Day +11

**If you have questions (within reason) that you would like addressed by this blog, you can send them to cranesuccess@gmail.com. Please title the e-mail "Questions" so I know to tag the e-mail and address it. I will put together a post answering your questions mid to late next week. I reserve the right to not answer any questions that do not aid in providing appropriate information or that would jeopardise the privacy of the families involved.

Alex returned to San Diego this morning at 2 am and was at the hospital by 8 am. After a long day of updates & reconnecting there is a lot to report!

CURRENT INFORMATION:

GREG: Today was the first time Alex saw him after his facial reconstruction and he said he looks exactly like Greg. Reconstruction was a huge success. He's just a little swollen at this point. He has bandages around his face to help support all of the reconstruction. With all of the bones broken in Greg's face, he's pretty frustrated that he can't feel his face--there may be some nerve over stimulation and perhaps some nerve damage. As you can imagine at this point in this healing journey, Greg has hit a bit of a rough spot mentally/ emotionally. He is also on some medication that makes it difficult for him to relax and sleep. He's also choosing to take as little pain meds as possible. Although this is something that he will have to weather, please continue to pray that Greg's positive attitude and his will power to get through this situation will remain intact! Imagine all of the factors going on for Greg, things we know and things we don't know, it's definitely going to be an uphill climb. If you have time to send him an encouraging letter, please do so--the address is just to the right.

His lung drainage tube came out today which should make him feel more comfortable. He was able to get out of bed (with a lot of support) and sit in a chair for a while. The big test for this week is to see if he can get his tracheotomy out.

SUMMER: Has been moved to rehabilitation center (within the same hospital) and is up & talking! When Alex saw her this morning, the first thing she asked about was her favorite little cousin lila. Her head has been shaved for all of the work done on her face & head. Many of her bandages have been removed so the wounds that her body has endured are more apparent. Alex said she in all respects is Summer-- a little loopy with the meds--but seems quickly on her road to recovery. Her neck brace is off much to her relief and she is eating a real food in a liquid diet form. Her mouth will remain wired shut to continue to heal her broken & reconstructed jaw. She also is able to get out of her bed on her own strength. The hardest part about today was that her Grandmother (Lori's mother) told her about the death of her mom and Austin today. Grandma told her that Austin and Lori went to be with Jesus. To show how resilient children are, shortly after Summer learned of her mom & Austin's death, she was desperate to talk to her friends. She wanted her laptop. She also asked what day it was, and she realized right away it was the second day of school. She was bummed that she missed her first day.
When her Grandpa walked in today she said she needed a hug.

TIA: still in the ICU still sedated, all of her burns have been uncovered to help with healing. Those who visit her are required a special uniform to help prevent infection. Her burns are clearly healing, new healthy pink skin is starting to show through. Hopefully tomorrow Tia will be coming out of sedation, leading to the removal of the ventilation tube. According to her doctors, she's about 2 days behind her sister in her recovery. Pray that infection stays away!

As you can imagine there are so many details & obstacles to overcome in this situation--because of that, actions to make the funeral arrangements hasn't been on the forefront of every one's minds. Rest assured that there will be some progress made in this area in the week ahead. We know that each of you who are lovingly praying for and thinking of the Crane family also needs a chance to grieve and say goodbye. Details will be forthcoming.