Wheels In Motion Sechelt ~ A Success!

I am happy to say this past weekend at the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event in Sechelt raised over $2500 and lots of awareness! I was thrilled to be on the local radio station and also to read my poem at the event. After a little late start we were escorted by the Sechelt Auxilary Police around downtown and everyone even passed my dad's memorial tree and paid their respects! Many wonderful volunteers helped out and a few especially the Hennessey and Clayton clans! Thank you especially to Chris and Liz. We listened to Triceratops and had a wonderful time. The Lions Club sold hotdogs and the Shriners sold cotton candy! Lots of photo's were taken and will be posted soon. I just got home and still alot of work to do, but I was thrilled with the turn out and beside the framed signed poster I won in the Silent Auction getting broken, it was a wonderful day and I look forward to next years event which will mark Rick's 20th home coming anniversary. Keep checking back for more updates. ~ Sharron

Share the Dream!

It's been very busy with planning the Wheels in Motion event in Sechelt. I really enjoy taking the ferry up and seeing some of dad's old friends and my new ones. I have met some wonderful people at the Rick Hansen Foundation and hope to keep in contact with them with my new endevours after the event. Tonight I wrote this poem - It just started with "you don't need to wheel walk or run to join in the fun" and I wrote it on a post-it note and a few hours later decided to type it out and it just kept going. Two hours later I am happy to share it with you:

Come join us and share the dream!

You don’t need to wheel, walk or run to join in the fun,
Come out and see, what a community can be,
With a little bit of heart, we can all be a part,
Of Rick’s vision and dreams we can all do great things,
With spirit and pride, we can show the world wide,
That hope, strength and courage are truly alive.

You can cheer on your team, your family and friends,
Around all the turns with its twists and bends,
You can sing to the music and all have a blast,
Meet interesting people and kids can make crafts,
Listen to stories and get your face painted,
Eat hotdogs and goodies and be quite elated.

You can learn about challenges from everyday people,
How things in our lives we think are so simple,
The things they must face, you can’t even suppose,
Today might be good, tomorrow who knows,
The difficult things they must face everyday,
Make them heroes to me I can honestly say.

When you can’t move, I’ve seen the courage it takes,
To get through some very heartbreaking days,
But the days that are good to all who are near,
Can sometimes stop the tears and the fear,
The laughter and joy you can see in their eyes,
When you’re near them and hug them and tell them no lies.

We treasure our family and compassion for others,
In a wheelchair or not, maybe your sister and brother,
Remember those people, who keep love in their hearts,
When facing an injury, that can keep them apart,
From family and friends, it takes courage that shows,
Life is a challenge, as everyone knows.

When you can’t walk, run or move, everyday is the same,
And with some injuries there is no great fame.
By supporting this cause, we should all give applause,
To the people in our lives, even those who have paws,
Who help and assist on this special day,
To the people with SCI in their very own way.

You can encourage your friends with a cheer and a smile,
And know you were there with them over every mile,
While giving support as they come round the bend,
In a wheelchair or scooter, or walk to the end,
They made the commitment to be part of the day,
And all I can say to them is hurray!

I wish my dad could have seen as we all work together,
The smiles and the joy to make the world better,
For people like him and to those that are here,
I just want to shout and send them a cheer.
For everyone who holds a place that is special to them,
In their hearts for the parent or child or friend.

My father was brave and fought hard for a while,
But decided his life was much more worthwhile,
By sharing his injury to research and teaching,
He will always be a part of me for as I am reaching,
For a cure and the strength to keep his memory alive,
I salute all those whose dedications inside,
That will bring us together to one-day find a cure,
For Spinal Cord Injuries all over the world.

In Memory of Raymond Charles Murrell, by his daughter Sharron Rae Murrell
Copyright © Sharron Murrell April 2006 http://rayslittlestar.blogspot.com/

2006 Wheels in Motion

Great News! I am an Event Organizer for the Rick Hansen 2006 Wheels in Motion in Sechelt, BC! While everyday is still so hard without dad here, I am thrilled to be part of this important event. If you would like to more information, please visit www.wheelsinmotion.org or www.rickhansen.com. If you would like to be part of the committee or to volunteer on event day - June 11th, please contact for the Sechelt Event or the above websites for other areas in Canada. If you can't join me in Sechelt, please sign up in your community to participate!

Wheels In Motion could not be a success with out the generosity of our volunteers. In fact, since June of 2003 we have had thousands of Canadians across the country participate and have raised a total of 3.6 million to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury.

My dad gave his life and body to research to help with understanding and helping people with a Spinal Cord Injury. I know so many people now who are or were touched with this devastating injury. I will never forget the joys and sorrows of spending just 5 short months with my dad after his SCI, from a condition so rare he was paralyzed instantly.

Take the time to reach out and help others like my dad. It's not just the medical care patients need help with, it's the emotional and physical battles they must endure. Please help me, help others so no one or no family go through what my dad went though. You just have to spend some time with a person with SCI to understand how strong they really are! My dad said to me this SCI happened to him for a reason. I believe the reason is for us to help. Please join me!!

~Sharron

Dad's Memorial Tree

On December 10th, 2005 at 2pm I planted a Memorial Tree for dad. We choose a Russian Olive and it's just beautiful. It's planted on a walkway 20 feet from the ocean in Sechelt, BC for everyone to enjoy. As you can see the city outdid themselves and planted additions greenery around the tree to protect it. The gardeners trimmed the grass and trimmed the walkway and even painted a nearby bench to beautify the area! There is barberry and lavender and several other plants I don't quite remember their name. Several of dad's friends were there and everyone that passed stopped by to read the plaque and to comment how beautiful it was. I spoke with several strangers about my dad and exchanged hugs and contact info. They all promised me they would keep an watchful eye out for the care of the tree. It's a special place, and eventhough I still can't believe my dad is gone it's nice to know there a place that me and my family and his friends can go to remember him. His struggle was very hard but thankfully very short, so I know he is at peace now. I miss him so much sometimes I can't breath, and remember that night I called him and we talked for hours and he told me he wasn't planning on going anywhere and he would be here for me for a long time yet. Why does this type of thing happen? I did though get a chance to spend so much time with him over the few months, but I still feel like I can walk in to his room and he will be there. I haven't forgotten his smell, voice, laugh or the way he looked at me. This tree now will be his forever and it will grow and blossom and bring birds and people together. I would like the thank so much the city of Sechelt, Aniko, John & Perry and all the others who made this one of the best memorial sites on the coast. They understood there is no place for me to "talk" or "visit" with dad, since he donated his body to science, so this is truly a real memorial for me. If you are ever on the coast of BC please walk down Trail Bay Walkway near Peebles restaurant and see for yourself the lovely place for me and my dad.
I love you dad and miss you and I hope you like the tree. Love forever ~ Sharron

Dad's Obituary from the Peace Arch News

Murrell, Raymond Saturday, 24 Sep 2005
Peace Arch News White Rock, BC

MURRELL: Raymond Charles passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 24th, 2005 in Vancouver, BC in the presence and comfort of his daughter and her mom. Born in Wimbledon, the County of Surrey, England, September 15th, 1929, he came to Canada in 1960. Survived by his daughter Sharron Rae of Port Coquitlam, BC, son Trevor John (Carrie) and his granddaughter Brinn both of Cambridge, Ontario. We are fortunate to have had these past several months with dad. He tried so hard and he was a very brave man after his Spinal Cord injury but felt it was time to go and he was at peace. Ray served in the Military in 1948-1954 in England and when in Canada was active in the White Rock Players in the mid '70 - '80's with his most memorable set design for "When the Lights Come on Again". We loved being part of the pantomimes and the summers we spent at the beach. He wrote several plays and stories when he retired to Sechelt, BC. Ray was a very creative person with deep thoughts and insights. His compassion for others, his smile and big hugs, his story of Littlestar, his creative flair and artistic ability, his wry sense of English humor and his wonderful laugh. We miss him every second and try to remember all the things he did. His wish was to be part of the research and his remains were contributed to the University of BC, so one day we will find a cure for OPLL & Spinal Cord injuries. We are very proud of him for his gift. Thank you to everyone, family, friends old and new, VGH & GF Strong, and I know his friends in Sechelt will miss his stories and hugs. A Memorial Tree Dedication & Remembrance Ceremony will be held on December 10th, 2005 along the Trail Bay Waterfront Walkway at 2:00 p.m. in Sechelt, BC. A tea will follow. If there ever is a day we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever. In lieu of flowers, "Memory" donations can be made to: BC Paraplegic Association or the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation. www.rickhansenfoundation.com

In memory of my dad....

Dear Family and Friends,

To love someone so much and to see them fly away is a great sadness, but knowing they are with the ones they love and are happy brings a sense of comfort.

It is with great sadness that I must let you all know that my dad Raymond Charles Murrell passed away on Saturday, Sept 24th. He was a very brave man but felt it was time to go. I am grateful that this was his choice and his passing was very peaceful and me and my mom were with him at his side.

I feel fortunate that I had these past several months with him eventhough it was a very hard time for us both after he was paralyzed. He tried so hard but was just so tired. I feel that without the support of his friends, old & new and his family he wouldn't have been happy in the end which I know was true when he told me so by saying "happy & happiness". Thank you to all the people at VGH & GF Strong who took great care of my dad and me.

I miss him every second and try to remember all the things he did for me too and him telling me it was going to be ok. I will continue my fundraising efforts as he often talked about the ideas he had for fundraising and awareness of OPLL & Spinal Cord Injury. He also choose to be part of the research, so one day we will find a cure. Everyone must beleive!

Thank you to everyone who offered and showed their support and warm wishes during the past few months. It was greatly appreciated by both me, my dad and my family.

"The hero is the one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. The saint is the man who walks through the dark paths of the world,himself a light." -- Felix Adler

"If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I."-- Michel de Montaigne

A Memorial Tea will be held at a later date and all are welcome.

In leiu of flowers, a "Memory" donation can be made to:
Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation5th Floor, 520 West 6th AvenueVancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1A1Phone: 1-800-213-2131 Fax: 604-876-6666
http://www.rickhansen.com/Donations/donations_honour.htm

First Team Meeting

Today was a busy day. First dad has an Optomologist Appointment at VGH then our first team meeting. He was up early, had Cream of Wheat for breakfast and then they got him dressed and into his chair. He went to VGH at 10 by the little bus with an escort and didn't get back until 1:30. He was already exhausted, but I was outside waiting for him so he was smiling when he saw me. I brushed his teeth and combed his hair and then off we went to the meeting down the hall. The Dr, nurse, OT, PT and Social Worker were there and most I haven't met or they haven't seen my dad yet, but it was good meeting. Here's the latest:
He had a bladder infection when he arrived, and it affected his breathing, but it's all cleared up
His wounds on his arm are really starting to heal - the top one is now uncovered and the bottom one near his elbow is getting alot better (they were healed at the hospital, but the care of them made them really bad)
They have put him on 3 nose sprays, a steroid, an Anti-inflammatory and Saline spray to get him off Dristan and repair his nasal passages and it's real working well.
The Optomologist say there is a bit of glaucoma or Cataract in his right eye, which is normal for his age, but the fall might have brought it on too. He will be going back to get a vision test and then he will get new glasses and that will help. I have talked him out of wearing the patch cuz his little eye was not breathing and getting too sensitive to light. At least now we know and that good that there is no serious damage from the fall.
His Oxygen levels or blood saturation is really good and usually between 95-100 so he is off Oxygen.
They are trying him with a new BiPap machine on trials and he agreed he will use it when I am there and they are going to find out if there is a little movie so he can see what it does and how it's helping him.
He has lost his voice again but we know think it's because of his chest muscle getting to soft. He is only breathing with 1 1/2 lungs and 1/2 diaphram so it's a little more work. Once he buildings up the muscles again it might be ok but for now he isn't talking very much and we have to press on his chest or tummy to get the sound out. It's very scary for him, cuz he can't move and can't talk or yell for help.
The PT (Physical Therapist) has started working his muscles and took him down last week for his first rehab appoint. She said his range of motion is very good so he is not stifening up yet. He has to learn to work in a crowd though and get used to the noise. He hates that but he has encouragement from other patients and the PT is great with him.
He is classed as fully dependent right now and because of his age we don't think it will improve that much, but he has to start working a little harder to get the shoulder muscles strong to help him out. If he wants to gain some hand movement, he has to start working on it.
They put another dental request in to get him new dentures - this is another thing that's causing problems with eating so he is back on purreed foods, but mostly getting the feedings with the liquid diet again. Once he starts eating solids again it will make alot of difference in his care.
Otherwise it's just day to day and the next Team meeting is Sept 8th @ 2pm - anyone interested in coming is more than welcome, just let me know. There is also a Family Day at GF Strong on August 15th 1-4 that is recommended for all family and friends to come to too find out more information. Until you spend time with dad and others you really have no idea what Spinal Cord Injury is. The more information you have the better you will understand, be more comfortable around it and accept it. I have had a crash course, but would like others to see him too - it would be great support for both of us. ~ Sharron

Thoughts and well wishes from friends and family...

Dad loves to get greetings and notes from friends and family and this thread you can post your own for him. Just click the comment button and you will be able to leave him a note! Express your feelings, leave a joke or just say hi!

A day with dad!

I went on Saturday to spend a little time with dad. He has been very tired the past week and not into doing anything. They are taking him off his Dristan which he has used for years and switching him to another less harmful nose spray and saline to help with the stuffiness. Now because of this new medication and his body getting off Dristan, you can imagine it's not an overnight improvement...So he has been stuffed up for a week, can't use the Bipap to give his lungs a rest, can't chew solid foods because he can't breath and now he is back on liquid feedings through his peg. He has also lost his voice again, so it's really hard for him to talk and then he tried to yell to get the sound out and loses his breath. It's not been a pleasant week, but we know that when he can breath better, he won't be as worn out. Can you imagine only breathing with 1 1/2 lungs and your lung muscles don't work and he only has 1/2 a diaphragm to breath from. I am sure it's like having an Asthma attack, but all the time. He tries his best to stay calm and that helps. All he wants to do is talk to me when I am there, so I think I will give him a rest tomorrow and not go in. There are a few projects I have in my head for fundraising, so I should start working on those to keep me busy. Also my mom is still going through tests on her back to see if she needs surgery on her lower back. She will come out to BC for a visit, but not until late Aug or Sept after all her test and physio is done and until the Dr. says it's ok to fly. I brought dad a tv in last week and that's been a god-send right now. It keeps his mind occupied and he only likes the real English shows, nature and history shows, so it's good for him and I don't worry that he's alone. His roommate is really nice, very young, maybe just under 20 but she is boisterous and full of energy and they take care of each other. She is more independent so she isn't there much in the daytime anyway. It also gives me perspective on dad's injury, her being so young but very diligent, happy and motivated. I hope she does well in life.

Talked to dad on the phone today!

I got a call from dad's nurse this afternoon and then she held the phone for dad and we were able to chat for a while. That was the first time since him being in ER that I have talked to him on the phone - it was great! He went for another x-ray on his arm yesterday because they are concerned with the swelling in is left arm, but there was no signs of a bloodclot so that was excellent. He is very tired because he hasn't been using the Bipap but there is no sign of fluid in his lungs so again that's great! I went to see him tonight and we chatted for a while, but he was tired and I left him watching Dirty Harry on TV. I also had a chance to see his new chair that he is currently using and it's much better and fitted to him. It's still a sip-and-puff but when they can work on his arms and shoulders he should be able to use a hand remote chair. He is much happier in it and it's alot more comfortable. I am sure he will be fitted into several new chairs before we purchase one ($30,000) for him. Otherwise his wounds on his right arm are finally showing some progress after the abuse they received at the hospital. He will have scars on his right arm, like a burn, but that doesn't really matter, just to get them healed will lesson the chance for infection which could be very serious. They have switched some of his meds and is on fluid meals for a couple days cuz his nose is stuffed and it's hard to breath and swallow at the same time. I will be going back on Sat for the day so if anyone wants to send a note to him I will be sure to take it to him. ~Sharron

Another trip to VGH for tests...

His nurse just called me to let me know that dad went over for tests this evening back to VGH. I think he had a chest x-ray and blood work to check his lungs. Everything seems to be ok I think and he is back at GF Strong. He told the nurse not to call me until he returned or if he had to stay at VGH so I wouldn't come up if it turned out ok. She said dad arrived back at 9:30 or so and he was in good spirits. I am going tonight to see if he is up to going to Karaoke night in the gym! Well see....la la la la!

Moved to another room...

Got a call today from that they moved dad across the hall to another room this afternoon. There were problems with the noise so before a new client took the other room, they moved dad within 15 min. Contact me for the new room details. He also had a list ready for me so the nurse let me know to pick up a comb, cream of wheat and "jello fruit" he said I would know what that meant. Of course it took me a while to figure out he was talking about those sugared fruit slices. I stopped at the store on the way there and picked up a new hair cutter and 5 pkgs of the jello fruit! He was in bed when I got there and very quite - he has lost most of his voice again and I think that's because his lungs are tired. He hasn't been on the BiPap for over a week and a half and then being moved all over the place and spending three days upright in his chair really was too much. They are trying a new BiPap in the daytime just over the nose so he is on trials to see if he can handle it. The other masks they were attempting to use at VGH overnight were too much and caused severe claustrophobia and it seemed that at VGH they didn't really care about his stress level, but were more concerned to go by the book or getting law-suits. I think they should worry about law-suites for giving the impression that the Spinal Ward is knowledgeable about SPI's when they are clearly not. No nurse or RT or OT should be caring for a quad when they really don't have the experience with this type of injury, not quad anyway. They caused more problems then they helped him and I just hope the muscles in this neck can get worked out and he will be able to sit up straight - currently when dad is in the chair his head is hunched over and that's because they didn't message his neck enough and really explain the need to get his head and neck and shoulders moving. Anyway all of that will be going into a suggestion letter to VGH on ways they can improve their care of quads. Besides visiting dad, the Social Worker left a large binder with loads of information in it, from when clients arrive, how they start rehab, explanations of SPI, and what happens afterwards. I am very thankful they have something like that there, it's made a big difference. So far there are nothing but very good things to say about GF Strong - it's a very special place indeed and such a different type of care and compastion there. Belelive it or not, I don't have anything bad to say so far. Stopped by to see another one of his friends and brought him two little Very Cherry Fruit Cups, he's very nice and so is his family and he has the same degree of injury as dad, but has been in therapy at VGH and GF for about 3 month's longer, so it's good for me to see what dad might be able to accomplish. Well, I will go on Wednesday night to see if dad is able to go down for the Karaoke they have in the gym!

A day of my own...

I didn't go in to see dad today. I hope he is managing ok, especially since he can't get around in his chair yet. I just needed a day to catch up on sleep, phone calls, laundry and just to chill in front of the tv. I know he misses me when I am not there, but I just can't go everyday and the drive in to GF is about an hour long so it's quite the challange on a Sunday afternoon. Since I took in the tv yesterday I know he can have a break too and since tomorrow he will be so busy with the RT's etc and hopefully get into a new chair, he needs a break too. I had a chance to speak with my Uncles today too and let them know how things are going. They will be able to get down to see him soon and I know he is looking forward to it. They might not have spoken for years, but there was nothing really to seperate them except their own lives. It will be nice to feel like part of the family again. When I talked to mom today she is hanging in their with her back problems and was just taking it easy watching golf before trying to go out for a walk. At least she doesn't need surgery on her back...yet. I had a nice chat with my brother. He was sleeping when I called, but asked if anything was wrong or if I just need to talk. I just needed to talk and he got up and let me talk, how sweet was that. I never want anyone to feel I am disturbing them, so sometimes it's easier just to put on the happy face, lie through my teeth and let them go, but Trev knows it's hard for me and since we don't get to talk much it was really nice just to talk. We didn't just talk about dad, but his plans for his week off and that his friend he hasn't seen since he moved across country has come to visit them for the week. He sent me new pictures of his tattoo and my niece at her Skills Day, swimming and wall climbing. She is a little monkey for sure and he is a great dad. It's getting late but now I can't sleep, there is so much I have to do around here, but I just can't find the energy to do it. I have to organize all dad's things and my crafts and try and bring some normallacy to my life. I need to get out and have some fun, but most of my friends are currently out of town on holidays. I was thinking maybe trying to get some of the family members of the newer clients together to organize a picnic outside GF just to have some fun on our own and get to know each other better. For the next several monthes I am sure some great new friendships will come out of this. I already chat with a few people. They are great to talk to too because they understand. It's still really hard for outsiders to understand what it's like to have a family member that's paralyzed and how much has been taking from them. You have to spend time there to even get an understanding of what it's like. Seeing people on tv is nothing like it is in real life when you know that I give dad too much food on his spoon he could litterally choke to death or develop pnemonia from stuff being in his lungs. Quads can't cough very well so it's hard to get things down or even up. In fact some can never drink even water again for this risk that it will go into their lungs. If anyone has any type of questions, please ask me. Another way to understand is to ask questions no matter how silly they might be if it will help you understand. Well I guess it's time to get to bed anyway, got to work tomorrow. I wish I could take a month off, but that's not possible. As one of dad's shirts say...On the other hand.....you have different fingers! Ha Ha.

Finally moved to GF Strong!

Dad was finally moved to GF Strong today to start rehab! Yeah! I took the afternoon off work so I could be at the hospital when they packed him up. I was just in time to help dress him and pack up the rest of his things. I brought in a new tshirt for him - "A HUG a day keeps depression away." He also had a visit from Bridgit and he was so happy to see him before she went on her trip back to England. She is wonderful....and can handle dad so what more can I say. She has a great sense of humor and is funny! I am so glad there are people in this world like her that volunteer their own time to help out others. Another one of dad's angels! Today was totally different, at 11 am they dressed him and put him in his chair and we loaded him into a van to GF Strong. Keep in mind he hasn't been off the 14th floor for weeks and hasn't been outside since he was admitted on May 3rd. He then got a van ride about 10 blocks to GF Strong. We went upstairs, they took him to the lunch room and I helped with some papers. He was offered Curry Chicken and he ate more than 1/2 (his first solid lunch!) Then that was it. I pushed him around the building, checked out his room and hung out outside. It was really tiring for him taking to people and it was a bit overwhelming, even for me. He was completely on his own with me in his chair. He doesn't operate it yet so I was pushing him in his power chair all day. At dinner he had fish and broccoli and spaghetti (don't ask) anyway he ate most of his broccoli and fish and that was very good. He doesn't want to drink that much, so he is getting extra fluid through his peg in his stomach for now. We sat down with the Dietian and he choose his menu for the next couple days. Can anyone get Tricle Tart anywhere! Does anyone have a recipe for it - the real English recipe? They are letting him have 2 eggs plus custard a day and there is no concern with cholesterol cuz they are just trying to get him to eat more solids. He doesn't like fruit or juice that much, so it's making it a little tough, but he did very very well today for eating so we are all pleased. After dinner we tried to go into the TV room, but is was too big for him and it was scary so we went back to his room for a bit, I got his things from the car and then we settled down in the day room and I read some more of "Wind in the Willows" to him. He fell asleep and then we decided to get him into bed and I was able to let him sleep. Whoa - what a day! I will need lots of help though, the nurses and rehab nurses are great, but it's better to have family and friends to help him out sometimes. If anyone can help for now with feeding lunch and dinners that would be fantastic. He would love that. It's very independent there, so the more he can do the better, but it's even better to have more people involved.

Need positive quotes and funny sayings....

I have started a collection of positive quotes and funny one-liners for his t-shirts. So far we have chosen...A hug day keeps depression away....Everybody loves Raymond (there are several at rehab)...Kiss me while me lips are sticky (taking from an English Seaside Saucy Postcard)...On the other hand, you have different fingers. If you have any funny or positive one-liners please post them in this thread and thank you!

More well wishes...

Thanks so much for your email. I am still in shock myself and we are now starting the "bumps" which are very hard to get through. Paralyzation is so different to deal with than just old age stuff that you expect to go through with your parents, I know you can relate to that and to be honest it's just not fair. There are not alot of people who can relate to my dad's condition or me really and it's getting harder and harder to deal with by myself. Some nights I wish I has someone to come home to and other times I just want to lose myself in cartoons or stupid movies and sleep. I was the last person he spoke with before this happened and the last thing he wrote down was my new phone #, I am glad but melancholy about it too. He had handwritten stories on his table that might not be finished, eventhough he has alot of determination to get through this. I found out last night that they now consider him a C5 incomplete with movement loss. Sensory he might has feeling but really it's no different than a Quadriplegic. They also told me last night it appears that his diaphragm is paralyzed so it's getting really hard for him to breath. He has not been intibated again, but this still might happen within the next few weeks and they are trying everything to avoid a Tracheotomy. The fact that he hasn't been Treched yet is truly a miracle the Dr.s say and no one can believe it. His ultrasound yesterday show alot of fluid in one lung so he is on Bypap right now and will be like that for a long time. That's really really hard, cuz he can't talk and that's all he wants to do is talk to me, so in order for him to get through this bump and not be returned to ICU which would be so hard for me too, I can't really spend time with him. Right now everyhour they are testing his blood gasses to see if they have to move him back down to ICU, but again they are trying so hard to keep him on the Spinal Unit. I have decorated his room with cards, pictures and even Minnie Mouse ears that were a gift to me. He loved them so much and even wore them one night and made all the nurses laugh. They just love him, he's a wonderful patient with alot of positive drive and attitude. He might be 76, but his mind is still very young and he has a great sense of humor. it's just so weird how life throws you the curve ball. I may have heard I was going to be moving to Ont in Sept to really get my business off the ground. Mom and Trevor gave me an offer I couldn't refuse, but the only thing that was holding me back was my dad. I even talked to dad about it that night and he thought it was a great idea. Who knows where my life if going to talk me know. I just want to skip all these bumps and rehab, get him into a chair and take him places, but it looks like that will be alot longer than I thought. His general health is going fine, it's just the breathing problem right now. One day at a time I have to try but one day is not like the previous or the next.
My best outlet is typing and I have been doing alot of that. So thanks for listening!