Fri, May 8th- Day 22...WOW!!!

Praise God for the positive things I got to see in Keith today.  Keith was able to walk around today before I arrived.  They removed staples from his head today and he was fitted with a helmet.  With a small piece of his skull removed and preserved to make sure there is not pressure on his brain, it is important to make sure Keith does not injure himself further.  While swelling has gone down, there is still a little swelling that needs to go down.  Once that occurs, they will be able to reattach the piece of skull.

 

When I asked Keith who I was, he reached for my hand and while squeezing said “Paul”.  I pointed to Danny and asked if he knew who HE was.  It took him a second, but then he smiled and then described Danny as “a pain” in the rear end (but Keith didn’t say “rear end”).  He has a sense of humor.  I asked if he remembered Brian and Ray, and he responded with “Definitely”.  I said “How could you not remember those characters” at which time Keith smiled.  Leaving the room brought tears to my eyes as well as Danny.  Nearly 22-days earlier we were told that he may not make it through the night.  The recovery has been remarkable and it really gave me a warm and elated feeling to see him smile and talk.  He was definitely tired and seemed confused at times.  Imagine the full year it sometimes takes professional athletes to rehabilitate from a serious sports injury.  Keith had a serious brain injury and it will take time to heal.  He is making tremendous progress though and has been off the ventilator for two days.

 

I was pulled aside today by one of our EMTs that Keith hired.  She talked about Keith saying “That was me”.  She had a brain injury similar to Keith’s, but more severe with a skull fracture in addition to the subdural hematoma.  Through a long healing and rehabilitation process, she works today on an ambulance for us and only lost her ability to smell from the injury. 

 

While visiting, both Jason and Darren were also at the hospital.  I am sure the close proximity to their homes has helped.  Keith’s mom Wendy had a bit of a cold the last few days and of course didn’t want to spread that cold to Keith.  She was back to work today and knowing Wendy, she was by Keith’s side tonight.  I am sure she has put more miles on her car in the last 3-weeks than in the last 3-months.  With the exception of her cold, she has been by Keith’s side.  Jenny was also at work today, but thank God work and home are close to the hospital making visits much easier vs. having to commute to Long Beach.

 

I am sure this has been very trying for family and everyone else involved.  As we continue to pray for Keith and thank God for his healing, please remember to pray for family that God will give them strength and traveling mercies as they travel to and from the hospital to see Keith.