I am out of town as I am writing this, but Sully was able to get by to see Rich, and I talked with Sam and am passing along what I have heard.   Today was a quiet day really in the scheme of things, and quiet days we have all learned by now are "good" days.    The bottom line reports from the two hospitals were words of continued healing and progress, with a few minor "ups and downs" that clearly remind us that this healing adventure is a windy hilly trail.   Rich ran a slight fever last night and into today, and he also tired out quickly on one of his hall journeys.   To add to things his lung congestion was a concern, so thay had him doing deep breathing lung exercises, with a little plastic contraption that "measured" how he was doing.  It's like a game of sorts, but not all that entertaining I suppose.          But non of these were big concerns to the doctors, and his fever responded to simple Tylenol and was back under control tonight.   They think some of his issues are that he is a little dehydrated, so now he's on a doctor ordered liquid drinking marathon, plowing down the liquids as he can and hopefully that will be the ticket.   Again, we are reminded of the "art" of medicine as much as the science. He didn't get a lot of sleep last night, but he made up for it during the day.  Of course, with Rich being an international airline pilot who is used to making the night cargo runs, sleeping in the day and being awake at night is nothing new to him.   [...]

I visited Rich this afternoon and ran into Doug and Sam and we all had a nice conversation.  Doug had RIch and I laughing--he can be so funny when he starts talking about medical stuff.  As for Rich I was stunned at how great he looked!  He's eating well, getting up and down, and walking now with a cane!   He's even talking about "getting out of here" ---- sorting out the logistics of how to go home, get the care he needs, and still be able to get back to visit with Jeannette.   One indicator of how well he is doing is he told me that he wasn't on ANY pain killers today!  WOW.    I also noticed that he had his laptop in his room so I am guessing he's reading this, and all of the posts you guys are leaving!  (HI RICH!)  [...]

Hi Everyone.  Sam here.  Back in Anchorage energized tag-teaming with Mary Ann - giving her a chance to go home for a bit.

Well, it's been quite a big day for Mom and Rich.  The first big thing is they finally had their wonderful and joyous reunion.  The only tears were mine and Joyce's as we were giving them privacy standing outside Mom's room hugging, crying and giggling.  Even though they've both been kept abreast of what's happening with the other there's no doubt that seeing each other was a balm for both of their hearts.  Mom was absolutely beaming and Rich was chatting a mile a minute.  He stayed there rubbing Mom's arm as they were clearing out her "trach" telling her to keep relaxed - coaching her through it like a pro.  He was obviously relieved to be with her and "see" her condition rather than imagine how she appears.  This reunion was important for both their progress.[...]

I stopped by the hospital this evening and visited with Rich again, and he was in good spirits, and looking forward to getting well.   He's frustrated because his balance is off some, and he can tell its going to be a while before he's swinging the golf clubs.  Just getting down the hall he said is the equivalent of playing 18 holes.   He also said: "I just take it one day at a time, not much else you can do."  [...]

Oh....a quiet day, but still, some good news to report.   I had a very short pass-through at the hospital today, and due to circumstances (i.e. relatives in town) I could not linger.   But when I was talking to Maryann some things came out that I had not realized.   It turns out that Jeannette's broken arm was "fixed" during the surgery the other day, and her other arm isn't broken after all!  It is no longer all casted up, and hearing that was a nice surprise!   Likewise, her leg repairs were completed for the present time several days ago, and that I had not realized either.   So, that was more good news.    And while she will need a knee replacement at some point in time, its not something they are worried about right now.   So that too is some great news!   And finally, her neck fracture is in "perfect alignment" with no apparent spinal chord involvement which is of course fantastic news.  I also liked the term changes too when they were discussing her neck, i.e. talking about a "fracture" instead of "broken".     Another small thing, but big to me.    So that too was all some really great news!   I like the news when it is good, and it was good today.    Jeannette had a quiet day, with less pain, and lots of rest and there were no surprises.     [...]

Tonight, I'll start the update with Rich, and for some strange reason he was having some very uncomfortable knee pain. The orthopod doctor was in and after he examined Rich he had some tests run, including an MRI to try and figure out what is causing it.   It may be that there is a hairline fracture or another issue waiting to be discovered, and it might be that Rich might need a leg cast....that's still to be determined but it's not the greatest news.    I'm not sure exactly when the results from all the tests will come back, but they want to see if there is an injury that happened in the accident that they might have missed with the initial examination.    [...]

Tonight's update marks another good day, and the things to report are all positive.   I saw Jeannette early evening, and she was recovering well from her surgery yesterday.   Her abdominal surgery went well, and that all important repair was 'completed' and appears to be behind us.    That's tremendous news, great news, and today she was resting comfortably, her "color" good, her eyes open and bright.  Those all important numbers were all right where they want them too, and the improvement in just the last few days is remarkable.     She was not in any pain (that she would admit to).  One of her two broken legs was also repaired yesterday as well, and they also worked on one of her ams too, so slowly each item that has needed addressing is clearly being taken care of one by one.   So, that marks a lot of progress to report and clearly she is improving and getting stronger.    [...]

Jeannette had a very good day today. She continues to spend long hours off the ventilator and continued working on her speech valve. She is able to talk though it's a whisper.  From our perspective, though, her whispers are coming through loud and clear and its great to hear her![...]

A quick update on Jeannette/Mom.  She continues to do well - the all imortant numbers holding steady.  She will get to work on her speech valve again this afternoon.  We are able to see daily her gaining strength.  It an amazing thing to behold and a privilege to share.[...]

VISITATION INFORMATION:   This is not an update per sey, but rather an important note that Rich is now ready for visitors.    But there are some very important things anyone wanting to visit Rich needs to know, hence this important "update."  [...]