words and photos by Bill Hatcher
Hi All, When I went to visit Marilyn and Gareth last week at University hospital I made some photos. These photos are from the first days in the ICU. Marilyn's room was decorated with many photos including her high school graduating class and her adventures with Gareth as well as her life and travels with her adorable dogs from Vanderbilt to Colorado.
When Marilyn first opened her eyes Gareth was at her side and she was surrounded by family and friends. But there was much work to be done to help Marilyn and to deal with the myriad of details of Marilyn and Gareths new world.
A communications post was set up just outside the ICU to field calls, meet with visitors as well as to begin this blog.
We kept busy contacting Marilyn's friends, Marilyn's Mom and Dad, who were at Marilyn's side through all of this, were a great help in contacting friends from Marilyn's high school and college days. We also received many calls from friends and family. Gareth, when he was not at Marilyns side, was on the phone. In the first few days there were hundreds of calls made and received. Gareth often had to make calls from the hallway since reception inside the ICU was poor.
The first few days in the ICU were so stressful as Marilyn's condition was being assessed. Each hour in the ICU would bring new news from the excellent team of doctors and nurses working with Marilyn. I watched as friends and family talked to Marilyn. When she had the strength she seemed to try and comfort them with a smile or hand movement. My three days in the ICU went by so fast it seems a blur.
Marilyn is now out of the ICU and in rehab. Her injuries are healing and her progress is positive. She is taking strong steps toward fully waking up. Her recovery will require time and plenty of love and care from her friends. Thank you all who have visited Marilyn and have reached out to help Marilyn. That kind of love has no measure in the degree it helps Marilyn in her recovery.
Bill
5 comments:
Wow what a day! I had the pleasure of getting to spend the afternoon with Marilyn. Gareth and Chris got a brief respite and got to go out to the local greasy spoon for lunch. The afternoon started out slowly with Marilyn mostly resting and sleeping, intermixed with an occasional moment of wakefulness. As the afternoon progressed she became more alert and I kew that she knew I was there with her. I got some great hand squeezes and intense eye contact. When I was lamenting the bad TV that I left on in the room and said that I wish I had a good book to read to her, she nodded her head in agreement. Later when Gareth and Chris had returned and after several more naps, Marilyn woke again and was clearly looking and responding to us. When Gareth made some joking comment about Ella and her farts we even got a smile!
Next the Birn-feld family circus returned from an outing to the Denver science museum. For those of you who don’t know my family, we are a loud crazy bunch. Marilyn, having basically lived with us for six months in Chinle, knows that energy well. I gave her ample warning and then in came Bernie, Matan (6y/o), and Ariel (3 ½). The kids went and stood by her side and Marilyn’s eyes lit up! She gave a wave and a hand squeeze and even tried to speak. It was a wonderful moment.
Marilyn used to come over to our house in Chinle after a long frustrating day of work to get her “Ariel therapy”. Marilyn was in the delivery room with us when Ariel was born and the two of them have a special connection. Marilyn would lay with infant Ariel asleep on her chest and let the craziness of work slip away. I am glad we were able to get her a dose of Ariel therapy today.
Everyday Marilyn is making progress. Some steps are small and some are larger. She is still sleeping and resting a great deal. I can only imaging how exhausting each new step must be for her. She is amazingly strong and is showing us her strength. This is clearly going to be a long road to recovery, but Marilyn is already forging her path as she is so apt to do.
Gareth – you are absolutely amazing. It is your love and energy that is supporting Marilyn’s progress.
Marilyn – Matan is ready to have his co-pilot back for all his playground adventures.
Keep on healing my love.
Rachel
I cannot thank you all enough for posting all the updates of Marilyn's condition and progress. I find myself checking in on this site many times a day to get the latest update... and i am so heartened by this latest news. See you soon Mer!
Love to you and Gareth,
Sarah Palermo
The photos and updates are so great for those of us far away, but wanting to be near. I find you both in my thoughts often. Friends of mine in Mancos who have heard me speak of you both over the years, but have yet to meet you, ask for news on how Marilyn is doing. Support comes from many angles for you, Marilyn.
And all are delighted to hear that you are waking up!
Gareth, you truly know how to stand by your woman. Your love and commitment to Marilyn can be felt by all. Keep up the good lovin'!
Pam
Hey M,
So unfortunately u are in a bit of a pickle right now...but I do need to inform u that the GA Bullogs beat Vanderbilt this weekend. I am sure right at this moment u are conjuring up some sassy comment to compensate for Vanderbilt's loss, don't sweat it. We are in Athens, GA right now (we attended our friends wedding) we will purchase some Bulldog swag for you to keep in your room while you recover. Smile
We love you and you are in are thoughts and prayers everyday!!!
Peace,
Chad, Bojo, Chiko and Omally
Ps Gareth we love u too man!!! Hang in there.
Hi Gareth and Marilyn!
It is so fantastic to hear of this great progress Marilyn is making!!!! YES!!
It is also really good to know of all the great friends and family who are there with you both.
I am sorry to hear of Vanderbilt's loss to GA, but don't worry...the Rockies look poised for the World Series (keep fingers and toes crossed), and from your brother's post I get the impression that you are a baseball player and fan!! Learned something new about you Marilyn!
Love and light to you both!
Tracy
Post a Comment