Daniel is doing better and has been moved out of ICU up to the surgical ward/floor. He continues to be scheduled for surgery every second day (or so). He will be in surgery most of tomorrow morning. He had a long day of seeing doctors, being moved, getting some early-stage rehab and moving around, visitors, and just a lack of sleep. In his words, "It was a long and hard day; but, it was a good one."
With Daniel's encouragement (or orders) the rest of us spent the morning and early afternoon seeing some of the sights around The Mall in Washington, DC. We finally felt that we could take some time away from hospitals and worry. After a quick visit to the National Archives (Magna Carta, Bills of Rights, Constitution, and Declaration of Independence), Tristan, Aaron, and Justin visited the National Air and Space Museum (rockets, spacecraft, planes, Spirit of St. Louis). Julia, Elizabeth, and I took in the National Museum of American History (Kermit the Frog, Julia Child's Kitchen, Dorothy's ruby shoes, and the inaugural ball dresses of the First Ladies). Ya, I went with the wrong group! ;-)
We ended up moving our waiting location during visiting times with Daniel (he only really needs a couple people at a time) from the ICU waiting room to the ones on his new floor. Wow. What a difference. The ICU waiting room is nice and clean and well appointed. The ones on the 5th Floor are horrendous! They are dirty, messy, cluttered, and are very poorly equipped. I know, in the midst of what has happened it seems a bit petty to be complaining about such things. But, all these family and friends (many who are far from home, tired, exhausted, and concerned about their loved one) who I see wandering around really deserve better. If I was to guess - everyone is meant to be responsible for the rooms, therefore, no one ends up being resposible for the rooms. Sad, really. Oh well, we are happy and grateful for family, friends, and the support of so many!
Dad
ps - please pray for Jennifer and her son (didn't get his name). They are from Colorado and he suffered very similar wounds to Daniel and is not doing very well after being in Bethesda for a month and a half - now back in ICU.
Does this mean that Daniel can receive cards, etc. now that he is moved out of ICU?? If so, what's the address we can send to? That's great news that he's already moved! Go Dan! :) Such a great post after hearing about all his injuries!
ReplyDeleteMichelle Marta (fka Gallagher)
Michelle, et al. - I am sure there is some way to get mail to him. He only got there late today and we are still sorting things out. We will find out what we can and post the information. I am sure he would enjoy cards and letters - no care packages quite yet.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jesus that he is out of ICU! This is progress. My son Stanley (in Daniel's unit) was home in MD for Christmas and wanted to come visit but Daniel wasn't here yet. And then the snow came to NC, and he had to leave early to beat the snow. Know that you have Marine and God's family here in MD who are have been praying since we heard the news the day it happened. If you need anything or want to get away, feel free to call upon us. If you need to see 4 different walls (besides those in the hospital) and have a home cooked meal, don't hesitate to call upon us. Hopefully my son will come home for a weekend and can see Daniel.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Fritz's Mom
Hurrah! What great news! Neil- I am glad that you and your family found some time away today. Thank you so much for the updates.
ReplyDeleteMarti Benham
Thank you so much for the updates...please give Daniel another hug from us. Prayers continue from all his canadian/Port Alberni friends
ReplyDelete..am pleased you all got away to explore ...but am sure you are very tired. love Lynn
Hey Daniel, It's Rick Redmond. I am glad to hear that you made it out of ICU. You always have been a fighter. Marines never quit!
ReplyDeleteI guess now is a good as time as any to tell yah that I really admire you and what you have done not only as a Marine but as my friend.
When I heard the news my heart sank. I read the post and when I got to the part about Daniel making jokes all I could think was " yup that sounds like the Dan I know"! Dan will be in my prayers.
Thanks for the update, Neil. The change of command for VA has not quite resulted in the improvements that are so wanting. General Eric Ken Shinseki just took over a year ago and he is a good man. Expectations are high that he will improve the VA in many ways. I'm glad you all are able to get out and see places other than the waiting room. If you have time, take the metro train to Arlington Cemetary, there are several museums there and you can watch the Marines guarding the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier - I love it there and it never fails to make me cry! Some wise wag has said, "You can judge the heart of a people by the way they honor their dead." Arlington is the most honoring place I have ever been - Of course the Lincoln Memorial is always my favorite too. Grace and peace to you all as you engage in the hardest activity of all - waiting. Yours in Christ, Colin
ReplyDeleteHey, Daniel! You said you didn't plan to be in ICU long! So happy that you are out of there. We're coming up for New Years Eve, so I'm looking forward to seeing your new digs. Let your Mom or Dad know if there is anything you would like me to bring up when we come.
ReplyDeleteI start and end my days thinking of you and praying for your recovery, and think of you often throughout the day as well. Your character and bravery are so evident in your attitude and continued focus on others and the future. You are an inspiration, and we love you! It is an honor to know you.
See you soon.
Still praying for you all! I'm glad that Daniel is out of ICU and that you were able to see some sights in DC. You should try to get a picture of the Iwo Jima (Marine Memorial) for him!
ReplyDelete<3 Emily Moore
Praise God he is out of the ICU and that he has the support of such an amazing family there with him. So thankful that we have such a loving and faithful Lord. My family, some friends, and I have been praying as I keep them updated from this blog and will continue praying.- Mel Boydston
ReplyDeleteps. As a history geek, I hope you're enjoying the history!
Hello family, Our prayers, thoughts, and good wishes have been flowing in your direction since we first heard of Daniel's injuries last week. We thank God he is out of ICU and seems to be making improvements. We have much to be thankful for! Lots of love from, Angie, David, Jordan, Emily and Shannon
ReplyDeleteHey Dan - I just couldn't believe the news when I heard it. I was about a week behind because of South America. I'm excited to hear you're out of ICU. Hurry your but up out of there! I still owe you a trip to Vegas! This blog is awesome; being able to check it daily keeps your Colorado friends sane! Talk to you soon buddy.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your precious family, Neil. Thank you for creating this blog to keep us informed about Daniel's progress. And thank God for his progress! The snow continues back home in Colorado. And so do our prayers for Daniel's recovery.
ReplyDeleteDaniel,
ReplyDeleteI owe you an apology. When I heard you were injured, I thought of you as a kid. (That is what you were when you moved to Colorado). My husband, also a marine, kept telling me that you were a man. Seeing your picture today I realize he was right (I hate when that happens). What an incredible man you have become. I have spent time at the VA hospital in Denver with my husband and stepfather. I know they provide the best care, not always the most comfortable, but great care. I pray you are getting great care and hope to see you when you come back to Colorado. We pray for your continued strength and recovery.
Blessings,
Pam - and my husband Rod says Semper fi, bro.