Day 67 for BrentNov 13, 2011
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Pali and his other family
Fall colours in Powell River
Willingdon Trail, Powell River
I've been remiss in keeping you up to date on Brent's progress and what has been happening with us. Today is day 67 since his accident and he is doing very well considering the severity of his accident. It's been a long haul with bad days like when he was hooked back up to the ventilator because he had pneumonia again. He's not a patient person and like me just wants to get it done. He is so used to saying he would be on the job on such a day and it would be done. He's spent weeks looking at the ceiling, with little control over what was happening. All Dave and I, and his partner Kim could do is be there for him, giving him tons of love and support. But he's a fighter with a quirky sense of humour so he never gave up. Even before he could communicate silently with his lips he teased the nurses. They love him and laughter often bubbles out of his room.
Because he has had a trach since Sept.13, he couldn't speak nor eat but that changed this week. He is doing so well they corked(closed off) the trach, so he is no longer hooked up to oxygen and is breathing totally on his own. They did a swallow test which he passed...imagine having to learn to swallow food again? If he passes the barium swallow tomorrow, they can slowly start feeding him. He just wants a glass of apple juice, then coffee, then peach yogurt in that order. I just want to take him out for lunch.
He is doing well with the wheelchair and may be moved to GF Strong rehab unit soon. Will he walk again? Only time will tell.He is paralyzed from his upper chest down and down the outside of both arms. Doctors have been wrong before when forecasting what a person won't do. We believe in miracles and the power of a strong will. Miracles have been very evident this last 67 days thanks to all the prayers circling the globe.
"Adversity is the diamond dust heaven polishes its jewels with." Robert Leighton That being the case we, our family must be some kind of jewels by now.
Up until this week, we have been living in our motor home at Dogwood Campground in Surrey most of the this time, but we're home now until the 23rd. Even in the campground we have had so much support. Pali has a harem of 3 little females he visits everyday we are at the hospital. Mary Lou calls him "Prince a Pali" because he takes over. All 4 pounds of alpha male struts around like he owns the place.
An article was written about us in Senior Living magazine and now they are creating a TV series. Last week they filmed us at our rig for a story they will air on CHEK TV in January. I'll keep you posted. It was fun to do. I am very excited to see what that kind of exposure will do for my book sales and Dave's driftwood art.
If you know us, you know we no sooner get home than we start planning the next trip in two years. In 2013 the 4the RV Canada book will be taken on tour across to Newfoundland. In 2007 (RV Canada with Boo the Menopausal Van) we only explored the west coast of NFL so next we want to start at the east coast and work out way around but be there for lobster and ice berg season which finishes end of June. But first there is lots to do and life's potholes to navigate. Stay tuned.
Brent's accident has once again confirmed how vital it is to go for our dreams and not put them off. We never know when it will be too late. Just old age alone will catch up with us never mind anything else worse.
