New Digs

Chris was moved from the 5th floor to the 12th floor today where he will undergo several weeks of physical therapy.  They spent a couple of hours asking him all sorts of questions ranging from what's 100 minus 7 (uh... can... you... ask... something... easier...?? :-)), to what are the health problems in your family.  Guess they want to know if he's all there upstairs and you'll be glad to know that he's home and the lights are on :-).  All questions were of course answered in "Lip Sync".  In fact, Milli Vanilli is putting the band back together and they've called to see if Christian would like to be a 3rd member (those of you who don't know who Milli Vanilli are, Google them).  The fact that Chris is A-OK in the head/brain department wasn't news to us of course, but they've got procedures they are following.  Jessi requested a room with a view, but they didn't have one available.  You may be thinking, "don't all the rooms on the 12th floor have a view?"  They do, but there's a big difference between looking out at the world's LARGEST open-pit copper mine and looking out at the 11,000 + foot Wasatch Mountains which Christian loves so dearly.  We'll be keeping a bug in the staff's ear to move him to another room with a better view if one comes available.

Life will be a bit more normal and regimented on this floor.  They'll work with Chris for 3 hours each day, in 30 minute increments, with rest in between.  Therapy will end at around 4:00pm each day.  We're guessing Chris will be exhausted.  He's no doubt going to put every ounce of effort he can muster into his therapy.  He'll eat breakfast and dinner in his room (once he gets his trach out, which we don't have a timetable for) and lunch in a cafeteria they have on the 12th floor.  His dog can visit at certain times as long as she abides by a few rules.  For those of you that know Christian's Springer Spaniel, Aspen, abiding by rules isn't usually a problem, she's about as well behaved as a dog can be!

There are some new visiting policies on this floor.  Pay close attention :-).  Only immediate family are allowed to visit during the first several days of his stay on this floor.  It's vital that he put all his focus into learning the necessary therapy that will aid and speed his recovery.  It's also critical that the family learn and understand all details of his therapy so it can continue seamlessly when he returns home.  After this "break-in" period, which we don't know the length of yet, the flood gates will be opened and all visitors will be allowed in.  We will make sure you all know the moment this happens and the appropriate hours.  Chris will want to see all of his family, friends, and co-workers, etc. etc.

Now a look at some evidence of the crash...

The remnants of the accident, minus the bike of course.  The paramedics
had to cut all his gear off except his shoes and helmet.  Got both socks
back, but only one glove turned up.

Hole in helmet, right of the finger.

Hole and cracks.

Top view, same hole, more cracks, you get the idea.