Day 18, morning

Had to share this quick update:

Abby and Paige, and Abby’s guy Prescott, arrived just in time last night for us to share fireworks with Kathy, a wonderful throwback to almost four decades of family fourths…one of which was right here in Santa Barbara when we used to camp at El Capitan State Beach.

Of course we couldn’t witness the actual display, but we knew they were happening somewhere, and the hushed, semi-darkened room we shared with Kathy was even reminiscent of the several fog-shrouded fireworks we’ve enjoyed in Morro Bay.

It’s an incredible relief having our girls by my side, and a beautiful sight to see them at Kathy’s bedside.

Hopefulness! Yesterday’s ultrasound provided a ray of hope that the persistent vaso spasms might have peaked and begun to weaken. If this morning’s ultrasound confirms that they are on their way out, and she shows no signs of increased intracranial pressure, we’re hopeful that Dr. Zauner will decide to begin to try to pull her out of her coma by slowly reducing her paralytic and sedative medications, an arduous process of drug withdrawal. All of us (with the possible exception of Kathy herself) are anxious for Kathy to take that next step.  Today’s replacing of the ventilator with a tracheotomy tube will make her a whole lot more comfortable.  

With so many prayers and Come on Kathys cheering her on, she’s going to make it. Thank you again and again from all of us for your overwhelming love and support.

21 Comments on Day 18, morningHad to share this quick update:Abby

  1. good morning Come on Kathy’s Peeps! It was a semi foggy 4th here too! We are still under a blanket of fog in our canyon and the birds were a little slow to wake up. I looked at my e mail..just in case there was some good news and was not disappointed! I prayed for safe travels and the youngsters have arrived safely ! I am certain just all being together is a lovely feeling that will definitely help our girl! How could she not feel these excellent vibrations coming off all of you!? I also had a thought about the Trach procedure and it is this.. Her mouth will feel so much nicer without the tube in it and you might just be able to give her a little kiss??? Today my tears will be on the joyful note , adding to the river of hope that we are all creating with them. May the river flow and make a joyful noise! (I am thinking Big Sur River noises!) Love you all Stacy (finney of course sends his love too!)

  2. It sounds as though Kathy had an Independence Day of her own kind. We are heartened by what sounds like progress, and by the love that surrounds her bed – near and far. Come on Kathy! xo

  3. We are all here on the unit and started our day with this good news!! A million hugs and “come on Kathys” are coming your way. May July 5th be a really good day for her and I am so glad to hear that you have the girls by your side Richard.
    Hugs, Dana

  5. I remember that 4th in Santa Barbara,,, What great times we had at El Capitan…So Happy that you have been given some positive news…My thoughts are with you all…. Love you all

  6. Dear Richard and Kathy,
    I think of you both constantly, sending positive thoughts your way. I pray for you both everyday and for God’s blessings upon you and for strength for you and your family to get through all of this. So many people love you and are thinking of you, including me.

    Michelle

  7. Praise God for the good news!!! Answered prayers; the girls are here with you safely and Kathy is starting to turn a new corner. Enjoy having the girls with you and Kathy. She needs all of you by her side. Come on Kathy, you can do this we all know you can!! Sending more prayers and love from the other side of the world. Blessings, Arlene

  8. I am so happy that there is some really good news. I’m sure that with Abby and Paige there Kathy responded in kind. Keep the faith Tichard, we are all here for you.
    Allen K. McGann

  9. Woke up and checked to see if there was any news and there it was! So happy for any shred of hope which I see there! I am forever hopeful and so happy you have your girls to lean on….

  10. Vasospasms relaxing and Kathy healing, come on good news! Love and prayers, Michele

  11. That is wonderful news! I’m so glad you have your girls and Prescot by your side. We are praying that all goes well today with the tracheostomy procedure. It sounds like Kathy is responding very well to the excellent care and support she is receiving. Come on Kathy!
    Love and blessings to you all, Richard and Susan

  14. For the past two weeks, anytime I said a prayer for anything, just before the Amen, I threw in a “Come on Kathy” Hang in there Richard, and COME ON KATHY!

  15. Thinking of you and your family…many thoughts and prayers. Nothing like the
    comforting arms of family. Remembering you and Kathy daily.

  17. I’m so grateful to hear good news of vasospasms relaxing. The girls made it safely to you guys. I’m so glad they are there. Yes perhaps a promise of a kiss without the tube. My thoughts and prayers continue for you all. Come on Kathy!!! You are doing this with fierce grace!!

  18. Im so glad to hear that the girls and Prescott have arrived and all are safe! There is nothing that can stop this healing now!!!! Too many positive vibrations when the girls are together! I hope that having them there will help you as well Richard, so you can have a little break from keeping the vigil by yourself. Even if you never change the routine, having the family there will change it up a little, and change is good. Speaking of change, the news that there is possibly lessening of the spasms is great news! And having the tracheotomy will certainly be more comfortable on Kathy’s jaw, and Im sure on the eyes. Its less invasive (if it can be at all) than the alternative of having tubes in the way of those perfect lips of hers! Perhaps when she begins waking, we will hear of the hidden kiss….the one that hides up in the corner of the mouth, just above the smile curl…….revealing itself!
    I continue to pray for you all. Enjoy one another.
    Hugs

  19. Glad the girls are with you Richard,, your words are so reassuring that our prayers are being answered. continuing in prayers and thoughts for you all. Lois

  21. Hi Richard this is Kriss and Linda. We just want you two to know that we love you guys and are praying every night for the both of you. We miss you terribly and know that you’ll be home very soon. Please give Kathy kisses from the both of us and if there’s anything we can do please let us know

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