My buddy (co-pilot) Steve

**lbaker** · 03-07-2006, 07:15 AM

Thank you all. Laura, yes I have been thinking very hard about you and Eddie and understand so much better about inner strength and the power of love. Travis, my eldest grandson, is putting a CD thingy together for me to take to the hospital and yes Karen, he is adding DAY-O - it's amazing how much Mario can sound like Harry Belefonte

Every day that isn't bad is good, right? Slick, Gini and Tonya - how could I get by without you? And all the rest. With love,
Laurie

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 03-07-2006, 09:32 AM

Wonderful news, Laurie! I hope and pray he continues to improve everyday. The tight hand holding and rubbing his thumb on your finger means he's in there, he just has more healing to do before he's ready to come back to reality.

Happy LES.

{{{hugs}}}

**Laura's Babies** · 03-07-2006, 10:24 AM

IBaker, Eddies wife's most often comment in the beginning was " I don't care what shape he is in, he is ALIVE and I can work with that!".

Eddies nurses use to tell us whenever we asked how he was doing, "He is doing GOOD!".. no matter how bad a day he had so one time we asked what that was all about... he had a bad day so just say so! One told us "Any day he didn't die IS a good day!" There was one of his nurses that told us he shouldn't have made it, that most that are burned that bad, don't. So I know it was the prayers and good thoughts from everyone that kept Eddie alive.

Keep singing and talking to Steve, tell him your PT friends are pulling and praying for him... If you give us a address, we can start sending cards to him at the hospital... That use to amaze Eddie (people he didn't know sending him cards) and believe me, it DID lift his spirits SO high!

**Corinna** · 03-07-2006, 10:32 AM

yes laurie we need to have an card avalance for Steve.

**gini** · 03-07-2006, 10:35 AM

Laurie, I agree with Laura's suggestion. Could we get the address at the hospital so we can start sending Steve some cards? When he becomes more aware it would be wonderful for him to see how many people were praying for him.

**lbaker** · 03-07-2006, 11:23 AM

Great news, he has just been moved to "Intermediate Care" which is "stepdown" from Surgical Intensive Care where he has been. He can now start receiving cards and I am allowed to bring in some music. The Intensive Care unit was so crowded with tubes and wires and stuff they asked us not to bring in anything and we could only stay a few minutes at a time. His folks will call me after talking to his Dr today. As for now, his address is
Steve Jackson
Washington Hospital Center
Unit I-H
110 Irving Street NW
Washington DC 20010-2975
maybe the hospital name should go first or it should say "for patient Steve Jackson" ???
No email system in place at the hospital. You guys are the greatest.
L

**Laura's Babies** · 03-07-2006, 01:17 PM

A card will be in the mail to him no later than tomorrow from here!! I am even going to ask Regina to send one if she will (and I am sure she would!). I may even print out some pictures to send since Eddie got a real kick out of pictures one lady kept sending.

STEP DOWN! YAAAAAAAA! That is the most thrilling news ever since Eddie was sent to step down, them HOME! I am Happy Dancing with all of you there!! WAY TO GO STEVE!!!

**Cataholic** · 03-08-2006, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Laura's Babies

Eddies nurses use to tell us whenever we asked how he was doing, "He is doing GOOD!".. no matter how bad a day he had so one time we asked what that was all about... he had a bad day so just say so! One told us "Any day he didn't die IS a good day!" There was one of his nurses that told us he shouldn't have made it, that most that are burned that bad, don't.

That is so insightful! It makes sense, really, when you consider that they see the most needy of patients in the ICU. Reminds me of the early days with Samantha, my neice. {shudders}

Step down is such a cool, cool event. One step closer to home.

**ramanth** · 03-08-2006, 12:03 PM

I'm so happy to hear Steve has been moved out of Intensive Care. I'm still thinking of him! *hugs*

**lbaker** · 03-09-2006, 12:56 PM

We went to see him again yesterday and his eyes opened and seemed able to focus, a little. His jaw is wired shut but he seemed to at least know we were there. He can't really follow directions "blink if you hear me" but definately seems heading for a slow but positive prognosis. Lots and lots of physical therapy and time, especially time - but so what? I will tell him you are thinking of him. Thanks dear friends.
Laurie

**Tubby & Peanut's Mom** · 03-09-2006, 01:28 PM

Great! Another positive report. Laurie, one thing you all need to remember is the ups and downs that are involved. There are going to be good days, there are going to be fantastic days, there are going to be bad days and there are going to be horrible days. The only way you can survive the bad and horrible days is to remember the good and fantastic days, and know that more are ahead.

Oh, and Laurie, you're wrong about him not having lots and lots of friends. Even though we here at PT can't be physically in the room with him, we are all here in spirit for him, his family and you.

{{{hugs}}}