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Today is Sunday, October 10. I forgot to mention that Harold's doctors confirmed he is not
having any seizure activity. They told us that last week. I collected several colorful
leaves to take to Harold during my morning nature walk. So far, I've seen a black bear
cub, a deer, a copperhead, two raccoons, and lots of squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks.
Harold has at least one family member with him at all times, as we've all been dividing up
our time between holding his hand trying to help him out of this coma, and taking care of
personal responsibilites such as families and jobs. Today Harold showed definite signs
of coming out of the coma. He not only hummed, but actually sang some of the correct
words, to his favorite songs. He was quite talkative today, saying a lot of words. Some
of them made perfect sense, but a lot did not. This is the first he's really done this
and the nurses agreed it's a very, very good sign. Coincidence that it happened shortly
after hundreds of people spent their Sunday morning remembering him in prayer?
Today is Saturday, October 9. Harold is still in a coma. I turned on the television today in Harold's room because I thought he might enjoy hearing some of the baseball playoffs. When I asked him if it was too loud. He replied, "No, that's alright." He still hums along to his favorite songs, and he also took a tissue and blew his nose when I asked him to. His eyes were shut all day today. I took two dozen New York bagels to the crew and pilots of the helicopter, and also to the Intensive Care Unit where he was first stationed. They were all very appreciative, and it felt odd when they thanked me. My gifts seemed so inadequate. How do you thank someone for saving your sibling's life? It can't be put into words. Today is Friday, October 8. Harold is about the same today. Please continue to remember him in your thoughts and prayers. Today is Thursday, October 7. Harold was moved to a new room today that is on a floor for more stable patients than Intensive Care where he was. Harold's eye specialist spent a good deal of time with Harold today because he had been watching a piece of glass in Harold's eye that he felt would work itself out. It did, and the doctor concluded that there is no damage to Harold's vision from the accident. Harold said a few more words today, some of them seeming out of context, but I'm sure he has a lot to ask and say, and to us, it might seem fragmented, but to him, he's just trying real hard to get it all out. Some of the words he said were, "live" and "establish." Today is Wednesday, October 6. Harold will be moved from Intensive Care to another floor for more stable patients as soon as a bed becomes available. During speech therapy today, Harold said, "I'm trying to talk." He remains in a coma, but opened his eyes a few times today. He continues to hum along with his favorite music, and is beginning to respond to simple requests, like, "Squeeze my hand." Today is Tuesday, October 5 and Harold is still in a coma, and still not opening his eyes very much at all. We're told that progress can wax and wane in that some days will show definite signs of recovery, and other days there will seem to be no progress. We will continue to hope and pray for a full recovery. Today is Monday, October 4 and Harold is showing more signs of becoming alert. He struggled to ask, "What day is it?" and was humming in tune to some music. He continues to maintain breathing on his own. Today is Sunday, October 3 and Harold is still in a coma but showing some slight signs of possibly coming out of it. These indicators include things like, Harold will tap his toes in time with music, and has coughed a few times. Yesterday Harold had a CATSCAN to make sure his stomach is healing properly after the surgery to fix a small tear. Today he was completely removed from the respirator and is being closely monitored to make sure he maintains breathing on his own with no strain. Anyone wishing to e-mail [email protected] Harold may do so through Mary Ellen, and she or another family member will read him the e-mails. Thanks again to everyone for all your support. You are welcome to phone the special Harold Kennel telephone update hotline at 717-786-8089, 24 hours a day. This number is sponsored by his church, Christiana Mennonite. Please continue to remember Harold in your thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all. |