Day +15

It's hard to believe that this is the two week mark for the journey that this family has been on! What a difference a week makes in everyone's progress.

I have been on vacation, in San Diego--NO, I did not see the Crane family or even my brother for that matter. This trip was previously scheduled, and I have had sporatic internet connections. Thank you for your patience while our family took a break!

CURRENT INFORMATION:

GREG: Much to Greg's relief, his trach has been completely removed! He is working to heal himself as quickly as possible. He's told Alex he needs to research how to make trachs heal as fast as possible (if anyone has any input on this, Alex would be pleased to present it to Greg - with the hospital staffs approval necessary before implementation). He is speaking well and communicating clearly with those around him. He is no longer just speaking about his needs but also about his thoughts and future. Greg's attitude is improving in regards to his medical care and prospects of going home. He's becoming accustomed to working with the staff, the schedules and his pain. He can now move from his bed to a special chair and be moved from his room throughout the hospital floor. Thankfully becuase he can now move throughout the hospital, he was able to visit with Summer!
He has found the "perfect position" in his bed and last night insisted that Alex take many pictures of him to show the nurses in case they have to move him. He wanted to make sure they knew how to get it back. He is off two of the medications he was taking around the clock and although this is causing him more discomfort than he'd like he understands the necessity to lower his medication intake.
His humor is in full force surprising the family and the staff. He's joking at times when least expected. He seems to be amazed and in disbelief of his progress sometimes. Greg's greatest interest at this point is passing his swallow tests so he can drink water himself - currently, due to the tracheotomy and facial trauma, he cannot trust his swallow to put liquid into his stomach and not his lungs.
Emotionally, Greg has started to deal with the accident and mourn the loss of his amazing wife and son. He's had discussions about the accident and the loss of family with Tim and Alex on separate occasions. Greg has expressed his interest in ensuring he takes advantage of the time he has with his daughters while continuing to honor the memory of his wife and son. Greg is understanding that he will have many more thoughts and emotions as a result of this tragedy and is preparing himself to face them. Greg's family continues to stay by his side at all times and is remaining open to Greg indicating he's ready to see visitors.

SUMMER: Amazingly, Summer's physical healing continues well. The orthopedic surgeon explained the next phase of recovery and longer-term rehabilitation and therapy. It will take time but, at this time, full mobility is expected. Her cousins, Sarah and Ashley, spent time with her Sunday lifting her spirits and making her laugh. They had a “picnic” on the patio, followed by a “spa” treatment including a sponge bath, manicure, and massage. She also visited her sister, Tia, which brought tears to her eyes and prayers from her heart. Later in the day, she went to visit Daddy. They spoke for about 5 minutes and cried together. Both showed their continued love and support for each other. It was apparent that it was difficult for them both to see each other in their condition, each seeing eachother for the first time. Thankfully it was comforting to see immediate family no matter their condition. Summer went back to her room accompanied by Lila, her 3 year old cousin, and Summer remained uplifted by her playfulness for about an hour. Lila will be used as an uplifting tool in Summer's recovery.

Plans for Summer's discharge are taking place and she will be transfered to the Ronald McDonald house this week. She is learning how to get around in her wheelchair and seems to be comfortable maneuvering it.

TIA: continues to sleep—at times fitfully and at other times peacefully. The trauma to her head was more severe than Summer’s which is one reason it’s taking her longer to regain consciousness. That, and the fact that she is Tia, and her body will recover on its own timeframe. The doctors remain optimistic and communicated that her “condition is normal” for her injuries."

***The update for the girls was taken from Barb Willis--the girls Aunt who has spent countless hours by their sides. The update from Greg came from Alex.