Day four - more good news

On day four about 11:30p the night nurse called just as Mike and Amy returned home for the night. The call came with immediate fear but the news was amazing. Although, Dick is still in the coma and has the intabation tube, they remove him from the medication that induces the coma each day for a short period to check his reactions. When his night nurse called he said he asked Dick to squeeze each hand and Dick did it. He then asked Dick to give him a thumbs up and he got what he asked. This means that Dick is understanding. He still has many miles to go, this was just a very small step and maybe this was a fluke but we will hold on to it as hope. He does react to Mike and Amy sometimes by leaning toward them when they talk or at times his blood pressure actually will fall slightly when they speak to him. This evening they have removed the intabation tube and replaced it with a trach. This will make it more comfortable for him. The swelling in his face is lessening. The road rash on his head and hands is healing. He does have pneumonia which is not unexpected because of the dirt and blood from the accident that found its way into his lungs, but they do not think this will be a problem. He is strong and in good health and should be able to fight this off. Keep the prayers coming for Dick and for all the healing hands that touch him.