After spending almost four days in the ICU at UNMC it is reaffirming to me just how small of a world we live in...or perhaps its just a Nebraska thing. You know, sort of a six degrees of separation sort of thing. On Monday I learned that two of my first cousins work in the Clarkson Tower where Dad is. One on the 9th floor and one on the 7th floor. With all the progressions Dad has made he will most likely move down to the 7th floor and we'll hopefully let my cousin Lori take a shot at him. Last night, after shift change, we came back to Dad's room and a RN walked by and stopped short, did a double take and came in because he recognized my husband Adam. Turns out he's Adam's second cousin and works here in the ICU. He's been here every night since Dad was admitted and was quite surprised not only to learn who the man is in room 8855, but that he is doing so well. I have known for some time that Dad is in good hands here, but its even more comforting to actually have some sort of familial connection to some of the people who are and will be caring for him.
Tonight he remains stable. He has taken very well to having the balloon pump removed, and tomorrow will work toward getting the ventilator out. Once the vent is out we can begin recovery and actually begin communicating with him, which we are very much looking forward to. I know it might take some time to get my Dad back in full force, but I just can't wait to actually have a conversation with him.
Surprisingly he is quite alert tonight. He's still under pretty heavy sedation but he's got his eyes open and for the second night in a row he's reached out for Adam while he was standing at his bedside talking to him. He's always loved Adam, and I can't blame him as I've always loved Adam too.
Naturally this experience has made me do lots of reminiscing. I'm sure lots of people have also done that too. If you have any stories, funny, endearing, anything about my Dad feel free to share them with me and everyone else who reads this blog. I can't wait to read the blog to him and all the comments friends and family have left for us. And, in the mean time, it gives us all something to laugh about....which is good because we have some pretty sobering moments here. Laughter is the best medicine and anyone who knows my Dad knows he has a keen sense of humor.
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Kacey, I can't thank you enough for taking the time to post these updates, and I'm so relieved to hear that Neil is improving! I know a lot of us are strangers to you, but we consider you part of our extended family, and we're sending all of you, including baby "Max", our positive thoughts and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteBut Neil, seriously, this was a pretty extreme way to get out of dealing with March Madness. When the CWS rolls around, try just taking some of that vacation you've saved up instead!
Love you "Captain" Neil!
Lori Storz
Kacey,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear Neil is progressing and his big heart is beating on it's own again.
Your dad taught me a whole lot about radio (so much apparently that I decided to get out while I could ;-) But I have great memories of him helping me in my early days at KKAR.
I remember one time I was running the board for Steve Brown while his producer was out sick. Steve was a great guy -- but I was a 20 year old kid who was a little intimidated about telling Steve Brown that he HAD to read his testimonials. After several "missed" testimonials and several feeble attempts by me to call Steve's attention to his obligation, your dad comes in and grabs the stack of papers and waves them in front of his face. Mr. Brown nods but continues talking about whatever. I look at Neil like: "See! It's impossible!"
Then Neil picks up the copy in question, takes out his lighter... and lights the paper on fire.In the studio. On-air. Steve, not even acknowledging anything has happened, segues seemlessly into the testimonial. And Neil just looks at me like "Kid, you've got a lot to learn."
Lori - you couldn't be more right. CWS? Don't even think about it! Kacey, everyone has your blog up and hits refresh often to see what new stuff you've put up. You're a great writer and it's really nice to be able to keep up with your dad's progress without pestering you or the hospital staff. Everyone is chomping at the bit to come visit but we all know (or should know) that he needs to rest and recover and at this point, a visit is for us, not him. Happy to hear the good news, and Adam....take care of Kacey & Max! Neil needs them!!!
ReplyDeleteKacey,
ReplyDeleteI to want to thank you for posting these updates on Neil! I worked with Neil for something like 13 years and I just love him!!! You tell him I said that... you got it Neil ... I LOVE YOU!!! He would always tell me not to use that 4 letter word around him but I would do it anyway! Speaking of 4 letter words, I'm sure the air around the office has gotten cleaned up a little since Neil has been out! :) It does sound like he is in good hands which makes me happy. Please make sure they take extra good care of him cuz ... I LOVE HIM!!!! :) I hope to meet you someday Kacey!
Janel Limley
Jenn, that's hilarious. I can totally see my Dad doing that! Thanks for the laugh!
ReplyDelete