Monday, September 20, 2010 at 2127

Hi Everybody,

I have really missed writing about David's triumphs. There is a great deal that has happened, I'm sure, but it has all been contained in about 3 or 4 two minute conversations. David has bathed his cell phone, which did interrupt our conversations for a week or so. He then surprised us all by submitting for and transferring to the Balboa Hospital C5 Unit in San Diego, California where he was met by 8 or his great friends.

I called him the other day and he has asked that I come back out to be with him for about a month - I can't possibly express how great that made me feel. Catherine has accepted an assignment that will be taking her away for several weeks - I'm not sure if I am at liberty to discuss where she is going but I am personally very grateful that she has been so dedicated to David's recovery. She is one strong trooper herself.

David was telling me that, the other day, when he put on his shrinkers, hopefully you remember what those are - it's been awhile since I talked about them, he felt a scratchy part and started to inspect the spot a little closer. You guessed it, the HO bone was coming through the skin. He said he just picked at it for a little while and the tip of it just broke off.

David and his spirits have really been lifted up by his move to San Diego. I know that the weather alone would do it for me. When at Walter Reed, the Physical Therapists were about 4 to 10 - 15 soldiers, at Balboa's C5 it is about 4 to 4 soldiers so there is a great amount of personal attention that is going to each man's rehabilitation efforts. David has the privilege of working with the gentleman that was picked to work with the Olympians in the Paralympics and any prosthetic problems they have. David, I believe, is the test case for a brand new technique that uses laser technology for scanning the anatomical residual limbs and completely replaces the need to do a plaster casting for these soldiers. David's HO problem is quite severe but, through this technology, HOLD ON TO YOUR SEAT, he may stand up tomorrow. He knows how painful it is going to be but that is just how it has to be. HE MAY STAND TOMORROW. I can't find words to express to you my emotions right now.

On Friday I talked with David and he was in the process of going to an appointment. He had the phone tucked between his shoulder and his ear while physically wheeling himself from building to building. He is not using an electric wheelchair anymore. I was so thoroughly impressed by the fact that he went to the appointment and they told him he had to go two buildings away, then when he got there he was told that the Doctor was somewhere else and he had to chase him down. David was kind, patient, and everything I wish I could be in frustrating situations. He is one great man and I love him.

He is working hard to be able to drive his Jeep again - to do everything again.

I'll write more when I can.

Take Care,

Gordon