keepin it real

I had a chance to get some more details
from Mom.

1. Family Meeting:
This was a meeting in which the Craig staff explained Dad's injury and his
progress. Mom and Dad were there with Dr. and Mrs. Robinson as well as
Uncle Michael and Karyn. Luke, Ellen, and Dad's longtime friend Mike Lynch
were listening in on speaker phone. From what I understand it was mostly
just informative, no real expectations or predictions were given.

2. Status of the injury and therapy:
At first the doctors were saying that his injury was "incomplete" which
means that he would qualify for some acupuncture (sp?) and other sensory
tests. However, now they are saying that it is "complete" so he does not
qualify for the acupuncture. Doctors have not said anything about the
status of the swelling in the spine.

From the surgery there is a bit of bruising and tenderness in his left
bicep, so PT is working on strengthening that muscle. Yesterday they put
him in this sling and brace kind of thing that allowed him to stand which is
good for blood circulation in his legs. Usually people cannot "stand" with
it on the first try, but Dad could :-) With more practice he will be able
to "stand up" with the support of this apparatus for longer periods of time.

Honestly, Dad and Mom are preparing for the "worst case scenario" which is
Dad being in a wheelchair the rest of his life. From what I understand, this
is what Craig prepares you for -- even drivers ed for people who cannot use
their legs. Ideas are already being generated in Medford to put in ramps,
additions, and/or remodeling of my parents' house so that Dad can actually
live there.

If any of you who were in on this meeting have more clarity than this to
send in an update, please email me.

3. Fireworks:
Yes, the fireworks story is true. Dad decided yesterday that he wants to go
up to the roof and watch the fireworks for the 4th with Mom and the
Robinsons there. They've also been able to enjoy a picnin kind of feast
that Bill and Archibeth Hrabe brought over from Whole Foods. There is a
grill and patio kind of area at Craig, so they might grill out while the
Robinsons are still there. They still enjoy cribbage and play with Dad's
first roommate at Craig and his wife.

4. On a personal note:
Please continue to pray Dad through to a strong recovery!

Whatever the outcome is with his legs, I know that he is tremendously loved
and supported by you all. Mike and Doug are already thinking of plans to
fix the house so that Dad can get around in a wheelchair. Klingbeil Lumber
even thought that they could get some kind of discount to help with this
process. People have just really come out of everywhere to help out in a
time of real need and that it so wonderful! We don't know exactly what will
happen, but as it unfolds we know that there are amazing people there to
reach out in whatever way they can and THAT is such a blessing to all of us!

On behalf of Dad, Mom, Luke, Ellen, and myself -- we appreciate everything
that each of you has done in prayer, thought, and deed to support Dad and
each of us :-)