" A Very Special Thank You"

02-19-2009

1853 hours

I would like to say a very special thank you to Rosa Gomez, wife of fellow co-worker Mike Gomez at Walmart.

Rosa, Darlene will love the blanket and especially as she will know the hours you spent making it for her. I will be taking it to her Saturday morning. Words are never enough at a time like this but just know that we appreciate all of your time and certainly the love that went into this very special gift. You are truely one of our "Angels". Mike you have a special wife and I thank you also for yours and your churches prayers during this very difficult time in our family. God bless you all.

Dennis/Darci thank you for the card that now begins our scrapbook for Dar. Again I would also like to thank you both for the awesome phone you so graciously gave me that has proved already to be such an invaluable tool in my efforts to stay in touch with Dar's medical team and also you the readers and supporters of Dar's Recovery.

I hopefully will have more news this evening to pass on but if I don't I will post in the morning. Just wanted to take a moment to thank Rosa and Mike Gomez. We love ya

0411 hours

02-20-2009

Spoke with Dr. Doherty last night late by way of email.

Dar has a slightly elevated white count so Dr. D is going to run a few test and rule out any problems. Errorring on the side of caution, better to be safe than........ you know the rest. I will be talking again to Dr. Doherty this afternoon.

Prior to talking to Dr. D I spoke with Diana, Dar's swing shift nurse and she told me that she was able to spend some time talking to Dar and looking at pictures of Maverick. Diana said that Dar would smile and follow right along.

Stewart called on the phone last night as well and says Tosha continues to take small steps just like Dar. Stu says he is going to take the long way around to Palo Alto (stanford) on Saturday and stop by and see Dar/Maverick and I at Kentfield. Super neat family. I will look forward to seeing him.

Well, gotta go to the grocery store this morning before work, at least I need to go I might just stay in and drink coffee. Talk to you all soon, later today, tonight, maybe from the hospital tomorrow morning. Keep those prayers coming, and remember "We love you all".

Thanks again Rosa, Mike, Dennis, Darci

Love Ya,

Dar/Mav/Danny

"Wages Creek Honeymoon, Linda and Dar"

02-19-2009

0430 hours.

Well, since loosing our Angel Eyes it has been a little more difficult to get reports of Dar's progress.

I can tell you that I call 3 times a day and check on her. So far when I call she is resting peacefully. Last night when I called I learned that she had been moved but yet again.

After Dar's folks and sister left I received a call on Monday that they were going to move Dar's room. Ok, no big deal, I knew her nurses and was ok with the move, well, last night after being on hold for what seemed to be an eternity I learned that Dar had been moved from Unit 2 room 306a back to Unit 1, room 211 A. This time I did not receive a call. So, as you can well imagine I will be finding out what the reasons are this morning.

Tosha is doing very well, her mom and dad and I stay in touch everyday. Tosha got her speaking valve yesterday and got to talk to mom for 45 minutes and dad later on that evening befor dropping off to sleep. Stu and Carol are just totally excited to hear Tosha' s voice. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, Tosha has a team of 4 doctors working on her behalf. Mom and dad are very happy and Tosha is receiving lots of attention. She too was moved again yesterday closer to her medical team.

Oh, Dr. Doherty is going to email me when she knows the direction they will pursue regarding Dar's successful completion of the last dye test. I look forward to see what direction they are going to go. Maybe that has something to do with the move, we will see.

I will keep you posted as the day progress and I learn more info.

Dar/Danny/Mav

" Ranger Mav" "This is just tooooo much fun"

02-17-2009

0431 hours

Well, dad found out last night that Dar's family all got home safely. I guess Diane had some interesting things happen on the train, but dad will have to get more details.

Dar's mom and dad hit lots of rain but made it safely to sister Christine's without incident.

Dad talked to moms folks and Christine just before we went to bed last night and they said they had a good time with mom and that she was definatley better than she was the last time they saw her. Diane told dad the same thing the night before on the phone. Diane was excited that mom remembers something that happend between the two of them 12 years ago. Mom smiled at Diane during the story.

If you have been following the posts and check out the comment section you have learned that mom "did" pass her last and very important blue dye test. The last test is the overnighter and mom had to pass it. Now the doctors will meet probably today and begin to discuss stuff related to moms sleep apniea and equipment that might be needed as they ween mom off the trach. Dad has already made some calls to some Lincare company.

Mom got moved yesterday since Tosha left and the room they shared was a dyalisis room they moved mom cuz they were bringing in a new patient. Dad new this might happen if Tosha were to go back to Stanford so he was not too surprized. Dad did find out that he has worked with moms day/swing shift nurses, Maritess and Geesha, so that made him feel better. Dad calls the hospital everyday 3 times a day, once during each shift. Dad called a little bit ago and moms graveyard nurse, Diane, was busy. Dad will call back shortly.

Dad just talked to Diane, moms graveyard nurse and she told dad that they just changed mom and repositioned her. and mom has been sleeping fitfully. Now dad knows all the nurses names and he has told them that he will call during each of the shifts during the week until he returns on the weekends.

Dad continues to talk to Carol, Stewart and Tosha, in fact 3-4-5 times a day. Tosha is doing well and both mom and dad took a little time over the weekend to get some much needed rest.Tosha's mom and dad were both off work Sun/Mon.

Well, you know it will be different now that we don't have our "angel eyes" looking over Dar but dad will continue to keep you posted as best he can. Dad will find a way to have information to share with you all. He's good at that.

Well everyone please keep those prayers going and comment if you like to the blog and please please remember, we love you all for all of your support and prayers. Barkatcha ya'all later, paws for now.

"The Awesome One, Maverick"

" Request from Lorrie and Jerry"

02-15-2009

1915 hours

Dear Friends and Family, to specifically include Stuart, Carol, Tasha and Sue, as well as Dr. Debra Doherty, Dr. Susan Waters:

Hopefully Dan can figure out how to post this to the blog....Jerry and I (Lorrie) would like to take this time to Thank EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU, as well as all those around us who take a moment out of each day to say a little prayer! Jamie and Brian, where would one start? Yet another miracle and so timely!

Last night we got the courage to watch the movie "Pay it Forward" Little did we know the parallels that would impact us. One small child trying to help three people, and those three had to help three more, etc, etc. Sure there are some failures and futility in those attempts, but this child strived to make a difference.

Looking back from the beginning of this tradgedy, it has been blessed with so many who give of time and prayers. When times seem to be at their bleakest, something great happens.

We were very sad to lose our Tasha family, they were our eyes and ears during the week and they still are continuing to check in with Dan. I know at some point in time we will all meet. They have a very special girl who is where she needs to be now and we will continue to pray for her full recovery. They are family to us, united by a tragedy in their lives as in ours, but we held each other up, with faith and love~

I'm not really sure how it "all began" with Dan and Dar...but she is the best thing that ever happened to him. His dedication to her is unwavering, many would have might have made other choices, but not Dan, he knew, despite her petite frame, is a fighter and survivor, she's fought more battles in her short life than anyone should have to, but more important is she won those battles, with Dan by her side and those of us who really know her. She's a dignified stoic young gal, not easily opening to many, but we had some quiet "girl" time. Dan has not and will not ask for anything, I wish he would so we could know what more we could do. I would love a scrap book of cards from well wishers. When she wakes totally and wonders where these weeks have gone, she will know that there were so many who prayed and read to keep up on daily accomplishments or days when nothing happened. The separation factor is huge for Dan, they did everything together, the three of them, yep, Maverick. They worked together, played (hard) together. Best buds.

After reading this, it would be our hope for 2 things, rent the movie, and do something "nice" for someone. Someone who is in hardship, some stranger you don't know, then ask them to do the same.

If you care to send a card, you may do so at Dan Mardilla, for Darlene c/o 406 Black Oak Dr. Chico, California. They will be safely tucked into an album for her to review at a later date. Forever in your debt. Thank you, you brilliant doctors, you are truly a credit to your profession, one I have been in 35+ years! However this is a new system problem for me, for which I know little of.

God Bless and Keep you all!

Jerry and Lorrie

" Happy Valentines Day to everyone"

02-15-2009

0735 hours

Good morning everyone. Darlene and I would like to take this opportunity to say that we hope you had a wonderful Valentines Day and are enjoying this very wet and windy weather. Darlene and I celebrated Valentines Day on Friday as I returned back to the house late.

Dar's mom and dad arrived late in the afternoon on Friday and Diane was expected to be in on Amtrak on Saturday morning. The rooms are rather small so I took advantage of the long weekend to come back late on Friday and pay bills and run errands over the weekend.

Dar had a great day on Friday and we spent a couple of hours in the lobby talking and laughing and watching the weather change from sun to rain. Dar was in great spirits and enjoyed the time greatly. She worked hard in all of her therapy sessions and was really tired by the time her mom and dad arrived.

Mid afternoon I put Dar's speaking cap on and we worked with her on her sounds and how they might relate to yes and no. She was really, really tired and experiencing some discomfort because her muscle tone is returning and they work her pretty hard through the day. So, instead some yes/no sounds we got to hear how much Dar can tell us that she is in pain. Man, that girls has got a set of lungs, she was making it pretty darn clear that she was not happy. I had the nurse give her a little medication to ease the pain.

Late Friday evening Dr. Doherty came to see Dar and we chatted about her progress. Dr. D. is very pleased with what she is seeing. She even had me work with Dar on some responce questions that Dar answered very well. The responces were simple but excited Dr. D that Dar was responding to questions with her eyes and "focalizing" when asked.

We talked about her medication and Dr. D reminded me that we want Dar to relax and heal and she will have an easier time of doing that if she is not in pain. Dar has her way of communicating with us. It is with facial expressions as we have talked and shared with you before. Once Dar's "tells", (changing/reposition), have been eliminated it would probably be a good bet that she might be experiencing some pain, so, give her a little something so she can rest. Perfectly acceptable. A good thing.

I left about 9:00 pm on Friday to return home with Mav.

Saturday, mom/dad and Diane spent the day with Dar and Diane was so gracious to braid Dar's hair again. Sue Gillen and I washed and conditioned Dar's hair on Friday afternoon and Dar's mom and I brushed it out through the evening to let it dry.

Diane and mom, and maybe even dad (not sure), trimmed fingernails, toenails and continued the lavender creams on Dar's hands, legs and arms. Spoke briefly with Diane and she said Dar smiled much of the day but did not laugh a whole lot. Diane tells me that she had a good time with her sister. I am thankful they are having this time with Dar.

I recieved some exciting news regarding Tosha late in the afternoon. Carol texted me that Tosha was being transferred back to Stanford wher she started some 30 plus days ago. Was a total surprise to mom and dad and kinda caught them off-guard. Stewart texted me about 9:30 that they were finally on their way.

Well, you have probably figured out already how hard this hit when I learned this. So so happy for Tosha and her folks but so so so sad to loose our Gaurdian Angels for Dar. I know that God has already started finding our "new angel/angels" and maybe our "angels" will be in a different form, might be just some good quiet time and sleep time for Dar is what the doctor ordered. Doc. D explained to me again last night after I emailed her that sleep again is Dar's best tool., especially at night, Dar needs to get good rest at night, especially after working so hard during the day. Doc D suggested that if I am up around mid-nite or 5:00 am I might call the nurses station and ask Dar's nurse to look in on Dar and check to see if she is resting well. Also allow me to relax a bit too.

Doc D continues to suggest that I keep my visits to the weekends until Dar is really needing me there more.

Dar' s muscle tone and body support continue to improve and when she is ready and needs me there more regularly you can bet I will be there.

We are so happy and proud of Tosha and it hurts so much to loose those eyes and ears for Dar, but we have made a new family and this new family will continue to grow in frienship and love for one another. Stewart has already told me that he will be calling over there to check on Dar. All of us will stay in touch, "texting" will still continue as it has, nights/weekends/days, emails will fly to home computers, phone calls will continue. There is just going to be a little distance between folks that have grown to care and respect one another. Kinda like the distance between Dar and I and all of you. I know that this is/will be/ going to be hard for you folks too. I may not have my connection at the hospital that will allow me to keep you as informed as you have been. It is very hard to get "good info" over the phone. It is even hard to get through to the Nurses station during the day, probably why Doc D,. suggested midnight/5:00 am.

I am sure things will work out, work the way they are supposed to and weekends will become very important to me and I'm sure you also.

I am not worried in the least about the Stewart's and Mardilla friendship, we are bonded and connected for life. Just like so many of you, so many I don't even know, have not met, hope to meet, look forward to meeting we are all bonded together by one thing.

DARLENE.

Darlene and her love for all. Her faith that is so strong and so selfliss, just as she is, that thinks of others long before she will think of herself. Her fabulous personality, a personality and happines that does not need the ability to speak words. A stature that is tall but yet so tiny, a beauty that is best shown by her inner strength, complimented by her outer beauty.

Yea, I'm pretty damn proud of my best friend, pretty damn proud to be her husband, pretty damn proud to be a part of her "life". I love you Darlene, Happy Valentines Day. Happy Valentines Day to all of our friends, new friends, family and new family. Darlene and I love you all.

Gotta go, keyboard is getting soaked. Post later as I learn more through the day.

Words don't get it done everyone, Thank you all I love you

Danny Mardilla

1200 hours

Just called the hospital, no word yet as to whether Dar passed her overnight blue dye test. I have requested that Dar try to be moved near the window, where Tosha was. Sliding window, sunshine, view of the outdoors, could be good for Dar. Keep you posted.

" This travel'in is hard on the body, 4 both of us"

02-12-2009

1323 hours

Well, dad and I are at the hospital, got here bout 9:00. Traffic was not to bad at all. I just love getting dad to stop so I can take care of business or just because I like to bug him with my whimper. I got mom and dad so tied around my paw. Sometimes I whimper just cuz I know it bugs him. At night though I am just as quite as a mouse, even I have'nt figured that one out.

Well dad got a text message from Stewart last night about 8:30 or so and said that Dr. Doherty was examining mom. Dad texted back and asked Stu to learn what he could. Stu replied that the curtains were drawn and he could not hear too much.

Dad got the idea to email Dr. Doherty and tell her that he was texting the Gaurdian Angels as she was examining mom. He asked the doctor how mom was doing and if moms hair met expectations. Dad really did not think he would hear from the doctor but would'nt you know it Doctor Doherty replied back about 10:00.

Doc said that Dars hair was perfect and really cute. In fact here is her note back to dad

hi. hair looks great.i will see you on thursday. dar's neurologic exam looked better today - she was more responsive with better eye control to look to her left. we'll keep doing what we are doing. dr. d

Dad really felt good about this, went to bed right after.

Dad told me that when he got here this morning mom was asleep in her chair and was ready for physical therapy. He told me that when he told mom that he was there mom was startled and woke right up and when dad asked for a smile she gave it to him. He said that she even stuck her tongue out at him and gave him a little pucker for a kiss, keep in mind dad did not ask for one but I think mom has heard it so much she did it on her own.

Dad also got to put moms speaking cap on and mom heard her voice and dad even made her belly laugh. Linda, the speech therapist asked dad if he would consider allowing mom to be a teaching aide for her remote class that she teaches at San Fransico State on Thursdays. Not many people get asked to do this Linda told dad and only the special patients are considered. I think dad was pretty proud of mom and the impression she has made on everyone here. Linda is very pleased with Dar's progress and loves to hear mom laugh. She has even combined a couple of the jokes that make mom laugh and boy o boy you should see mom laugh. It is fun to watch.

Mom was with her speaking cap with dad right by her side for about an hour, oxygen saturation was perfect. It is a little stressful on dad but he is getting used to it, it is really nice to hear mom again and listen to her imatate sounds and laugh.

Oh, I almost forgot, mom is scheduled to have her third blue dye tet tonight, so please say your prayers b 4 bed that mom passes and she can have ice cream like her roomy Tosha. yep Tosha pased her last test the other day and gets to have ice cream as desired. Pretty cool huh. Kinda like after you got your tonsils out. I really want mom to pass this test. Please say your prayers tonight.

Mom has really made some good progress, supporting her head some, dad saw her move her left arm several times today, she coughs real good with the speaking cap on, could be processing some requests for actions. All really good stuff.

Mom's sister and mom and dad are coming in this weekend starting tomorrow and dad has decided to head back home tomorrow night after moms parents get here. Dad said he is going to ask moms sister to trim,cut and beautify moms nails. They are really getting long. Sue from the Day Salon said she was going to try to get here Friday as well and "dry shampoo" moms hair. Sue was really great to come and take care of moms hair. I owe her a big sloppy lick, (its ok, she is a dog lover"), you know she will love Mr. Awesome.

Well dad tells me that he needs to get back and check on mom to see if she is still asleep and/or if she needs anything. Dad said to tell everyone that he will try to write to you all once we get to the motel.

Well thats it for now, Paws to all of you and thanks for helping and encouraging dad, remember you can always leave a note for him at the bottom of each post.

Bark atcha all later,

Maverick

2040 hours

Well dad and I just got to our room and I got my treat and my medication.

Overheard dad talking to aunt lorrie about how proud he was of mom and the progress that she has made in the last few days. He told lorrie and Jerry that he thought mom was going to pop up and slapp him silly. He told them that mom was very animated and happy this afternoon. All of her therapists are excited about her progress. I know dad misses mom a whole bunch but he smiles just a little bit more when mom has a really good day.

As I have told you all be 4 I do my best to make him smile but I know he really misses mom, heck I miss all our trips to the Post Office and to the Wally World. Dad won't let me wow the girls in other cars like mom does. She thinks its really funny when I flirt with the other lady drivers. Oooooopppps better watch my rep

Well folks, bark atcha all tomorrow, probably during the day. I think dad may leave here to late to post tomorrow night. Thanks again to everyone ..

Mister Maverick/Mom/Dad

"Dar's ponytail, donated to "Locks for Love"

02-11-2009

0542 hours

Yesterday Sue Gillen, owner of Sue Gillen's Salon and Day Spa and a former patient of Kentfield Rehab Hospital graciously cut and styled Dar's hair.

Eleven months ago Sue had a non malignant brain tumor removed and did her rehab at Kentfield. When I met Sue and she told me her story it was another examples of the miracles and success at Kentfield.

When contacted by my sister Sue volunteered to "pay it forward" and cut and style Dar's at no charge. Another small miracle in Dar's Recovery.

I have not talked to Sue as yet but Stewart tells me by way of "texting" that Dar still has two small ponytails. As I said before Dar's hair was donated to Locks for Love with the exception of a small piece wrapped in ribbon for me.

I think it would be great that if you feel so inclined that a short email to Sue, suegillen2@comcast.net, would be a great way for us to thank her for her gracious act. Sue does not know Dar, she did not know me until recently and was still gracious enough to "give " of her time to someone in need.

Isn't this truely what being "free" is all about. With all the troubles we all face everyday there are still those (angels) willing and able to step up and forward for the sake of those in need. To help the those they don't even know just because they care and maybe just maybe they want to "pay it forward".

Thank you Sue, you are truely an angel, as are so many following Dar's Recovery, thank you all.

A short note to Sue, maybe a visit if you are in the area, maybe just a short prayer of thanks to the man upstairs for this special person that was given another chance at life and wants to pass it on and live life to the fullest. Again Sue, thank you, I will be in touch. Live life to the fullest.

I will post again tonight as I learn more of Dar's new doo.

Have a wonderfull day everyone

Danny