Friday Morning December 16 - 4:30 am

Yesterday was such a big day I didn't get a chance to let you all know what was happening.

The biggest news is - Ryan was moved last night at 8pm from Western Medical Center, Santa Ana to Palomar Hospital's Acute Rehab facility in Escondido. When I left Ryan (and Eric) last night they were getting settled in for the night. Ryan will begin more intensive therapy tomorrow and if all goes well, will only be there about a week. After that he'll be released to come home and have his therapy on an outpatient basis. The hospital has asked us to stay with Ryan around the clock for his own protection. That is why Eric stayed with him last night.

When we arrived at the Western Med. yesterday Ryan was sitting on the edge of his bed (no helmet) and when I asked "What are you doing?" he said I" just want to get out of here and thought I'd go over to the phone out there and call to get someone to pick me up." Because there is no bone protecting the left side of his head, he MUST wear his protective helmet any time he's sitting up or out of bed. We were pretty shook up to see him like that and glad we got there when we did.

Ryan did well on his physical therapy yesterday. His was more cognative in his speech/brain therapy, he stood at the sink - brushed his teeth and washed his face and changed and tied his hospital gown during occupational therapy, and he walked down his hallway - past the nurses station in CCU and on into ICU and back around again for physical therapy. He had to take it slow and the therapist held on to him for stability but it was great to see him moving again. We still have challenges where making sense is concerned, but he seemed a little less confused yesterday than the day before.

When I got home around 11pm last night, Cameron and Maureen (a wonderful friend who has been taking care of the dogs and our home) had our Christmas lights on outside and the house was tidy and clean. What a nice present. I know some of our angels here in San Diego had a lot to do with that. Thank you so much.

Because Ryan will have a fairly full schedule in his new surroundings, please wait to visit until I can see just how things will go for him there. He may be too tired for the first few days after all the therapy. I'll let you know when it will be best.

Christmas is just around the corner and it looks as though our Christmas wish just may come true - having Ryan home for Christmas.

Now I feel we can say it - Merry Christmas everyone! Thank you for your incredible support and love. As I write this I feel such a wave of gratitude, and hope you all know what your messages, prayers and encouragement have meant to all of us.

Love,
Debi, Eric, Lauren, Cameron, ... and Ryan!