My buddy (co-pilot) Steve

[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.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Laurie, you are NOT a whiney spoiled brat! You are a great friend who is having a tough time dealing with your friend's tragic accident and you are doing the best you can. I can only imagine that you are exhausted from having to deal with all of this, plus have to go to work every day and deal with daily life. Try to get some rest and I know you'll have a better outlook in the morning, and more than likely you'll have good idea of what to tell his mom. Like Slick says, I don't think they're looking to you to give out medical advice, if anything they're looking to you to interpret their medical terms into more "lay" terms that his mother can understand easier.

I know you are being strong and hanging in there, but this needs to be said also. It's ok for you to break down and cry - and it's ok to do it in front of his family if that's when it happens. It's really quite cleansing and clears your head and actually makes you feel stronger. I remember my "break down" with my parents accident, and I remember afterwards, feeling quite calm and clear headed and much more optimistic. It was like a big fog had been lifted from over my head.

So be strong, hang in there, but don't be afraid to break either.

{{{hugs}}}

[Ginger's Mom]

I, too, have not been keeping up with this as I should. I am so sorry. I am sorry that you have to go through this Laurie. You do not at all sound like a whiney spoiled brat, you sound like a wonderful friend who has way too much to deal with. Big hugs to you, and more prayers going out.

[lbaker]

Hey hey! Just came back from the hopspittal and I am encouraged, somewhat. His eyes didn't open today but he does look better. Good color. I held his hand and "sang" *such as it is* one of our favorite tunes.. "Your Sweet and Shiny Eyes, Are Like the Stars Above Larado".. etc. And I sang "Hush Little Baby Don't Say a Word, Momma's Gonna Buy You a Mocking Bird"... When I did, and he heard my voice, I swear he moved his broken arm and reached to me. He held onto my hand very tightly. He even rubbed his thumb against my fingers. Maybe he was asking me to not quit my day job and don't even try to sing any more That's a VERY GOOD THING. I was able to speak with his Doc's and when I called his mom & dad after getting home they were soooo pleased.