December 29, 2011 (Winchester, New Hampshire) – Dear Friends – great news about John! Maybe all of our praying/good thoughts/healing energy yesterday worked. But today is definitely a MUCH better day for him (and family and friends there) than yesterday! – see Chris’ e-mail below.

I’m writing with a new plea, though. Tomorrow is John’s birthday and I thought it would be fun if everyone wrote something to John (a couple of sentences or a couple of paragraphs, whatever you want; just something more than “Happy Birthday, John!” please J).

If you’re willing to do this, please send your birthday wishes/thoughts/whatever to me TODAY. I’ll compile all of them… e-mail them to Chris (it’ll be a surprise to her)… and then she can read them to John.

(So, obviously, we want to keep them upbeat, encouraging, and such – without, of course, ignoring the hell he’s going through. My terminally ill wife has learned that a lot of people, probably out of discomfort, tend to say only positive things [“It’ll all work out great!”] or lecture-like things [“Be grateful for every day you’ve got!”]. Her experienced advice is that it’s best if we keep the focus on cheering him on but also acknowledge his situation, saying you’re sorry or whatever for all he’s going through. You can even share a memory, tell a story about you two, whatever!)

So: Can you do this for John? (And again: TODAY?)

I think it would be a wonderful birthday gift for this kind soul who is suffering so much – and will continue to be doing so – on his birthday.

And hurrah for the good news! Let’s all keep thinking positive, please!

Email me here – jonathan@nordicgroupinternational.com

12/29/11 – letter from Chris

GREAT (and I quote that word) news to report today. John is DOING GREAT!

He’s giving thumbs-up signals in response to questions and has been cleared for them to attempt to remove the ventilator. John indicates he isn’t in pain, what a tough guy. Be optimistic, but realistic. Often the vent must be replaced but this is a step forward. John likely was feeling so miserable the other day(s) in reaction to an antibiotic.

Since replacing that specific drug with another, there has been a marked improvement.

The Medical Team Meeting yesterday was so reassuring and optimistic.

Words we liked hearing: high potential for recovery; least impacting of brain injuries; moving everything; reasonable recovery; very encouraging; guarded optimism (to which Rebecca says she wants a shirt that says GO). We’re still riding on a high from that meeting and this morning’s update validating that the improvement & hope is carrying into another day. We had been prepared for the worst yesterday going into the Medical Team Meeting . There were 9 pairs of ears to hear what was being said as well as several folks taking notes and one “scribing” (agility folks will understand) or taking minutes. We look forward to going back over what was said as we now find ourselves hanging onto every word that is said. One must always keep in mind that brain patients will have ups & downs, but let’s celebrate this UP and think ahead to John’s 67th birthday tomorrow. He is a survivor. Truly!

I hope we can have one heck of a birthday celebration for John in 2012.

The last 7 days have surely been the epitome of emotional roller coaster. Rebecca (John’s daughter) and I could not be getting through this ordeal without all your support and love. Thank you. We will continue to update you (through the email list that Jonathan is building) daily as well as begin to look forward to when we can encourage visits to John in Lebanon/Hanover, NH but we’re not there yet.

We’re learning that evening visits aren’t the best time and that we should stop sleeping in the hospital chairs and on the floor. We need to stay strong and healthy for the months to come. It will be a long and step-by-step recovery but there is now real hope for a decent recovery.

THANK YOU! We love you all and it gives us great joy to share good, hopeful news with you.

Hugs, Chris

If you want to get email updates on John’s progress, send me an email with the subject “crazymoose updates” and I’ll get you on the list. You can ask to get off at any time. Don’t know what crazymoose means? John will have to tell you the story.