Long road ahead for Bim Hoylman

In May, I reported that a friend to many of us in Palmer who has been a longtime employee of Carrs/Safeway had been injured in an accident in the Carrs parking lot. James “Bim” Hoylman has had quite a journey since that accident May 13.

On the third day following the accident he underwent two surgeries; one replaced his left hip and the other to repair his right shoulder with a series of pins. Three days after the surgeries it was discovered that his sternum and several ribs were fractured as well. Two weeks after the surgeries during the appointment to remove the staples, doctors ascertained that his right knee had been partially crushed and would need surgery to repair as well.

Having been relatively cheerful in regards to his difficulties so far, including doggedly attempting to perform physical therapy that required him to learn to walk with his new hip. During that time, he endured physical discomforts we can only imagine since he was walking with an injured knee. Bim, somewhat discouraged but game, had another surgery that lasted several hours as they reconstructed his right knee. And a long road of rehabilitation follows as all of the injuries must heal and he must actively pursue physical therapies for each of the different injuries.

During the course of all of this — surgeries, physical therapy sessions, being displaced by having to stay in Anchorage — Bim has maintained his usual outlook of cheerfulness and caring and concern for his community. And this past week he was able to finally come home to Palmer.

This past Saturday, his family had a cookout and many of his family and friends stopped by to wish him well and visit. The wall above his bed is covered with get well cards he has received, and he had written a short statement of thanks that he read to us during the cookout. His statement was heartfelt, and he wants all of his friends and extended family in Palmer to know that he really appreciates the cards, candy, prayers and good wishes he has received during this time.

With summer (at least as we know it) half gone, he has missed many of his beloved Mat-Su Miners games and has missed fishing as well. But he is looking forward to going to the remaining games and to the Alaska State Fair after taking a trip to the state of Washington with his niece, Tina. He told me that he is looking forward to picking apples and exploring other adventures that Washington will offer.

All of those activities aside, he misses his friends and co-workers, and really misses being able to see the customers he has gotten to know so well over the years.

Please be sure to stop and talk to him if you see him out in the community. Cards and letters can be sent to his house at 990 Edinborough, Palmer, AK 99645.

As I have stated before, people like Bim make Palmer a wonderful place and now it is our turn to remember him. He loves cards and balloons. If you have had the pleasure of having Bim as your friend over the years, please consider getting him a get well card to let him know that this community is thinking of him.

Linda Combs is a longtime Palmer resident.