This One Will Get You

Ok, if this post doesn't bring a tear to your eyes, then you're made of stone.

Uncle Bob's daughter Marilyn and her daughter Caitlin caught an early train from Oceanside to Union Station, then the Metro Red Line to Vermont and Sunset, where it is only a two-block walk to the hospital. Caitlin got her first fiddle only about a week ago. Marilyn documented the visit with these pictures.

Here's the train trip, the Red Line hop, the hospital, then me and Caitlin entertaining Dad and everyone else on the floor. Look at that smile on my Dad's face! If you double-click on a picture, it will open a bigger version so that you can see each of them more clearly.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Marilyn and Caitlin.

Here is Uncle Bob's account of his second visit with Dad, which took place yesterday:

Visit with Dick #2

Quite an amazing change: regular hospital room, hardly any tubes and wires; still in a neck brace and tracheotomy but with a valve, which allows him to talk.

I took the Amtrak again from Oceanside to LA then a cab to Kaiser on Saturday. Debbie was in Fullerton seeing to Dick's house so she was unable to host me this time. She did, however, e-mail me explicit directions from Union Station to Dick's room.

The train was a bit late, took 2-1/2 hours, so I didn't get to Dick's room until about 11 AM. Found him in fine fettle and expecting me, and happy to see me again. He was especially appreciative of the vanilla puddings I brought for him at Deb's suggestion.

It was really good to hear him speaking! First thing we did was to clear up a couple of things he was not able to get across to me on my last visit when he was limited to gestures and writing notes. First he explained to me in detail the difference between his neck fractures and that of Christopher Reeves. In Reeves' case the two fractures went parallel to the top/bottom surface of the vertebra so the broken sections moved relative to each other (in shear) damaging his spinal column causing total paralysis. Dick was much more fortunate; the two fractures were on an angle so that the broken sections rotated slightly about the spinal column - (Phew, what luck) - and left him with no neurological damage. The other thing was that after he flipped/landed by hitting a hole with the nose wheel, he was left hanging upside down by his seat belt harness. When he released the seat belt he fell on his head. Apparently that's when the damage was done.

We have more discussion about the flight, what happened, and why with no new conclusions. He suspects that the NTSB will want to dismantle and check the engine. He also thinks that the damage to the aircraft itself can be repaired, assuming there is no hidden structural damage. However, he reiterated his position to “never fly again” and would not repair the plane himself.

Dick was very talkative (I'm sure he is still on some happy meds) and expressed his gratitude, several times, to all the family and friends who have replied to the blog and with cards. He got very emotional and choked back tears when talking about them. He was also on the verge of tears when he spoke of the way the hospital staff members treat him. One of his therapist (the gal with the beautiful white teeth and radiant smile - Jennifer I think) mentioned that these types of emotional reactions are typical following the type of trauma Dick suffered. He is getting excellent care by dedicated intensely caring professionals.

We spoke of his situation for the next couple of weeks. He is reconciled to the move to a skilled nursing facility (maybe next week) and then perhaps some time with Debbie before he finally gets home.

His attitude, sense of humor, and demeanor remain good and he is certainly buoyed by the Blog comments, which Deb reads to him. It was a good 2-hour visit for both of us. I'm glad I was able to go see him.

Bob Hein, Uncle Bob, or Dad - depending