Word went out Saint Patrick’s Day—courtesy of ‘Indy’ Bill Cavalier—that Rusty Burke had improved to the point that the hospital had allowed him to go home. Unfortunately, I didn’t even have internet connectivity that day and there’ve been various troubles since. Without further ado, here’s the word straight from Mr. Cavalier:

“What a great St. Patrick's Day! Rusty is home and I just talked with him on the phone!
When I called, Shelly [Rusty’s wife] said he was on the other phone and could he call me back? Oh, hell yeah!
His first words were: "Well, they threw me out of the hospital!"
His voice was a little weak but he sounded good, with that touch of humor that is always there.
He is very glad to be home and in familiar surroundings. He said, "There's nothing like the sounds of the neighborhood to make you feel good."
Rusty greatly appreciates all the concern and prayers and cards and good wishes that have come his way; I told him there's a lot of folks out here who love you. He mentioned the people of Cross Plains in particular and there was a touch of amazement in his voice.
He also said, "I'll be walking by June", meaning he has the goal of showing up for Howard Days in Cross Plains. I told him if he does, I'm putting him to work and he said, "I'm ready."
That might be a long shot, but Shelly mentioned to me previously that coming to Howard Days is a goal; certainly it's one that we can all hope for. But for right now it's still one day at a time.
But in Rusty's own words: "I'm coming back."
Best end to a report - so far.
Indy Bill Cavalier”

Rusty, of course, is a proud scion of the Burkes of Galway. Perhaps there was a bit of St. Paddy’s Day luck involved. The main thing is that he’s back at home and feeling like he could attend Howard Days this year. The chances for a full recovery look better all the time. Slainte, Rusty!

More details about Mr. Burke’s original injury can be found here.