Progress

Today Dustin is much improved in some areas. He is off the blood pressure meds and just on a med to "support" his blood vessels. His bruising from where the seat belt was is all clear. His face and body on the outside look awesome. He continues to love you to put on chap stick and use this toothbrush thing to swab his mouth. Must be the nurturing need and we are pouring it on. He does his lips when you put the chap stick on, blows kisses, smiles, sticks out his tongue, and blinks when you ask him. He is not alert as we would like but we have to remember the trauma from the accident as well as from the surgery. He is initiating breaths on his own and has a little support from the ventilator and O2. The Respiratory Therapist is well pleased with his progress.

God is good. I was really praying for a nice quiet place and received a unbelievable 3 story loft where movie stars stay when producing movies. Sylvester Stallone stayed in it last week and Richard Gere has been there as well. Of course free of charge. The Occupational Therapist was realizing we were Christian and we decided to ask if she had any ideas about housing. It just so happened that her husband is a pastor and he put out an email about our situation and within 2 hours we had our fully furnished "pad". I even have a garden patio in my 7th floor city dwelling which of course has a big hot tub as well with a view of the mountains. Pastor Anita and Rick have forbidden me to go out at night and ride my bike (that someone is also letting me use) or walk after 6pm. Pastor Anita put on the "eccleciastal pressure" and Rick put on the husband role to pound this through my sometimes stubborn head.

I will be walking to the hospital (going to try it tomorrow while Rick is here) and then may try the bus. I thought I might ride the bus on its entire loop and see what is available to me.

The hospital and staff have been excellent - actually beyond helpful, nice, patient and answer our millions of questions. The Chief of Staff actually is one of the top 2 neurosurgeons in the country and he does much research this being a teaching/university based hospital.

Dustin continues to respond most to his girlfriend - his beloved Nerina. Nerina's mom is also here and the support is wonderful. On Sat. we got up at 4:30am and made it to the famous hot air balloon festival. It was amazing and the only thing we probably want to remember in Albuquerque.

My computer works in Dustin's room so I will be doing all of the 7000 Project (work) emails. Hopefully this will help Rick as he has to be cabin cleaner, full time 7000 facilitator ,and farmer. I had planted 45 broccoli plants before we made it out here. Brussel sprouts, spinach and kale will hopefully push through the ground and survive Rick's dislike of some of them (esp. brussel sprouts)

Our daughter Tiffany, her husband and our 2 wonderful grandchildren, Matigan- 2 1/2 yrs old and Sarah- 3 months old brought lots of support as well as Tiffany's excellent computer skills in making this blog, researching rehabs and much other stuff that really was great administrative support. Rick and Tiffany went to get the stuff out of Dustin's car. We do have a picture but truly you can see that God had his hand on him. In the natural there is no way he could have survived.

Rick encourages himself after spending time with the 3 month old that she can't walk yet, can't talk yet but she will with time. We have to remember that Dustin is no different. It is all there - we just have to wait. Our granddaughter can't do any of that yet either but if we wait it will come.

Dustin has a hot air balloon over his head, and a stuffed otter. His code name is reflects this. I am learning physical therapy and becoming quite proficient.

Have to go but enjoy the wonderful pictures of our awesome son and girlfriend.

We love you all and so appreciate your prayers and support. Keep praying for miracles. God is hearing all of this prayer and coming up within His greatest plan.

Rick and Mary Pat