Last Night, Thursday May 21st

I was accompanied tonight by Nino (Bowers I.T. Manager) and Danny (Bowers Operations and Communications Manager) in a visit to see Keith.  Keith’s mom Wendy, Jenny as well as Jenny’s brother and other family members and friends were present as Keith talked on the phone (yes, talked on the phone) with Darren.  After receiving a breathing treatment, we spent some time talking to Keith.  Keith was very talkative and humorous.  Sometimes hard to hear when he talks, Jenny told Keith “Use your big voice”.  Keith smiled and responded with “whatever”.  Although a bit confused at times, he is very animated and knows what is going on. 

 

While trying to track the Lakers score on Nino’s phone (since it wasn’t on the TV in Keith’s room), Keith got on a roll.  He said to tell Brian and Ray hi (owners for Bowers) and asked Nino if he had his phone.  I told Keith that Danny had has phone.  He then teased Nino (Nino is very busy and we all give him a hard time because his overwhelming duties often force him to push off projects for more urgent I.T. needs) that when he needs his phone repaired  that it always takes Nino two weeks to fix things.  Nino and the rest of us broke out laughing.

 

While turning to one side of the bed and looking at Jenny, I was on the opposite side and loudly said “Keith” at which point he loudly said “Hey Paul” with a smile.  Holding a miniature replica Raiders Helmet, I asked Keith “What is this?”  Keith took a hold of the helmet and said “What do you mean?  This is nice” and made other “pro Raider” comments.  I then asked him who Jenny’s team was and he said “Miami”.  I reminded him that he called her team the “chickens” the other day instead of the Dolphins at which time he smiled and started to call them the chickens.  I told him we missed him at work and that I am sure he is looking forward to getting out of the hospital and getting back to work.  He smiled and said “not really” and said that he is on vacation and asked me if I got his vacation request.  I told him “YES” and that I signed and approved his request. 

 

I can go on and on!  Keith watched “DIRTY JOBS” on TV while we all kept up on the Lakers score and spent quality time talking to Keith.  There was so much that Keith said (much of which I am probably forgetting).  Wee are truly seeing the miraculous power of our God through Keith’s amazing progress and healing.  Keith had his I.V. removed, is eating some food, walking, talking and reading.  He is still a bit confused at times which is understandable this soon in the game with such a significant brain injury.  He looks great, swelling is down and although we know recovery will be long, we are all excited to see how far he has come.  Next Wednesday is Keith and Jenny’s anniversary.  Jenny is taking that day off from work so she can spend the day with Keith.  KEEP PRAYING!  It works and is working for Keith!  As we left, Keith high fived, shook our hands or gave us up and down fists (hitting our fists together).  He asked why I was leaving and I told him that it was almost 9:00 p.m. and that I hadn’t eaten yet...that all three of us guys hadn’t eaten yet.  Keith then looked up at the clock and saw the time.  It was good for all of us to see Keith and spend time with him.  We assured him we would be back and we really didn’t want to leave.  It is so exhilarating to see Keith go from ICU and on a ventilator in a coma to being talkative and funny.