July 31, 2004
Update 2
Good Afternoon,

Mom is doing fine, feeling pretty tired as her hand is in pain (minimal w/meds), her heart is heavy and her mind is racing. She faces another surgery on Monday to close up where she had a possible infection and the incision from the brake. She will remain in the hospital until at least Tuesday. (she is on the 7th floor, Dad is on the 8th). When Dad isn’t resting, doing rehab or being poked by 300 docs and nurses, we wheel Mom up to the 8th floor to spend time with him.

Yesterday and today have brought about a sense of peace on a long road to recovery...DAD IS IN CHARGE!! He is only able to mouth things to us ...we work hard at our lip reading skills. Last night he was giving Lisa and me orders on what to tell the nurses to do after they turn him over, his mind is always in motion. He continues to remain in the same condition but is anxious to get to rehab. Today he told us "I'm ready to get started, lets get to rehab, what's the hold up?" (The man is barely 4 days out of surgery.) He has to have so many days under his belt of breathing on his own before he can get to "Floor 3" (rehab). Today he asked Lisa a few questions regarding insurances and told her to "GET ON IT!" (as if she hasn't been since day one).

He was x-rayed today re: his traction and when the nurse told him "we're taking you to x-ray Bullet” he replied "LETS ROLL!!" Looks like he will be in the halo for 3 or so months, but not yet confirmed. He is holding up, but continues to experience alot of pain in his neck and has to work really hard at his breathing. They feel confident that he will probably be able to breath on his own (he has been for 60+ hours). They give him fresh oxygen through the trach, which helps!

He is definitely with it and who knows how much time he spends wondering why and how but like true Dad fashion, he's busy planning what's next.

Lance will leave Monday morning and Lisa, Bob and I will remain indefinitely. Gregg continues to hold down the fort in Arizona.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support, we need all we can get.

For those of you who have asked where to send cards etc., here is our hotel address:
Staybridge Suites
Karen Henry #238
1211 Second St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902

Love,
The Dream Team