1-Jul-10

Fantastic news - a post from the man himself !!
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Dear Friends,
Greetings, this is ME actually composing this letter. I am now out of hospital and I am back home in Fort Collins and it’s great to be home. I still have a fair bit of rehab but that seems to be coming along. My left eye is improving and I am getting the strength back in my arms. I am still wearing a back brace but that may be done in one week.
While in Craig hospital I was suffering from three miserable things: 1) Loneliness, 2) Boredom and, 3) Homesickness, and now these have disappeared. It’s great to be back home because I missed the garden and of course my cat Sootie.  I missed the bulb flowers this year but when I got here the roses were spectacular (see Picture). Now I am “dead-heading” the roses to encourage another wave of flowers.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their kindness and support while I was in hospital, especially those who visited me in hospital. It definitely made the days more interesting and made my time there go faster. Thanks also to those who sent me a card or some sort of correspondence. It all helped raise my spirits.
Cheers,
Simon

Fri 17-Jun-10

Paul is an old rowing mate of Simon - he called Simon today and had a good talk and sent me this report of his recovery progress....
Fortunately the time difference between Fort Collins and Melbourne is so great that, with a little bit of help from Ann, it was easy to find a time when we were both awake and at home at the same time. 
Anyhow, Simon and I had a good chat today for 10 minutes or so and I am delighted to say he was in exceptionally good form, very chirpy and cheerful. 
In fact it sounded like the same old Turner of old - never stuck for words. He stressed how grateful he was to be alive. Apparently the police have completed their investigation and have concluded that Simon was 100% in the right and had not in any way contributed to the accident. 
More importantly however he feels as if each day he is making good progress with his rehabilitation. The weather is warming up and although he still has a lot of work to do to get his left side functioning properly.  He is now walking 30 mins per day. He will also start swimming soon to build up his strength. 
He says the three main things he suffered most from in hospital were boredom, loneliness and homesickness - all cured now that he is home. However, at the same time Simon was full of praise for the hospital and the wonderful work they do there, not only in his own case but for people who have been there and will remain there for many months, who in some cases are quadriplegics and who are so much worse off than he is. 
He again stressed how grateful he is to have survived and to have come out of this experience relatively lightly compared to what could have happened. He fortunately does not have to worry about trying to rush back to work but will just just concentrate on getting himself right and enjoying home cooking again. His friends have been incredibly supportive and helpful - even making sure the garden is under control. 
He said that he does not know when he will be well enough to visit his Melbourne fan club, but he is certainly able to fly already - in fact I think he said he is flying to Ann's mother's place this weekend for a few days. 
He said to pass the message on to all his friends that he is well and truly alive and kicking!
Best wishes
Paul