My buddy (co-pilot) Steve

[lbaker]

This is so hard. He is hanging in there but had to have another operation this morning to finish (thank doG FINISH) closing up his torso after making sure the last op stopped inner bleeding and organs, what's left of them, will start to heal. They also had to wire his jaw shut. We didn't even know it had been broken. No word yet about an e-card system but I am reading to him and will relay your thoughts and prayers. Still not truly consious but that is most likely a good thing. The man got hit by a train for doG's sake, it's a wonder he is still alive, and for that we are eternally grateful.
L

[Karen]

Thank you for relaying all our wishes to him, even if he's not exactly conscious, I am sure they are connecting with him on some level. I am still glad his brain and spine weren't damaged, and hope everything esle is on the road to recovery.

[Daisy and Delilah]

OMG. This is just so hard for this poor fellow and all of his friends and loved ones. My thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to all of you during this most difficult time

[Vela]

I'm glad he is hanging in there. I pray for him daily that he will recover fully. Our best thoughts and wishes for everyone involved and we will continue to keep him in our prayers.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm glad he's hanging in there, Laurie. Hope you are too. Again from my experience with my parents' accident, sometimes I think it's worse for us "onlookers" than it is for them. Especially those most injured, like Steve, and my dad. For their own sake, the hospital will often put them into a "medical coma." This ensures that they will stay still, and I'm sure Steve has a respirator which is very uncomfortable if you're conscious. As a matter of fact, as soon as they let my dad "come up" he ripped the respirator out himself so they had to tie his hands to the bed. He had no idea what had happened, he had no idea where he was, he had no idea he couldn't just get out of bed and he had no idea just how injured he was. The same is probably true with Steve, so it's best that he stay "under" to let his body heal as much as possible. This is extremely hard on us "onlookers" but it really is the best thing. I know he hears you and you just being there is making a huge difference to his well being and to his healing process. However, don't be surprised if he doesn't remember any of this once he's better. My dad was in the hospital for a month and doesn't remember a minute of it! He was even transferred to a different hospital by plane. He remembers being on a plane, but that's it - not a second of the hospital stay!

Anyway, didn't mean to go on, but just wanted to try and give you some assurance. I say if Steve has made it this long, there is a way better chance he will make a full recovery.......as fully as his injuries will allow anyway.

{{{hugs}}} to you - hang in there and tell Steve we're thinking of him and praying for his recovery.

[lbaker]

OK, just a week now and the innards seem to be healing but still no true brain/cognizance response. Eye lids start to open but no "tracking", that's the eyeball thing. Went into the "innards" with a scope camera thingy today for his bronchial and lung action and, well, OK. But his Mom is freaking about his brain activity, or lack thereof. The nurses want ME to talk to her to calm her down. EXCUSE ME, I'M NOT A MEDICAL PERSON What if I say the wrong thing and give false hope? Medical induced coma, yeah... I understand. But she wants him to look at her. Oh Lord how do I help? If it were my son I would want nothing less. I'm so sorry guys, I'm just worn out

I just logged off but had to come back on to say I'm sorry.. I sound like a whiney spoiled brat. I can do what is needed now. Thanks for letting me sound off.
L

[slick]

Laurie my friend. Please forgive me for being so inconsiderate as to not keep up with this thread. I have just finished reading the whole thing again and I must say that what Debbie wrote made me feel a bit better about this tradegy.

God bless you for being there and I can only imagine how hard this must be on you and the whole family. As for speaking to Steve's Mom I guess they want you to address the issue because you are closest to the family and always there. My first reaction when I read that was "No, you are too close to home to speak to her." In other words, you are just as distraught as the rest of the family. Then I thought again.....you have a way about you....your words can be of great comfort (I've been on the receiving end.. )....try to soothe her with the thought that these things take time. I don't think they expect you to give medical advice.....just encouragement and support, and my friend, you do that so well.

Sending big {{{hugs}}} and more prayers are on the way. You know where I am if you need me.
slick xoxoxoxo

[Karen]

Steve and you are still in our prayers.