Today was Dan's first day in rehab! His biggest motivator all day long was to get back into bed! In fact, while Kathy was talking to Dan's brother, Sam, on the phone, Dan unbuckled the seat belt on his wheelchair and shuffled back to bed where he promptly passed out.This earned him the nickname Houdini. He had a long and tiring day and will probably be too tired tonight to feed himself.
After talking to several people today and comparing notes with Kathy, I have come to realize that not many of you know the true condition that Dan is in. We in the family are trying very hard to focus on the positive, based on the advice of our dear and wise friend, Ms. Deborah, who told us not to focus on the 10% bad, but to meditate on the 90% that's good. We will continue doing that, and would like you to do this as well. However, I do think its necessary that you are aware of the whole picture with us, so here it goes: Dan is very, very sick. It is difficult for him to talk and focus. Chewing and swallowing have become two of his hardest tasks. While we do catch glimpses of Dan how he was, and know that he is working towards being himself again, it is a long way off. The doctors don't know if he will ever be able to return to work. (We believe he will!) The doctors don't know if he will ever be able to ride a motorcycle again. (We believe he will!) The doctors don't know if he will be able to fully recover before the end of 5 years. (We believe that he will!)
I don't tell you this so that you will be alarmed, but so that you will know what Dan is up against and so that your prayers can be more effective. Please join us as we constantly lift Dan and his recovery before our great King, who is ever able and willing to give good gifts to his children, of which Dan is one.
We love you all!
-The Family
After talking to several people today and comparing notes with Kathy, I have come to realize that not many of you know the true condition that Dan is in. We in the family are trying very hard to focus on the positive, based on the advice of our dear and wise friend, Ms. Deborah, who told us not to focus on the 10% bad, but to meditate on the 90% that's good. We will continue doing that, and would like you to do this as well. However, I do think its necessary that you are aware of the whole picture with us, so here it goes: Dan is very, very sick. It is difficult for him to talk and focus. Chewing and swallowing have become two of his hardest tasks. While we do catch glimpses of Dan how he was, and know that he is working towards being himself again, it is a long way off. The doctors don't know if he will ever be able to return to work. (We believe he will!) The doctors don't know if he will ever be able to ride a motorcycle again. (We believe he will!) The doctors don't know if he will be able to fully recover before the end of 5 years. (We believe that he will!)
I don't tell you this so that you will be alarmed, but so that you will know what Dan is up against and so that your prayers can be more effective. Please join us as we constantly lift Dan and his recovery before our great King, who is ever able and willing to give good gifts to his children, of which Dan is one.
We love you all!
-The Family
Dan & Kathy - you are in our thoughts and prayers! Most of you do not know us, but we met Dan & Kathy several years ago. My husband and I were traveling to Myrtle Beach in 2003 and were involved in a horrific motorcycle accident not far from Charlotte. We were airlifted to CMC, but our families were told that we had a very slim chance of survival based on the brain injuries we had sustained. News of our accident spread in our hometown and somehow - by the Grace of God - the Charlotte chapter of the CMA heard of our accident. Dan, Kathy and several other members of the chapter began to visit with our families as they sat at our bedsides day after day waiting. The support that Dan and Kathy showed our families was so comforting as they were 3 hours from home and had little hope of our recovery at that time. Through God's will, my husband and I both survived. It has been a long road to recovery for us.
ReplyDeleteWe have continued to keep in touch with Dan and Kathy. When we received the call about Dan's accident, we were devasted. We contacted several of the local churches and had Dan and the family has been placed on Prayer Chains throughout southwestern Virginia.
My advice to everyone close to Dan - never stop praying and celebrate every little step (chewing, swallowing, labored steps, broken words) because those are the foundation of his recovery. While my husband was in rehab, a friend told me, "Whatever God brings you to, God will get you through!" That statement is so true. Keep the faith! Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers everyday!
All our love, Trey and Stephanie
We are glad to be able to read about Dan's recovery and we will be praying everyday for the little steps of progress he is making and praying for a full recovery.
ReplyDeleteLove to the family
Peg and Ken fisher
We are happy to be able to follow Dan's progress and will keep praying for the little steps he is making and for a full recovery.
ReplyDelete