October 8 Evening Update

Hey All,

We finally got to go up and see dad around 8:30 p.m. My family (including mom) and the doctor's assure me that he looks good and is doing well, but I apparently was not prepared for what "doing well" looks like at this point. I had to sit because I was either going to pass out or toss my cookies. My mom and brother handled it with a little more sophistication, although I know it was hard for them to see him like that too. He is able to move his hands and arms and legs. He seemed to be in a lot of pain at the time, but we are hoping that he won't remember that part and that the pain medication will help.

When we got to see him, he was able to talk but seemed very groggy. He thanked people for coming and I think knew who we all were. We made a phone call to ICU around 2:00 a.m. and the ICU nurse said that he had gotten a couple of hours of sleep and that he seemed more alert and less groggy. He is stable. His heart rate is a little high when he is awake but goes to normal when he is sleeping. We plan to go tomorrow and stay with him in ICU. The doctor that talked to us said that dad would likely be in ICU for atleast three days. After that, we aren't sure about how long he will be in the hospital.

We've got a lot of support up here and we know alot of people are thinking of us back home. Thanks for everything and I'll try to write again soon.

Cejae