Gratitude

Everyday there is something to be grateful for!  "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24). 

Be grateful in all circumstances!!!  "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; he love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

Even during adversity there are things to be grateful for.  

I am grateful for:

**family and friends (and customers who've become like family and friends).

**Hockessin Fire Company was having an event in the neighborhood Danny was working in on the day of the accident. 

**Dan was medavaced to the ER.  I can't help but wonder if road closures due to President Obama's visit to the State of Delaware had something to do with it.  

**an employee who told someone to call 911, told Danny NOT to move, and opened Danny's jaw because he was gasping for breath.  

**for the countless doctors, nurses, and techs who took such great care of Danny!

**my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for being the first people to get to the ER.

**for my sister-in-law for texting/calling me while I was in NYC because Danny didn't want to ruin my day out to see a broadway show.  That's the kind of guy Danny is--always thinking of others even when he is in excruciating pain.  

**for a husband that loves me that much!!!

**for my sister, who stood by my side from the moment I found out about the accident. And, for all her medical expertise that was such a comfort because she was able to explain all that medical stuff.

**for my mom for letting the dogs out, feeding them, and just spending time with them so they would't have to be in crates unnecessarily.  

**for God protecting Danny in his fall!  Yes, you read that right!!!  For God's Protection in his fall!!!  Dan's injuries could have been much, much worse!!!  

Humbly staying grateful,
Maria, Dan's Wife

Cast Day

AC Separation in the right shoulder.  No surgery needed.  It should heal on its own.  Not necessary to limit movement either.  

Left wrist fractured.  Didn't hurt until he started PT and using walker.

Physical Therapy

This morning when I came into the hospital Dan was on his way to Physical Therapy, and I was able to accompany him.  

Dan took his new wheels out for a spin around the nurses station.



He also did 10 stairs!!!  Sounded like the pain was HORRIBLE, but he DID IT!!!!

Danny amazes me daily by his strength.  He doesn't complain.  He still manages to be nice to everyone!

Happy Birthday, Maria!!!!

Today seemed like a good day.  Sitting upright, eating.  

Still in pain.  Seems more uncomfortable at times.

Orthopedic doctor came in to check on him.  

Said his right shoulder and left wrist hurts.  

X-rays ordered.  

I was told by my very smart and beautiful sister it's common to find other minor injuries later on.  

In the meantime, the family throws me a BD party in Danny's room.

Patients are only supposed to have 2 visitors at a time!!!

The nurses were very gracious to allow so many people in the hospital room.

Be nice to those who take care of you!!!

My sister-in-law, Kim, made a chocolate cake--yum!!!

The only thing I want to concentrate on is Danny and his well-being.  This is how wonderful family can be--to make sure my birthday did not go unnoticed and un-celebrated!!!!  Just like we should always count our blessings (even during difficulty), there is always something to celebrate!!!  

With gratitude,

Maria, Dan's Wife

Moved to Transitional ICU and A Regular Room

In one day, Danny was moved to the transitional ICU overnight, and then into a regular room later that evening.  In ONE DAY!!!  Praise the Lord!!!!  I was so happy!!!  He is still in a lot of pain, makes such great progress every day!!!! 

 

Today's milestones:

Hemothorox on right side is almost completely gone.

Been transitioned from IV to oral meds.  

Able to push his self back in the chair with out assistance. 

Oxygen levels are good.  

Sitting upright and eating.  

  

Think hand-holding and comfort don't mean anything? Ask the guy with the 8 broken ribs and multiple spine fractures how comforting and relaxing it feels!

My niece, Sarah, made this wonderful Get Whale Soon poster for Danny.  Sarah was such a blessing to me and Danny during this time.  She was either by my side or Danny's bedside as much as she possible could including spending many nights at my house so I wouldn't be alone.  Danny considered her his Guardian Angel!

We have been blessed in so many ways during this difficulty.  Our families have been so wonderful and supportive during this time!!!  Not only did I marry a great guy, but his family has been nothing less than super wonderful!  My family has also been super wonderful!  Friends and customers too!!!

SUPER-CALI-FRAG-LISTIC-EXPI-ALA-DOCIOUS!!!  is the only way to describe the out-pouring of love, support, encouragement, well-wishes and prayers from EVERYONE that knows Danny!!!

Count your blessing!!!  Look at the good--look at what you HAVE and NOT at what you don't!!!
With gratitude,
Maria, Dan's Wife

June 10: Rib Retriever

When I went into Dan's room on the morning of the 10th, the first thing I noticed was most of his monitors were removed.  And, he was sleeping--finally!!!  He was so tired, but wouldn't or couldn't sleep.

If you look at his left hand, he's holding "Charlie."  He gave me "Charlie" when I was going on a trip without him.  So, I brought him to the hospital to offer a little comfort.

At one time during his ICU stay, he placed "Charlie" on his chest, and said this is my "Rib Retriever."

During another moment in the ICU, Danny had a death grip on my hand.  For a little relief, I put "Charlie" in his hand.

He would not let go of that little doggie!  Even rugged tree guys need a little comfort!!!

Milestones for today:

Sitting up in occupational chair for 2 hours.

Ate a few bites of solid food, and an entire fruit cup.

Smiled at his nurse.  Smiled while sleeping.

Chest tube was removed.  {PS--If a doctor ever tells you to count to 3, be ready on 2!!!}

Less loopy.  Seems more like himself.

Fitted for Back Brace

This afternoon, Dan was fitted for a back brace.

He stood up, and was transferred from the bed to an occupational chair, and is now sitting up!!

Oxygen levels are up.

Oxygen mask was removed and placed on nasal tube.

Loopy.

Changing his pain meds--PCA not working for him because he wouldn't press the button.

Eating a little more.

Still making jokes.

Told me the occupational therapist was making him do sit ups.  WHAT??!!!  Took me a minute to understand.  He meant his incentive spirometer--felt like he was doing sit ups!

Someone said to me "at least I can laugh."  I have to laugh, and keep a positive attitude--for Danny!!! There is nothing I can do to change what happened. Don't get me wrong--I cried--a lot--at home--in private!!!  Cried out to God.  Poured my heart out to God.  "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8