August 24 (Friday) - 10:35pm

From my special ops background, I'd have to say that today marks a special day in Rich's recovery, as operation Bald Eagle Escape went off without a hitch.  Sam was on target in her clandestine special ops all-white vehicle, and she extracted all important information and needed supplies from the doctors and medical team before executing the actual target extraction single handily.    The exit from the hospital went exactly according to mission plan and there were no surprises.  

First stop was to St Elias ICU, to see Jeannette.  The meeting was remarkable; two individuals so deeply in love and I know without any question that seeing RIch was the highlight of Jeannette's entire day.    It was for Rich too of course, but he confessed later that it was painfully difficult to see his 'honeybears' trapped in her bed, with her broken body and all of the bandages.   He told me later that it was almost too much for him; the tubes and casts and machines and all of it....almost "overwhelming."   I reminded him it wasn't all that long ago that he too looked like an astronaut heading out for a moon mission, and the tubes do come out and the doctors are working miracles.  

But the contrast was not lost on any of us, and in a strange sort of way it seemed to me that Rich felt a little bit of guilt perhaps that he was heading home and the person he loves most in all the world was not.    The accident was on his mind, which up until now had not been something he had ever discussed with me.   But while he and I were waiting at Carrs while Sam and Sully did the all important grocery shopping, he kept saying to me "If only we could have done something different, but I don't know how.   There is nothing you can do.   Five seconds...just five seconds earlier or later and this never would have happened."  

He clearly had a lot on his mind.   I think it was a day of reflection; the happiness of going home contrasted with his realization that a lot still needs to be done, that we are a ways yet before Jeannette can make the same journey.  Still, one milestone was reached, and Rich is home.  But it was an emotional day too; Jeannette clearly thrilled to see him standing there, going home and clearly getting better.   But I want so much for her too to get out of that bed too, to be able to carry on a real conversation and be able to move her arms and work her legs.   Oh, I long for the day when she can just sit up and talk and carry on a two way conversation!

Like it was for Rich today, I know it is very hard on Sam, to see her mom still so injured, and the healing process going frustratingly slowly.   Still, progress is being made, and as Rich said to me this afternoon, "It's up to the doctors...all we can do is one day at a time."  

From this casual observer I think the key now is to help Jeannette keep her sprits up, to keep the good fight going and to get better a little with each day that passes.   I have a trust in her medical team, and I know she is in good hands.   Sam is like a solid mentor--she seems to have it all under control.   In many ways, she is a miracle worker and whoa to anyone who gets in her way!   

For the future, I will now concentrate these updates on Jeannette, as Rich is home and his healing will continue day by day.   But from my perspective, with him now home the day to day updates for Rich are no longer prudent or necessary.   He's home.     I was there long enough to see him resting comfortable, eating fresh pizza that Sam cooked hot out of the oven.   He had his tea, and enjoyed his mocha earlier in the day.   He was in control, directing me to what had to be done.     I followed his directions and together we got the oil turned on, the living room oil heater lit, and the lawn tractor put away in his garage.    His cell phone is plugged back in, and he can take calls now, and it's my understanding that there is a list of individuals lining up to come and stay with him, which will be necessary for the near future.    In short, he's in good hands.

Keep the prayers and posts coming; the outpouring of love and support is clearly something unprecedented to a degree I could never have imagined, and Rich and Jeannette and the entire family appreciate every post, every comment, and every card and all of the well wishes.   My hunch is it will soon be time for more of you to start seeing Jeannette, to cheer her up and keep her hopes alive that she too can beat this and get well.  Sam will know WHEN - and I'll let you know here.  But get ready, because one of the pictures in the photo album came to mind today, and it soon might be time for the "Crazy Willow Women" to cheer up their friend! 

Speaking of pictures, I took and posted a new photo of Rich, the all important "Rich at home" picture.   I can hardly wait until I can do the same thing for Jeannette, and oh it will be a great day when I can take that picture of her home and resting comfortably too.    Oh that's a wonderful thought and a good way to end this update.---John  :-)