I've been spending almost all my time at the hospital while I can. At TIRR, I can't spend overnights except maybe once or twice. M's had more tests, nothing major really. Every day he seems to improve slightly. One of the nurses told me the brain heals about one-ninth the rate of the rest of the body so that it takes nine days to heal what the body could heal in one. And M is expected to be home around the beginning of April. We have our work cut out for us!
Romans 8: 26-35
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
TIRR evaluation
Today I had a lovely visit with several friends, but especially from an old dear friend who has experience in neural stimulation. She brought a whole program for M that we began to practice. We also had a visit with a nurse manager from TIRR, who deemed M ready for TIRR. We'll have to check insurance though, and may make a stop at a long-term acute care hospital along the way if we don't have enough benefits to take full advantage of TIRR right away.
M was more tired today, the result undoubtedly of having bueacoup visitors Sunday. We did see the inkling of a half-smile a time or two, though.
Please hold us up in prayer. I feel torn even more ways now and have more paperwork to juggle. Bessings all.
M was more tired today, the result undoubtedly of having bueacoup visitors Sunday. We did see the inkling of a half-smile a time or two, though.
Please hold us up in prayer. I feel torn even more ways now and have more paperwork to juggle. Bessings all.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
A wonderful old hymn
We sang this today and I've always loved it.
Today we sang this hymn in church.
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
Refrain:How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:How marvelous!
How wonderful is my Savior's love for me!
For me it was in the garden he prayed: "Not my will, but thine."
He had no tears for his own griefs, but sweat-drops of blood for mine. (Refrain)
In pity angels beheld him, and came from the world of light
to comfort him in the sorrows he bore for my soul that night. (Refrain)
He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own;
he bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone. (Refrain)
When with the ransomed in glory his face I at last shall see, '
twill be my joy through the ages to sing of his love for me. (Refrain)
Text: Charles H. Gabriel Music: Charles H. Gabriel
Today we sang this hymn in church.
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
Refrain:How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:How marvelous!
How wonderful is my Savior's love for me!
For me it was in the garden he prayed: "Not my will, but thine."
He had no tears for his own griefs, but sweat-drops of blood for mine. (Refrain)
In pity angels beheld him, and came from the world of light
to comfort him in the sorrows he bore for my soul that night. (Refrain)
He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own;
he bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone. (Refrain)
When with the ransomed in glory his face I at last shall see, '
twill be my joy through the ages to sing of his love for me. (Refrain)
Text: Charles H. Gabriel Music: Charles H. Gabriel
Another great verse from a friend
Proverbs 3: 5,6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (NKJV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." (NKJV)
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Hurrah! a private room
Today M was moved to a private room, which means we now have chairs we can sit in and the visiting hours are vastly expanded. We've brought in a CD player and have music playing for him and posters and photos right where he can see. All this is to stimulate M's brain to preserve old connections and make new ones. He seemed very interested in watching the children and he seems to respond on occasion to requests for him to open his mouth.
M's sister and I also visited TIRR to learn more about it and the admission process. He'll probably be evaluated Monday by a nurse manager, who, together with a physician at TIRR, will decide if he's ready to benefit from their services. It's an amazing place, so please pray he'll be ready.
I have always loved the verse below. M and I are people of the word. The Word can mean the Bible, the Word of God, and we are devoted Christians. But also we love words. Reading and speaking give us pleasure and we each earn our livings by skillful understanding and use of words. The neurosurgeon said last week that once M said his first word, the pace of improvement would accelerate. Please pray that the word, in all senses, is preserved or will be restored for M.
God bless you all. Thank you for your prayers, concern, and help.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1: 1-9
M's sister and I also visited TIRR to learn more about it and the admission process. He'll probably be evaluated Monday by a nurse manager, who, together with a physician at TIRR, will decide if he's ready to benefit from their services. It's an amazing place, so please pray he'll be ready.
I have always loved the verse below. M and I are people of the word. The Word can mean the Bible, the Word of God, and we are devoted Christians. But also we love words. Reading and speaking give us pleasure and we each earn our livings by skillful understanding and use of words. The neurosurgeon said last week that once M said his first word, the pace of improvement would accelerate. Please pray that the word, in all senses, is preserved or will be restored for M.
God bless you all. Thank you for your prayers, concern, and help.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. John 1: 1-9
Scripture
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17-18
Friday, February 23, 2007
A very busy day
We all had a busy day today. M remains about the same. I would prefer improvement, but same is good for now. This morning, the thinking was M would be transferred to a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH), not being ready for rehab. But then the decision was made to at least order a review by The Institute of Rehabilitation and Research. So that will take place in the next few days. Somewhere in that time frame, M will be moved to a room where we can stay for longer than twenty minutes every two hours (the current visitation schedule). He also had an MRI today which will determine if the cervical collar (hot and uncomfortable) can be removed from around his neck.
A special visitor came today, an uncle of friends of ours, who happens to be a neurologist. He examined M, looked at some of his records, taught me some exercises to do with M and said he thought M would be much more aware in a few days. What happy news to hear. We can't keep this neurologist, though, he's going back home to Taiwan very soon. But we did get recommendations for another neurologist, who may come see M this weekend. And all, have a wonderful weekend!
...those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”- Proverbs 14:22
A special visitor came today, an uncle of friends of ours, who happens to be a neurologist. He examined M, looked at some of his records, taught me some exercises to do with M and said he thought M would be much more aware in a few days. What happy news to hear. We can't keep this neurologist, though, he's going back home to Taiwan very soon. But we did get recommendations for another neurologist, who may come see M this weekend. And all, have a wonderful weekend!
...those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”- Proverbs 14:22
About M's career
Information as of 2006
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Since 1988, M has won numerous personal injury trials before judges and juries in state and federal courts. His practice currently focuses on representing plaintiffs in the areas of products liability, premises liability, and medical negligence. M also has substantial experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in transportation-related claims (marine, aviation, trucking and railroads), and has developed a specialty in the procedural and jurisdictional issues that arise in trans-national and interstate tort claims.
In M's approach to litigation, early and exhaustive investigation forms the foundation for all strategic planning. With this philosophy, plaintiff's counsel should ideally be ready to try each case before it is filed.
M is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, an honorary law society of the State Bar of Texas. He has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which identifies a lawyer with very high to preeminent legal ability, and is a frequent speaker on litigation and trial issues at continuing legal education seminars across Texas.
LEGAL MATTERS
As one of four members appointed to the Claimants' (Plaintiffs') Steering Committee in the limitation of liability litigation arising out of the allision of the M/V/ BROWN WATER V with the Queen Isabella Causeway in south Texas, M was responsible for coordinating the Plaintiffs' discovery and motion practice. M successfully negotiated a seven-figure, policy limits settlement of this difficult admiralty case involving eight deaths and numerous personal injuries.
Negotiated a settlement in excess of $3.8 million for the surviving elderly mother of a construction worker who was mortally injured in a workplace accident. The victim had no spouse or children. The lawsuit, which involved theories of defective product design, premises liability and negligent activity, settled on the eve of trial against multiple defendants.
Negotiated a $325,000 settlement of sexual assault/psychological injury lawsuit against an apartment complex. Allegations included inadequate security and premises liability. The case was controlled by the current Texas law which permits a criminal perpetrator's responsibility to reduce the defendant's responsibility. In this case the jury's allocation of fault against each of four perpetrators (all of whom were convicted of rape) would have reduced the fault of the apartment complex.
Obtained jury verdict, including $550,000 award of future pain and suffering, in medical malpractice case in Liberty County, Texas. The defendants made no offer prior to trial in this case, in which we alleged that they had failed to diagnose and treat a "saddle embolus" in the distal aorta resulting in injury to our client's leg, and an otherwise avoidable, disfiguring surgery. The case ultimately resulted in a confidential settlement in excess of eighty-five percent (85%) of the judgment.
Negotiated multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of child with a spinal injury in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Premises liability, fall through balcony railing. Case was investigated and rejected by several other personal injury law firms, as "no liability."
Negotiated settlement in excess of $650,000 on behalf of chemical plant worker who suffered fractured jaw, unoperated shoulder and unoperated neck injuries in Houston, Harris County, Texas.
Negotiated $300,000 settlement in a products liability case in Houston, Harris County, Texas for a wood worker who suffered a penetrating abdominal injury and resulting neuropathy.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Transportes Aereos De Coahuila, S.A., a/k/a TACSA v. Falcon, 5 S.W.3d 712 (Tex. App.-San Antonio, 1999, pet. denied)
Scott v. Huey Cheramie, Inc., 833 S.W.2d 240 (Tex. App.-Houston (14th Dist.) 1992, no writ)
ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
Member, Texas, Galveston County and Harris County Bar Associations
Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Member, Maritime Law Association of the United States
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Ajamie LLP, Houston (1998-present)
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery and Williams, L.L.P., Galveston and Houston (1988-1998); Partner (1994-1998)
University of Texas (B.S., with honors, 1981; J.D., with honors, 1987)
Staff Member: The Review of Litigation, University of Texas
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Since 1988, M has won numerous personal injury trials before judges and juries in state and federal courts. His practice currently focuses on representing plaintiffs in the areas of products liability, premises liability, and medical negligence. M also has substantial experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in transportation-related claims (marine, aviation, trucking and railroads), and has developed a specialty in the procedural and jurisdictional issues that arise in trans-national and interstate tort claims.
In M's approach to litigation, early and exhaustive investigation forms the foundation for all strategic planning. With this philosophy, plaintiff's counsel should ideally be ready to try each case before it is filed.
M is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and is also a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, an honorary law society of the State Bar of Texas. He has been awarded an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which identifies a lawyer with very high to preeminent legal ability, and is a frequent speaker on litigation and trial issues at continuing legal education seminars across Texas.
LEGAL MATTERS
As one of four members appointed to the Claimants' (Plaintiffs') Steering Committee in the limitation of liability litigation arising out of the allision of the M/V/ BROWN WATER V with the Queen Isabella Causeway in south Texas, M was responsible for coordinating the Plaintiffs' discovery and motion practice. M successfully negotiated a seven-figure, policy limits settlement of this difficult admiralty case involving eight deaths and numerous personal injuries.
Negotiated a settlement in excess of $3.8 million for the surviving elderly mother of a construction worker who was mortally injured in a workplace accident. The victim had no spouse or children. The lawsuit, which involved theories of defective product design, premises liability and negligent activity, settled on the eve of trial against multiple defendants.
Negotiated a $325,000 settlement of sexual assault/psychological injury lawsuit against an apartment complex. Allegations included inadequate security and premises liability. The case was controlled by the current Texas law which permits a criminal perpetrator's responsibility to reduce the defendant's responsibility. In this case the jury's allocation of fault against each of four perpetrators (all of whom were convicted of rape) would have reduced the fault of the apartment complex.
Obtained jury verdict, including $550,000 award of future pain and suffering, in medical malpractice case in Liberty County, Texas. The defendants made no offer prior to trial in this case, in which we alleged that they had failed to diagnose and treat a "saddle embolus" in the distal aorta resulting in injury to our client's leg, and an otherwise avoidable, disfiguring surgery. The case ultimately resulted in a confidential settlement in excess of eighty-five percent (85%) of the judgment.
Negotiated multi-million dollar settlement on behalf of child with a spinal injury in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Premises liability, fall through balcony railing. Case was investigated and rejected by several other personal injury law firms, as "no liability."
Negotiated settlement in excess of $650,000 on behalf of chemical plant worker who suffered fractured jaw, unoperated shoulder and unoperated neck injuries in Houston, Harris County, Texas.
Negotiated $300,000 settlement in a products liability case in Houston, Harris County, Texas for a wood worker who suffered a penetrating abdominal injury and resulting neuropathy.
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Transportes Aereos De Coahuila, S.A., a/k/a TACSA v. Falcon, 5 S.W.3d 712 (Tex. App.-San Antonio, 1999, pet. denied)
Scott v. Huey Cheramie, Inc., 833 S.W.2d 240 (Tex. App.-Houston (14th Dist.) 1992, no writ)
ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
Member, Texas, Galveston County and Harris County Bar Associations
Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Member, Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Member, Maritime Law Association of the United States
EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Ajamie LLP, Houston (1998-present)
Royston, Rayzor, Vickery and Williams, L.L.P., Galveston and Houston (1988-1998); Partner (1994-1998)
University of Texas (B.S., with honors, 1981; J.D., with honors, 1987)
Staff Member: The Review of Litigation, University of Texas
Verse from a friend
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Soon to be moved
M had an easier time looking straight ahead today rather than to the right, though he doesn't seem to be able to track to the left very much at all. It has been better still on other days, so I pray the healing process isn't over by a long shot.
The ventric. was removed today from his head, meaning he can be moved to the intermediate unit on the same floor, with much more generous visiting hours, soon, maybe even tomorrow. He's off almost all the meds except for antibiotics, insulin (he's not controlling his blood suger very well), and probably an anti-convulsant medication. No change in his mental status, though, at least according to their neuro tests.
Blessings tonight to all.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11
For other verse and translations, see Bible Gateway.
The ventric. was removed today from his head, meaning he can be moved to the intermediate unit on the same floor, with much more generous visiting hours, soon, maybe even tomorrow. He's off almost all the meds except for antibiotics, insulin (he's not controlling his blood suger very well), and probably an anti-convulsant medication. No change in his mental status, though, at least according to their neuro tests.
Blessings tonight to all.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11
For other verse and translations, see Bible Gateway.
2-22 recap and update
Two weeks ago today, M was coming home after negotiating a large settlement. I know he was very happy. Things were going well in his work and at home. I had gone back to work for the first time in 11 years in August.
M encouraged me to return to work - this particular position - saying he would do what ever needed to be done and he completely fulfilled that promise. Caring for the children and house, his share was surely at least half all the while working very hard at his law practice.
Along the way from Austin on February 9th, M collided with another car (I've been told both drivers contributed). The other driver also is a middle-aged (how M hates to be characterized as such) professional. The other driver was uninjured; he stopped and called 911. M suffered very serious head injuries, but remarkably little trauma to the rest of his body - bruised lungs, two cracked ribs, and fracture of the transverse process of one or two lumbar vertebrae.
M was first treated in a small hospital, then transported to a trauma unit out of town. There was a possibility he would not survive. Thanks to help from the doctors there, and friends of friends knowledgeable of the workings of the local hospital, M was transported by Lifeflight the next day. He was on a ventilator and a intercranial pressure monitor (see http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=3449) and drain was used to relieve pressure on his brain from the bruising and swelling.
Though sedated for a while, he was never in a medically induced coma. Over the ensuing days, his intercranial pressure has stayed normal and now preparations are being made to remove the monitor/drain. He has been weaned from the ventilator, but has a tracheotomy because he is at risk for aspirating secretions and getting pneumonia. The trach allows caregivers to suction secretions.
Every hour, round the clock, M's neurological status is tested. He rates a "10," whereas just about anyone reading this will be a 15. We can initiate conversation. M is not responding to commands, though his eyes are open and he responds to his chest being rubbed. (Look up Glascow coma scale for more.) A week ago, the neurosurgeon told me he thought M would wake up, but it would take time. M will be moved to another, less-intensive ward in a few days. By the middle of next week, if he continues to be stable, he will be moved either to a long-term acute care hospital, while we wait for his brain to heal enough for him to be more aware; or he will be moved to TIRR, a top-of-the-line rehabilitation hospital. The neurosurgeon and TIRR will make the decision of which is most appropriate for him for the time being.
I visit every chance I can (visiting hours in this unit are strict) and tell M things about the day and how much I love him. Last week was our 30th Valentine's Day together. But everyone insists M looks 30. Please be in prayer for his complete, swift recovery. Please also pray that we as a family will continue to be drawn together.
Whenever I visit, I'm always upbeat and I talk about when he comes home, when he wakes up, never if and I don't allow caregivers to plant that seed either (to the extent I am there). I've been told that people still hear, and can recall, things told to them while in a coma.
M encouraged me to return to work - this particular position - saying he would do what ever needed to be done and he completely fulfilled that promise. Caring for the children and house, his share was surely at least half all the while working very hard at his law practice.
Along the way from Austin on February 9th, M collided with another car (I've been told both drivers contributed). The other driver also is a middle-aged (how M hates to be characterized as such) professional. The other driver was uninjured; he stopped and called 911. M suffered very serious head injuries, but remarkably little trauma to the rest of his body - bruised lungs, two cracked ribs, and fracture of the transverse process of one or two lumbar vertebrae.
M was first treated in a small hospital, then transported to a trauma unit out of town. There was a possibility he would not survive. Thanks to help from the doctors there, and friends of friends knowledgeable of the workings of the local hospital, M was transported by Lifeflight the next day. He was on a ventilator and a intercranial pressure monitor (see http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=3449) and drain was used to relieve pressure on his brain from the bruising and swelling.
Though sedated for a while, he was never in a medically induced coma. Over the ensuing days, his intercranial pressure has stayed normal and now preparations are being made to remove the monitor/drain. He has been weaned from the ventilator, but has a tracheotomy because he is at risk for aspirating secretions and getting pneumonia. The trach allows caregivers to suction secretions.
Every hour, round the clock, M's neurological status is tested. He rates a "10," whereas just about anyone reading this will be a 15. We can initiate conversation. M is not responding to commands, though his eyes are open and he responds to his chest being rubbed. (Look up Glascow coma scale for more.) A week ago, the neurosurgeon told me he thought M would wake up, but it would take time. M will be moved to another, less-intensive ward in a few days. By the middle of next week, if he continues to be stable, he will be moved either to a long-term acute care hospital, while we wait for his brain to heal enough for him to be more aware; or he will be moved to TIRR, a top-of-the-line rehabilitation hospital. The neurosurgeon and TIRR will make the decision of which is most appropriate for him for the time being.
I visit every chance I can (visiting hours in this unit are strict) and tell M things about the day and how much I love him. Last week was our 30th Valentine's Day together. But everyone insists M looks 30. Please be in prayer for his complete, swift recovery. Please also pray that we as a family will continue to be drawn together.
Whenever I visit, I'm always upbeat and I talk about when he comes home, when he wakes up, never if and I don't allow caregivers to plant that seed either (to the extent I am there). I've been told that people still hear, and can recall, things told to them while in a coma.
Thank you all for your concern, offers of help, and help. Don't worry, if I haven't asked you for something yet, your turn will come. This will be a months-long or even years-long recovery process.
God bless you and keep you.
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