Welcome to our CaringBridge website...while we are so grateful for this technology, we are saddened that we are in a position to need it.
David turned 80 on January 26th, and we celebrated with a small party of dear friends including his best buddy from high school on Tuesday, January 28th. He had his annual physical on Thursday, January 30th with a clean bill of heath, and suffered a stroke (significant bleed in the brain) on Saturday, February 1st. This is a very different path from 12 years ago when David had a stroke caused by very small clots. Over the years, all precautions have been taken to minimize risk, and he has led a full and active life even as his gait was slightly impaired. He became the poster guy for walking sticks and encouraged others to consider their use. This stroke is related most certainly to a genetic predisposition as several members of his family suffered strokes.
Fortunately, I was with David when he began to feel unwell and realized that we needed help. The superb Bainbridge Island Fire Department made a fast assessment and arranged for an airlift to Seattle. I requested he be taken to Swedish - Cherry Hill as he had such excellent care and a good experience there in 2007, and I can say unequivocally that the same is true now.
Our family has encircled me with my niece and sister arriving very quickly and Erica following from Boston. We are in constant contact with Alissa in Guatemala. Friends from near and far who have heard the news have showered us with prayers, poetry, candles being lighted on our behalf and offers of assistance. We feel the power of all of that and are most grateful.
The goal now is to remove as much blood as possible from David's brain via a drain that was placed in his head, and also to allow the brain to reabsorb blood as it typically does. Of course, this has been a huge assault to his system, and he is sleeping much of the time and has just begun to communicate with us by responding to questions with nods and short answers.
Because David is in Neuro Critical Care, we are asking for no visits. We talk to him and let him know that he is being held in the hearts of so many people - it is clear to me that he has a real fan club, and that is so gratifying.
As we identify next steps we will update this journal. In the meantime, please feel free to leave messages here. We are so grateful for your love, support and prayers.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
