Come visit!!!

Hi everyone,

Just want to start of saying....THANKS AGAIN to everyone who has been sending messages and love this way. I wouldn't be functioning at all without you guys........So sort of more of the same today. Dave's still refusing to open his eyes, but he is responding to other commands like 'raise your right leg' and 'lift 2 fingers'. It also seems like he is completely aware when his friends are in the room and are talking to him. The PT and MD said today it was good for him to hear familiar voices talking to him and around him, so come on down to IF if you want to say hi. (It also gives me something to look forward too, cuz this town is kinda weird:)!!!) His main doctor seems to be hopeful, but is quick to remind us this process will take awhile. We also rented a 4 bedroom house with a backyward if people want to set up a tent or crash in an empty room. Just give me a text or a call if you're headed this way.

xoxox and thanks again, we love you!!!!!!!

Sarah

Really psyched to see BTD sitting up, yawning, moving....the PT and speech therapists have come by today. It is great to see the hospital staff so incredibly positive and very encouraging about his progress. And actually, Idaho Falls is somewhat pleasant (can't believe I just said that). If anyone is wondering if they should come visit, come!! We love seeing your faces and keep up with the great support!!!!

BTD Making Moves

It was a pretty heartening morning, today, seeing Dave respond to everyone's request. He's squeezing our hands and moving his legs when we ask. You can tell he's really trying. It was a super special morning for me when I went to say good-bye to Dave. I told him I had to leave for a few days, that I would be back on Tuesday, to keep working hard, etc... and when I said "bye" on my way out of the room he sat up in bed, raised his left hand and tried to wave good-bye!!!! It was pretty amazing, I think, because it was voluntary (no one told him to do it) and it was a totally appropriate response (it's what we do when someone says good-bye)! I wanted to share this amazing moment with you guys, especially as we are heading into a really tough part of Dave and Sarah's journey. By the way, the "partying through the crying" last night was awesome, guys!

Amazing People And A Shout Out To The Long's!!

I thought I would take a moment to thank all the wonderful people who have been there for Dave, Sarah, their friends and their family. The constant support of everyone has been incredible. From those who have been in IF from day 1 to all of those who are constantly traveling back and forth your energy is totally appreciated. I would like to take this time to give an extra special thanks to Pat and Brian, Sarah's parents, for taking care of all of us as well when we are there. They have provided food and accommodations for the Jackson crew who are coming and going. We appreciate your generosity and thank you for making it easier to spend as much time as possible with Dave and Sarah. GO get it BTD!

Send Pics

So that slideshow on the sidebar kicks ass right?! If you want to send me a link to pictures (picasa, flickr, etc.) I can put up another one and another one and another one...

Party through the Cryin'

Sounds like Scott gave everyone a pretty accurate update. things are progressing, but not as quickly as we all would like. he's hanging in there, still struggling to wake up. Just want to say again THANK YOU so much to everyone that is here, as well as far away, for all your support and love. I can't imagine surviving this without you guys. Tonight we're drinking beers and planning for the future....as Dave always says...you gotta keep partying through the crying :) !!!!

Afternoon Update

Dave is out of the MRI and breathing without the ventilator! He is pretty much completely off sedation and assisted breathing now. Great news. They also found no significant ligament damage so they took off the neck brace. Again, positive results.

He still hasn't decided to open his eyes, but we know that will come. The doctors are quick to remind everyone that this can be a very, very slow process. We have to keep measuring results in weeks, not days. Maybe he'll open up tomorrow, maybe in a few weeks. The important thing is that Dave is obviously trying his hardest to come back to us. When he does wake up, there is a strong chance he will need a while to remember all the things that make him BTD and that's normal in these situations. It might be a little scary, but a little patience on our part will go along way for Dave. We should all keep celebrating the little accomplishments while getting ready for the challenges ahead.

If you have been wondering if a visit is appropriate, Sarah assures us that the more loved ones around the better. I can personally say that being around Dave and Sarah has lifted my spirits big time. No here's the "but". But, the next phase of recovery for Dave has the potential of being really difficult. There is a chance that if you go to Idaho Falls, you might not be able to spend time with Dave. Doesn't matter. Seeing Sarah and giving her a hug will be worth your trip regardless.

Morning Visit

We had an early visit with Dave today and he was doing well. The doctor had the cranium pressure monitor removed which made Dave look way more like himself. He was flexing and moving every muscle in his body but still not ready to open his eyes. Man, he has a strong grip! He was scheduled for a 10am MRI which will hopefully show no ligament damage in his neck as well as more insight into the bruising on his brain. With any luck they will try to remove the breathing tubes tonight and see how that goes. He is breathing on his own already, they are just keeping them in for precautionary measures. Come on back BTD!

THANK YOU SO MUCH

We just wanted to thank everyone for their amazing support, thoughts, prayers, goody baskets, calls. It means so much to have such a supportive and loving community around us. We'll try to keep everyone updated as things progress. THANKS AGAIN. Love Sarah and Dave

Latest Update

Just got back from the hospital. Dave was on Fire! The nurse took him off the sedation when we arrived and it wasn't long before the big man was moving all around. He was clenching his fists, flexing his quads and turning his head from side to side. The nurse came back in and tried to get Dave to do things, "Dave, squeeze my hand." No luck. After a while we decided to give it a shot ourselves. Huge Success! Upon command Dave squeezed each hand (left and right specifically), raised each leg, stuck out his tongue, and pretty much gave us the finger (almost!). It was the BTD show for sure! We had a room full of people cheering, but Dave wasn't quite ready to open his eyes. But, the doctor walked in and said, "Dave, you just made my night". The doc also told us that he ordered the head pressure monitor removed in the morning. After that he'll take an MRI and see how Dave is looking on the inside. Sounds like tomorrow could be a big day!