HornEd Posted January 18, 2003 Share Posted January 18, 2003 Tom and Dale, thanks for the kind and encouraging words. The avoidable and tragic death of Jimmy has been hard. I am somewhat of a recluse and am not inclined to speak of personal tragedy. In fact, I have probably done so more on this Forum than all other places put together. My personal grief or triumph tends to be shared more here because there is such a diverse cross section of the world... and many opportunities to share something that may spark a beneficial insight into the life of others. So, that's when I try to reach out. Surely, no kind or insightful words can bring Austin or Jimmy back to where they were before their tragic accidents... but at least Austin has an opportunity to make something of value out of this pain and anguish. The value of life is worth more to those of us who have been to the bleeding edge of losing it. Sadly, I have been to that edge more times than I like to remember. I know first hand what its like to come back from severe injury... the years of dedication to work through pain and despair... and still fall short of the fully functional human being I once was. I think of how many bright and important people who have been cut down in their prime... and I am thankfully amazed that somehow, if I can get through a few more months, I will reach 65 years of age. Just think how many notable people haven't made it to 65... people like John Lennon cut down at the Dakota... while I watched from Central Park across the street... or JFK while I was on a mission in East Berlin... and so many more, like Jimmy, a budding nuclear specialist wiped out because a previously wrecked motorcycle had been incorrectly rebuilt. But, pointing the finger of blame doesn't bring back a loved one... or take away a moment of Austin's pain. Life is for the living... but sometimes it takes a little dying to make life more beautiful and the opportunity of having a future more rewarding for those of us who are survivors. Dean is a survivor... despite all the slings and arrows that have been thrown his way. Surely, with a father like that, Austin is a survivor too. May his rehab be speedy and his love of life and purpose serve as a model for us all. =HornEd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Robinson Posted January 18, 2003 Share Posted January 18, 2003 As always, very well said, Ed ... I respect your privacy if you don't feel like sharing it, but it sounds like you're in the midst of your own dire fight. Please feel our collective strength and support. You've been there for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckears Posted January 18, 2003 Share Posted January 18, 2003 Deang, Don't know how I overlooked your first post; I usually check them all twice a day... I guess my search for a Panasonic RP82 DVD player has put me in a tunnel. While my own personal beliefs about Life, the Universe, and Everything do not generally include prayer, please know that my thoughts will be with you and your family, and I hope that we will continue to hear good news of a speedy recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted January 18, 2003 Share Posted January 18, 2003 Horn Ed, "and still fall short of the fully functional human being I once was." Though I may not agree with all you say you have coherent thoughts and opinions. Fully functional happens between the ears and you have that working just fine IMHO. I lost a son who was born 2 months premature; and held his hand for the 2.5 hours until he passed away. The process made my life fuller in a way I still do not know how to describe 17 years later. Look for the reasons to smile every day; they are a little elusive at times but attainable. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conductor Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 "It is said an eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him with the words, 'And this, too, shall pass.' How much it expresses! How consoling in the depths of affliction! -Abraham Lincoln You just gotta hang in there. Strength, Youth, Time, Love, Hope, and Prayer will prevail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 19, 2003 Author Share Posted January 19, 2003 The situation has turned around in the last 18 hours. Austin is now breathing on his own without the rebreather. So, he won't see the ventilator. Fever is gone. This is huge. Bowels moved twice today. Glad I missed this. Catheter and NG tube removed. Ate a little. May possibly be moved out of ICU tomorrow. Only problem remaining is respiration. He still can't sit up, or stand up -- without heartrate going through the ceiling (155 bpm). I imagine as the antibiotic does its job, respiration will improve. Seems like hypoxia to me. Don't know for sure because I haven't been able to corner the Pulmonary Physician. I'm guessing he still has fluid in his lungs which is reducing lung capacity, and the heart has to work harder to move the oxygen around the body. I think that's how it works -- At any rate, things are looking up -- and so am I:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Robinson Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 Dean, GREAT news. Prayer works on occasion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 Right on!! fini Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Mobley Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 Dean, Sounds good to me. The lungs deal just takes time, it's like water evaporating out of a sponge, sort of. There will be some ups and downs along the way but it sounds like he is at least on the way. I'll continue to pray for your son and you. How are the others in the family doing with the deal? These things are really hard on the sibs and Mom too. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 Great news indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 19, 2003 Author Share Posted January 19, 2003 Chris, Prayer always works. Always. It's just that sometimes the answer is 'no'. All, Thank you so much for kind words and thoughts -- mucho appreciated. Men of Faith, It is time to turn our prayers with Ed in mind. Please resolve to bring him before God as much as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heresy2guy Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 Sorry to hear about your son Dean. My first car was a 1981 Chevette Diesel (?!) that I bought used on my 16th birthday back in '88. I still recall it today as a tuna fish-can on wheels and I'm amazed I "survived" my teenage years in that thing. I've owned lots of cars since then (a Nissan, a Hyundai, a VW, an Audi, a Saturn and two Volvos). The Volvo 240 Turbo Wagons have been (by far!) the safest cars. I still drive one today, an '84 with 300k miles that's still going strong and refuses to die. I think that car will last damn near forver. I also heard many good things about the older Mercedes 240 Diesels - they last forever and are built like tanks. My son's only 7, but were he 16, I'd have him drive an older 240 Volvo Wagon or an old Mercedes 240 diesel. If he wants something "sportier" then he can get it with a stick-shift. Safety is the number one priority and I'm glad I never did get that Corvette that I so badly wanted in high school because I'd probably have died racing the thing. For safety's sake, the only difference between a CORvette and a CHEvette is the probable speed at which you'll die - 150 mph VS 50 mph. Glad to see your boy's doing better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Robinson Posted January 19, 2003 Share Posted January 19, 2003 H2G, I agree with you there ... I had a 240D (1977) and put about 400K miles on it before selling it. Bulletproof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyKubicki Posted January 22, 2003 Share Posted January 22, 2003 Hi Dean, I have not been around for some time and just started catching up here when I read this thread. I am somewhat speechless, especially after all the othe eloquent posts. I am very fortunate that I have not had to experience losses like yours and Horn Ed's. About a year ago, one of the guys I worked with was involved in a nasty accident with a drunk driver. I saw him when he visited us last week in a wheel chair. He was going through therapy and getting better. What I didn't know until the next day was that his wife died in her sleep...no apparent cause. It's humbling to think that I thought I have problems. They are all very minor. Now my prayers will include Dean and family as well as Ed and family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted January 22, 2003 Share Posted January 22, 2003 Dean, I will say a prayer tonight for the rapid recovery of your son. The worst is over, now focus on healing and recovery. Your friend, Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J M O N Posted January 22, 2003 Share Posted January 22, 2003 So sorry to hear about this Dean. Sure hope things turn out ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynnm Posted January 22, 2003 Share Posted January 22, 2003 Hello Dere Dean How about an update. How is Austin doing ? I hope the doctors are telling you that he's out of the woods. Poor guy took an awful beating from the sound of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjhaz@ont.com Posted January 23, 2003 Share Posted January 23, 2003 I have not been to the Klipsch page in months. Please know my prayers are with you and your sun. May the peace that passes all understanding hold you and your family in the arms of our Lord. I will put you on my prayer list. Yea what about those cables? Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted January 25, 2003 Author Share Posted January 25, 2003 I had thought I posted an update here, but evidently not. I guess with the flurry of emails going back and forth with family and work -- I somehow missed putting an update here. When I left him last Saturday night, they were still trying to find the right antibiotic. He had been showing improvement, but still could not sit up without the rebreather. There was discussion of possibly having to use a ventilator if his oxygen levels dropped another 10%. On Sunday afternoon his fever broke, and his bowels moved. NG tube and catheter were removed Sunday night. He then ate and walked to the bathroom on his own. The rest of Sunday night involved wrestling matches with him, forcing him to cough up the junk in his lungs. Monday afternoon he was removed from the ICU, and on Tuesday afternoon he was released. He is at home, sore as hell -- but doing worlds better. He thinks the scar is cool, and is trying to come up with a cool tatoo in which to incorporate the scar into. I'm opting for a step ladder, and a "Stairway to Heaven" theme. Actually, I'm trying to talk him into plastic surgery -- the thing is awful looking, going from the tip of his sternum to his pelvic bone. They really opened him up, since part of what they did was exploratory because of the massive bleeding. Hey, he's alive. But still -- sucks to be him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radiohead Posted January 25, 2003 Share Posted January 25, 2003 Dean, That is GREAT news. I am really glad to here that he has returned home safely. I think the Stairway to Heaven idea with the scar is about as humorous as you can be right now. Right on! I too would have to place my vote with the plastic surgery though. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.