I am back at home in Fort Collins, but drove down to Craig Hospital in Denver to spend some time with Simon, on Saturday and Sunday. Fortunately it is only about 1 hour and 15-25 minutes, each way (if I can avoid Denver's rush hour!!). I feel very lucky to be able to "commute"; I've met many other patients' family members who've had to leave their homes (Florida, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, etc.) and stay at Craig for months at a time.
Simon is making progress. He is upright, in a wheelchair, for much of the day; his periods of awareness are getting a bit longer; he's trying to mouth words to communicate (he won't be able to talk until his tracheostomy is closed); and he is a bit more interactive. He still has plenty of times when he can't focus or respond appropriately, and he's still quite restless. He is just aware enough to know that he wants to go home, but not aware enough to understand why he can't!! But overall, he is heading in the right direction.
Continued thanks for all your emails, cards, and comments on the blog!!
Ann
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Great news Ann. Simon is a fighter, we all know that. Keep on keeping on. Mary Carlson
ReplyDeleteAnn, My husband, Ben Magsamen was in a seious bike accident 2 years ago which required more than a year and 1/2 of therapy so our thoughts, prayers and empathy are with you both. Please email or call if you would like to talk to a recovering family. Ben is now on a recumbent tricycle.
ReplyDeleteBen & O'Linda Magsamen magsamen@q.com or 970-227-7001
ann... give simon a huge hug for me... while the sheep in colorado may be relieved that simon is taking a short break from chasing them around, tell him all of us need him back... he is a great friend and scientist, not to mention cook... oh... and let him know that i STILL show the slide of him in front of the buzzing stalls, w/ the sheep in the chute ready for their daily treatment, and STILL drink my morning coffee from the Sheep Hilton & Spa coffee mug. i do NOT, however, wear the sheep tie OR the sheep socks he sent my way.
ReplyDeletebest wishes... will definitely keep up w/ his progress, and look forward to learning about his rapid recovery.
clint rubin
(sheep buzzer, extraordinaire)
Ann...all good forward steps..here's a hug for you, and give Simon a squeeze for me. One of the many things Simon often said to me "When the going gets tough, the tough get going.." Well he is one tough bloke, and Im heartened to see he is following his sage quip, once again.
ReplyDeleteSimon always encouraged us to seek answers to the big questions, and was never short of praise and genuine friendship when we had some small success. And of course he was never lost for the funniest comment, no matter what the scenario.
Get well mate. We look forward to getting you back.
Alan Nixon
Dear Ann,
ReplyDeleteI was stunned to hear of Simon's accident. I wish you and Simon the best in his recovery. We will know he is back when that wonderful smile returns...
May his recovery be speedy and complete!
Dennis Sylvain