Day 5

Here is an update from Airasa:

Thanks again for all your messages. My dad has begun composing a LONG message to you all, it may take days for him to dictate it to me and then for me to type it up, but it's in the pipeline! I'm sorry I can't reply to everyone, but he's really enjoying the titbits of news and sports that you are all sending him. Steve J, please can you pass on this email to interested church members, I've been overwhelmed with the support from so many members and I'm afraid my email will start smoking if I try to send anymore emails at the same time. Thank you!
So . . . updates. Well, today he has been referred to the spinal injuries unit at Pinderfields. It may be a while before he goes, it depends on when a bed becomes available (the curse of the NHS), but it does mean that he is well enough to be moved, which is good. Finally, after about 10 xrays, they have concluded that his halo is in the right position, all the metal in it made it difficult to xray. Four physiotherapists came to visit today and sat him up! He was very excited when he told me, still no feeling in the legs, but he can now feel the palm of his hand and when you massage his fingers for a while. Still having some help breathing, but they think he'll be off the bi-pap soon (so does he, he hates it, too loud, dries his mouth, uncomfortable, etc). He had communion on Sunday when the hospital chaplin came round the wards. He's been to visit my dad again and has given him an 'inspirational talk'. Things are moving along as far as his affairs - thanks especially to Craig, Ernie, Herb and Vera. I can't tell you how wonderful you are all being, 10 big gold stars each! I'll try to think of more jobs for people to do - it's a shame you're all in the US or you could help me tidy up, go shopping etc. . . .!
More later,
Airasa