Day 16, morning

I’m sorry to say that there will only be an abbreviated report today on Kathy’s condition. Unfortunately, her progress was not as good as we’d anticipated. Late yesterday afternoon, after an anxious day of stat- this and stat-that, and then deliberation with Dr. Zauner on directions that were still open to us, with other options closed or closing fast,  we decided on a surgical operation called a decompressive craniectomy.  You can read about it by clicking here. The surgery went as expected… the critical part is how Kathy will be able to respond to it. I expect a full day today of CT scan, Doppler reading/studies, adjusting meds to find optimal balances, monitoring Kathy’s systems, etc. If there is to be a positive outcome, according to Dr. Zauner it could be a very positive outcome. But no guarantees, of course – there are other outcomes.

Now is a time when your hopes and prayers are sorely needed. Thank you for all of them.

And thank you, Anna, for offering such a beautiful and heartfelt post yesterday. I look forward to reading it to Kathy when she is healthy enough to shed tears.

I hope to be able to report good news soon.

Come on, come on, come on.  Walking to and from Cottage, all night long in my fitful rest, those words just keep pounding. Come on Kathy, we can do this.

31 Comments on Day 16, morningI’m sorry to say that there

  1. Love you Richard, Come on Kathy. Beaming love from here to there. Been sewing those prayer flag quilt squares together and loving everyone who took the time to do it. Gail came over yesterday and helped for awhile. Amy Gray is heading to Santa Barbara on Saturday to pick up her son and rumor has it that she will be bringing some cranberry pecan bread for you and Kathy’s nurses… I will be in the field and in the barn cutting and hanging lavender today, hopefully piecing that quilt together when it gets too hot to be in the field. I haven’t read the Bible in a long time, but I remember a verse that says to pray without ceasing.. today sounds like one of those days where Every thought is a prayer. stacy

  2. We are praying for you and Kathy today, Rich. Hold on, don’t give up. Debbie and Mike

  3. She will pull through Richard, she has to. Sometimes I think our wives make us wait on purpose, just to keep us on our toes. I bet it is during those times that they make us wait that they are honing their skills at giving us the look.
    If you need some company, I can take a train down there and sit with you or just bring you some old 1970’s spy novels to read. If there is anything you need or want, let me know and I will do my best to make it happen

  4. Praying very, very hard Richard. For Kathy’s continued strength, and for yours. The next camping trip to Big Sur with you both (and I imagine we’ll need a huge, group site)….WE’RE THERE. What a celebration it will be! xo

  5. Come on, come on, come on.
    I’ve been reading this blog since yesterday and appreciate the writings of Richard and Anna.
    I also appreciate all the hopes and prayers of the many friends. My history with Kathy goes back to high school and continues through our twenties, thirties, the present and the future. It’s not a surprise that all her present day friends tell stories that reflect my thoughts of her loving character. Thanks for the reminders!
    Richard talked about prayer a few days ago. I too have been away from my religious upbringing for a while. Today I’ll say a prayer and light a candle.

  6. Sending mental hugs to you and Kathy (some from me, but mostly from the kids, who send the best hugs). We love you and are sending every ounce of mojo juice we can. I will even pray. I will have to ask Aaron how, but I will do it, and so will he. I am so glad that Abby and Paige will be with you soon to hold your hand, and keep watch over Kathy as she works her magic and heals. Come on, Kathy! Come on, Kathy! Come on, Kathy! We know she can do it. If anyone can, it is her–especially under your blanket of love.

  7. Richard – we just heard about Kathy and want to let you know that we are adding our prayers and good thoughts to all those already sent. The combined cosmic energy from all of Kathy’s friends will help you, Kathy and your family deal with this unforeseen crisis. Come on, Kathy. Much love, Gordon & Kathy

  9. Kathy, you are such a special person, I know you will be with us as long as God allows. With his blessing it will be many more years.
    Arnold Torgerson(coach)

  10. We are praying for you both. Please know that you are both loved and supported by us and by God. Come on Kathy, you can do this.

  11. My energy is only directed your way today. Kathy I love you. I know you are doing your BEST. You always do. Linda

  14. Leslie had a friend, Gail, who had an incident much like Kathy’s and had to have this procedure. Toward the end of her treatment Gail was sitting up in bed talking to visitors as if she were at a cocktail party even though half her skull was missing. Prepare yourself. It was like talking to a medical illustration. Initially, very disturbing.

    But in a fairly short time Gail went back to her practice. She was a dentist so if there had been even the slightest impairment it would have surfaced almost immediately. Immediately, actually.

    The procedure was extreme but the outcome was positive. I know you’re exhausted but all of us love you and Kathy so much. I know that energy will sustain both of you.

  15. Kathy and Richard – if ever there was a world filled with prayers, and if ever the world could be changed through the power of prayer, it is through you two, because of you, and for you. Even in my tree-filled little corner of the world, I can feel the power and strength of all the love coming to you both, and I add everything I have to this river of support and faith and healing everyone is sending. Your sweet niece’s words are moving beyond thought. Peaceful Kathy, Kathy the Warrior, you know she feels you with her, and is putting all of her amazing strength, wisdom, and heart into getting better. I am praying hard for the two of you; although hard is not the right word. It is a joy, and it is a blessing, and the faith and strength that comes out of all of our collective good thoughts for the two of you will, I hope, bring peace and support for this latest step in your journey. Love to you both. Pam

  17. Richard and Kathy,
    It is the ever present aura of love and support that surround you two, that has always surrounded you two, and that has spread to those who have come across you (nevertheless grown to know you) that continues to come to mind when I read the blogs. Regardless of pain and insecurity that you may be tormented with, you show grace and strength. You two are truly amazing.
    And thank you Anna for a glimpse from your perspective. Truly the love spreads.
    Hang tight, hold onto your hopes and expect a miracle.
    I am so filled with joy that you stopped at the church the other night, and that the congregation spoke their prayers for Kathy’s healing. I hope that you continue to pray daily, maybe even hourly, to forge a relationship with the God who loves you and Kathy.
    As I prayed just now I asked that he return our angel to earth, as we all know, and God knows, that the world needs to have more angels like Kathy on earth, however selfish my request may be. I pray too for your peace of mind, Richard, because waiting on an ever changing condition to appease itself must be exhausting.
    You two are a blessing, singly and together. I want to remind you that. It is the way I explain you to those who have not met you yet…..my family. Truly a God Send. Truly a blessing. Much love.

  18. Richard & Kathy, family and friends~
    Our love and prayers are in overdrive. Dave and I had a lengthy conversation with Kathy last evening during a spectacular Morro Bay sunset, insisting upon her return to us.
    Our prayer flag is completed and will be on its way to join the others.
    Anna, your words were lovely and appreciated, but most of all, yours and your children’s presence in Santa Barbara is just what the doctor ordered for everyone.
    I’d just like to say that the love and energy of being with all of you on Sunday was uplifting. We are all so fortunate to share our lives with Kathy.
    Love & Light,
    David and Lisa – (Stella too)

  19. I have been praying for and thinking about Kathy all day. You too Richard, I just can’t imagine how hard this must really be. You love her so much. She really is a very special woman who means so much to so many. Come on Kathy come on …. what a lovely thing to come back and see how much you mean to so many!

  21. I’m sending nothing but positive thoughts and love your way. Kathy – you will make it!!

  22. Richard, I am profoundly grateful for the unfaltering, intelligent direction you have given to Kathy’s care. She seems poised for recovery now. I see her in the stretch… Come on, Kathy!
    You – all four of you- have my love, support, energy. All day long.
    Joey

  23. Every thought and prayer is with Kathy and you, Richard. The mantra is, Come on, Kathy, come on, Kathy. We all love you and are pulling for you. Come on, girl!
    xoxo
    sherri

  24. Thinking of you both all day today! Work is not the same without Kathy and I keep hoping she will be back with us, we miss her so much! Wishing for healing and strength for you both…

  25. Richard, how I wish we could all be there, hugging and supporting you during your vigil. it is so hard being so far away. glad to hear the girls are coming, i’m sure it’s been very hard to stay away.
    i hope all of you will help to draw kathy back to us. i talked last night with tom o’; he’s been vigiling from his end with us all. we’re all pulling for you, dear friend
    come on come on come on Kathy sweet dear friend, please come back to us

  27. Richard, I am asking our Heavenly Father to wrap his arms around you both so that you can feel his gentle hug! Remember ….God’s got this! HIS will be done!

  28. Although it has been a little over three years since I worked with you Kathy I still remember it like it was yesterday, Your sweet smile and personality. I am sending prayers daily for you and your family. God has your back COME ON KATHY!

  29. It’s 4th of July at Tidelands Park in front of Morro Rock and home of Kathy and Richard. Back Bay Betty just dedicated Marvin Gaye’s “Whats Going On” to Kathy. Linda Martin and her band got the universe hummin’ and your wellness groove is in place. Peace out!

  30. I cant imagine the strength You, Kathy and the girls have experienced in the last few weeks. This challenge has brought out the strength that Im sure you never knew you had (nor wanted to know), and that will carry you all through along with the prayers. Remember to look at the emotional ups and downs as progress.
    I will join you at your cheers the next time we are all together! I remember it was new and already a favorite when you opened your home to me. You two always made me smile! Secretly I wished you were my aunt and uncle….. You still kind of are, in my soul. The best kind of people!
    Come on Kathy! Show your smile! Its the brightest light!
    Much love…

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