Well we all survived the birthday. Mike's birthday celebration took the form of a mouth swab of cold apple juice. From his tongue movement, it obviously tasted like the best beer in the world. Our thanks to all those who sent cards, messages, presents and came along to the hospital. It meant a lot to us and you can be sure Mike will hear all about it when he's up to it. Mike got pretty tired in the late afternoon, so we had to halt the visitors. We think he may be entering the next stage of recovering consciousness. Unfortunately this stage seems to involve agitation and confusion. It's also possible he's finally realised he's missed the Ironman!
A few more pieces of progress today. The physio got Mike standing up. He needed a huge amount of support, but there he was - upright. It's interesting how much more alert he is when more upright. For the first time he seemed to cast his eyes about his surroundings and he was able to blink 'yes' - for more apple juice! Over the day we started to notice a bit bigger range of facial expression and his eyes look a bit less vacant.
It is likely that Mike will be moved to Wellington next Monday. We think that before this we will still have to keep visitors restricted to avoid fatiguing and confusing him, If you are planning to visit, give us a call to check how he is. Bryce's mobile is 0274 455326, Lee's is 021 455 326. Our apologies for this, but we know you will understand. You Aucklanders have been such a wonderful support to us, we'll never let anyone criticise Jaffas again. Once Mike has settled into Cavit in Lower Hutt and made some more progress, we know he will love to have visitors.
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We're looking forward to seeing you in Wellington over Easter, Mike, and continue to be impressed with your progress and with the support from family and friends.
Love
Lindsay and Cathy
Hi Bryce and Lee and family, Richard Kerr writing. Happy Birthday Mike.
I have been thinking how I might be able to help. So I've checked in with a few people like Richard Bolstad - NLP Trainer, for some useful suggestions. Also his physio and NLP friend Lynda Prochazka who has helped someone's recovery from their head injury. And my good friend Fraser Sharp, who I met at Outward Bound, a very keen cyclist, who experienced almost exactly the same thing that happened to Mike, but 12 years ago, a couple of years before I met him at O.B. Fraser smashed into the side of a car that was recklessly crossing the median line, pulling into her driveway. Fraser's fellow riders managed to swerve past unscathed. Fraser was in a coma for about a month. Both he and his parents have their personal experiences that they could share with you, as one possible set of experiences, some of which you may go through yourselves. They also have the name of a book which I believe may include the kind of long term view info you are seeking. They would be really happy to help out in any capacity. I can send you more detail in an email about all of the info and suggestions, or if I don't hear back then I will just blog it here. Best wishes and love from Richard. ric AT paradise.net.nz Happy to also help out with your business Lee, while you are looking after Mike, if you or your partner needs a hand with anything that I could help with.
Hi Lee & Bryce
I am sure that the olfactory sense has an effect on learning (music was my other choice too) "Google" surfing does seem to indicate some interesting studies-and some of them are scientific!!. This may be worth a look for you as you try to gain a holistic/long term/big picture view.
I am very grateful for this blog.
Craig-who has met you both- sends his best wishes. I hadn't realised that Mike's birthday was the day before his.
Aroha Lesley M
Hi Lee and Bryce and Mike and Phil and TJ and whanau (bit much to write everyone's name eh)
Its Kathryn Meredith here, Noel and Pieta's daughter. It's taken me a while to get connected with this website (thanks Paul and Aurelia who have been very helpful). It's really awesome to read that Mike is progressing, my thoughts are with you and I really am looking forward to seeing you guys and visiting Mike when you get back to Wellington.
My mobile is 021 441 779.
Lots of love, Arohanui
xxxxx Kathryn (KJ)
Loved your Birthday messages, Mike, but very disappointed that mine aren't getting through. Just be assured that they are all swimming around in the sky looking for you! Maybe my birthday letter did better? Now I must find what I'm doing wrong! Your loving Gran.
At last my darling grandson!! I'm there! In print! And I can tell you I spent your birthday out at Pencarrow Head in a 100kmh. gale ... very noisy and exciting! You would have loved it, specially the bit when the driver took the first hairpin bend too fast! The next one was extremely slow! A very narrow track but he soon got the hang of it and we had a nice lunch and a happy day. I thought of you most of the time! Love and hugs, Gran.
Hi Mike
I follow your progress each day, and it is utterly sobering to know that what I read in a minute is far longer in reality for both you and your family. Wishing you continued strength and perseverance,
Andrew Kerr
Hi Mike.
Great to hear you were up and about for your birthday. We wish you well in Wellington and look forward to following your recovery on the web site. Just sorry that we
missed out on visiting. We will certainly stay in touch and have a big catch up when we are next in Wellington. Cheers Phil and Liz, and of course Jeremy and Rachel
Lesley, re olfactory senses, what did you put in as your key words? All my guesses get nowhere. I think youre right though. Mike has periods of being really sweaty so I got some lime aroma therapy stuff to sprinkle on damp cloths. He sometimes seems aware of the scent.
Lee
Yvonne and Tricia, here basking in the glorious sunny weather at Paraparam.
I (Tricia) wanted to tell you about a very positive story of a colleague at work who had a severe brain injufy from a road accident - skidding on black ice in Germany - some years ago. The medics said that they had done all they could, but her husband was determinded that more could be done. He devoted his time to reading and talking with his wife and playing her music (the rhythm of Bach is supposed to be particularly good)and she ultimately recovered almost completely, and certainly well enough to return to her job as a University lecturer. I will let you know how to contact them as I'm sure they would be very happy to talk over their experience and to share positive advice.
Really looking forward to seeing you all back in Wellington.
Lots of love
Yvonne and Tricia
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