Day +17

Change is brewin! Thank you for your patience as the family is working to get details in place for the Crane's to move towards Phoenix...They've been busy. While this post does include information regarding the family's imminent arrival in Phoenix, the extended families, both Orners and Cranes, and Greg himself continue to wish for solitude at this time. Their locations (with the exception of Summer) will not be released until Greg says that it is OK to have visitors. Please respect their privacy and their need for peace to continue the healing process.

CURRENT INFORMATION:
GREG:  doing very well. He's passed his swallow test and now may drink all the liquids he wants, which for Greg is almost always water. He's also able to eat apple sauce and broth. He is still being supplemented with food through his stomach feeding tube at night. Part of his facial reconstruction surgery included a cast over his nose which has bothered him significantly, the said cast has now been removed. He's looking even more like himself. Some stitches have been removed from underneath his eyes from the facial reconstruction surgery his ability to be expressive has increased. His ability to sleep is improving and he's sleeping for longer periods of time. Due to his great progress, his sleep is uninterrupted by his pain or hospital staff. Greg was able to get into a standard wheelchair yesterday and scooted himself around the halls using his least injured foot. Discussions have started for Greg's release from this hospital to a new one closer to home (at this time the location of the new hospital will not be released per Greg's wishes to continue this stage of his recovery with some level of solitude). Greg has chosen to be transported to the new location via a small medical airplane... determination is one of Greg's strong points; if you didn't already know. He continues to directly address many of the details of his and the girls continued physical and mental progress. Greg is obviously interested in the journey he has ahead... difficult or not.
His progress into the mourning process is becoming more apparent in a healthy and open hearted manner. He is continuing to find solace in discussions with Tim. Ale has expressed his gratefulness for Tim's wise input and insight in this time. Greg and Summer met again yesterday after not having the opportunity the day before. They spent about 30 minutes together alone in Greg's room. Although it's not known what was discussed or said but when Greg was asked about the visit he said it was very good.

SUMMER: Great news! She was discharged from the hospital and should be well established in the Ronald McDonald house across the street from the children's hospital. She received new casts on both legs yesterday. She will be heading home this week via van with her grandparents (Orners) and Tim. She is expecting to head directly home, at her request, to the Crane home in Scottsdale. She is excited to get herself setup and await Greg and Tia's arrival. The Orners will be moving into the Crane house until they are no longer needed. FYI EVERYONE!!!!!! Summer's birthday is the end of the week and no one better forget! We still ask that you do not drop by the house (please!) but you may send her something in the mail to the address listed for the Crane Family Fund. Summer received a laptop from a very close family friend today which will help her keep in contact with friends and family. Preparations for her arrival have already begun at the house and her animals await her tender care.

TIA: remains in mostly the same condition she was yesterday; continuing to stay asleep. She received another MRI yesterday which should provide more information for tomorrow's posting.