"Mav's first trip to the ocean"

01-31-09

0600 hours

Our honeymoon was the first time we got to take Mav camping. Our first trip was to the coast near For Bragg, Maverick loved running in the ocean, chasing waves, chasing birds and just about everything else he could find.. He loved to explore and climb the huge rock outcroppings and keep mom and dad on their toes, worried some wave would sweep him out to sea.

I arrived at Kentfield before Tasha' s mom so I got to make sure the girls were all go to go. Dar was in a wheel chair and had just returned from physical therapy. I will say this, during the week Dar works her butt off and that hospital in a busy busy place. Need a traffic cop to control the traffic in the hallways.

Because I was not able to leave school quite when I wanted to I missed some of Dar's work schedule, Dar's therapists have all given me something to do at home before I return, speech therapy wants some photos, and a tape of my voice. Tape of me asking Dar to do simple things, answer simple questions, stuff like that.

Therapy wants meet to return again during the week, as I am taking much of our student population on a field trip Friday I will come down here on Wednesday for the day.

Wowser, wowser, want to here some really, really great news, remember I told you all that Dar would be given the "blue dye test", tests to make sure she can protect her airway, must pass three times before they remove the 'trach. Dar had her first test yesterday and passed, "as if there was any doubt", yep passed without the blue in her airway when she swallows, had blue lips when I got there but who cares, sides she looked a little like a "smurf", a smurf with a new braid.

Carol got Dar's hair all up and looking good. Tasha had a feeding peg put in her stomach (like Dar) and was resting well when I got there. Carol took Tasha to the computer room later and Tasha got to read Dar's blog and some of the things that I have been writing, talking about her family and all. I read the last two entries to Tasha and could'nt get through it wihout blubbering, oh well, so be it, we all have so much to be thank for, someone once told me God knows all our tears. Bet he knows lost of ours, (don't he folks)????

Stu got to the hospital around 530 and we chatted for a bit while the girls were getting cleaned up. Tasha, mom and dad got set up to play some cards and were joking with me that it won't be too long and I will be settin up to play cards with Dar.

Got a text last night from Stu and Carol after I had left for the evening and they had turned the tv on an evidently Dars head just went to movin real good. We had had it on earlier to see if it would or might cause some reaction but had to turn it off when Dar needed to be re-positioned. I gues Stu and Carol tried it again later and said Dar was a really movin. I am kinda excited to see and watch myself today.

Thank you all specifically for your prayers about my housing issue, I will tell you this much, it appears that I have found a solution, I talked with a gentleman yesterday afternoon but had a real bad connection. We pretty well nailed down that I have a place to put the trailer but have not worked out the details as yet. We will talk again Monday when I can call from my office at work. Better to have a land line.

Well I am going to finish getting ready to go see Dar and find some coffee, it would be really great to have my own tralier bed and coffee maker. So cool.

Write again later'

Love you all,

Dar/Danny/Mav

"Art/Linda Hatley,Dar and I"

01-30-2009

0549 hours

Will be leaving for Kentfield this morning around 8:30, Carol is planning to braid Dar's hair today. Can't wait to see it. Dar has such long curly hair and I know Carol will be working hard to make her look great, thank you Carol.

Stewart texted last night that the girls were doing fine. I ran around the house getting things ready for the trip so was not able to post last evening.

Stopping by UC Davis Vet clinic and picking up Mav's special Kangaroo and Oats dog food. Maybe the "roo" is why he can jump so high when he learns that he is going for a ride and going to see mommy. Pampered "pud" as we call him.

Hope to be able to post later again this evening and bring you news that we might have our trailer issue resolved. Working on something that will be fantastic if it all comes to light. Say your prayers, will tell you more tonight.

Take care my friends, will talk to you all soon.

" Our wedding evening, June 13, 2005" Vice Mayor Hatley Presiding

01-28-2009

1844 hours

It was a beautiful evening and I married a beautiful woman.

Just heard from the Gaurdian Angels, Dar is doing well, she had just been washed and bathed and Stewart said she was smiling.

Carol told Stu to tell me that Dar had been working in the wheel chair today for physical therapy, do not know quite what that might entail but I'm sure I will find out Friday.

Waiting for Carol to email some pictures of Latasha so we can all get to know her and her family. I do know that she is 31 and works at Stanford University, She played a key roll in their pharmaceutical computer dispensory. I don't know all the details yet. Mom works for Pepsi, in the Gatorade division, she in her own right is a pretty good computer tech. She is responsible for the production lines. Stewart is a Certified mechanic for Volunteers of America, responsible for a large fleet of vehicles. They live in Oakland, small world, my sister and I were born in Alemeda at Alta Bates General Hospital.

Carol and Stewart are both into traveling and have a 34 foot class A motor home, and they both ride Harleys. They have traveled through much of the US and Canada. Bike round ups as they call them are a yearly vacation, always held in another state.

Unfortunatley they have not been able to get away since Latasha took sick, about two years now off and on. Kidney replacement, (mom donate), dialisis, later rejection, currently on list again, diagnosed with Lupus recent open heart surgery and crash due to diabetic coma. Latasha keeps fighting, mom and dad keep supporting and now they are looking out for our Darlene, just as if she were their own. Angels on earth.

We all have so much to be thankful for to date, and words will never be enough for feelings I have for all God's Angels protecting Darlene. I know you are probably tired of hearing this but I will say it over and over again, Thank you all for all, your support, your prayers, dad thank you for your gift, (my cell phone bill was absolutly gigantic), thanks dad, the Stewart family for being Angels on Scene, Oroville Hospital, Kentfield Rehab and Speciality Hospital, all the individuals that have contacted me by emails, comments on the blog, the Bangor School Staff, (for forgiving a very emotional husband), the Bangor community for their support, Walmart for their continued support, AFLAC, The Allergy Associates Office in Chico, my close and still best friend Elby Baker and his wife Mel, Joe and Robin, Steve and Tammy, John and Ev Marlow, Art and Linda Hatley, the list is all too long to keep going, so let me just say this, God has a very special place for His Angels in Heaven. You are all angels in my book and there is a special place for each and everyone of you. Darlene and I love you all.

Please continue to pray for Dar's and Latasha's continued recovery, say a special pray for Latasha's mom and dad as I know they must be weiry but have vowed to fight on.

Rest well all,

From the Mardilla's and the Stewarts, God bless you all

Love you all

Dar/Danny/Mav

" Another happy photo of Dar"

01-27-09

1911 hours

Just received a text from our gaurdian angel Stewart at the hospital. Both Dar and Latasha are doing well, Latasha had a bad night last night so dad did not go home till about mid-night.

Stu tells me that the girls are both doing well today and Dar's music is playing 24/7.

I texeted Stu back and gave him our email address so that Carol can email some pictures of Latasha at her finest and we can support and pray for their family also. It has already been a great comfort having our "gaurdian angel" with Dar. I sleep just a little bit better than I had.

Our school board member and my sister continue to try to find a temporary hoem for our trailer but as yet no luck. I called the Marin County Fairgrounds today and unfortunatley they don't have accomadations for travelers, at least not non- fair related travelers. Something will turn up.

I am off to UC Davis tomorrow after work to get Maverick's special dog food, will be getting home late.

Went to Chico today to file papers for Dar, register the little pick up and a few other errands. Busy busy day, seems like the evenings are just a hectic.

FYI, I have no idea why this blog is not being seperated with paragraphs, I type it the way it should but it publishes like a run on sentence, sorry folks I did learn better than that, I will try to correct this issue in the future. I started pretty good, so maybe a setting changed. Bear with me.

Well, a short post tonight, sleep well my friends. God bless you all.

Dar/Danny/Mav

" Wearing her new clothes ready to see Maverick"

01-26-09

1840 hours

This is one happy girl !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats right Dar got to go outside and see her Maverick dog on Sunday morning. I am not sure who was more excited. Dar had worked hard that morning so when we got outside she was sorta sleeping. It was a cool brezzy day so we had her bundled up nice and warm. A new friend watched Dar while I got Mav. He was so excited to see mommy he could hardly control himself. After finally getting him settled down he gave mommy kisses and sang songs to her and told he that he loves her. Yes, I am serious Maverick can say those three magic words "I love you". Dar laughed and smiled and it was very clear she new her "buddy" was there. We did not stay out too long as it was fairly chilly, I know it did Dar alot of good to get out of bed for awhile.

This weekend was another roller coaster ride for me. I am not going to give all the specifics but I will share with you, that the little miracles continue.

Friday when I got to the house I had a message that Dar had been moved to a different room, no explanation, needless to say I fretted all night. When I got to the hospital I learned why. All that need be really said is that it will and is a blessing.

Dar's new roomate (Latasha) has the ability to write and text, Tasha's mom and dad have a vidual being with her, mom in the mornings and dad at night. Super people, when I left Sat. to get a room I said my goodnights and went about my business. Lo and behold sometime during the night Tasha texted her dad that Dar needed to be suctioned, dad stepped up and took care of the problem. When dad went back to Oakland he talked with his wife, Carol ,and told her that we spent alot of time talking and sharing during the day and the previous evening, he told Carol of the distance I travel and not able to get the play by play and he was going to make sure that I had all their numbers and that I could rest a little easier knowing that he and Tasha and mom would look out for Dar. That they would make sure Dar was well taken care of. I was so overwhelmed that I did not know what to say or offer in return, dads responce was you owe us nothing, this is what life and friendship is all about. Dad is a big fisherman and he and mom both have Harleys and a class A motorhome so I told them that when the girls are up and about that they are all invited to our lake, (hopefully with water), for some great fishing and camping.

I also got a chance to recommend a movie to him and I will recommend it to all of you. Take a moment and rent the movie "Pay it Forward", staring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey, it is all about helping others when someone has done something extrordnary for you. A true story and well worth watching as a family. Please take a moment and watch it. It would mean alot to Dar and I. We have watched it together and hope you will too.

Stewart and I have been texting tonight and Dar is doing fine, so is Latasha.

Well what is new for Dar, all kinds of stuff, she is tracking my voice with her eyes when I change sides of the bed, she will close her mouth almost all the way if I really get her to focus, she definatley knows when I come in the room, loves to smile and laugh. Dar has won the hearts of many at the hospital and so has Maverick.

Dar and I are working on comunicating with simple movements of the fingers. One for yes two for no, not too much success as yet but we keep practicing. Dar loves to have the "butler" put lotion on her hands, wrists.legs and feet. She is so pamperd, makes her laugh to have the "english butler" talk to her. Still loves to hear about her chicken in the bed and so on.

Something really cool that Dar is doing now is that she was moving her head from right to left last weekend, well now she is moving it from left to right. When I change sides of the bed her eyes go directly to where I am at and she tries to follow with her head. Moves it alittle more each time.

I am going down Friday so that I might be part of a full day of therapy for Dar and do some networking with the staff, showing them things that they might not be aware of yet. Have emailed Dr. Doherty and she is letting Dar's therapists know that I am coming.

Will spend an extra night this week.

My sister Lorrie, and her husband Jerry have made it a mission to find a place for our trailer and have been busy writing to folks and putting it out in their church family and bullitins, thank you so much guys for all you are trying to do. I know I may seem short at times, (I am) I do appreciate all that you and everyone is trying to do for Dar and I. I apologize ahead of time for my short comings.

So many things to do and not enough time in a day to do them, papers to fill out, submit, a house to run a dog to take care of, wash to get ready to return to Dar, it is so overwhelming at times. But, we keep on plugging away.

I will tell you more about Tasha and her very special family in the days to come, I think I have it rough. Their daughter has been thru hell these past two years.

Well more to come, rest well my friends and know that we love you.

Dar/Danny/Mav

"Something different for the dining room"

01-24-09

1830 hours

Prior to Dar and I getting married we wanted to put somthing different in the breakfast room of our house. I have a friend in the restaraunt equipment business, I called him looking for a diamond tuck booth. Lo and behold he told me that he had just repoed a couple of them from a business in downtown Chico. He had them in storage and suggested that I take a look at them.

When Dar and I saw them we knew right away this was what we were looking for. Getting it in the house was a different story. It took and act of congress and the help of our good friend Art, (the old burrito), to finese it into the house. It wa well worth the effort. Lots of great meals and friends sitting in this booth.

Arrived at Kentfield around 9:00 this morning, Dar was in her new room, moved because of her new roomates problems with her old. Dar has a view of the immediate parking lot directly in front of the hospital, when she gets a little stronger and functional she could have the sliding glass door open and watch the traffic.

Today was very cool and cloudy, was not able to open the sliding door too long.

I talked with respitory therapy and they told me that I could have Dar put in a mobile chair and take her to the lobby and if the weather co-operates we might even be able to get Maverick up close and personal. That would be a very cool thing, I think Dar would really make some forward steps if she were able to see, feel and hear Maverick.

Dar's "cath" was removed , some time this week and she is totally on her own. Her IV feeding is now stopped from 8:00-4:00, then it returns.

The new drug Provigil is given once a day at 7:00 am, today was her first day with it.

Today I saw a very different side to Dar, as you are aware Dar " is awake", able to process, able to show emotion. This evening before I left Dar was visibly upset, agitated and crying, it took me a moment or two to figure out what had happened, when I did it showed me once again how aware she is. Dar had an accident and was showing me that this upset her dearly, almost was not able to settle her down but I reassurd her that we would take care of it and all would be good again. It was.

Something she started last week continues and I think even gets better. She is more easily tracking my voice from one side of the bed to the other with her eyes . She followed me all day. Still laughing and smiling for everbody and making new friends.

She did not sleep a bunch today, I am thinging "cuz" of the Provigil, when she did I would sneak out and let Maverick run and play a bit. I don't know if he quite has a handle on "motel life". Course on the other hand a couple of his oatmeal cookie drops and a little TV and I think he would be happy anywhere. He has been quite the little gentleman when we walk down the greenbelt to the little hamlet of Ross.

Well I will probably think of more tonight to tell you but this will get you started. Talk soon my friends.

" Lake Almanor at sunset, July 2006"

01-23-2009

1600 hours

The following is the message I received from Dr. Doherty by way of email this afternoon.

Hi there,

I wanted to let you know that I am starting Provigil ( used for patients with narcolepsy) today, a drug that helps sustain wakefullness and thereby improves concentration. We will start low and observe for changes. Some more expression observed this week. No arm or leg movement yet. As we discussed I am not using any "wake up" drugs, since Ibelieve that your wife is awake.

Take care,

Dr. D

I later also learned by way of checking messages at home Dar has been moved from her room # 116A to 208A

Mav and I are headed to the bay tomorrow morning and it is my hope to meet with Chris in the hopes that he can give some direction about paperwork that I am stiil getting infiltrated with. I hope to be able to have some releases signed so that Dar's AFLAC cafeteria policy will transfer to Kentfield.

As you well know it has been a rough first week being totally seperated from Dar and not haveing the "play by play". Maybe Chris and I can put a plan in to place that I might learn things in a little more detail once a week or so. I absolutley understand Dar is not the only patient there and staff is very busy, maybe we can come up with a solution.

Our school board president is looking into a couple of school districts that he has worked for (asbestos abatement) in the hopes that they might have an idea for the travel trailor. Keep your fingers crossed.

Well, Mav is about ready to get his bath, ( a dog that loves the lakes, ocean, creeks and ponds but absolutly hates his bath). Go figure. Got to have a clean pooch in the hopes that he gets to see his mom soon. Will post again later this eveniong as I remember things. As always thank you for your prayers and well wishes.

1739 hours

Stopped in at Oroville Hospital yesterday to pick up all the closing and itemized statements for my records and ran into Tammy from Respitory Therapy, (Dream Team Member), she asked what I might be up to and was very curious as to Dar's condition. She was so excited to hear of Dar's progress, so much that she took me into ICU so that I could bring all the Team Members up to date. Tammy knows Dar especially from her own personal trips to Walmart and checking out with Dar. She really misses Dar's unique laugh, it is contagious.

Tammy and all the Team Members were very very excited and thrilled to hear of Dar's progress. They even have given me written permission (posted) to re-enter ICU at any time to bring them up to date. I consider Dar and I to be very lucky to have had the quality of care that we did from all the staff at Oroville Hospital.

After leaving the ICU I went out to Unit 2 where Dar had her private room and our Team Member Emily was on shift. She too was as excited to hear of the progress that Dar has made. Hugs all around and instructions to keep everyone up to date and in the loop.

"DD Distribution" "Take it all"

o1-22-2009

0300 hours

Morning all,

Back when Dar and I got married one of the first adventures we went on was quad riding. Friends had them, we had fun, we got our own. Problem was we could not take two with us and the travel trailer too.

So, DD Distribution was born, Dar and I became the California distributors for the Ultimate Rack ATV Carrier System. We stumbled onto the system by accident but it was a fantastic soultion to our problem. Put two quads on the rack side by side and pull the trailer behind, thus "take it all". We were so inpressed with the rack we started selling here in California as a little home based business.

Because of Dar's work schedule the past year and some of her health issues we sold both the quads and bought a Polaris Ranger, (picture), with a little help from my good friend Phil and a little ingenuity we adapted the Ultimate Rack built for two quads, into a Polaris Ranger rack and still have the ability to revert back to quads, again, "take it all". Pretty cool, our website, www.dd-distribution.com, check it out.

Moving on, today is test/assesment/eval/ day for Dar, whatever you choose to call it. Today (thursdays) the doctors and discharge planners evaluate each patient in the hospital as to their indivivual progress. The insurance companies in the last few years have really gotten into micro-managing, they work on a weekly basis. So, today is Dar's day, I have a very qualified discharge planner, and I hear she is a "tiger", Debbie is another new member to Dar's Dream Team, an advocate for Dar.

Debbie called on Monday last and we talked a good 45 minutes, gave me an idea of what to expect and things that I can and should think about as it relates to Dar's future needs, you know way down the road,. Debbie is looking out for Dar's immediate.

Debbie and I will be talking later today and as I learn things I will let you know too.

Talk soon,

" Let me tell you about my best friend"

01-21-2009.
0359 hours


Email sent and replied last evening.


Good evening Dr. Doherty,
Just a quick question. Now knowing your schedule at the hospital, would it be asking to much to have some updates by email or such regarding Dar's condition/progress as it pertains to her body recovery and brain recovery, while I am displaced from her before the week-ends. I have called in the evenings, don't get too much info as to daily progress, maybe I am not asking correct questions. I know Dr. Waters takes care of Dar's physical needs and we communicate daily. Just hopeing to hear news from your perspective, your area of expertise during the week if possible. Don't mean to be a pain. It is just very hard being
seperated from my best friend, I miss her alot.

Danny

hi there.
i will email you anytime there is a measurable change - one way or the other. generally, i don't get much into my email on wednesdays, thursdays, or fridays because i work such long long days. however, if there is any significant change i will let you know.
take care and hang in there.
dr. d

1821 hours

Spoke with Dr. Waters this evening and Dar is stable and not much new to report. Dr Waters had not seen Dar today as Dr. Doherty will be seeing Dar the remainder of the week.

I reserved a room at a local motel for Saturday and will be with Dar this week-end. I have to tell you that I now know how you folks must have felt waiting to read our posts and what new things might have happened. This totally sucks not be able to be around for the play by play. I am just like you waiting to hear of new things that Dar might be doing. At the price of lodging in Marin County motels could get real expensive.

Again I graciously and humbly ask that if anyone knows someone that knows someone, that maybe has a driveway or a back lot or something of that nature that might accomodate our trailer I would be forever in your debt. The hospital has arrangements with a couple of the higher rate hotels in the area but they are well over 130 bucks a night. Real estate is big bucks down there, I learned that Sean Penn, George Lucas and Senator Finstien all live right near the hospital. What does that tell you, I checked a couple of the trailer parks in the area and they want around 700 bucks a month. Pretty darn steep when I would only be there a couple nights a week if I had the trailer, but for now Dar is real busy during the week and if I am there Sat-Sun, one motel night is not bad.

Please bear with me in the days to come as our "posts" may take on a different hue, me being displaced just like you. The motel I will be staying at does have "wifi" internet so that will be a good theraputic tool in the evenings. The hospital, unfortunatley does not have it and all the ones I pick up in the area are pretty well "firewalled". I guess I will just have to get "McGiver'ish" .

I guess I will just have to start telling you stories about how Dar and I met or some of the places we have been. Just kidding. Maybe.

I know I have said this many, many times and will probably continue to say it, you have know idea how you have made me feel over this last very soon to be 1 month. The folks that I have heard from, the church groups that I have heard from, and even from some folks I have not a clue as to who they are.

The special words, the swift kick in the butt when I get low, the special prayers, the word of encouragement, the offers to help, the invitation to call should I need it, the offer of a cup of coffee so I can just take a break if but only for a moment. You have no idea and can't begin to know how these offers have made me feel.

I will tell you this, and so will Dar, I am as stubborn as they come and to ask for help is not in my make-up as a general rule. One thing I have learned and that the "man upstairs" has proven to me latley is this. I cannot do this one on my own and that I had better swallow some pride and if I need to ask then I should ask.

I do, I do, appreciate each and every offer of help and encouragement that you all have given to Dar and I. I thought I had been through some rough things before ("more often than not, I've landed on my feet") but they don't hold a candle to this one. I could never in a million years thought I would be where I am today and really learning "who Danny is", so far I like who looks back at me in the mirror.

I truely believe that Dar has played a big role in the shaping of who I am becoming, only married 3 plus years Dar and I have been over many hurdles together and have always overcome them and come out winners, This hurdle will be no exception,

Rest well my fellow travelers, much more to come, "we love you all"

Darlene, "I love you and miss you" , Maverick misses mommy too,

Good night for now, rest well my friends

Love,

Dar/Danny/Maverick

"Jerry's arm, Dar, Danny, Sister Lorrie, Where's Maverick"

01-20-2009
0515 hours

As you can probably tell by now Dar and I are very much into the outdoors and camping and outdoor activities. We are kinda responsible for getting Lorrie and Jerry into "trailering", camping and "big trucks", oh and "big trailers".

Over the past few years the four of us have spent many wonderful week-ends exploring the outdoors very close to our home. One of our favorite camping spots is Lake Almanor and a little campground in the Feather River Canyon. I won't disclose our secret spot, but I will say there is nothing better than getting up in the morning and haveing a cup of coffee with Dar and driving 45 minutes to work knowing that at the end of the day you are right back to God's country. We have spent many a day camping and going to work only to return to our home on wheels. For Maverick this is heaven, he gets to hunt all day everyday. Give this dog the outdoors and he will entertain himself for hours.

Give Dar a craft project, a game of dominos, a reclining chair, a little music and you could see the peace and contentment. Don't forget she always has the opportunity to jump on that "quad" (Polaris Ranger now) for a little excitement if she gets bored. Hours of riding, exploring and just downright thrills.

Headed to work shortly, more paperwork to fill out as time permits, keep on keeping on, one day at a time, moment by moment, I was reminded last evening to practice what I preach. "cowboy up", words I am sure will become very familiar over the next few weeks and months.

Will keep you all informed as the day progresses. Stay tuned.

1808 hours,

Dr Waters called this afternoon at about 3:45, I was taking students home that had attended our new "afterschool" program, so as a result I lost the connection. Dr. Waters called back and left me a message.

Dar is stable, a little dehydrated and they are going to give her some fluids thru her IV pik line. In addition they are going to give her some liquid bannana flakes to help with a little diareha problem. Dr Doherty will be in the remainder of the week starting tomorrow and I am going to drop her an email tonight and ask if she can keep me a little up to date during the week about Dar's body and brain recovery. Things like body movements, responce to command/requests, things like that.

Dr Waters is taking care of the medical stuff, Dr Doherty the trauma stuff, I think Dr Waters could only comment on those things relating to Dar's physical condition. Hopefully Dr. Doherty can help me out during those days of my displacement until Saturdays.

Tomorrow I will enquire as to the chest ex-ray results.

Mav all fed and happy to be home, he loves to go to work with me and run the campus in the dark before I have to leave and pick up kids. He is quite the character running around like a wild dog. Loves to explore, loves to ride the bus, loves the kids and they love him. But when it is time to get back in the pick up and settle down he is perfectly contend to sleep and look around all day. He has been a good bit of medicine for me. He definatley misses mom and can't wait to see her.

It is quite different writing to you and sharing with you as I am as displaced as you are, I can only share with you thise things I learn over the phone until I return to Dar on the week ends. I do find these writings helpfull for me and it will be something that Dar and I can share later.

Please continue your prayers, I know Dar appreciates them and you have know idea what they mean to me.

Post again tomorrow, probably in the afternoon, maybe as I did this am, then again in the afternoon.

Forever in your debt, Love

Dar/Danny/Maverick, ("the awesome one")

2033 hours

Good evening Dr. Doherty,

Just a quick question. Now knowing your schedule at the hospital, would it be asking to much to have some updates by email or such regarding Dar's condition/progress as it pertains to her body recovery and brain recovery, while I am displaced from her before the week-ends. I have called in the evenings, don't get too much info as to daily progress, maybe I am not asking correct questions. I know Dr. Waters takes care of Dar's physical needs and we communicate daily. Just hopeing to hear news from your perspective, your area of expertise during the week if possible. Don't mean to be a pain. It is just very hard being seperated from my best friend, I miss her alot.

Danny

hi there.

i will email you anytime there is a measurable change - one way or the other. generally, i don't get much into my email on wednesdays, thursdays, or fridays because i work such long long days. however, if there is any significant change i will let you know.

take care and hang in there.

dr. d

" Dars favorite pastime, Lets ride"

01-19-2009
1700 hours

So tiny, so petit, but oh so full of life, totally fearless, totally dedicated to those she loves, selfliss to a fault, such a beautiful lady, wonderful wife and my best friend. Thats Dar.

But let me tell you this, put one of these bombs under her butt and you had better get out of her way. Thats right all 105 lbs of her on one of these things and she was like a kid in a toy store. I've seen her lay it over on her its side in the mud, and come up laughing. I've even seen her get bucked off like she was riding a buck'in bull. She has even been know to leave the group and get lost for hours. When found all she had to say was, " I knew where I was, where were you guys. From that day forward I put a special loud after market exhaust on her bike so we knew where she was at all times.

Yep thats my wife, one special lady. Always loving an adventure, always trying to make people happy.

Dr. Waters called this morning and said that Dar is doing fine. I called and left a message as I was told to but have not heard anything as yet nor do I think I will tonight. Holiday and all. But if I do I will post again.

Chest x-rays this morning as is every Monday, will most likely hear of results tomorrow.

Today was another day of overwhelming emotions, first of five days before I see Dar, wondering, hoping, praying, waiting, I guess this is the start of the marathon. As I was just reminded. I really miss my friend.

Will post later if needed, words a little difficult at this time. Love to all .

Dar/Danny/Mav

"A view from Lake Tahoe"

01-18-2009

1909 Hours.

Just returned from Kentfield a little while ago. Got Mav all fed and he is on our bed watching me as I bring you up to date.

Left this morning a little after 5:00 and arrived shortly before 8:00 am. Took Mav on a walk and we strolled down the bike /running/dog path to the little hamlet of Ross Calif. Reminded me of Desperate housewives town, very quaint and friendly.

When the doors opened I was the first visitor to register. Dar was awake and looking around and we had a nice time chatting and laughing. I took the opportunity to tell her that our friends Pat and Doug took me to Walmart yesterday and Pat helped me pick out some comfortable clothes for Dar. Dar already had several pairs of "scrubs" so that was not an issue. The tops presented a whole new set of issues. Trying to find blouses that button or snap in the front between seasons was a nightmare. We settled for 4 white medical smocks for women. Thank God they had 4 very small ones. We returned home and put a care package together for Dar with enough clothes she can wear for a week and I can bring more and launder every week. Thanks Pat, thanks Doug.

Dar laughed alot about how she was going to look like one of the staff and not a patient. Her aides got her dressed in her new duds a couple hours after I arrived. She really looked cute, and stupid me forgot to take a picture and I even had our Nikon.

Something that happened on Friday that I did not tell you about, I can now share with you. Dar's dad said at one point during there visit Friday he thought he saw her head move. Now remember, these were the things that Oroville was hoping to see as "purposeful movement". These were the kind of actions that would have lead them to believe that Dar was recovering. Well we now know that Dar has been recovering since the 5th of Janurary.Thats when I posted about her laughing about Maverick and his pilly-willys and his cookie treats. Thats when she woke up.

Back to my story (sorry, my bad). Today, I thought I saw the same thing Dar's dad did, but if it did happen it was so slight I could not be sure. Dr. Redkin, (forgive me if I got it wrong), Chief of Medicine was her attending doc today came in and checked Dar out, suctioned very little from her lungs listened and told me she looked real good. After he left I again could have sworn I saw not only move her head but just before it appeared that she was looking at something outside her door.

Let me set her position, when I arrived she was on her back slightly rolled to her right side. Her head looking more to her right than her left and definatley past center. As I said Icould swear I saw that head and pillow move, it appeared that just before she moved it she tracked her eyes from right to left as if looking at something in the corridor and followed it with her head, ever so slight I was sure I saw it move. Guess what, I made sure the Doc knew.

Well folks I can beyond a shadow of a doubt inform you that Dar is definatley rolling her head from right to left and appears to be tracking something in that left directions with her eyes. Dar moved her head more and further as the day went on. By the time I left I had seen her almost move her head center straight up from close to a flat postion on her right cheek. This is great news. I left a note for Speech Therapy and P/T, and asked that both her Doctors were made aware of what I had seen. Alvin I do believe you saw what you thought you did.

A very good friend and co-worker of mine, Nancy Metz has a Lavender ranch at her home. She recently gave me some lavender based creams to put on Dar's hands, feet and her joints. Nancy I don't quite know why today was so special, but when I asked the "madam" if I could rub some cream on her feet and hands you would have thought she was the Queen of England. Dar smiled so big and laughed so hard, I think cuz she thought she WAS the queen. Nancy thank you so very much. I hope nobody finds where I hid it. Of course when asking Dar I had to sound like an English butler, I did and not to bad if I say so myself. Thanks Nancy.

It was hard to leave, especially as we learned Friday, Dar's memory at this time is very short, her brain is processing very well, I have to be careful what and how I say things. If she hears me say that I have to leave, look out, the tears come. Today it was especially hard for me to leave '"cuz" I could not tell her, and as much awake as she was today I could only keep telling her how special she is and how proud of her I am and how much I love her. I had to wait for her to drift off and sneak out so as not to upset her. It was really really hard to walk away this afternoon. It will be really hard not seeing my best friend till next week-end, my saving grace is that I (as you remember) am to call Dr. Waters daily and get updates for the blog.

Think about it, as much progress as Dar has made since the 5th I might find her up and about or even in a wheel chair. I know what your thinking, I am just so proud of my wife I just get excited. The real world says that this is going to be a long recovery, since I very much live in a black and white world (gray is sometimes hard to find), it is not real hard for me to live in this REAL WORLD. I have every hope, dream, faith and trust that Dar is going to recover, same as you all do. She is a very special lady to many of you that she knows personally, and a very special lady to those who have just recently met her through this blog. I love my wife and will climb every mountain with her and be at her side through this recovery. I say it again, without your prayers and I know there have probably been thousands, and there will continue to be, thank you is not enough, there are no words that can genuinly express my feelings to all that ARE playing a part in this recovery. Just remember this, WE LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.

I think with that I will close for the night and grab some supper, curl up with the dog and watch a little tube.

Good night my dear friends, God bless each and every one of you.

Darlene, I love you, I'm proud of you, you are my best friend, Rest well my love.

Good night all,

Danny

PS, a reminder, feel free to leave a comment or thought at the bottom of each post (comment section), or email me at.............. cntrydjpro@sbcglobal.net

" Second time fly fishing, First Steelhead, Chico Fly Shop, Joe Sousa and me ," A day on the river"

01-17-2009
0512 Hours

What a day that was, new to fly fishing, caught fish, good friends, good weather, what more could you ask for. It don't get no better than this or.........................does it.

I think it does, last evening I learned from Dr. D that Dar is not in a coma any longer, in fact she has probably been out for awhile. Yeee Ha

Now the rest of the story, abridged version for now but I will add pieces as the days and weeks go by.

The steak and patatoes is this, Dr. D came to Dar's rom a skeptic and left a believer, I was already aware the she had examined Dar and found it hard to believe that Dar was capable of anything. Well, Dr D left Dar's room a believer, a believer so much that when we were in the conference room she told Dar's mom and dad and myself that Dar "is not in a vegitative state, she is awake, she is processing, she is not in a coma". She probably has not been in one for awile, possibly 1-5-09, (see blog that date.) that is when I posted that Dar was laughing and smiling big time. That was the day after my birthday.

Dr D continued with her assesment of Dar and basically explained it this way,

Dar is not in a vegitative state, but her brain is processing information faster than her body can respond. She is very much awake, the fact that she is showing these signs 2 weeks post the event means that this "is not an up hill battle", "in fact the odds are very much in Dar's favor".

Time is Dar's best friend and sleep is her best tool, Studies now show that sleep is what these patients need most. Thats when the body heals and the brain cells can heal. Dr's. Dahorty and Waters have a big row to hoe, keeping Dar healthy and strong. The therapists have a big row to hoe, keeping Dar fit, continuing her ocupational therapy, her speech therapy. I have a big row to hoe, staying strong, staying healthy, staying fit for what will be a long marathon. Yes, this will be a marathon, a bumpy road, uphill,downhill, whatever you choose to call it, this is going to be a very long road to recovery. Please keep in mind, again, we do not know what recovery means, there may be some residual affects, there may be some issues, we do not know. Time will tell.

Just remember, Dar is not in a coma, she is awake, she is processing, she needs rest, sleep, therapy, and most importantly................... time

Dar will receive all that she needs and more where she is at. Everyone, please believe me, Kentfield is absolutly the best place for Dar right now. This place is fabulous, get this, last night I met the CEO of Admissions or something like that, (sorry Chris), because I was enquiring as to a WiFi service for my laptop. This guy (Chris), comes out and starts chatting with me and asking about Dar, I have know clue who he is and how he learned about Dar, well he told me that he has a way that when Kentfield Rehab info is on the web is gets sent to him to his email. Chris started following the first day that I mentioned that Dar might be going to Kentfield. He has been following ever since. How cool is that, how cool is it that when I left yesterday I pretty much have in my briefcase every phone number, email address and, permission to use them in the event that I simply panic or get anxious about something, or just have a question. How cool is that.

Again Dar's Dream Team just keeps getting bigger and better, and goes to show me how much the "Man upstairs" has had his hand in this, from Oroville Hospital and the fantastic staff of Team Players to the "New" staff of Team players at Kentfield, Dar has had nothing short of the best that medicine can provide.

Again to the staff at Oroville Hospital, all my new friends in the ER, Unit II, Emergency Room, First Responder Transport, Thank you Thank you Thank you, you are all lifesavers and you mean the world to Dar and I.

To Kentfield Rehailitation and Speciality Hospital, my new friends I am getting to know, Dr. Waters, Dr. Dahorty, Ana, Nicole, Debbie, Chris, Elsie at the front desk, Ramon, Dar's CNA last night. Mike in Physical Therapy, Jennifer and Linda from Speech Therapy, to Ocupational Therapy (not met yet). To the friendly folks that smile as you walk by in the hallway, to the other family members like myself that find themselves displaced as they care for a loved one, To everyone that God has chosen to bless and bring into Dars and my life today, tomorrow and the days to come, we love you, we may not even know you yet, but we love each and everyone of you, Thank you is such a small phrase, a small word but can do and be so much.

I am reminded of the movie starring Helen Hunt, the movie, Pay it Forward, If you have not seen it I challange you to rent it and watch it with your family, it will impact your life, it has mine and I believe I am beginning to pay it forward.

OKAY OKAY enough for awhile, I need top get some coffee and wipe the tears, thank you all, you are the best.

More to follow as the day goes by, I return to Kentfield tommorow for the day, resting today at home with Mav. Napping

Love ya

" Doc Waters, You are sooooo busted"

01-16-2009
o800 Hours

Can you believe this, Doc Waters tells me to call everyday between 4:00 - 5:00. If I don't I will be in serious trouble.

So what happens, I call yesterday, Doc is on her way home and will call me in an hour. Welllll, gues what, Doc forgets to call. She is so busted.

This morning at 0800 Doc calls, laughing and apoligizing, she really felt bad. I was her first call this am.

Dar is doing fine medically, she has smiled some but has not shown the folks that she can laugh and cry. Doc Dahorty examined her and talked with Doc Waters and said that she found it hard to believe that Dar laughs. Doc Waters told her had she not seen it with her own eyes she too would not have believed it. So, I guess I will have to have Dar put on a show this afternoon. Doc Waters also thought the pre-recorded tape was a terrific idea. I am going to Chico to pick up my sisters phone which has several video clips to show the Doctors and Dar will show them what she can do later this afternoon.

Busy busy morning before Mav and I head to the Center, several stops to make before. Will keep you posted, probably take lap top with me. Thanky everyone.

Love to all, post again later. BREAK A LEG DAR, have a great show.

Oh, one more thing, DOC , DAR AGREES, '"YOU ARE SO BUSTED"

Love ya all,To all the new members of Dar's Dream Team at Kentfield, We love you all and thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.

Dar/Danny/Maverick

2226 hours,

Just arrived home, will post all details tomorrow, I am exhausted, going to bed, but before I do I have to leave you with this.................................

Darlene is no longer in a coma, in fact has not been in one since Jan 5, 2009, I will explain all tomorrow. It will be lengthy. Praise God and all of you for your prayers and support, the road ahead is long, please continue to pray. I will give all the details tomorrow. Again we love you all.

Love ya,

DAR/DANNY/MAVERICK

" Jerry, get that damn chicken out of my bed, it tickles"

01-15-2009, 1800 Hours,

You can't tell me she is not aware, Jerry had Dar laughing herself silly, All about a silly chicken, of which we must get a stuffed one for her. Dar has made amazing progress and I am so very proud of her and proud to be her husband. She is one special lady and I am very lucky to have her in my life.

Waiting to her From Dr. Waters, she was enroute to her home and would call me when she arrived. Should be anytime now. Stay tuned. I do know from Doc's assistant that Dar is doing fine. Particulars to come a little later, as soon as I hear from Doc I have to run back out to the school for a Board Meeting, talk soon everyone, love ya all.

2020 Hours

Well, I think Doc might have gotten waylaid, have not heard from her as yet. I can tell you that she did get a message to me that Dar is fine. That being said I will rest easy tonight and look forward to seeing Dar and the Docs Waters and Dahorty tomorrow. Boy, is Doc gonna get teased. Anyway as always thank you for your prayers and kind gestures.

It will be late when I return tomorrow night, I will do my best to post what I learned when I get home. I promise I will do my best to not keep you hanging. Bless you all. If I hear anything tonight I will post before I retire.

Good night friends,

Dar/Danny/Mav

" Our Wedding Day"

01-14-2009

I don't even know where to begin, so I will just try to start at the beginning.

Yesterday at 10:45 am, I received a call from Oroville Hospital that Dar was giong to transfer at 12:00 pm. Unless transport was dispatched on a 911 call while they were enroute to the hospital we should be good to go. Well, guess what, they were called to multi casualty accident on Hwy 70. We did not leave for Kentfield till 2:45.

During our wait Dar was so happy and laughing bout silly things my sister and brother-in-law were telling her we had to take advantage and get some video footage and still photos. Dar was an absolute riot, she had staff, friends and everyone laughing and wishing only the best for her at her new rehab home. It was fantastic!!!!!!!!!

We left Oroville and arrived at Kentfield at about 5:30, Dar was already admitted to her room, with her own engraved name , Ms. Mardilla. We were met at the door by an entrage of personnel, everyone introducing themselves, telling us what department they were from and how glad they were that Dar was there and how they were going to help.

I was totally impressed, The attention we saw was immediate. It was obvious that Dar new something was different, when I got to her room and she heard my voice she started to cry. After much soothing she calmed down enough to start laughing again and sharing in our stories. Dar knew that something had changed and that things were different and she reacted the only way she knew,,, tears. She is a fighter and she will overcome.

Dar already had a schedule of therapy beginning today at 0900 hours. She has P/T, O/T, and speech therapy from about 090o-1500 hours, 5 and a half days a week with Sundays as a rest day.

Her Internal Medicine doctor is fabulous, now a new member of Dar's Dream Team, as are all the staff at Kentfield. Dr. Waters spent about 40 minutes with us in the lobby asking questions, taking notes and asking what could Dar do as far as follow instructions, spontaniously what could she do, all knds of questions. We were able to field all of her questions and at the end of our talk she wanted to see Dar and see the things that she could do. Dar was outstanding, she laughed, smiled, reacted to tickles slightly, (socks were on) and showed everyone that she is aware of her surroundings. Dar was very emotional yesterday and very very tired by the end of the day.

All of her comfort things, music, stuffed bear, favorite cologne, tennis shoes are all right there with her. music 24/7.

When Dr. Waters was with us she also talked at great length about Dr. Dahorty, Dars trauma Dr, and another member of Dar's Dream Team, Dr. Dahorty is very very good, very approachable and very aggressive about how she treats her patients. She does believe in alternative stimulus to enact responce and move from what we now see. Dr. Waters has every faith that Dar will come out of this coma, what damage there might be, what limitations there might be, time will only tell, but she believes that with Dr. Dahorty's help Dar will awaken. I am excited. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Dahorty later today and our appointment later this week. This is when I will learn the specific plan, hopefully tomorrow or at the latest Friday. News flash, Dr. Dahorty and I meet at 4:00pm on Friday

Another super thing that I learned is that Dr. Waters has instructed me that I am to call her daily for updates on Dar so that I can continue the blog on a daily basis, she will also read the blog to date so as to see first hand the progress Dar has made and I had better call. I even met the chief of staff for Internal Medicine. I am very serious when I say that I was totally stoked and relieved about this facility. The only time my heart strings were really pulled is when we got ready to leave. Lorrie and Jerry had said ther good-byes and I went to Dar's room to say mine. As soon as I began to speak to her, the eyes flew open. She has never done that, when I told her that I needed to go feed Maverick and give him "his pills" she started to cry uncontrolably, after some time I was able to calm her back to sleep and left quietly.

Please continue to pray for Dar, and again I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers and well wishes. To the guys at Chico Fly Shop, Larry, John, I have no idea how you learned about the blog, ( I suspect Joey) thank you for your comments, I do appreciate them, somehow I will have to find a creative way to continue with my new fishing passion. You know what I'm talking about. Thanks guys.Welcome to the "Team".

To all who have written comments or gotten word to me that you are thinking of and praying for Dar, (and me), as you have read before, words cannot express what you all mean to us.

I will be calling for an update as to Dar's day later and I will post again later tonight. Once again thank you everyone, We love you all,

Darlene/Danny/The Awesome One, Maverick

1940 hours

Just talked to Charlie, RN for Dar tonight, told me that Dar is resting comfortably, not to much exciting today, started her Re-hab but was pretty quite. I gave Charlie some key tips about working with Dar, the silly Maverick jokes and the things he does, Jerry talking and joking with her yesterday that she was sleeping to long and that we have dominos to play, telling her she snores so loud that she is knocking the pot and pans out of the trailer cupboards, realizing that she has chicken legs and that we are going to get her a chicken and turn it loose in her bed. Dumb little stories that make her laugh and respond. Lorrie and Jerry also came up with the idea that we need to put these funnies on a recorder for them to playback for Dar sa as to initiate a positive responce. Guess we will look for a voice activated recorder to play back, we might have to give the folks there some tools to work with.

As I said earlier I have an appointment with Dr. Dahorty Friday at 4:00 and will go earlier and check motel prices as I believe that I may go down on Saturdays, her half day, spend it with her, spend the night and return home on Sunday evenings. Dar's mom and dad I believe will be at Kentfield and will see her a little on Friday and Saturday and I will return on Sunday morning and head home that evening.

Again thank you for your prayers and I will post again tomorrow evening after I talk to Dr. Waters between 4 & 5:00 pm.

Bless you all,

Darlene/Danny/ "Awesome Dawg"

Linda, Pat, Doug and Darlene, Pop is watching football

0430 Hours,01-13-2009

For those reading last nights post it was brought to may attention that I ommitted the name, city and street of where Dar is headed. She will recovering at Kentfield Rehab Center on Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Kentfield Ca. Ideally somewhere close is where I would like to put our trailer. I apologize for my ooopppps, my bad.

This morningn finds Dar resting comfortably, maybe today we will have further plans for her journey.

Dar's mom and Christine called last night as I was getting ready to head for home, brought them up to speed regarding Dar's antics yesterday afternoon, Pat came by to see Dar, stayed for about an hour. Told Dar stories about days events at school. Pat got to see first hand the progress Dar has made. Dar responded to many of the stories with laughter and a couple of times even showed her sad tearful emotions. showed some tears when she knew that I had left the room for a moment.

It is very apparent Dar is aware of her surroundings and hears everything being said. When it is her "awake" time she is very involved with conversations and it is clear she is contributing as much as she can. When it is 'rest" time come hell or high water you are not going to wake her. That is specifically what we want to change. I, they, need to be able to bring her to awareness when she is in her "sleep" mode. This morning she was a little more responsive when I tried to wake her and let her know I was here. She smiled a bit but is still operating on her time schedule.

"Talk about a spoiled pooch" Mr. Awesome and Pal

0400 Hours, 01-12-2008

Talk about a spoiled pooch, Maverick certainly has the good life. Even he is starting to show signs of wear and tear during this trying time. Yesterday I left him at home most of the day, usually he is with me all the time, but I figured with me trying to fish he would be better off at home. Well he decided to show me how ticked he was that he got left.

We have trained him not to be a digger, typical for Jack Russells because they were bred for varmit hunting. Well he decided to do some hunting in the back yard, he must have found his quarry, decided to try to get under our fence, when he came in the house he was a dirty mess. Don't think he found his prey but he had fun trying and reminding me that he can be the tpical jack. We went back to the scene of the crime and had a reminder lesson in digging 101. He new he was busted and hid in his portable house in the front room. When I came in he was Mr. apology, he is so trainable and has such a great personality you can't stay upset long.

All is good again in his world,told him we would go see mom in the morning and he would go for a ride in the truck. He knows what is going on and does'nt want to be left out. Mav has been a great buddy to have during this time.

Arrived at the hospital this am about 4:00, Dar resting peacefully, have not seen her night nurse, I think it might be Jennifer, she has been Dar's nurse before twice. I saw her go by earlier to attend other patients.

First thing this morning I am going to be on the phone to our insurance carrier, hospital discharge planner and the Re-hab facility to see what the plan is.Yesterday I got a little frustrated cuz her doctor did not seem to be on the same page as me. The hospital has what they call hospitalists, they see many patients and they are assigned an area of the hospital for a week . This being said they do not take the time to read Dar's complete chart and know what the up to date plan is. Thats what happened yesterday, observations were made regarding Dar, what he thought should happen and had he read her chart completly he would have known we were already moving in that direction. Just made me feel bad. I guess I need to remember that I sometimes have to be a little proactive. I can do that.

I will have some answers today, going to head to work at school, try to get something accomplished. Don't know what my involvment will be at Kentfield during her assesment and eval/tests. For all I know they might want me to stay away for a few days, I hope they will allow me to show them the things that Dar can do but usually only does them for me. Please keep your prayers going.

Our blog was joined yesterday by another member of Dar's Dream Team, Ryan thanks for the great care you have given Dar, and the support you have shown me and her family. Welcome aboard, love ya buddy.

1600 hours

Just arrived back at the hospital, Sherry, works at the hospital and is a good friend was with Dar, when I walked in Dar was again putting on a laugh fest. I told her about Maverick and his hunting expedition, told her he was a filthy mess and was going to have to have a bath. She laughed really big, she knows mav loves to swim in lakes the ocean and creeks and streams, but tell him he is going to get a bath and you would think he had been shot. He looks for a place to hide. Such a character.

Well the transfer to Kentfield Rehab Center, Kentfield, Ca has been approved, now we have to get the legistics worked out. I would think it will be Wednesday as I have not heard more today other than the authorization.

This new info brings me to a special request from me. As we prepare for what could be a long rehab period I have a specific need. Motel rates are very high in the bay area, this facility does not have facilities for trailers. Dar and I have a 30 foot travel trailer that I would very much like to take over. Somewhere near the facility, problem with that is that it too can get very expensive, especially since I would probably only be there on the week-ends, (late Friday - very early Monday), beat the traffic both ways.

If , as you read and continue to follow Dar's blog know of or can help with this specific need I would be eternally grateful and would be forever in your debt. As the commercial Bartels and James quotes, " thank you for your support".

If you are able to help feel free to leave me message using the comment section at the bottom of each blog post, or email me at .......................... cntrydjpro@sbcglobal.net.