July 30-4 1830

Tyler sounded whooped. He had a good afternoon and now has his cell phone. He still has a low grade fever, but feels well, and is looking forward to a good night sleep.

“Small minds discuss people. Average minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.”
- Unknown

July 30-3 1615

After being assigned lunch, Grammy got the staff to give Tyler a menu so he could select his dinner. His Mom is bringing him his cell phone this evening, and I'm bringing him Taco Bell for lunch tomorrow. These events has only mildly attenuate Ty's disappointment over not visiting home this weekend.


I came upon a doctor who appeared in quite poor health. I said, 'There's nothing that I can do for you that you can't do for yourself.' He said, 'Oh yes you can. Just hold my hand. I think that that would help.' So I sat with him a while then I asked him how he felt. He said, 'I think I'm cured. Thank you, stranger, for your therapeutic smile.'
~ Conor Oberst

July 30-2 1300

Tyler was in better spirits, and less pain today, and had the cranial drain removed. He is running a low grade fever, therefore won't be coming home this weekend. This was very upsetting for all of us, especially Tyler. Poor kid has been through so much. On the up side, Grammy and Marty brought Ty a double beef cheeseburger with a side salad for an appetiser before the actual lunch.
He is in room 922, and we don't have details regarding his discharge yet.

July 30-1 0700

My apologies for the lack of blog yesterday, it was busy, and the day just got away from me. Tyler was in some pain and discomfort yesterday AM, but it seem to abate as the day went on due to medication, and time. He has been moved to 9 North, and I have to wait for shift change reports to be complete to get an update. As of yet, we are uncertain regarding disposition or discharge days.

"It was courage, faith, endurance and a dogged determination to surmount all obstacles that built this bridge."- -John J. Watson

July 29-1 0600

Tyler had a good night, and was still sleeping as of this report (he earned it). All his vitals are fine, and he's recovering comfortably. Thanks to all for the love, support, and encouragement.

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.
-Numbers 6:24-26

July 28-3 2300

It's been the type of day which requires some reflection to fully grasp the entire scope. Bottom line, Ty did terrific and all went well. The relief felt by everyone is tremendous. After surgery, Tyler was place on the 9th floor ICU, the same place we started 11 weeks ago. Irony?

July 28-2 1100

Ty is doing well under the supervision of Mom and Grammy, I'll be there at 12:30. The staff are preparing to take him to pre-op, then away we go. I'll try and update the blog, but it may have to wait until later when I have easier access to a computer.

July 28-1 0830

Tyler is a little apprehensive (understandable), but in good spirits. His Mom is on the way to pick him up and bring him to Hfd Hosp. Comparatively speaking, this isn't as major, or urgent of a procedure as we've had in the past, but I can't help but have butterflies the size of pterodactyls floating inside of me. There is comfort in the fact that Ty has the best neuro-staff working with him, and we have the prayers of the Tyler alliance behind us (thanks to all). Details to follow.

July 27-3 1720

Tyler had a good day, and it's his turn to make dinner. Burritos for everyone. After dinner the group is going to rent some movies and take it easy, tomorrow is a big day. The surgery is scheduled for 12:30 with a 10:30 hospital report time. Ty's Mom is driving him from Traurig House to Hartford Hospital where Grammy will meet him. I will be stopping in after my classes, about the time he's in recovery. Tyler remains a little apprehensive, but committed to the path.

Although men are accused of not knowing their own weakness, yet perhaps few know their own strength. It is in men as in soils, where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of.
-Jonathan Swift

July 27-2 1300

Tyler was excited to get his laptop back. He looks great, and is both nervous and ecstatic to get tomorrow's big event over with. The final arrangements are being made, and we are still expecting Ty to be home for this weekend.

* And each man stand with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

July 27-1 0700

The gang saw the movie Zoo Keeper. Tyler says it was pretty funny. He's getting ready for breakfast and another full day of therapies. Josh and I are going to visit later this AM and drop off his repaired laptop. Ty is psyched, the screen will easier to see than the notebook screen (which was lovingly donated by Heidi F. for Ty's use in the interim).

“It takes more courage to reveal insecurities than to hide them, more strength to relate to people than to dominate them, more 'manhood' to abide by thought-out principles rather than blind reflex. Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.”
-Alex Karras quotes

July 26-3 1720

A good day at PT, combined with a few more tests to confirm his readiness for Thursday's procedure. Tyler and his posse are going to the movies this evening, and Josh and I picked up Ty's previously injured laptop at the shop.


Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
-Lao Tzu quotes

July 26-2 1211

Tyler did well during his AM sessions, and is waiting for his favorite part of the mid-day hour... lunch. More work is scheduled for this afternoon, and he is already sounding a bit tired.

Strength is a matter of the made up mind.
-John Beecher

July 26-1 0900

Ty had a good night, and is ready for another day of therapy. Thursday's reconstruction surgery is scheduled for 11:00, his Mom and Grammy will be there in the AM and I'll arrive after my classes. Obviously this is a far less serious surgery than occurred last time the neurosurgeon saw him, but we are all still apprehensive. Once complete, we hope things will take off at break neck speed for Tyler.

Be faithful in small things, because it is in them that your strength lies.
-Mother Teresa

PS

We went over the 75,000 page views of Tyler's blog. All the ongoing love, prayer and support from our incredibly large extended family is one of the pillars that has maintained us throughout this very trying time. Thanks again to all.

July 25-4 1930

The Walmart safari was a success, Tyler got 2 new CDs, and is comfortably listening to music and relaxing. Everyone stops by to say "Hi" to Tyler and express how hard he's working towards his recovery... I couldn't be more proud. At breakfast this AM several staff, I didn't recognize, came by to say hello. The kid could run for Mayor.

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.”
-Unknown

July 25-3 1630

I found out, I was the only one shooting to save the simulated hostage in the middle (in red). Apparently both boys thought it was a set up and took out the hostage.

Josh readying targets for Tyler Earp.

Ty hasn't lost his touch, not bad from 20 yards with a pistol. He's preparing for the impending Zombie invasion.

Osama Bin Pollock seeking his lost camel.

Tyler is doing great so far, seemingly unaffected by this mornings tube yanking (get your minds out of the gutter). He has gotten on with his therapy without missing a step. Soon dinner and and a journey to Walmart to admire America at it's commercial finest

At long last, I posted the pics from the target range, as promised.

July 25-3 1315

All is well for the time being, Tyler is following his rehab schedule and finishing a well deserved lunch. I'm continually amazed at the strength and fortitude, both emotionally and physically continually displayed by this big hearted young man. Tonight the staff is planning an outing to Walmart (the fun never ends at The Traurig House... Disney World move over).

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

July 25-2 0840

That was quick, all that trepidation for a 10 second procedure. Once again anticipation is worse than the experience. The APRN who did the removal was terrific, there was a tugging, a popping noise, and it was over. Tyler was unbelievably relieved, he couldn't stop chuckling. He has to remain flat on his back for an hour, then it's off to the cafe for a complimentary breakfast, and right back to work. This is one more of the many steps along the road to recovery. The biggest event is still to come. Thursday Tyler has his skull reconstruction surgery at Hartford Hospital. I'll pass along the details as we get them.

Rise up, this matter is in your hands, we will support you, so take courage and do it.
-Ezra 10:4

July 25-1 0710

Ty is a bit nervous (when I arrived, he was sitting on the side of his bed fully dressed) but was just reassured by the nurse regarding the details of the procedure (removal of the gastric tube) . He feels a bit better, or at least says he does.

From the horses mouth:
I've been walking more than before, and it seems to easier all the time. Also, I'm excited to get the GI tube removed.

July 24-1 2200

Sorry for the absence of Blog, it's been quite the fun and action filled weekend. First, thanks to Gabrielle for picking Tyler up Friday afternoon, this was appreciated very much. Sunday, Ty had visitors, and dinner at his Moms, after the action packed Saturday, He's got to be worn out. Tomorrow at 8:00 he takes another step forward with the removal of the GI tube, which he hasn't needed for weeks. The rules state, once the tube is attached, it has to remain in for at least 6 weeks. Finally it comes out. The procedure is relatively uncomplicated, but there's still some anxiety on Tyler's part, so I'm planning on being there to cheer him on. I'll get those pix from Saturday downloaded tomorrow afternoon, promise.