Hardware and Software

   Day 5 started out with a bang!  Kirk was moved from ICU to room 486.  Yes, it was at 3 AM but the doctor had decided of all of the ICU patients he was the one doing the best!!! You've got to take great news every time you can!!

   I told Kirk it's almost like we have moved from the Hilton to Motel 6.  ICU rooms were BIG. Our room is much smaller but that is good as visitors don't stay quite as long and Kirk gets a bit more rest.  I hope you all took that in the most positive way possible;)

   Angela, Dr. Gardner's Nurse Practitioner, came by to see us in the morning. Wow!  She is so knowledgeable and just as fun and friendly as Dr. Gardner.  She was even able to show us x-rays of the hardware they have installed in "Superfly" Bertelsen. It is absolutely amazing what these doctor's can do.

   They have stopped the pain meds going into Kirk's epidural which has increased his pain quite a bit.  He spent most of the day at a 6 or 7 but that did not stop him from walking with the therapists.  He made 3 laps around the nurses station and they were about to take him to his room when the therapist mentioned that 3 laps on this floor was equal to 2 laps in ICU.  Kirk made them do one more lap.  Well paint me surprised!

   Tomorrow is going to be a BIG day.  The plan is to actually remove the epidural and possibly the catheter.  The chest tube may come out also if his fluid output is acceptable.  The doctor told us it would be a rough couple of days but also said he will feel so much better after the chest tube is out.

   The girls continue to be at Kirk's side most of the day.  What a blessing.  They attend to his needs, feeding him, making sure he has everything right at hand.  We have only had immediate family visitors today and Kirk has been able to get more rest.  It was so good to see our nephew Jake, who will be getting married on Saturday!! We are so excited for him and sad not to be right in the middle of things with them.  My brother Kevin also came by and that did our hearts so good.  He always so fun to visit with.  Kenny, our oldest nephew was the last visitor of the day.  For those of you that know him, yes....he was rockin' his high pony.  For those of you that don't know him.....we have encouraged a haircut to which he said "It's here to stay and I am going to go test it out on one of the nurses."  He makes us laugh so much!  These heartfelt and emotional visits have softened the blows of the last few days and we feel so blessed.

   Kenny was very reflective with Kirk.  He was on the ride with Kirk and Steven when this happened and we worry that BOTH of them feel like this is their fault.  Let me assure everyone...this was meant to happen.  Whether they were riding motorcycles or walking down the street, we are meant to be on this adventure.  We are meant to slow things down and be more grateful for the things we have been blessed with. We are meant to appreciate the small and simple things in each moment.  Life has been going to fast, too furious....like a REALLY bad movie;)

   If you haven't ever read the book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, I highly suggest it.  In fact, it is your reading assignment for this weekend. (There is a movie for you slow readers) It is a super fast read and you should be able to get through it.  Bertelsen fam...you are excused from this assignment for the weekend ONLY because of the wedding.  After reading this you will come to understand that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!! We may not know it today or ever in this earth life, but at some point in our existence, we will know the whys.

   I have been trying to send this pics of the hardware to the blog but I am having a tough time.  Keep checking back ...I'll get them here somehow.

   How do we ever thank all of you for your love, messages, prayers and support.  We will truly be indebted to you forever.  Love to you all!