in the Raleigh office last week in anticipation of this occasion.

We didn’t forget Larry’s bucket head picture either. He got a big laugh out of that one.

Pat said the mailbox was crammed full yesterday and took several trips to get it all in the house. Thanks to everyone for sending the birthday cards—they did laugh, and they did enjoy them.

Tomorrow is the big day as Don prepares to go home. He’s had a couple of “dry runs” where everything went well, and he’s looking forward to going home to stay. Yesterday he said “it is so quiet there; I’m really looking forward to that.”

It’s been a long journey (62 days) and there has been so much progress made. Don has really worked hard, and he has promised the rehab staff that he’ll be back, and he’ll be walking when he returns!

And now, this is what you really want to see….

Happy Birthday and Welcome Home tomorrow! God is good all the time!

Ron Whitt and I had the opportunity to visit with Don this morning. We got to his room just after 11 a.m., and he had just finished physical therapy. He looked great and was in good spirits. His brother, Terry, from Alabama, was with him, and we had a good visit.

We talked about the tile work in the hospital, and he asked Ron if we did it. Ron wasn’t sure, but Don thought that one of our competitors might have done it because it needed some work. He said he told the doctor that he would work up a punch list for them.

We talked about the upcoming Wolfpack Football season, and he was excited about it and is planning on going to some games. Of course he and Ron talked about the menu for the tailgate parties. I think Don is ready for some real food. He told us that Pat and Katherine brought him a hamburger from Cook Out the other day and that it was the only “real” food he has had since he has been in the hospital.

We talked a little bit about work ,and he said he is ready to get back to the office. He is still expecting to be released from the hospital next Tuesday, August 25.

It was really good to see him, and he has made much progress since the last time I saw him. God truly does miracles. Keep Don, Pat and their entire family in your prayers.

Arthur Odom

Sunday night, August 16, 2009

Dear friends at David Allen,

Bob and I were able to have a nice visit with Don this afternoon. When we first arrived, Don had his TV set to the PGA golf tournament but was snoozing peacefully! So we just waited outside until a nurse indicated that he had awakened.

Don looked great and spoke clearly. He was proud to show that he has regained a little movement in his left hand and foot. He told us about a small setback that had occurred on Friday. Because of some swelling in his foot, the staff became suspicious of a blood clot, and subsequent tests confirmed those suspicions. A minor operation to insert a “screen” in his leg (to prevent the clot from travelling up to his heart or lungs) was completely successful. Don gets back to his rehab schedule tomorrow and hopes to be home at last on Friday.

He asked a lot of questions about the folks and work at David Allen Co. It was so great to see his determination to recover completely and get back to work. We had prayer with him before leaving and left feeling very grateful that the Lord has answered so many prayers on his behalf.

Phebe

August 11 Update

Friends, I was privileged today to have a lunch date with Mr. Scott. He called and asked me to bring some things to him for his speech therapist, and he says when they get through some job cost reports , he’ll graduate from speech therapy!

Don looks really good with his weight loss, new hair style and groomed brows. He looks rested and his color is great. You’d almost think he’s been on vacation.

Blackberry at hand, he is sending and receiving a few emails.

Don has been approved to stay in the Rehab hospital until August 18 with a re-evaluation to occur then. He was up on the walker this morning. He said he was unable to walk on it yet, but that is his goal before leaving there.

As you know, construction is everywhere on the Wake Medical Center campus, and Craig Cahoon had asked that Don be his on-site representative. Craig, he said to tell you that he’s got everything under control!

Because I know you also will be reading this, Don, I will tell you that when I left from our visit in June, I was crying but never without hope. Today, I am filled with tears of gratitude and a big grin across my face. I know everything is going to be okay.

Thanks be to God.

Terry

August 10th Update

This post submitted by Jim Owens:


Susan and I had a "banana pudding" visit with Don last Wednesday, Aug 5. Susan makes some of the best BP you've ever eaten, and as you all know, this is a Don favorite.

Jon and Catherine were there with him that day, as Pat was having some back issues and
needed to rest at home. We found a delightfully different Don, one more like the guy we all know and love. He was very alert, upbeat, joking and smiling, and very talkative. We
discussed many subjects, and we were fascinated at his memory of everything that has
occurred since he had his stroke. He was moving the fingers on his left hand, and described in detail the different kinds of therapy, the therapists and the rigors and results.
We saw a much improved and pleasantly optimistic Don, one who is looking forward to getting home, and one who is already planning the logistics of how all of this will be handled. Be reminded, however, that there is still much remedial work to be done for him to be able to resume the desired degree of daily normalcy.

Yesterday, as Susan and I were traveling back from a weekend trip, we had a call in the car from Don, to visit, and to wish Susan a happy birthday. Through the magic of
speakerphones, we were both afforded a great visit, and discussed several subjects.
Don related that on Friday, he was able to stand, and with the aid of two of the nursing staff, take several steps without a walker or the leg brace. He seemed very excited about
this progress. He stated that at this point, they are working toward his being released
from the hospital at the end of this week.

Don has mentioned on numerous occasions how many cards and letters they have gotten, and how much they have meant to them.

August 6th Update

Don is very upbeat and positive about his recovery and is committed to the hard work of daily therapy. He speaks often of how much he misses his friends and co-workers and wants you all to know that the care, love, support and prayers you have extended are greatly appreciated. If all goes well, Don may be able to come home in about another week or two. While there are certainly advantages to being at home, it will be somewhat more difficult for him to get to his therapy sessions. Don has nothing but high praise for his medical and therapy team at the hospital; he says that they have taken excellent care of him.

Don is continuing to see progress with some movement in his left leg. His arm and shoulder are coming along, but at a slower pace. The therapist tells us that the larger muscle groups usually respond to therapy first and then transition to the smaller muscle groups. He has feeling on his left side and with a leg brace can support some weight on his left leg. On Monday, Don moved his thumb and index finger in therapy. The therapist asked him to do it again, and he did!

Just as you would expect, Don still has his unique sense of humor and ability to communicate his genuine concern and care for others. Please continue to send cards to the home address and hopefully soon, Don and Pat will be able to have some visitors.