July 21 (Saturday) Update as of 11pm:

Today was a great day for Rich. He is making great strides and continues to improve. His ventilator was removed a few hours ago ahead of schedule, and his vital signs are all stable and "where they should be." His healthy lifestyle has been key in his accelerated improvement. He is being kept somewhat sedated, but is on occasion waking up, although not at the point yet where a conversation has taken place. He's still very "drugged up" and is sleeping most of the time. Dr. Brady, the ICU Head as Matsu Regional, is very optimistic about Rich’s recovery. His sister Mary Ann has arrived from the East coast.

Jeannette also had a "good day" and her vital signs are stable. She had a long day of surgery coming out at about 5pm. This was a scheduled surgery to make more post accident surgical repairs begun with her first surgery on Thursday. The general surgeon was able to repair her intestinal tract, and the orthopedic surgeon repaired her broken wrist, thumb and right femur. Her left femur, patella and tibia are being kept stable. She will have surgery for this leg, hopefully next week. She is being kept heavily sedated and will likely remain so for up to a week. Her general surgeon, Dr. Sedlack, has indicated it will be a slow process before she is alert and able to converse.

For now, the family is asking that friends NOT try to visit either Rich or Jeannette in the ICU. The bottom line right now is what they both really need is our prayers, along with time to rest and recover. When any patient is sick, or has suffered an injury of this magnitude, their immune systems is compromised. Multiple visitors put them at increased risk for infection and that's something we all want to avoid.  Sam wanted me to share her deep thanks for all the nurturing support she has received from everyone. She said she is overwhelmed and grateful for the love for her parents as well as offers of assistance from every single person she has spoken with the last few days. She is greatly comforted knowing that so many people live Rich and Jeannette and are praying for their recovery.