Thursday 01 July 2010 @ 2333

There is a song that describes the current situation - "Together Again!" It was so nice to be here again and give David a big hug. SSGT Taylor of the Marine Liaison Office picked me up from the airport and then we had to go to another airport to pick up two other families that were here to see their loved ones for the first time. As SSGT Taylor gave them a little bit of an indoctrination, I was very touched by one of his comments: he said that "We are family, that's the way us Marines think of each other, and now that you are here, (speaking of the new families) you are our family too! It was not a rehearsed statement, it was obviously from his heart.

David had a bit of an up and down day. I think it was a bit discouraging, yet rewarding, when his fellow Marine, Cpl Evans, transferred to Walter Reed. It is incredibly rewarding knowing that 6 weeks ago David was very instrumental in saving his life and putting him on the helicopter that took him to safety and care, and now he is on his way to Walter Reed to begin his rehabilitation process. The discouraging part is that David will be several weeks behind him because of the X-fix on his pelvis. David, as any of you who know him will attest, wants to be on the move, progressing and pushing himself and he is really tired of lying around losing strength and mobility. He looks across the room at that wheelchair and just wants to get in it and go.

David's day just seem to start with a discouraged feeling but he was really pumped up when CPL
Roberto Evans came into his room. (please forgive me if I have his rank incorrect) They really lifted each others spirits. Then the head of the ICU, Dr. Malone came in and talked with both of them an told them what incredible men they were, how strong, and how courageous. She has been here for 20 years watching these men come through here with incredible injuries and told these 2 Marines that, at the time of their injury, they both had made a very difficult and courageous decision - to live. She was extremely inspiring and was 100% respectfully of these powerfully inspiring young men.

David seemed to need more pain medications than usual. He is having sharp blasts of pains, mainly to his left leg, that just take his breath away and jolt his whole body. The good thing is that the pains only last for a few seconds. The team is suggesting that David move on to Walter Reed next Tuesday or Wednesday. Because of that move, they are trying to get him off the
Delotted and change him to Methadone. David protested because he had heard so many horror stories of soldiers getting hooked on the Methadone. The Doctor told him that those that had been hooked on the Methadone were taking well in excess of 100 mg each time and that the dosage that David would be given was 10mg. After some convincing, David felt a little more comfortable with taking the medication. David really does not like stimulants, except for power drinks.

David enjoyed the movie "UP" today. It was nice because it is the kind of movie that allows you to fall asleep for 10 to 15 minutes and not miss much at all. David is very alert but he will fall to sleep in 15 minutes stages quite often. There is really no time, in this hospital, to catch a long nap during the middle of the day. They are instructing us, as well as David, to get into a sleep regiment. It is going to be a critical part of his healing process if he can get into a routine that gives him the optimal amount of sleep so he can work very hard each day.

Catherine is a wonderful part of his day. They talk, then he sleeps, they talk, then he sleeps, and it goes on and on. She is absolutely wonderful with him. She is very caring, very attentive, and is on top of everything to do with his comfort and care. Her sincere feelings for him are very obvious and very enjoyable to watch.

David did not eat nearly as well today but he seemed to be feeling much better in the evening.

Well, everyone around me is sleeping and I've turned out the lights so they can sleep. Without the lights, it's hard to find the delete button to correct my mistakes, so I'll say goodnight and please know how much we love an appreciate all of you. For such a horrific and awful thing to happen, this is still a wonderful time - just to know he has his intellect, his wit, and a knowledge that he has an incredible life of promise ahead.

Goodnight,

Gordon