"I only want to be with you"

I thought of the Bay City Rollers today.  Some of you might remember this band from the mid 70's.  They had some good tunes to dance to at the "discotheque".  [HAH]  Hey they were fun and AWL that suggested plaid in their "outfits"/costumes.  Don't forget the hair, also, nicely coiffed.  My roommate in College, Dave had some of their records/LPs.  For those younger people, they were big black Compact Disks we put on a turntable with a stylist on it.  It followed the grooves in the record as its pinned and sound magically was transmitted through external speakers.  Yes, now that was a real "tin can with a string", but it worked and entertained us AWL.

Not only did the song "I only want to be with you" have some significance, but today was the roller-coaster ride WE need to expect.  For you who follow the "Yo-Yo" you will understand.  There is not much you can do on either--up and down really; a fun thrill or not.  It can either take your breathe away (pardon the pun) or fill you with glee.  Some of us are too old for the roller coaster rides at Fun Parks or Carnivals.  You outgrow the mundane task of manipulating the "Yo-Yo".  I have no choice and this is what I have before me and also the main protagonist of OUR focus; Melissa.  

I understand the process the Care Team has prescribed for her, but all the pieces and "signs" must be in place to get to the next step.  I know she will hit the goals they set forth and off we go to the next Act or Chapter.  I thought today would be a step ahead, it was a small step and then put on hold.  Melissa and I tried to communicate; once again reading lips is a REAL skill.  Sometimes I might as will be talking to Cairo because she tries to communicate but I don't understand.  It is frustrating for AWL.  Of course if I give Cairo a treat then, well, I am forgiven.  Maybe she is telling me I need to invest in something in the stock market.

So maybe when time comes, Melissa will read these short reports and know that "I only want to be with you" [her].  I am selfish.  But when you find the right person in life you cannot let go of how much input they have in the making of you--a continual work in progress also on that roller coaster or "Yo-Yo" string. 

** I did not think I would write anything today/night. but this is at times is my therapy.  I have no Mother or Father to w[h]ine to.  I can burden my Brother and Sister, they're awesome and very supportive; we have a tight bond applied many years ago as children growing up.  I don't have a pastor.  No psychologist or psychiatrist; too smart for them, proven many years ago.  So this gives me peace, plus reading the "Daily Bread" and thinking of those wonderful healing stories in the Bible.

For your pleasure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0oSHtxdPus

That was a quick 2 weeks

The Beginning of another week

(Cairo is so serious, what a hoot)

It was 2 weeks ago this journey began.  Melissa has made considerable steps towards her healing.  We have many more “step/goals” to go. Today they are doing measured trials with her off the ventilator and well, not bad.  The quicker she gets back to breathing normally then she can move on to the next step.

Her numbers are good, BP could be lower but her body is healing.  She is going for a liver ultra sound today to see what is up.  And she still has some fever from the “brain thing”, normal. 

Her and I were trying to communicate.  If my sister Angela were here she could have interpreted.  She can read lips.  I flunked lip reading, but I can speak fluently and understand Mic-O-Say. Not to be confused with “you don’t say”.  (Rim Shot)

After an hour of point at an alphabet and looking at her lip movement I finally got it!  By George!  She wanted to call her Mom on her cell phone.  I got the C and then E, plus an L; this is like playing “Wheel of Fortune”.  She called her Mother with my help and then through me and the speaker option, she was able to tell her Mom that she loved her.  She got pretty tired out after a while so we stopped.  I am sure that many more will hear from her in due time so hang in there sports fans.

She may get moved to a step-down unit tomorrow; we shall see. They are going to really try to get her “rolling” now that she can breathe on her own.

Today was a good beginning and answer to my prayers.  I am very happy for Melissa.  But don't stop now you prayer warriors and positive thinkers, we AWL have more work to do.

*I will not be doing daily updates.  I might be boring people.  There is not much to say unless  there is a GOOD major or minor change.  If that makes you sad let me know.  I have so much to do at night with the Pups, small work tasks, our personal business and I need my rest to process.

**Don’t confuse the fictitious tribe Mic-O-Say with the Hekawi Tribe on “F-Troop”.

Happy Face

“Put on a happy face”

Pick out a pleasant outlook, 

Stick out that noble chin;

Wipe off that “full of doubt” look,

Slap on a happy grin!

And spread sunshine all over the place,

Just put on a happy face!

I am not a big musical theater person; yes I know it has “made my way” in my chosen field in NYC.  “I may not be a smart man, but I know what Set Design is, Jennie.” Sorry, to let the proverbial cat out of the bag; I like dramas and comedies—for AWL you civilians we call them in the profession “straight plays”.  My undergrad major is in Speech and DRAMATIC Arts.  Mom would tell people I majored in Drama; we had plenty of that on Pleasant Avenue when I was growing up.  I have had plenty of that in the past 13 days.

I like plays that deal with human interaction and conflict, something that is thought provoking.  Musicals are too optimistic at times, at least the kind that we seem to keep reviving on Broadway.  They have songs we can sing and remember after the show has closed.  How many of you sing or hum a song from let’s say something new you have seen?  It is hard to recollect the tune or lyrics.  But the good ole musicals had great songs to put into your mind for future need to sing along or hum.  That 11 o’clock song was meant to be a real “hum dinger” as they say in the Ozarks.

I think the song “Put on a happy face” came to me today for a reason.  “Bye Bye Birdie” is not a “My Fair Lady” in musical theater lore but it had/has a purpose.  Today that song is my theme music.

It is more optimistic today for Melissa.  She smiled at me and understood some of what I was saying.  They took out the External Ventricular drain tube (EVD).  Her ICP, intracranial pressure has been good the past 2 days.  She is breathing more on her own without the ventilator doing most of the work.  Remember M rides an “E” assist bike, although there is a motor you still need to peddle.  She is more alert and smiled at me many times.  I explained to her some of what has happened and what she needs to do to get to the next level.  We still have that nagging low grade fever on and off.  Got to “war” on that y’all—“y’all” is for my Missouri and Oklahoma readers.

It was a good day for Melissa and gave us AWL a glimmer of moving forward.  I was happy today for her and her family and supporters.  “Spread sunshine all over the place”.  Amen

*Cairo went to the Vets today.  She lost a pound and got a good report from Dr. Glicker.  She did have a minor ear irritation I will monitor.  Her Mummy would be proud of her weight.

I approve of this message....

“A tube for a tube”

Today was a day of change in respiratory methods; the tube was taken out of the mouth/throat and they moved it down.  Melissa has a tracheotomy.  It will give her a better chance of recovering and learning how to breathe eventually without any assist.  Unfortunately the area of the cerebellum that was compromised controls our breathing action/signals; there has been a slight disconnect they speculate.  With this new tube site she should start getting stronger so that we can move to the next step; therapy to ween her off the machine and breathe on her own.

Nobody should be fearful or loose your momentum in the flow of love and prayers.  So please do not be alarmed, it was an eventual part of the game plan by her Care Team.

This is a common procedure, all in the process of getting M back on her feet.  The down side is that she will not be able to talk.  The tube is situated below her vocal cords.  So when the time comes we will have a small dry erase board for her to communicate with us; assuming she still knows how to write.  These are things that will be revealed to us as the plot unfolds ever so slowly like a Chekhovian Play.

Got to use energy to get that brain pressure stabilized and healed.  Seems like she was spending so much time on trying to fight a fever, pneumonia and breathing which stole the spotlight to heal the brain. So our ship is stable, full speed (take whatever time you need Melissa) ahead.

I can see her lovely face now and that is awesome.  Formally, so many tubes, tape and straps—Oh My!  I can hear her voice in my head, “what’s your schedule this week”—HAH.  “Well looks like I am booked at Jersey Shore Medical ‘Centaur’,” as Mr. Ix used to say referring to the Billy Joel song.

* this blog was approved by The Pupperooni.  Vote for Cairo in 2020 on the Canine Ticket.

Smile and maybe tomorrow....

“A smile is worth a thousand words.”

She smiled at me today when I first came in, but after that Melissa is in another place.  She is sedated but they are trying to find a place to bring her without anxiety and wasted energy. This is one of those roads on the plains that has an end but you can not see it until you see it.  But that smile was true and will never be forgotten.  That lifted my spirits today for sure.

*cue the Nat King Cole song “Smile”

Melissa still has more work to do, the “punch list” isn’t growing, just not checking off the boxes.  I have all my confidence in her ability to overcome and I project that to her.  Silently I tell myself to hang in there like those 1980’s posters of kittens hanging by their claws.  

WE AWL need to take a collective deep breathe and keep a tight grip on the tight line.  Melissa would do the same and more for US.  Keep sending the love and healing prayers.  Results here are not overtly seen, it is the small gains we focus on; it all adds up in the long run.  AND this is a long journey remember, but that can change....

*Thank you for the lovely Video, Cards and support—it is welcome and worth a HUGE smile and hug.

Reluctance

“USS Reluctance”

Oh no, not the Mr. Roberts reference!  Yes.  

I was not there today, I spent the day at Studio HIP to make sure things were on schedule.  The field reports I received on Melissa were once again a step in the right direction and then backwards.  Melissa seems to be reluctant or is not aware that when they try to get her off the tube and onto another method of oxygen delivery, she needs to relax and breathe.  Agitation and defiance is not the way to heal.  

Maybe the medications are not making her think as clear as needed.  Sedation has many varying degrees.  I trust what the Team is doing, but I wonder if Melissa understands or trusts.  Maybe she is fearful and confused.  Maybe she needs a “liberty” to get off the slow progressing ship and on a more positive proactive route?  I will be there for M tomorrow and give her all of my positive energy.  She is surrounded by love and positive encouragement.  

So for those who are praying or have a group of “prayer warriors” let’s get specific.  Focus on Melissa’s understanding, peace and surrender to the healing force that envelopes her.  I believe and I support your efforts to defeat a reluctant spirit that would rob her of the victory she so richly deserves.

Again #breathe #relax #heal 2 scrambled eggs, hashtag and some whole wheat toast dry. 

It’s AWL in the numbers....

1’s and 2’s and back....

We finished Day 1 with a procedure which rendered 1 liter of fluid off a lung.  For those soda drinkers, that is one of the BIG plastic bottles of liquid sitting in your frig or pantry. Shouldn’t it be bottle or am I assuming if there is 1 there is 2.  WHOA!  A former colleague, Rita, drank a bottle of Diet Coke every day. Maybe that is why she was full of crazy energy.

Melissa shows some progress in areas and they are trying to see if they can ease her off  certain procedures and machines.  They got rid of 1 EEG machine, 1 cooling blanket machine and my favorite the chest vest that shakes you to break up the lung “goo”, yech!  Oh and the heating blanket that looks like a pool raft hooked up to your vacuum canister.

Melissa has 2 new nurses, one new Patient Care Associate and the hospital doctor visited her twice, Dr. Park.

No big events today, no fever and some awakening with recognition.  She pointed feebly   towards me and wanted me by her bed side like the “God Father” Don Corleone scene in the hospital.  I am pretty sure she said something about exterminating our arthropod residents in the Studio. Pesky things trying to take over our territory.

Remember small steps, marginal gains, process [mantra].  Got to get her breathing with the “nose-hose”, for a lack of a better term—get the tube out of the throat and try to swallow so the feeding tube comes out of nose.  And get the brain ventricle drain tube out.  3 tubes and add a “nose-hose”.

That would be the goal this week.  But it is 1 step at a time, it is up to her body to tell the Team what it can and will tolerate, they are trying I can assure you.

We may be doing the Texas 2-step this week.  Grab your Stetson and your Roper boots.

Day 1–Week 2

Hey what’s up...?

I can no longer hide my vibe from Cairo she can smell and see it, even with that injured “malocchio” eye.  She is looking for Melissa and so is Ben.  And Nina W[h]iner Belle, she is looking for me as usual.  It is funny how our furry friends sense a change in the pack.  What are their concerns and anxieties.  Who’s gonna feed me, what about AWL those treats and I gotta go for a walk or you got a mess to tidy up....sorry.  

I jokingly say AWL the time to Melissa, “now that you have Cairo you don’t need me.”  They are connected or haven’t you noticed [hah].  Although, the Pupperooni is much like me, she doesn’t like to be smothered. Hey—just look at that face in the photo.

Starting on day one of week two and not much has changed that would be a big step.  Small gains are on the menu until we get her lungs rolling.  She is strong, but fighting all the time, I can tell.  Last week at this time I was really not sure how this was going to play out.  I couldn’t read the race except the pace was very slow and we need to be at the front to stay out of trouble.  If you are at the front say when a climb comes, then if you slide back a bit you don’t psychologically feel bad.  You can then on the descent navigate your way back to your former position.  She still maintains here position health wise.

We need to work on the lung strength and finding a calm spot to receive complete healing as a process. Process, process, process—my favorite part of designing after drawing, drafting and painting.  Cairo and Melissa need to “smell” and sense positive energy from AWL.  TRUST in the Healing Team and trust me that “Mommy will be back.”

#healingprocess #calm #treatsforawl #breathefreely

*Answering a Comment:  Cairo and Nina (nine-uh) like Fruitable Blueberry treats and Mother Hubbard Biscuit mini treats any flavor 

A Full Week in....

It has been a full week since this journey began.  M has work to do, but she loves her work, maybe not this type of work but it is important.  Her eyes are open at times looking far away.  She is fidgeting a bit more, they say her fever might be breaking.  Hopefully she is turning the corner so we only have 10 things on the “punch list” instead of many.  I can tell you she is receiving EXCELLENT care from her Team.  They are very positive about how she is doing, but rest is important in the healing process.

My Mother was an ICU Nurse and she loved the work: challenging cases to turn around and get them on a healing path.  My Sister, Angela, witnessed Mom’s dedication to the patients she took care of when she too worked at the hospital.  Compassion, encouragement, mental strength and dedication to the art of healing is what it takes.

So heal Melissa heal your body, let it do its magic.  Our bodies are fascinating machines and know what needs to be done.

Sorry I don’t have anything more clever to say.  My sense of humor seems to be spotty like the internet signal at 308 when we want to watch Netflix.  Better call Optimum, they have it AWL under control.....?

*To AWL well wishers and care giving people, our refrigerators are full of food.  We probably have enough body fuel to outlast another attack from General Santa Anna. So until further notice or special request we have food to eat.  Thank you so much for your love, thoughtfulness and generosity.

“Jimmy Jack is cleaning plates to help around the house”

We interrupt this regularly scheduled....

Sorry for the brief public announcement, and I don’t want to hurt feelings or make anyone mad, but here are some realities.

I know everyone is anxious to speak to and visit Melissa, she is a very social and interactive person with friends and families.  But (there’s always buts) this is a critical stage of her process to heal in ICU. So there will be no visitations unless it is immediate family. She is sedated, resting.  A cue of well wishers is not allowed due to the possibility of introducing germs which might lead to infection.  The risk of infection is possible in the cleanest of hospitals.  So be patient your time will come.  #process #marathon #breathe #positiveenergy.

For those who have sent cards to Melissa, thank you.  I will hold on to them until she is able to read again.  She can hardly keep her eyes open to see even me, but I have a scary face.  Wait till she gets to the next step out of the ICU and is alert.

Finally, no flowers in the ICU.  Either send to the house or wait for the next step in the process.  She loves flowers in the ground and really loves trees.  So donate your money to the Spring Lake Shade Tree Committee.  That would make her very happy.

I appreciate the support you give to Melissa.  She is getting her “100 fold return” as promised.  Love to AWL

*Cairo asked me to petition you AWL for more treats.  Since her Mummy has been gone it is like a no treat “boot camp”. 

Isaiah 53:4-6

A very good friend sent me this today, thank you.  I am not much of a preacher.  I don’t “walk the walk, talk the talk” like I should and have done in another life time.  But this selection from the Bible really spoke to me today.  Melissa is not a Bible scholar or even was taught the many stories I learned in Sunday School as a boy.  In fact I am in a way making her more aware of what a resource the Bible can be to guide you in life.  Every time I take Cairo in her “roller doller” down into the subway for travel, I think of the man who was lowered through the hole in the roof so he could see Jesus and be healed.  Not that going down into the subway is a healing experience—it is an experience with the delays, crowding, uncleanliness and that guy in the end seat is staring at me wrapped in hefty trash bags wearing an orange traffic cone for a hat.  YIKES! 

I know in our modern society we AWL believe in something that guides us in our daily journey.  I am not suggesting that you follow Bible stories and Jesus, but what I am saying is there is a force out there that is bigger and more comprehensive, that has a plan.  So if you are getting good vibes from you local Mr. Softie truck person and that is working then go for it. Oh and by the way make sure your cone was protected by paper and not touched by that person.  Just saying....

I believe that Melissa is in good hands of healing on many levels.  Her “will and staying power” can guide and determine the outcome.  She can receive the medication, treatment and supernatural interaction—but she is going to need to spiritually receive that in her long road to wellness/overcoming.  Natural united with  Supernatural, it s a thing—watch-out.

Today has been a very peaceful day as they give her body time to Heal.  Let those bodily apparatus (lungs) get reset to breathe with confidence.  Let the swelling in her brain continue to diminish incrementally.  She has good neurological activity and she is still responsive to commands for motor skill activities.  Her vitals signs are good along with body temp.  I feel a peace come over me that is comforting and I hope Melissa is feeling the same.  She is breathing with some assist, I am “breathing”.  I have seen some Medical Miracles in my life and I know there is a force out there who cares, who is watching.  Hopefully it isn’t Mrs. Tucker, she was tough love in High School.

*I grew up in the Joseph Smith Wing of the Mormon Church.  We went to church Sunday day/night—Wednesday prayer meetings.  I had a very determined Baptist Grandmother.  I loved my time in the full gospel church attending with my Parents.  I may not be outwardly a supreme example of a person who believes, but....

There’s no place like home....

There’s no place like home.... Famous words spoken by a girl from Kansas separated from her family and home roots. Well “M” wants to go home.  Melissa in here delirium keeps talking about going to 308. “ Get the car and we can go to 308”.  “Is Mom and Dad going to come pick us up and we can go home?”  This is all in a very low breathy tone hard to understand at times. The brain, along with the drugs, have rewired her memory to “hang out” in a place of comfort.  That is good, because ICU with the beeping machines, visitations asking questions, performing motor skill commands, plus the “Ice Station Zebra” temps make it a place of anxiety.  AND if you have never been in a hospital for a sleep-over, well there is no  rest.  You need to figure out their daily visit, cleaning, blood giving and food delivering schedule and then plan your time to grab some shut eye.  It is part of the routine of care to get you out and well.

Today we took a big step backward....  She is not suffering like yesterday which was heart-breaking.  Her vital signs are good, but new concerns have been thrown in the mix (pardon the acronym); like fluid in the lungs (pneumonia) and dialing in the fever caused by the blood in the brain and stabilizing the blood pressure.  The energy she spent on breathing and shivering yesterday really weakened her.  She is back on the ventilator to assist her breathing and  give her a better chance to heal in other areas like the brain which is not well.  They are also sedating her again so she can relax. The body temp/fever is down and the BP is much better.  M responds to the commands even in her somewhat sleepy condition.  

Yes, I want Melissa home and our life we thought we’d have in the weeks of Summer. In fact tomorrow is the first official day of Summer so go out and enjoy the longest day.  I realize each day that this is our reality for now.  You cannot cheat the “course” of healing, especially the one she is currently enrolled. Melissa has a long road ahead to ascend, between 6 & 8% gradient.  She is strong and tough, and hard headed don’t forget, determined to get home even if it is in her subconscious or rewired memory.

So one step at a time as they say—lose a bit today so we can win tomorrow; you know the cliches.  I believe she is in good hands physically and spiritually, I am not worried just cautious when people are not realistic about the “process”.  This is not one week and back home fans.  Extra innings will ensue.

*it is cold in the hospital and yes even Chilly Willy would be making a fire.

“Your Daily M”

“A Tough Day in the Saddle”

Every day is new and there may be setbacks as she climbs up to the top again.  Her body is working so hard.  The medical team has to assess the risks & rewards in recovery.

Melissa is in the middle of the peloton during the stage of her “tour” where we see how her body performs under the demands of the pace.  What is her fitness?  She was doing very well yesterday, but today sliding back in the pack trying to conserve energy for the attacks to come. Basically M’s body is overloaded with demands to heal the brain and make the swelling go down. She is riding with a head wind.

Started today with a fever which is common at times with her type of brain trauma.  They are checking for any signs of infection, but none so far after Labs. Vital signs are good.  She is more awake but still in the land of Grogg still climbing and fighting.  However she is more talkative, when prompted.  She first thought I was Cairo, but then knew my name.  M knows her right from left.  Her age is 25:  spot on! Knows who the president is with a sneer.  She was asked what year it was and she said 1925.  I don’t have a problem with that I am always trying to write the wrong year down, as this year is WAY to crazy.  Maybe she thinks she is on Long Island waiting for Jay Gatsby.  She also said she was trying to get the pool cleaned; is this Gatsby or Sunset Boulevard.

She has to breathe strong and deeply—keep the oxygen flowing.  Any oxygen level below 89-90 is not acceptable.  She has had some problems with that today but her caregivers have figured that out with a bigger nasal tube apparatus. But that nasty shivering is robbing energy needed to assist the healing process in her brain.  It is so hard to see at times, but I give her words of encouragement, while she is telling me her schedule for the Boston Playground.

I sit here and fight with her trying to assist her like a good domestique, “stay on my loving wheel and follow me to the top.”  I will navigate the peloton, AWL she has to do is relax and stay within herself and follow the “parcours” of love you ALL send.

*we may need to change our cassette from 11/28 to a 11/32 and spin more instead of grinding it out—it will save energy and keep her fresh

“Your Daily M”

“The linguine is not cooked correctly”

Today was another day on “Mr. Robert’s ship the USS Reluctant” (real naval vessel was the Hewell AG-145).  And if you know the story line, nothing much happened.  Good.  She is healing at the rate her body can repair, which is good!  M is getting fed, basically Ensure until she can swallow and take on more solids.  No Inatesso Pizza Parties yet, but I cannot wait to share that event with her and a glass of w[h]ine if permitted.  So she is sleeping, breathing and working on controlling her snoring [hah]!  The Pupperooni is a CHAMPION snorer, “Moaning Myrtle” I call her.

Her Neuro-Sturgeon, Dr. Eisenbrock, came by to see Melissa.  He said the aneurysm material (I may not be a smart man but I am not a doctor, I am a set designer, Jenny) basically popped out at him when he went into that area during the procedure.  Maybe not the gusto of the scene at the dinner table in the movie “Alien”, but it released itself.  He was once again, selling the process as a “marathon, not a sprint”.  Let’s AWL PRAY it is not 26.2 miles but 13.1.  That is up to the healing angels or forces of the universe (whatever you prescribe to).  Do we capitalize the word “angels” if they are not in Los Angeles, Anaheim or California? (Sorry for the baseball reference).  So the Doctor is slowly increasing the saline flow to help get that swelling down in a very gradual manner.  He was very personable and informative.  He also said that the procedure went well Saturday but every case is different.  Our brains are the same yes but there are variations etc.  Maybe that is why Melissa cannot upload photos to the HIP MutherSHIP and I can [hah].  But she knows her playground designs, plant material and how to be a REAL professional.  I am learning from her ever so slowly, but like a sponge—and my name ain’t Bob, and there will be no musical on my watch.

She now has a EEG machine attached to her head and a head band that looks kinda HIP.  Picture the Fife player in the Archibald Willard painting. M would not like the look unless it were Halloween or a scarf from Hermès.  This will measure her brainwave activity.  They fitted me with it first to test the machine and told me to get a job on the TV show “Walking Dead”.

I heard her say “yes” in a very breathy shallow tone, almost in a Lauren Bacall way.  Which is SO encouraging and she recognized me when she had her eyes open.  She also said something like, “the Linguine is not cooked correctly” repeatedly. That is Grogg for, “is Mom cooking dinner.” She is still groggy and resting those brown eyes until it is “show time”.

These people are taking great care of our M.  She will never know how much they do or the depth of their persistence to get her back on track.  Dedicated professionals taking care of a real care giver/pro.

*For those who are reading, go to your Primary Care Physician and get a complete physical.  Don’t wait 3 years, because your body changes with age, your diet and the stress you load into it.  Hypertension is not a good thing.

Your Daily “M”

As you AWL know by now [or not], Melissa suffered a Cerebral Hemorrhage this past Saturday about 2:20pm. She was taken to the ER by the local EMS. "M" was evaluated very quickly and then was whisked off to the ER for a surgery to relieve the swelling in her brain. Not before I had to answer questions, sign papers, evaluate numbers on the success of the procedure, think if I had given Cairo her eye drops, checked my latest stock options and placed my bet on the local Monmouth Horse Race. It was intense, while holding back tears of fear and emotion, trying to be strong thinking clearly—a good advocate for my wife's health.

After 2 3/4 days in the hospital your prayers, healing love, and good vibes have worked.  Keep it up! Melissa is off the ventilator breathing on her own. The swelling in the brain is a bit less; could be better—but WE will take whatever we can get right now.  AND she has good motor skills; to the point of trying to get out of bed.  Today we won the Stage or least we were on the podium. Thank you AWL.

However, WE are not out of the woods here. This will be a marathon of sorts, much still remains unknown about balance, coordination and speech.  One day at a time is how I lived 2 Summers ago with a hematoma in my leg. Patience is not one of Melissa’s most reliable traits.  So I will give her AWL I have, to overcome this event and return her to a rich life of creativity and giving.  She is tough. A warrior. Very fit. So stubborn at times.  She has many years on this planet remaining.  I will do my best to keep her here for us to enjoy as daughter-care giver, wife, friend, sister, colleague and designer.

This will be a better way for me to reach out to people. So pass it on.  If I have forgotten anyone please be patient, our chain of communication captains will assist. I have friends, but Melissa HAS friends.  So keep praying, believing and encouraging her to rise up and be victorious over this situation.

p.s. Thank you for your flowers, but no flowers are allowed in the ICU.  In fact I am not sure why they let me in to the ICU. Send donations instead to the Spring Lake Shade Tree Committee.  Melissa is an advocate for Trees, more trees, we can not have enough....And Cairo could use a few more treats now that her Mummy is away—NOT.
https://www.springlakeboro.org/boards/shade-tree-committee.html