My buddy (co-pilot) Steve

[lbaker]

I just tried to post a reply but it didn't "take" for some reason He made it through the night but I can't get any answers from the new group in this new ICU ward. I will have to ask his folks to put me on the "OK list" again. They haven't been answering the phone today so maybe they are already there. I'll know more later I'm sure.

[Karen]

Thanks, Laurie. He - and all of you - are still in my prayers.

[slick]

I can't imagine how hard this must be on you Laurie. So frustrating that you can't get any answers. I will keep checking in and sending prayers.

[lbaker]

Just spoke with Bill/Dad. He sounded more encouraged after their visit today and their talk with another doctor. Still in ICU but they removed the "small clot" on his lung and feeling more optimistic about being able to move him, once again, into "stepdown". But not yet. Another weird problem occurs, however, because of a visit by his "sister" who is a man. He showed up in drag to visit. The nurses didn't even realize that "she" was really a he. But that, dear friends, is another story. There are not good feelings between the siblings. OMD, this is all getting Mondo Bizarro for K, J and for me When Steve, IF Steve becomes aware of surroundings, and should see... oh dear, nevermind "Is this for real or am I am Miami?" No offense, I think that's a quote from an old RKrumb comix
I AM NOT MAKING THIS UP

[Karen]

That does sound encouraging. As for the sibling weirdness, hey, at least s/he cared enough to visit. Prayers continuing!

[Laura's Babies]

PHEW! That is a big load off my mind!

[slick]

Laurie, thanks so much for posting this news. Yes, it is encouraging and I know that he's got a long way to go yet. With all these PT prayers, I just know that things will continue to get better.

As for the sibling, do I read in your comment that the last time Steve saw his "brother" he was wearing pants?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

As for the sibling, do I read in your comment that the last time Steve saw his "brother" he was wearing pants?

Sorry, but I had to giggle at this.

So good to hear the encouraging news, Laurie. Hopefully all is continuing to go well.

[lbaker]

his "brother" was wearing pants?

culottes maybe Things about the same this afternoon. Still ICU, still no response, but still alive.

[slick]

Laurie, please know that I wasn't trying to make a joke of it. I just wondered if the last time they met, his brother was a man and perhaps Steve didn't know anything about the "drag" business. It would be a shock to wake up to that.

Prayers continuing.

[Laura's Babies]

May I add a little "lightness" and "humor" in here about now?

When they were waking Eddie up from the coma, they started to with hold his pain medicine in order to get him to respond to certain commands, which he would NOT respond to. They kept telling him he could have pain medicine when he answered their questions. He would look at them eye to eye when they asked their questions but not make ANY response.

They captured his wife one evening and told her they were really worried because he was not responding to anything they asked him. She told them to follow her and she walked into his room and asked them what were their questions and she repeted them to Eddie and he answered every ONE of them his wife asked. The BTU nurses stood there with their mouths open and asked how she did that! The answer was so simple... Eddie NEVER talked to strangers!.... (of coarse over his long stay there, he did start to talk to them)

Sooooooo, maybe the right person hasn't come to get a response out of Steve.

[lbaker]

I know Slick, I giggled too, hence the remark about culottes. I was even going to add something about maybe silk lounging pj's but thought might be a bit much - even for a drag queen. * and certainly not while visiting someone in a hospital * What would the fashion police think

Laura, you may have something there. Everyone is speaking to him "sweetly and quietly" but when my son visits he speaks a little rough and says things like "hey you A-hole it's time to get your a$$ out of here" Dang if that's not when I see the most "response" of all!! Not much, but something

[Laura's Babies]

NORMAL tones needed to be used with him.. Goodness, all that softness and sweetness could scare him to death! I know how hard it is to use those normal tones (been there myself as you know) but I was always afraid if we acted different, it would scare Eddie to death... I STILL don't think Eddie ever understood how serious and life threatening his injuries were because we ALL acted and talked normal like we were just visiting another sick person in a hospital and we always talked as if he could hear EVERYTHING we said. You just don't know what a chatter box his wife is and I think hearing her constant (NORMAL) chatter is what kept him thinking things were not that serious. Please tell them, NO hush hush tones in his room!! NORMAL or above ONLY!

[lbaker]

Another positive visit today. Well, better, still unsure of what he may be realizing about things, or even who we are yet. Laura, your cards are posted on his wall, as is yours Gini!! The nurses and his Mom & Dad ask "who are these people?". We got a little silly with him and the nurses seemed to appreciate the interplay.

[Killearn Kitties]

Glad he's still hanging in there, Laurie! More positive vibes coming Steve's way.